What is ICEGATE? Registration Process, Types, docs and e-payments

ICEGATE stands for Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Gateway. It is the Indian Customs National Trade (e-commerce) Portal, serving as a single window for any Customs, Import, Export tax, and allied issues. Registration with ICEGATE or having an ICEGATE ID is highly beneficial for businesses involved in import-export trade.

ICEGATE registration is a prerequisite for filing all customs-related documents (bill of entry, shipping bills, etc.) online. Any ICEGATE registered person or firm is provided with an ICEGATE ID for all future online interactions.

The Customs agency offers e-filing services to cargo carriers, importers, exporters, and other business partners via this web platform. This facilitates EXIM trade by making the customs clearance process easier.

Additionally, ICEGATE provides information on several export compliance guides, shipping bills, and tips for exporters, as well as efforts taken by the government. The portal is internally linked with various partner agencies including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), other nationalized banks, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Services Offered by ICEGATE to Registered Users:

• Electronic payment of customs duties.
• Common signer utility for signing all customs documents.
• Sharing supporting documents via the e-Sanchit gateway
• Electronic IGST refund
• Handling all electronic documents before they are processed by the customs EDI system
• 24-hour help desk facility for exporters
• Tracking of document status utilizing Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Verification of Delivered Ex-ship (DES) and Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) online

Types of ICEGATE Registration

There are various types of ICEGATE Registrations:

ICEGATE Simplified Registration:

In an Advisory for Simplified Registration at ICEGATE, the government said that currently IEC Registration is allowed on the ICEGATE website, with a Digital Signature, and requires approval. Registered IEC holders can file documents on ICEGATE.

A need was felt to offer a Simplified Auto Registration on ICEGATE in order to convince importers and exporters to register on the platform and to give them access to a range of information services, including reports. Based on IEC and GSTIN, this Simplified Auto Registration needs OTP verification for both email as well as mobile number.

The ICEGATE simplified Registration Module is designed to register at ICEGATE sans the requirement to upload the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), PAN verification, and other formalities.

Note: IEC holders registered under the Simplified Auto Registration category are not permitted to file Customs documents.

The different cases of the simplified Registration Process are explained below with a demo:

1. To Sign Up as a new user, click the Simplified Registration link.
2. The following page opens: The Registrant needs to provide his/her IEC, GSTIN and temporary password sent from ICEGATE on this page.
3. In the next step, the registrant needs to enter an ICEGATE ID and password of his/her choice. Email ID and mobile number will be auto-populated. The ICEGATE ID should be unique and follow the nomenclature of the ICEGATE ID provided on this page. The password should be complex and should contain numbers, special characters, and different cases.
4. An error message will be displayed on the screen if the details provided do not match with required data at ICEGATE.
5. If the entered values are validated successfully. The registrant will be redirected to the OTP authentication page. Two different OTPs on mobile and email mentioned in the previous page are sent.
6. If any of the OTPs is invalid, you will see an error message.
7. If the OTP is verified successfully. The below page will be displayed.
8. On this page, the registrant can either finish the process or proceed to change his mobile number and email ID associated with his/her IEC and GSTIN for the selected ICEGATE ID. If the user wants to finish the process and does not want to change the email ID and mobile number. In this case, the user clicks on the Finish button.
9. A message gets displayed confirming “Are you sure you want to finish the auto IEC Registration Process?” On Clicking OK, a successful message will be displayed. The simplified Registration Process is finished.

SEZ Registration on ICEGATE:

Registration facility for SEZ Units has been provisioned on the new ICEGATE portal to facilitate the migration of Custom processes in SEZ to CBIC. This facility allows SEZ units to submit registration requests on the ICEGATE Portal following the submission of important details. After the approval of SEZ officers on ICEGATE Portal and successful system validation, SEZ units will receive ICEGATE credentials, Warehouse code, and Bond number.

Step-wise guide for SEZ units to register on the ICEGATE Portal:

Applicants need to follow the below-listed steps to obtain a SEZ Registration on ICEGATE portal. It must be noted that users of ICEGATE (i.e., users already registered on ICEGATE 1.0) need not obtain a fresh registration and they can directly log in to the new ICEGATE 2.0 portal.

