Import Export

AD Code

An Authorised Dealer (AD) Code is a 14-digit code generated by an RBI-authorised bank to link an exporter’s or importer’s bank account with its IEC for customs purposes. After the bank issues the AD Code letter, it is registered on the ICEGATE portal. As per CBIC’s ICES Advisory 10/2022 dated 14 June 2022, registration at any one customs port is enough, and the AD Code can then be used at all ports.

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Service Overview

What is AD Code?

The Authorised Dealer Code is a unique 14-digit number generated by a bank authorised by the Reserve Bank of India to deal in foreign exchange. It is used by Indian Customs to associate the exporter’s or importer’s IEC with the bank account used for foreign exchange realisation. A business can have multiple AD Codes if it uses multiple bank accounts.

The code is requested through the bank, which issues a letter on its letterhead. The exporter then registers the code on ICEGATE (Bank Account Management / AD Code registration), selects a customs port and uploads the letter. A customs officer verifies and approves the registration.

AD Code

Who Needs This Service

Every exporter who wants to file shipping bills needs an AD Code, and importers making or receiving foreign exchange payments through banks also need to link their bank account. Manufacturers exporting directly, merchant exporters, e-commerce sellers shipping internationally and service exporters who need to link payments are typical users.

If you change your bank account or open an additional one for exports, you need to register a new AD Code or update the existing registration.

Businesses working with freight forwarders and customs brokers should confirm that their AD Code is registered before the first shipment, because delays at this stage can hold up the entire export.

If you have an old AD Code registered at one port and now ship from another, you do not have to register again, as per the single-port rule.

Key Benefits

Enables shipping bills and foreign exchange realisation tracking
One registration at any port works across all customs ports
Correct bank letter and ICEGATE upload handled for you
Reduces rejection from name or account mismatches
Supports multiple bank accounts when needed

Next Steps & Related Services

After AD Code registration, start filing shipping bills.

Related services: IEC Code, ICEGATE Registration, Port Registration, GST Registration and APEDA RCMC.

Common Mistakes

Following older guides and registering at every port unnecessarily.
Submitting a bank letter that does not match the IEC details.
Changing the bank account without updating the AD Code.
Starting shipments before the customs officer approves the registration.
Forgetting to link multiple bank accounts as separate AD Codes.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Banks take a few working days to issue the letter (one source says three to seven). Customs approval follows once documents are uploaded.

Practical tip: ask the bank for the letter in the format prescribed by Customs, and ensure the IEC, PAN, GST and bank details all use exactly the same name.

Additional Information

Customs procedures under the Customs Act, 1962 and the Shipping Bill (Electronic Integration) framework require that export proceeds can be traced to the exporter's bank account. The AD Code allows Customs and banks to match shipping bills with foreign exchange realisation under FEMA. The 2022 advisory simplified the process by removing multi-port registration.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A merchant exporter receives a first export order and needs an AD Code before filing a shipping bill.

Scenario 2:

An exporter opens a new bank account for dollar receipts and registers a second AD Code.

Scenario 3:

A business that registered at several ports under older rules learns it only needs one port registration now.

Written By

Raghav Sharma

Operations Executive

10+ Years Experience

As seen on

Raghav Sharma has 10+ years of experience covering Company Registration - Operation, MCA Services - Operation, Corporate Operation, Import Export Services - Operation, Goverment Licence Services - Operation, FSSAI - Operation, SEBI - Operation, Labour Compliance - Operation, Fund Raising - Operation, Licence & Certificate - Operations.

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Frequently asked questions

Need clarity?

What is an AD Code?

A 14-digit code from your bank linking your IEC and bank account for customs.

Do I need to register at every port?

No. Per ICES Advisory 10/2022, registration at one port is valid at all ports.

Is there a government fee?

Customs charges none; the bank may charge a processing fee.

Where do I register it?

On ICEGATE under Bank Account Management / AD Code registration.

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