Let's discuss your AD Code Registration requirement.

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.

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.

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 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.

Getting your AD Code registered through TaxoSure is simple and completely online. Just follow these steps:

1. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
2. Get your AD Code registration. Our experts complete the entire process and deliver your AD Code registration confirmation and documents to you.