AD Code Registration Online In India - Authorised Dealer Code

Power up your export business with justStart's hassle-free expert AD Code Registration. Avoid customs rejections and payment delays, and grow your business beyond limits.

✔️ Registration through Authorised Banks
✔️ ICEGATE AD Code registration support
✔️ Faster customs clearance
✔️ Post-Registration Compliance Support 
✔️ Complete export documentation assistance 

Fast Authorised Dealer (AD) Code registration for exporters. Expert ICEGATE support, bank coordination & compliance assistance. Fill your details here or contact us now 👉🏻

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OVERVIEW

What is Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code)?

An  Authorised Dealer (AD) Code is a 14-digit number code issued by a bank that is authorised by the  Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This code is essential to run a successful export business. It is linked to the exporters’ current bank account used for export transactions.
Moreover, the Authorised Dealer Code is very important for international trade as it connects the exporter, the authorised bank, and Indian Customs. So that your business stays in compliance with RBI and customs regulations. In addition, it also ensures proper monitoring of foreign exchange inflows and transactions.
Hence, without registering the Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code) on the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) portal, you cannot file shipping bills or clear goods through customs. Therefore, it is mandatory to receive foreign currency payments and also export incentives.

IMPORTANCE

Importance of AD Code Registration

AD Code registration is a non-negotiable requirement for every exporter in India. It is very important and extends beyond basic compliance for several reasons:

Importance of AD Code Registration

Mandatory for Export Clearance

Without the ICEGATE AD Code Registration, the customs authorities will not process your export shipping bills. As a result, your export consignments cannot be cleared.

Link Between Exporter and Bank

The Authorised Dealer (AD) Code ensures that all your foreign exchange transactions related to your exports are routed through the correct bank account and recorded accurately. Therefore, in the future, you won’t have to face any difficulties regarding your export transactions.

Required for Each Port

Exporters need to register their AD Code separately for each port from which they send goods. You can use the same AD Code at different ports; port-wise registration is compulsory.

Access to Export Benefits

There are several government incentives, including duty drawback, RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies), RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products), and GST refunds, that can only be availed of when the ICEGATE AD Code is properly registered and active.

Regulatory Compliance with RBI

The Authorised Dealer Code makes sure that the exporters follow the RBI rules of foreign exchange regulations. By following this, you can reduce the risk of penalties and transaction rejections.

Faster Foreign Remittance Realisation

ICEGATE AD Code Registration is very useful, as it can speed up the process of crediting export proceeds to your linked bank account. It helps with cash flow and keeping track of payments.

Hence, it is necessary to get the AD Code so that
your export business stays compliant and runs smoothly.

Eligibility

Who Needs an AD Code?

An Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code) is mandatory for all Indian businesses that export goods and services and receive foreign currency through authorised banking channels. Therefore, if you are involved in international trade at any level, then AD Code registration is a compulsory compliance requirement.

☑️ Businesses Exporting Physical Goods

An AD Code must be registered with customs for any company that exports completed goods from India. It is necessary for the generation of shipping bills and the clearance of export shipments at ports of entry.

☑️ Traders and Merchant Exporters

In order to link export transactions with their bank account for foreign exchange monitoring, businesses that purchase goods domestically and export them abroad must register their Authorised Dealer Code.

☑️ Service Exporters Receiving Foreign Payments

To guarantee accurate recording of inward foreign remittances and adherence to RBI regulations, service providers who receive revenue from clients abroad are required to obtain an AD Code.

☑️ Businesses Using Multiple Export Ports

If your company ships products from one or more Indian ports, each port must register an AD Code in order to facilitate seamless customs processing everywhere.

☑️ New and Existing Exporters

Before starting or continuing export operations through Indian customs, both established companies and first-time exporters must complete AD Code registration.

Who Needs an AD Code?

If your business is involved in cross-border trade, AD Code Registration is not optional.

BENEFITS

Benefits of AD Code Registration

If you want to operate a successful export business, then you must have Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code)registration, as it offers multiple operational and financial advantages, such as:

Benefits of AD Code Registration

Mandatory for Customs Clearance

If you have an active AD Code, then it would be very easy for you to generate shipping bills and complete customs formalities without any issues or delays. With the AD Code, you will face no problems at customs clearance.

Access to Export Incentives

It also ensures seamless credit of export benefits, which includes duty drawbacks and tax exemptions directly to your bank account. It is very beneficial for your export business.

Streamlined Foreign Exchange Transactions

The Authorised Dealer (AD) Code helps you maintain compliance with RBI regulations. Additionally, it also ensures smooth receipt of foreign currency payments.