1. If the user has already registered earlier, the user can directly log in by providing their ICEGATE ID and Password without having to register again. In such cases, the ‘User Type’ that needs to be selected shall be ‘ICEGATE User.’
2. For new registrations, click on the button <Register Now> button.
3. If the user is trying to register for the first time and doesn’t have a Reference ID, the user will have to click on the ‘Fresh Registration- Don’t have Reference ID’ option and click on the <Continue> button.
4. If the user has an unexpired Reference ID, click on the ‘Continue using Reference ID’ option.
5. On clicking the <Continue> button, the system will display the below screen from where the user will have to select a Role and click on the <Proceed> button. User to select the role as ‘SEZ’ for SEZ Registration.
6. On clicking the <Proceed> button, the system will display the below screen where the user needs to enter and verify the IEC and GSTIN Registration.
7. User needs to enter IEC and GSTIN and click on the <Proceed> button.
8. On clicking the <Proceed> button, the system will display the below screen from which the user can select the contact details that will be used for obtaining ICEGATE registration. Based on the IEC and GSTIN supplied in the previous phase, these contact details are retrieved from GSTN/DGFT records and the selected contact details will be used for authenticating all the transactions and actions on ICEGATE.
9. On clicking the <Proceed> button, the system will display the below screen where the user will verify the selected Mobile Number and Email ID.
10. On selecting the Mobile option, the users need to click on the <Generate OTP> button. A six-digit OTP will be generated and sent to the user’s mobile number.
11. On successful verification of OTP, you will see the message “Mobile Verified” on the screen.
12. Similarly, on clicking on the <Generate OTP> button against the Email ID, a six-digit OTP will be generated and sent to the user’s Email address
13. On successful verification of OTP, the system will display the message “Email Verified” on the screen.
14. On clicking on <Proceed, the user shall be redirected to the SEZ Registration form. The form consists of 3 parts- SEZ Entity Details, Bond Details, and Details of the Authorized person from the SEZ Entity.
15. In the SEZ Entity details tab, Entity name, Entity PAN, Mobile Number, Email ID, and GSTIN number are pre-populated and non-editable fields. The remaining fields should be filled by the SEZ unit.
16. The user will now proceed to Bond Details.
17. After this, you need to proceed to Details of Authorized person from the SEZ Entity
18. Once all details are filled, the user must check the undertaking that the LOA uploaded is digitally signed. The registration request shall be system-rejected if the LOA document is not found to be digitally signed. The user shall then click on the Submit button.
19. A reference ID will be generated and shared on the registered email address of the user upon successful submission of the SEZ Registration request. The registration request will be submitted for approval of the aligned SEZ Officer.
20. If the SEZ approves the request and system validations are successfully done at the Customs end, the user will be notified of the successful registration via email and SMS.
21. In case the SEZ Registration request is dismissed by the SEZ officer or system validation fails for the provided details, SEZ Units will be notified of the rejection via email. In this case, a fresh registration will be done by the SEZ Units.

Who Can Register for ICEGATE?

Entities eligible for ICEGATE registration include airlines, authorized terminal operators (ATO), console agents, customs brokers (CHA), custodians, e-seal vendors, participating government agencies (PGA), non-IEC holders/UIN holders, freight forwarders, importers/exporters, shipping agents, container train operators (CTO), and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) entities.

ICEGATE Registration: Step-By-Step Process

Follow these steps to register with ICEGATE:

1. Log in: Go to the ICEGATE Portal at www.icegate.gov.in and sign up as a new user.
2. Register: Click on the ‘Register Now’ tab on the home page.
3. Select Category: Choose the category under which you would like to register.
4. Fill Details: Add the required details as per the application form.
5. Upload Documents: Upload the required documents in JPEG or PDF format.
6. Create ID: Add your ICEGATE ID and password. Two different OTPs will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.
7. Enter OTPs: Enter the valid OTPs and complete the registration.
8. Submit: Verify the mentioned details and click on the submit button.

Upon successful registration with ICEGATE, you can obtain customs clearance and other shipping bills from the website for hassle-free exports of your products.

Benefits of ICEGATE Registration

Registering with ICEGATE offers numerous benefits:

• ICEGATE ID: Customers receive an ICEGATE ID for filing documents online.
• Document Tracking: Allows for tracking the status of jobs.
• Acknowledgments: Positive or negative acknowledgments, along with SB & BE numbers of the jobs filed, will be sent to the customer’s registered email ID.
• Online Payments: Facilitates online payment of customs duties, cess, etc.

