Login Register
Home › Import & export › What is AD Code Registration?

What is AD Code Registration?

● Import & export
Ready when you are

Want your What is AD Code Registration? done by our experts?

Log in to apply online, upload your documents securely and track your application — all in one place.

Get Started
● Transparent Pricing

What does What is AD Code Registration? cost?

The price for What is AD Code Registration? depends on your exact requirements and can vary from time to time. To give you the actual, up-to-date price, our consultant will first understand your specific needs — then guide you with complete clarity. No obligation, no pressure. Reach out and we'll help you right away.

You can also talk to our consultant for free, personalised guidance — just tap WhatsApp or Call below.

Chat on WhatsApp Call Our Consultant

🔒 Your details stay private. We only use them to advise you on your application.

Overview

An AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is a unique 14-digit numerical code issued to a business by its bank, where that bank is authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to deal in foreign exchange under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The AD Code links your business current account and Import Export Code (IEC) to the customs system, allowing Customs and the RBI to track foreign exchange remittances arising from your import and export transactions.

AD Code Registration is the process of obtaining this code from your bank and then registering it on the ICEGATE portal (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) against the customs ports from which you trade. It is a mandatory, one-time requirement for anyone exporting or importing physical goods through Indian ports.

Every exporter and importer of goods needs an AD Code registration. Without it, the customs system will not generate the shipping bill (for exports) or process the bill of entry (for imports), so your consignment cannot clear customs. It is also required to receive export proceeds in foreign currency through the banking channel and to claim government export benefits such as RoDTEP, Duty Drawback and IGST refunds.

Benefits

  • Customs clearance: AD Code registration is mandatory for the customs system to generate shipping bills and process bills of entry. Without it, goods cannot be exported or imported through Indian ports.
  • Foreign exchange inflow: It allows export proceeds and other foreign currency payments to be credited directly to your bank account through a legal, RBI-monitored banking channel.
  • Access to export incentives: A registered AD Code is required to claim government benefits such as RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, RoSCTL and IGST refunds, which are credited to the bank account linked through the AD Code.
  • One-time, lifetime registration: The 14-digit AD Code is generally valid for the lifetime of the business and does not require periodic renewal.
  • Single registration across ports: Under current ICEGATE norms, a single AD Code registration is recognised at customs locations across the country under the same IEC, instead of separate registration at each port.
  • Transparency and compliance: It helps the RBI and Customs verify that foreign currency transactions in your account come through legitimate channels, keeping your business trade-compliant.

Certain Conditions Required

Before applying for AD Code registration, a business should meet the following conditions:
  • Valid IEC: You must hold a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
  • Current account with an AD bank: You must maintain a business current account with a bank authorised by the RBI to deal in foreign exchange (an Authorised Dealer / AD Category-I bank). All major banks qualify as AD banks.
  • AD Code letter from the bank: The bank issues the 14-digit AD Code on its official letterhead in the format prescribed by Customs (Public Notice No. 93/2020).
  • GST registration: A valid GST registration is generally required to validate the business for ICEGATE registration.
  • ICEGATE account: You need a registered account on the ICEGATE portal, with a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to digitally sign the application.
  • Consistent details: The business name, IEC, PAN and GSTIN should match across all documents, as mismatches are a common reason for rejection.

Document Checklist

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.
  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Class 3 DSC (signing & encryption)
  • Org PAN (self-attested)
  • Business proof (IEC / GST cert)
  • Bank details (cancelled cheque / statement)
  • PAN & Aadhaar of all stakeholders / directors / partners
  • PAN & Aadhaar of authorised signatory
  • Authorisation letter (company letterhead)
  • Bank authorisation letter for AD Code

AD Code Registration Certificate

AD Code registration does not issue a separate "certificate" in the traditional sense. The two key outputs are:
  • AD Code letter from the bank: Your AD bank issues a letter on its official letterhead containing the 14-digit AD Code, in the format prescribed by Customs Public Notice No. 93/2020.
  • ICEGATE registration confirmation: After you submit the AD Code details and supporting documents on the ICEGATE portal and they are verified by Customs, the registration is approved (typically within a few working days). The status is reflected in your ICEGATE account, and a confirmation is sent to your registered email.
Once approved, your AD Code is active in the customs system and the shipping bills / bills of entry can be processed against it. Retain the bank's AD Code letter and the ICEGATE confirmation as proof of registration.

How to Apply

Getting your AD Code registered through TaxoSure is simple and completely online. Just follow these steps:
  1. Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open this AD Code Registration service page.
  2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or simply log in if you already have one.
  3. Upload your documents. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; just upload the remaining documents for AD Code Registration as per the checklist.
  4. Submit your application. Review your details and submit your application in a single click.
  5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
  6. Get your AD Code registration. Our experts complete the entire process and deliver your AD Code registration confirmation and documents to you.

FAQs

What is an AD Code and why is it needed for exports?+
An AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is a 14-digit code issued by your RBI-authorised bank that links your bank account and IEC to the customs system. It is mandatory because Customs cannot generate a shipping bill or clear your export consignment without a registered AD Code, and it is required to receive export proceeds and claim incentives like RoDTEP and Duty Drawback.
Who issues the AD Code and where is it registered?+
The AD Code is issued by your bank, provided the bank is authorised by the RBI to deal in foreign exchange (an Authorised Dealer / AD Category-I bank). The bank gives it on its letterhead in the Customs-prescribed format. You then register this code on the ICEGATE portal against the customs ports you trade through.
Do I need to register the AD Code separately at every port?+
No. Under current ICEGATE norms, AD Code registration has moved to a single registration model. A single registration under your IEC is recognised at customs locations across India, so you no longer need to register the AD Code separately at each individual port.
How long is AD Code registration valid?+
AD Code registration is generally a one-time process with lifetime validity and does not require periodic renewal. You would only need to update or re-register if your bank account, AD bank or related details change.