Enhanced Business Credibility

If you have a registered ICEGATE AD Code, it reflects regulatory compliance and builds trust with your international buyers and financial institutions.

Faster Export Processing

Your registered AD Code reduces the manual checks at customs and helps your shipments move faster, and avoids unnecessary clearance delays. Which means you don’t have to wait for the customs clearance.

Improved Financial Tracking

If you link your export business to the Authorised Dealer Code, then it enables better tracking of your export proceeds, settlements, and bank reconciliations.

AD Code Registration has many advantages for your business, and in fact, the government also provides benefits such as tax exemptions. At JustStart, our experts help you secure your AD Code quickly and ensure seamless ICEGATE compliance.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Documents Required for AD Code Registration

To ensure a smooth and error-free AD Code Registration, you will need the following documents:

Import Export Code (IEC) Certificate- A copy of the valid IEC issued to your business.

PAN Card of the Business Entity- PAN of the company, partnership firm, LLP, or proprietor, as applicable.

GST Registration Certificate- Required if your business is registered under GST.

Bank Certificate or AD Code Letter- An official letter issued by the authorised bank on its letterhead, mentioning the Authorised Dealer Code and the linked account details.

Cancelled Cheque of Current Account- A cancelled cheque of the bank account used for export transactions.

✅ Authorisation Letter from Bank- A letter authorising the issuance and registration of the AD Code.
 

✅ Company Letterhead Request- A formal request letter addressed to the bank on the company’s letterhead.
 

Identity and Address Proof of Authorised Signatory- Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID of directors, partners, or other authorised people.
 

Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)- Required for submitting AD Code details on the ICEGATE portal.
 

Business Address Proof (If Required)- Utility bill, rent or lease agreement for the registered business address.

At JustStart, our professional reviews all the documents carefully and then follows the documentation process for AD Code, to avoid rejections or delays.

Procedure

AD Code Registration Process in India

In India, the AD Code registration process has two structured stages. First, you need to get the Authorised Dealer Code from your bank. Second, it is activated with Customs through the ICEGATE portal. To get and register an Authorised Dealer Code, you need to do the following:

1. How to Sign Up for an AD Code

AD Code signup begins with securing the code from your authorized bank through a formal request, alongside the submission of necessary business documents.

Step 1: Maintain Current Account

Make sure your business has an active current account with a bank that the Reserve Bank of India has approved to handle foreign exchange transactions.

Step 2: Submit a Formal AD Code Request to the Bank

Draft a letter on your company's letterhead asking for an Authorised Dealer Code to be issued against your Import Export Code. If necessary, also mention what kind of exports you have and what ports you want to use.

Step 3: Provide Required Business and KYC Documents

Your bank may ask you to send in proof of your IEC, PAN, GST registration, and bank account. Some banks may let you submit through their trade finance or online banking systems.

Step 4: Bank Verification and Processing

Before approving your request, the bank checks your application, confirms your account information, and makes sure it follows RBI rules.

Step 5: Issuance of the AD Code

Once approved, your bank will issue a 14-digit Authorised Dealer Code on its official letterhead. This proves that your export account is linked to the AD code.

Step 6: Now Signup with ICEGATE

Getting ready to sign up with ICEGATE, JustStart handles the whole thing in a professional way, which cuts down on mistakes and speeds up the process.

2. How to Sign Up for an ICEGATE AD Code

You need to register your AD Code on the ICEGATE portal after you get it from the bank to use it for customs.

Step 1: Log in to the ICEGATE Portal

Use your IEC-based login information to get into the ICEGATE portal. To register for the portal for the first time, you need a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate.

Step 2: Navigate to AD Code Registration Services

To manage your bank account or AD Code as an exporter, go to the appropriate section on the portal dashboard.

Step 3: Enter AD Code and Bank Details

Follow the instructions in the letter from the bank to the letter exactly when you enter the AD Code and bank information.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

You need to upload scanned copies of the AD Code letter, IEC certificate, PAN, GST registration, and any other documents that are needed. All uploads must be in the right format, clear, and easy to read.

Step 5: Submit the Registration Request

Send in the application for customs to check. You should prove your identity with a digital signature or a confirmation from the system.

Step 6: Customs Verification and Approval

Customs officials look over the information that was sent. The AD Code is approved and linked to your IEC after it has been successfully verified.

Step 7: AD Code Activation for Export Use

Once it is approved, the AD Code can be used to file shipping bills and clear customs for goods going out of the country.

JustStart handles the entire ICEGATE AD Code Registration process for you and keeps you updated at every step.