CA Subhash Kamboj added that ” ICEGATE is the revolutionary leap in the realm of trade facilitation, where state-of-the-art technology meets the conventional customs process to build a unified digital gateway. ICEGATE not only brought efficiency and transparency into practice but also accelerated global trade, making every transaction seamless and simplifying the intricacies of the custom procedure. ICEGATE is an innovation beacon wherein speed and accuracy assume a great deal of importance in today’s world and set new ways of how to get through the world of international trade.”

Pre-requisites for ICEGATE Registration

• Email ID: Must be registered with ICEGATE/GSTN (and DGFT for importers/exporters).
• Mobile Number: Must be registered with GSTN (and DGFT for importers/exporters).
• Name Matching: The name on the PAN and the name entered in the registration form must match.

What are the Documents Required for ICEGATE Registration?

• IEC
• Identity proof: Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID, and passport
• Export license
• Scanned copy of G Card or F Card Authorization
• Scanned copy of the Authorization Letter

Other Important Details

• No Hard Copies: No need to submit hard copies of documents as the registration process is paperless.
• Mandatory DSC or Aadhaar Card: To ensure validation, DSC and Aadhaar card are required.
• Verification Process: OTPs will be sent to the applicant’s mobile number and email ID for verification.
• Tracking Registration Status: Contact the ICEGATE helpdesk to track the status of your application.
• Processing Time: Applications are processed within three to four working days. The ICEGATE User ID and Password will be provided to the registered email address upon approval.

What Is ICEGATE e-Payment Gateway?

Presently, there are 16 authorized banks for Net Banking under ICEGATE electronic payment portal through which users can add the amount to ECL.

The names of the authorized banks are mentioned below: –

1. Punjab National Bank
2. State Bank of India
3. ICICI Bank
4. HDFC Bank
5. AXIS Bank
6. Kotak Bank
7. Federal Bank
8. Karnataka Bank
9. Karur Vysya Bank
10. Canara Bank
11. Dhan Laxmi Bank
12. South Indian Bank
13. Bank of Baroda
14. IDBI Bank
15. Bank of India
16. Indian Overseas Bank

Apart from Internet banking, the users can also add money to their ECL wallet using NEFT/RTGS mode as well or by using the mandate form generated through the NEFT/RTGS mode of payment. Using NEFT/RTGS mode of payment, the users can add money to the wallet through any of the 27 authorized banks, either through the respective bank’s internet banking portal or over the counter (OTC).

What Is E-Cash Ledger (ECL)?

The e-Cash Ledger module allows users to set up a virtual account on ICEGATE website and acts as a mode of payment to pay customs duty online in addition to the current modes of payment which are Internet Banking and NEFT/RTGS. E-Cash ledger is a type of wallet facility available on ICEGATE website to credit funds in the virtual accounts of the registered IEC holders/Customs Brokers/Courier Agents. The facility can be used for customs duty payments.

If a user is registered on ICEGATE, the E-Cash Ledger wallet can be activated by the registered user using the following steps: – ICEGATE website ->User Login page -> Use valid login credential ->Click on Financial services->Click on ECL (Electronic cash ledger)->Click on Activate ECL account-> account will be activated successfully.

Balance available in the ECL account can be utilized for duty payment by the ECL account holder whenever required. Apart from internet banking, the users can also add money to their ECL wallet using NEFT/RTGS mode as well or by using the mandate form generated through the NEFT/RTGS mode of payment.

How to go on ICEGATE e-payment portal page?

• Users can visit https://www.icegate.gov.in/ for duty payment.
• Select the ‘E-Payment’ tab from the left navigation Panel under “Services.”

Which documents are available for ePayment?

The below documents are available for payment-

• Bill of Entry (BE)
• Shipping Bill (SB)
• Manual Bill of Entry (MBE)
• Baggage Declaration (BD)

What is the ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry is a legal document that importers or customs house agents (CHA) must create on or before importing goods and submit to the customs department for clearance of goods from the port. It is generated for home consumption or bond clearance and is needed to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) while filing GST returns.

Types of Bill of Entry (BOE)

There are three types of BOE:

1. BOE for Home Consumption
2. BOE for Warehousing
3. BOE for Ex-bonds Goods

Who Can File the ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry can be filed by the importer or CHA. Firms importing goods from other countries can also issue the ICEGATE Bill of Entry.

