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AD Code Registration in India
Start Bharat helps you generate, file, and link your AD Code — enabling smooth port clearance and foreign payments.
OverviewAn Authorized Dealer (AD) Code is a unique 14-digit number issued by your bank and registered with customs. It’s mandatory for generating shipping bills and receiving export remittances in India. Start Bharat assists exporters in obtaining their AD Code, preparing bank documents, and registering the code with customs ICEGATE — ensuring hassle-free clearance and foreign inward remittance processing.
Who Is This For?Start Bharat’s AD Code service is perfect for exporters and businesses involved in cross-border shipments.
First-Time Exporters Launching Overseas Sales
Entrepreneurs and MSMEs exporting goods for the first time from Indian ports.
Manufacturers and Traders with International Buyers
Product-based businesses shipping from factories, warehouses, or bonded storage.
E-commerce Exporters via Amazon, Etsy, or Flipkart Global
Online sellers requiring AD code for courier shipping and foreign remittance.
Consultants Coordinating With CHA and Freight Agents
Service providers or export managers handling documents on behalf of export firms.
Businesses Exporting via Multiple Indian Ports
Firms sending goods through more than one sea or air port needing AD code registration at each location..
Solutions OfferedStart Bharat ensures fast, error-free AD Code generation and customs port registration.
- Bank AD Code Generation & Request Letter Drafting
- Digital Signatures & ICEGATE Registration Guidance
- Port-Wise Registration of AD Code With Customs
- Customs Letter Formatting & Documentation Preparation
- Customs Portal Submission & ICEGATE Status Tracking
- Revalidation and Modification Filing (If Needed)
- Consultation on EDPMS & Shipping Bill Integration
- Recordkeeping & Next-Port Registration Assistance
Benefits Registering your AD Code enables compliant exports, smooth customs clearance, and bank-authorized payments.
Mandatory for Generating Shipping Bills
Without an AD code, you can’t file shipping bills or export legally through Indian customs.
Enables Legal Receipt of Export Payments
RBI requires the AD code to validate inward remittances under FEMA through EDPMS.
Required for Port Clearance and CHA Filing
Custom House Agents need valid AD code registration to submit documents on your behalf.
Ensures Bank-Linked Trade Authenticity
Your bank authorizes the export and handles foreign currency — AD code verifies your identity.
Simplifies GST Refund and Duty Drawback
AD code helps match shipping records with GST and customs systems for faster refunds.
Covers Multiple Ports With Easy Expansion
You can register the same AD code across multiple ports and maintain centralized banking.
Required for Courier Mode Exports via Express Companies
Even small parcels via FedEx, DHL, or India Post require AD code to raise shipping bills.
One-Time Setup With Reuse for All Exports
Once registered, the same AD code can be used for repeat shipments from registered ports.
Step-by-Step ProcessStart Bharat registers your AD code smoothly in just a few structured steps:
Bank AD Code Issuance
We draft your letter and help you obtain the 14-digit AD code from your current account bank branch
Document Formatting and Customs Filing
We prepare supporting docs (IEC, GST, cancelled cheque, invoice, bank letter) and submit them to the customs ICEGATE portal.
Port Activation and Confirmation
We track the approval status at your selected port and confirm when the code becomes active for shipping bills.
Usage Advisory and Future Port Setup
You receive usage guidelines and we remain on standby for additional port registration or code update as you expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve amassed a large number of frequently asked questions (FAQs)
It’s a 14-digit number issued by your bank and registered with customs. It links your bank account to RBI and customs for export payments.
No. You cannot file shipping bills, clear customs, or receive foreign payments without an active AD code registration.
Your Authorized Dealer bank — usually your current account branch — issues the AD code on request.
No. You must register your AD code separately at every customs port you intend to ship from.
No government fee is charged. Only professional service charges and bank branch costs may apply.
Bank-issued AD code letter, IEC, GST certificate, cancelled cheque, invoice, and company PAN.