AD Code

AD Code Validity, Port Registration, & Compliance

Port-Wise Registration and Validity of AD Code

The Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code) is issued only once by the authorised bank, and it remains valid for the lifetime of your linked current account. As long as there is no change in the bank account or branch used for export transactions, your AD Code does not expire and does not require periodic renewal.
However, for operational use, the AD Code must be registered with Customs via the ICEGATE portal, even though the code itself has a lifetime validity. Only after the AD Code has been successfully registered and approved for export filing is customs clearance permitted.

Port-Wise Registration Requirement

At the customs port where exports are made, AD Code registration is necessary. Exporters must finish ICEGATE registration before utilising the code at a port for the first time, even though it is only issued once.
The AD Code must also be registered for any plans to export from a different port. This guarantees that at every customs location, shipping bills, foreign exchange reporting, and export incentives are accurately mapped to the exporter's bank account.

AD Code Certificate Issued by the Bank

The authorised bank issues the AD Code as an official letter on the bank's letterhead. This document links the exporter's current account to the 14-digit Authorised Dealer Code.

This certificate must be uploaded during customs verification in order to register for an ICEGATE AD Code. Rejection or delays may arise from any discrepancy between the portal details and the certificate issued by the bank.

Timeline for AD Code Registration

There are two phases to the AD Code registration process.
1. Bank issuance typically takes a few working days for internal approvals and document verification. If all the information is correct, ICEGATE registration and customs approval usually happen soon after submission.
2. By managing ICEGATE filings, coordinating with banks, and pre-checking documents, JustStart streamlines both phases and prevents delays and rework.

Major Ports Covered for AD Code Registration

All major Indian customs ports, including sea ports, air cargo complexes, and inland container depots, allow AD Code registration. 

  • Mumbai
  • Nhava Sheva
  • Chennai
  • Kolkata
  • Delhi Air Cargo
  • Bangalore
  • Hyderabad

and other notified customs ports are among the important export destinations covered by this.

JustStart ensures exporters can increase shipments without encountering compliance obstacles by supporting AD Code registration across all operational Indian ports.

Important Compliance Note

A new AD Code needs to be obtained and re-registered on ICEGATE if the export bank account, branch, or account status changes. Maintaining current AD Code information is crucial to preventing export incentive credit delays and shipping bill rejections.

Why Choose JustStart?

Why Choose JustStart for AD Code Registration?

JustStart takes care of the whole process: bank coordination, documentation, compliance, etc., providing an easy and trustworthy AD Code registration experience. Exporters can register and operate with total assurance thanks to the clear pricing and continued support.

End-to-End Expert Assistance

AD Code Registration requires the involvement of several authorities, such as banks and customs. JustStart takes care of everything, from working with the bank to getting ICEGATE approval, so nothing is missed at any point.

Error-Free Documentation and Filing

Documents that are wrong or have missing information often get turned down or delayed. To make sure everything is correct, follows the rules, and gets approved quickly, our experts carefully review and prepare every submission.

Transparent and Fair Pricing

JustStart has a clear pricing structure with no extra fees. You know exactly what services you are paying for, which makes it easier to plan for compliance without having to worry about extra costs.

Faster Turnaround and Regular Updates

We focus on processing things quickly and following up with banks and customs on our own. Exporters get regular updates on the status of their shipments, which makes the process more open and speeds up.

Ongoing Compliance and Post-Registration Support

We will still help you after you sign up. JustStart helps with future updates, port additions, and changes to compliance to make sure that export operations go smoothly.

Simple, Professional, and Reliable Process

With JustStart, your AD Code Registration is done professionally and quickly. Our organised method makes things simple and gives exporters complete peace of mind.

Locations

AD Code Registration in States & Cities

FAQs

LET'S CLEAR ALL THE DOUBTS!

The RBI provides exporters with a 14-digit number code called the Authorised Dealer Code to help them keep track of foreign exchange transactions.

Yes, customs won't let you make shipping bills or clear exports unless you have an AD Code Registration.

Yes, you need to register the AD Code on the ICEGATE portal for it to work with customs.

Yes, but you have to register the AD Code for each port on ICEGATE separately.

The AD Code is valid for life, but only if the bank account linked to it doesn't change.

The timeline depends on how quickly the bank processes the documents and how quickly they are ready, but JustStart makes sure that everything is done as quickly as possible.

You will need to get a new Authorised Dealer Code and register it if you change your export bank account.

JustStart offers professional help, clear prices, and full support for signing up for both bank and ICEGATE AD Codes.

Yes, service exporters need an AD Code to receive and report foreign payments legally.

No, AD Code is used only for export-related customs and foreign exchange transactions.

Incorrect details can cause shipping bill rejection and delay export incentives.

Yes, a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is required for ICEGATE AD Code Registration.

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