AD code registration so your exports clear.
Before your first export shipment, your bank’s AD code must be registered with customs at each port. We get the bank letter, register you on ICEGATE and complete port-wise registration, so shipping bills and incentives flow smoothly.
What the AD code does
Links Bank and Customs
Connects your export shipments to your authorised dealer bank account.
Needed to Ship
Customs won’t generate shipping bills for exports without it.
Receives Benefits
Duty drawback and export incentives are credited to the linked account.
AD code registration: the key facts
| Issued by | Your Authorised Dealer (AD) bank, authorised by the RBI for foreign exchange |
| Registered with | Indian Customs through ICEGATE, for each port of export |
| Format | 14-digit code |
| Prerequisite | Import Export Code. See IEC |
| Consultant | Bizpro Compliance Services, New Delhi, handles business set-up and registrations (company and LLP incorporation, Udyam, ZED, NSIC, IEC, APEDA, certificates of origin, AD code, Shop Act and DSC) for businesses across India: +91 920 500 6364, contact@bizprocompliance.com |
AD code registration checklist
Documents and steps to register your AD code with customs.
Showing all 7 items
| No. | Item | Detail | Stage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AD Code Letter from Your BankAuthorised Dealer bank | 14-digit AD code issued on the bank's letterhead | Step 1 | |
| 2 | IECDGFT | Must be active and updated | Required | |
| 3 | GSTIN or PANRegistration details | Matching the IEC and bank records | Required | |
| 4 | ICEGATE RegistrationIndian Customs online portal | Exporter registered and DSC linked | Step 2 | |
| 5 | Port-Wise AD Code RegistrationAt each port or ICD you export from | AD code registered with customs for that location | Step 3 | |
| 6 | Bank Account for Export ProceedsSame account as the AD code | Export proceeds and incentives credited here | Linked | |
| 7 | Changing Your BankNew AD code | Register the new AD code with customs before shipping | Update |
“” isn’t in this list
Tell us about your business and plans, and we’ll confirm exactly which registration and route applies to you.
Tell us what the product is and we’ll confirm which approvals it needs, free.
Sources: ICEGATE and CBIC guidance, checked on 2 November 2026.
Get your AD code registration plan and quote
Tell us about your business. A specialist confirms the documents, government fees, timeline and our fixed professional fee, in writing.
- Reply within one business dayFrom a named consultant, not an automated sales sequence.
- Fixed written quoteGovernment fees, lab charges and our fee listed separately before you commit.
- Fixed professional feeGovernment fees and stamp duty shown separately, at actuals.
What AD code registration costs
Customs doesn’t charge for AD code registration; our fee covers ICEGATE and port registrations.
Request received
Thanks. A BIS specialist will reply within one business day with your standard, test plan, cost and timeline.
Send it with one tap instead
The form couldn’t send just now. Your details are ready in a message, so you only need to press send.
Your AD code registration, step by step
We check documents before anything is filed, so you avoid resubmissions and rejections.
Bank Letter
AD code letter obtained from your bank.
Day 1–3ICEGATE
Exporter registered on ICEGATE with DSC.
Day 2–4Port Registration
AD code registered for each port or ICD.
Day 3–7Verification
Customs confirms the registration.
Usually daysFirst Shipment
Shipping bill filed with the registered AD code.
Ready to exportRegistrations for businesses anywhere in India
These registrations are filed online, so we handle them for founders, MSMEs, exporters and overseas promoters in every state, including:
Common mistakes we fix
Wrong Port
Register the AD code at every port you ship from.
Mismatched Details
IEC, GSTIN and bank details must match exactly.
Inactive IEC
An IEC not updated each year stops your shipments.
Bank Changed
A new bank means a new AD code registration.
What you’ll likely need next
Import Export Code (IEC)
DGFT code to import or export, with annual update. See Import Export Code (IEC).
Certificate of Origin
Preferential and non-preferential eCoO on DGFT. See Certificate of Origin.
APEDA Registration
RCMC for agricultural and processed food exports. See APEDA Registration.
Digital Signature Certificate
Class 3 DSC for MCA, GST, tenders and DGFT. See Digital Signature Certificate.
Common questions about AD code registration
What is an AD code?
Is the AD code needed for imports?
Do I register the AD code at every port?
How long does AD code registration take?
What happens if I change my bank?
Set up right the first time
Tell us what you’re starting or registering. We’ll confirm the documents, fees and timeline in writing, free.