Also Read: Bill of Entry: Meaning, types & documents required

Bill of Entry Status

Through the ICEGATE portal, the Bill of Entry status indicates the stage at which your import documentation is currently being processed by customs, whether it has been cleared, accepted, is pending, or requires additional documentation.

How to Track the Bill of Entry Status on ICEGATE Portal?

1. Enter the URL: https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/beTrackIces
2. Select Location: Choose the port code from the dropdown.
3. Enter BOE Number: Enter the ICEGATE Bill of Entry number.
4. Enter Date: Enter the ICEGATE Bill of Entry date and Captcha.
5. Submit: Click on “Submit”.

Ad Code Registration Online –

Users need to follow the below-listed steps for registration of Bank Account(s) on ICEGATE for the collection of export incentives and the declaration of banks used for making foreign remittances.

• Login to ICEGATE Portal
• Click on Filing Services and Select e-Sanchit.
• In the e-Sanchit section, you will see an option to upload documents. Ensure you have all the required documents for AD Code registration. 
• Upload the necessary documents. After successful upload, the system will create the Document Reference Number (DRN) and the Invoice Reference Number (IRN). Make a note of these numbers for future reference.
• Return to the main page of the ICEGATE portal by clicking on the appropriate link or navigating back. Look for the Financial Services section on the main page.
• Within the Financial Services section, locate and select the option for Bank Account Management. From the following options, choose AD Code Registration. 
• Enter the Required Details in the Registration Form: You will now see the AD Code registration form.
• Enter the required details including company details, contact information, PAN Card details, IEC Certificate details, GST Certificate details, and other relevant information accurately.
• Submit the AD Code Registration Form. After confirming that the details you have provided are correct, submit the AD Code registration form. The system will process your registration request.

Once all these steps are completed, your AD Code registration request will be submitted. You may receive a confirmation or acknowledgment of your registration via email or on the portal. 

Why Choose OneNDF for Your ICEGATE and Financial Needs?

OneNDF, a leading online loan marketplace in India, brings over a decade of experience in providing tailored financial solutions. For businesses needing to register with ICEGATE or seeking financial services, OneNDF offers comprehensive support from application to fund disbursal.

Here’s how OneNDF makes a difference:

• Expert Guidance: Navigating through registration processes, comparing interest rates, and understanding requirements.
• Personalized Solutions: Addressing individual business needs and creating tailored financial plans.
• Comprehensive Support: Offering assistance from registration to fund disbursal.
• Customer Support: Available online and at the New Delhi head office for any queries or concerns.

By leveraging OneNDF’s extensive expertise and support, businesses can secure their financial future and streamline their import-export operations with confidence and ease.

Suggested Read:

• How to Start a Export Business in India?
• What Is Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC)?
• What is LMPC Certificate?

FAQs

Q.1 What is the ICEGATE registration fee?

The ice gate registration fee is Rs 1499 inclusive of all taxes.

Q.2 Is DSC required for ICEGATE Registration?

One must note that no paper-based application is accepted for ICEGATE registration. The applicant must obtain a DSC and an Aadhaar card for validation.

Q.3 What is the purpose of bill of entry?

The bill of entry is a legal document filed by importers or their customs house agents (CHAs) on arrival of imported goods. The document helps to pass through import customs clearance allowing them to obtain imported cargo.

Q.4 Who Can Have an ICEGATE Registration?

Entities that are eligible for ICEGATE registration include airlines, authorized terminal operators (ATO), console agents, custodians, e-seal vendors, participating government agencies (PGA), non-IEC holders/UIN holders, freight forwarders, importers/exporters, shipping agents, container train operators (CTO), and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) entities.

Q.5 How can small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) benefit from ICEGATE?

SMEs involved in global trade stand to gain a great deal from ICEGATE. Smaller businesses can benefit from the equal playing field created by the streamlined procedures and less paperwork, facilitating cross-border trade with greater efficiency and compliance.

Q.6 What is the meaning of ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry is basically a legal document that importers or customs house agents (CHA) must have on or before importing goods and submit to the customs department for clearance of goods from the port.

Q.7 Who Can File the ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry can be filed by the importer or CHA. Firms importing goods from other countries can also issue the ICEGATE Bill of Entry.