An exporter once shipped goods successfully. Customs cleared everything. But her export incentive never came. Her bank account wasn’t linked correctly on ICEGATE.

This happens often. Many exporters focus on shipping bills and forget one small but critical step. This guide covers what is AD code, why it matters, and how to register it correctly.

What is an AD Code?

AD code stands for Authorised Dealer Code. It’s a 14-digit number your bank gives you.

This code identifies the bank branch handling your foreign currency transactions. Customs uses it to know exactly where your export proceeds and incentives should be routed.

Think of it as a link between your business, your bank, and customs. Without it, that connection doesn’t exist.

Why is AD Code Registration Mandatory?

AD code registration isn’t optional paperwork. It’s tied directly to your money.

• Required to claim duty drawback on exports
• Needed for IGST refunds on export shipments
• Mandatory for customs to process your shipping bills correctly
• Ensures export incentives reach the right bank account
• Required separately for each port location you operate from

Who Needs to Register an AD Code?

• Exporters shipping goods through any customs port
• Importers making foreign currency payments through customs
• Businesses claiming duty drawback
• Companies seeking IGST refund on exports

If you’re moving goods across borders and expecting a refund or incentive, this applies to you.

AD Code vs IEC: Key Differences

Basis	IEC	AD Code
Full form	Import Export Code	Authorised Dealer Code
Issued by	DGFT	Your bank
Purpose	Identifies you as an importer/exporter	Links your bank account for customs transactions
Scope	One code for the entire business	Registered separately for each port
Required for	Any import/export activity	Duty drawback and IGST refund specifically

Both work together. You need IEC first, then AD code registration follows.

Documents Required for AD Code Registration

• AD code letter issued by your bank
• IEC certificate
• GST registration certificate
• PAN card of the business
• Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
• Board resolution, where applicable
• Digital Signature Certificate for authentication

Step-by-Step AD Code Registration Process on ICEGATE

Step 1: Add Port Locations to Your ICEGATE Profile

Log in to ICEGATE. Go to your profile. Add every port location where you plan to operate.

Step 2: Log In and Access Bank Account Management

Once your location is added, go to the Bank Account Management section on your dashboard.

Step 3: Select Foreign Remittance Account (AD Code)

Choose this specific option to begin declaring the bank used for your foreign transactions.

Step 4: Enter Bank & AD Code Details

Fill in your bank name, branch, account number, and the 14-digit AD code your bank provided.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents (IRN via e-SANCHIT)

Upload your documents through e-SANCHIT first. Enter the IRN number generated there into your ICEGATE application.

Step 6: Verify OTP & Submit

An OTP arrives on your registered email and mobile. Enter it to confirm submission. Your request then moves to ICEGATE for approval.

AD Code Registration for Multiple Ports

Operating from more than one port? You’ll need to repeat this registration for each location separately.

Only one AD code bank account can be registered per location. If you ship from three different ports, you’ll complete this process three times.

How to Modify an Existing AD Code Bank Account

Changed your bank or branch? You can modify your existing registration.

Log in to ICEGATE. Go to Bank Account Management. Select the account you want to update. Follow the same document upload and OTP verification steps as a fresh registration.

AD Code and Duty Drawback Claims

Duty drawback refunds the customs duty you paid on inputs used in your export product. But this refund can’t reach you without a properly registered AD code at the relevant port.

If your AD code isn’t linked correctly, your drawback claim simply won’t process, even if everything else about your shipment is in order.

AD Code and IGST Refund on Exports

The same logic applies to IGST refunds. Customs needs your AD code details to verify and process the refund against your export shipment.

Missing or incorrect AD code details are a common reason IGST refunds get delayed or stuck in queries.

Common Mistakes in AD Code Registration

• Forgetting to add all port locations before registering
• Mismatched details between IEC, GST, and bank documents
• Uploading unclear or incomplete document scans
• Assuming one AD code registration covers every port
• Not updating AD code details after switching banks

Why Choose FEMA Expert for AD Code & EXIM Compliance Support

At FEMA Expert, we help exporters get their AD code registration right the first time, so duty drawback and IGST refunds don’t get stuck over a documentation mismatch.

Since AD code compliance connects closely to broader export and remittance matters, our team also supports related FEMA advisory needs, including work handled by our RBI and LRS remittance consultant team for foreign currency transactions.

Facing a refund delay tied to AD code issues? Reach out to FEMA Expert to get it sorted.

Conclusion

AD code registration might seem like a small administrative step, but it directly decides whether your duty drawback and IGST refunds actually reach you. Getting it right, port by port, saves you from delays that are entirely avoidable.

If you’re setting up AD code registration or facing a refund delay, FEMA Expert’s team can help you sort it out

(FAQs)

1. What is AD code in export? 

AD code, or Authorised Dealer Code, is a 14-digit number from your bank that links your account for customs to process foreign currency transactions.

2. Is AD code registration mandatory for exporters? 

To claim duty drawback, you need to get IGST refunds. You also need to process shipping bills at customs.

3. What is the difference between IEC and AD code? 

IEC is issued by DGFT to identify you as an importer or exporter, while AD code is issued by your bank and registered separately for each port.

4. Do I need to register an AD code for each port?

Yes, you must register one AD code bank account for each port location. So, you’ll need to repeat the process for every port you operate from.

5. What documents are needed for AD code registration? 

AD code letter from your bank, IEC certificate, GST registration, PAN card, and a bank certificate or cancelled cheque.

6. How do I modify my AD code bank account? 

Log in to ICEGATE. Then, go to Bank Account Management. Select your existing account and update it using the same document and OTP process.

7. What happens if AD code details are incorrect? 

Your duty drawback or IGST refund can get delayed or stuck, even if your shipment and other documents are otherwise correct.

8. How can FEMA Expert help with AD code registration? 

We help exporters register and manage AD code details correctly across ports, alongside broader FEMA and remittance compliance support.