Here’s a complete briefing on how to register an AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code)—both via your bank and the ICEGATE portal, which is the official way of linking it with Indian Customs for export purposes.
✅ What is an AD Code?
An AD (Authorized Dealer) Code is a 14-digit code issued by your bank, which is authorized by the RBI to deal in foreign currency transactions. This code is mandatory for exporters and must be registered with Customs (via ICEGATE) to enable shipping bill generation at ports.
📌 Step-by-Step Guide: AD Code Registration
STEP 1: Obtain AD Code from Your Bank
You need to apply to your bank (where your export current account is held). Here’s what you’ll typically need:
🔹 Documents Required:
IEC Certificate (Import Export Code)
Bank Authorization Letter (with AD Code)
Cancelled Cheque of the current account
GST Registration Certificate
PAN Card of the company/firm
Aadhaar of proprietor/partner/director
Company Letterhead with Request for AD Code
Digital Signature (Class 3 DSC)
The bank will issue a letter with a 14-digit AD Code, which must be registered at your port of shipment.
STEP 2: Register AD Code on ICEGATE Portal (Customs)
🔹 Pre-requisites:
Import Export Code (IEC)
Class 3 Digital Signature (DSC)
ICEGATE Portal Login (https://www.icegate.gov.in/)
🔹 Process:
Login to ICEGATE using your IEC-based credentials.
Go to Bank Account Management → AD Code Registration.
Fill in AD Code Details:
AD Code
Bank Name and Branch
Port of registration (e.g., Mumbai Sea, Delhi Air)
Upload Required Documents:
Bank’s AD Code letter (on letterhead)
Cancelled cheque
Other KYC documents as required
Submit using Digital Signature (DSC).
Once submitted, Customs will verify and approve the AD Code (usually within 1–3 days).
⚠️ Important Notes
You must register the AD Code separately for each port you ship from.
No export shipping bill can be generated without AD Code registration at the respective port.
You can change or update the AD Code later if you change your bank.
Make sure your bank account name and IEC match exactly.
🧾 Cost of Registration (If done via service providers)
Many portals like AdcodeApply.in and other consultants offer this service for a fee (generally ₹999 to ₹1499) if you want assistance.
📝 1. Sample AD Code Request Letter (From Exporter to Bank)
Use this on your company letterhead.
[Your Company Letterhead]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
To
The Branch Manager
[Bank Name]
[Branch Address]
Subject: Request for Issuance of AD Code for Export Activities
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, [Your Company Name], having our office at [Full Address], are maintaining a current account with your bank (A/c No. [Your Account Number]) at your [Branch Name] branch.
We are engaged in export activities and have obtained our Import Export Code (IEC No. [Your IEC Number]) from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). In order to process export shipments through Indian Customs, we are required to register an Authorized Dealer (AD) Code at the designated port.
In this regard, we request you to kindly issue a letter containing our 14-digit AD Code on your bank’s letterhead, addressed to “The Assistant Commissioner of Customs,” mentioning the following details:
IEC Number
Name of Exporter
Bank Account Number
14-digit AD Code
Port of Registration (e.g., Nhava Sheva, Chennai Port, Delhi Air Cargo, etc.)
Please find enclosed the following documents for your reference and record:
Copy of IEC Certificate
Copy of PAN Card
GST Registration Certificate
Cancelled Cheque
Aadhaar of Authorized Signatory
Company letterhead (signed)
We request you to process this request at the earliest to avoid delay in our upcoming export shipments.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Proprietor / Partner / Director]
[Your Company Name]
Mobile: [Your Mobile No.]
Email: [Your Email ID]
🏦 2. Sample AD Code Letter Format (To be Issued by Bank on Bank Letterhead)
This is what the bank should issue back to you:
[Bank Letterhead]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
To
The Assistant Commissioner of Customs
[Port Name – e.g., JNPT, Mumbai]
Subject: Authorized Dealer (AD) Code for Export Transactions
This is to certify that M/s [Exporter’s Name], having IEC Number [IEC Number], is maintaining a current account with us bearing number [Account Number] at our branch [Branch Name and Address].
The 14-digit AD Code allotted to the above-named exporter for the purpose of export transactions is:
AD Code: [XXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
This certificate is issued at the request of the customer for submission to the customs authority at [Port Name].
For [Bank Name]
(Authorized Signatory)
[Name & Designation]
[Contact No.]
[Branch Seal]