If you are starting an export business in India, two things must be in place before your first shipment leaves the port: your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT, and your AD code registered with Customs. Many new exporters get stuck because they do not know where to find the AD code or how to register it. This guide explains what an AD code is, how to get it from your bank, and how to register it on ICEGATE.
Quick answer: Ask the bank branch where you hold your current account for an AD code letter on its letterhead. Then register that AD code with Customs for each port you ship from, using the ICEGATE portal.
What Is an AD Code?
AD stands for Authorised Dealer. An AD code is a number issued by a bank that is authorised to deal in foreign exchange. It is generally a 14-digit code, and it is specific to the bank branch that handles your foreign exchange transactions. The bank gives it to you in a letter on its letterhead, in the format Customs accepts.
The purpose is simple. Customs wants to know which bank account receives the payments and benefits linked to your exports. The AD code ties your shipping bills to a legitimate bank account in your name.
Why Do Exporters Need an AD Code?
- To file shipping bills: Without a registered AD code you cannot file export shipping bills through the Customs system on ICEGATE.
- To receive export benefits: Duty drawback and IGST refunds on exports are credited to the bank account registered with Customs.
- For foreign exchange compliance: It links export proceeds to an authorised dealer bank, in line with foreign exchange rules.
- For smooth clearance: It helps Customs process your shipments without delays or mismatches in bank details.
AD Code vs IEC: What Is the Difference?
| Point | IEC | AD Code |
|---|
| Issued by | DGFT | Your bank (authorised dealer) |
| Purpose | Identifies you as an importer or exporter | Links your bank account to your export shipments at a port |
| Registered with | DGFT | Customs, through ICEGATE |
| Validity | Lifetime, with yearly updates of details | Per bank account and port, until you change them |
How to Find the AD Code of Your Bank
There is no single public list of AD codes for all banks, because the code depends on the branch. The safest way to find yours is:
- Visit or call the bank branch where your current account is held.
- Ask for the foreign exchange or trade finance department.
- Submit a written request for an AD code letter (a sample is given below).
- Collect the letter, which carries your AD code, on the bank's letterhead and addressed to the Customs authority at the port.
Some banks also share the AD code through their net banking or relationship manager. If the account is in a branch that does not handle foreign exchange, the bank may ask you to open the account in a designated branch.
Sample Application to the Bank for AD Code
To,
The Branch Manager,
[Bank Name], [Branch Name]
Subject: Request for AD Code letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am the holder of Current Account No. [Account Number] with your branch.
I am an exporter (IEC: [IEC Number]) and plan to ship goods from [Port Name].
Kindly issue an AD code letter on your letterhead, addressed to the
Commissioner of Customs, [Port Name], in the format prescribed by Customs,
so that I can register it on ICEGATE.
Thank you.
[Name and Signature]
[Business Name, Contact Number]
How to Register the AD Code With Customs on ICEGATE
Once you receive the bank letter, register it with Customs. The process is fully online:
- Log in to ICEGATE: Open the ICEGATE portal and log in with your exporter account.
- Open bank account management: Go to the section for managing bank accounts and select the option to register an AD code for export.\
- Upload documents in e-Sanchit: Upload the required documents in the prescribed format. An Image Reference Number (IRN) and Document Reference Number (DRN) are generated after a successful upload.
- Add the bank account: Return to the AD code registration page and choose to add a new account. Enter the bank details, the IRN, and the port location code, for example INNSA1 for Nhava Sheva.
- Verify with OTP: A one-time password is sent to your registered email and mobile. Enter it to submit the request.
- Customs approval: Customs reviews the request and approves or rejects it. You can track the status on the same page.
- View the registered AD code: After approval, the AD code and bank details appear on your dashboard. You can add more ports or accounts the same way.
Menu names on ICEGATE can change, so follow the labels shown on the portal. If you face repeated upload errors, contact the ICEGATE helpdesk.
Documents Usually Required
- Bank letter with the AD code, in the format prescribed by Customs
- Request letter from the exporter (and from the customs broker, if one is used)
- Identity proof of the signatory (PAN, Aadhaar, voter ID or passport)
- Any other document asked for on the portal, such as recent bank details
Required documents can change, so check the list shown on ICEGATE before you upload.
Do You Need to Register at Every Port?
Yes. Registration is port-specific. If you ship from more than one port, airport or Inland Container Depot (ICD), you must register the AD code for each one. If an ICD sends cargo through a gateway port, register at the location the system asks for. Always keep one separate bank letter for each location.
Can You Change or Edit an AD Code?
You cannot edit a registered AD code. If you change your bank, branch or account, ask the new bank for a fresh AD code letter and register it again on ICEGATE. Likewise, if you start shipping from a new port, add that port with a new registration. Registration with Customs does not normally need yearly renewal.
Tips for First-Time Exporters
- Open a current account with a bank that has a strong trade finance team, because they will handle your AD code and export payments.
- Get your IEC and GST in place before you apply for the AD code.
- Decide your port of shipment first, so the bank can address the letter correctly.
- Keep digital scans of the bank letter and ICEGATE acknowledgements for future use.
- If you use a customs broker, confirm who will register the AD code so it is not done twice.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Bank branch does not issue AD code: Ask for a branch that handles foreign exchange.
- Document rejected: Check that the letter is on letterhead, signed and addressed to the correct port.
- Name mismatch: The name on the bank account, IEC, GST and PAN should match.
- Wrong port code: Enter the exact location code for the port, airport or ICD.
- OTP not received: Check that your registered mobile number and email on ICEGATE are correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AD code?
AD stands for Authorised Dealer. It is a code issued by the bank branch where you hold your current account, linking your account to the port where you ship goods.
How do I find the AD code of my bank?
AD codes are specific to a branch and are not in one central list. Ask your bank branch, usually the foreign exchange or trade finance desk, for an AD code letter.
Is AD code mandatory for export?
Yes. It must be registered with Customs at the port of shipment to file shipping bills and to receive export benefits in your bank account.
Do I need a separate AD code registration for each port?
Yes. Register your AD code at every port, ICD or airport you ship from, with a bank letter for each location.
Can I change my AD code or bank account?
You cannot edit a registered AD code, but you can register a new AD code and account by getting a fresh bank letter and repeating the process.
Does AD code registration expire?
It does not normally need yearly renewal, but you must register again if you change your bank account or ship from a new port.
