AD Code — Customs Port Registration
Register your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code at customs ports for import/export clearance. Bank-issued AD code linked to customs port.
What You Need to Know
Register your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code at customs ports for import/export clearance. Bank-issued AD code linked to customs port.
Governed by Foreign Trade (D&R) Act 1992, FTP 2023, Customs Act 1962, CGST Act 2017. TaxClue handles complete export/import registration and compliance.
Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (FTP 2023) — In Effect
FTP 2023 (effective 1 Apr 2023, no end date — dynamic policy) governs all import/export. Key: IEC mandatory for all importers/exporters. DGFT online portal for all trade filings. Districts as Export Hubs initiative. Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL schemes continue. ICEGATE mandatory for customs e-filing. TaxClue is fully updated with FTP 2023 and all DGFT notifications.
What is AD Code Registration?
Register your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code at customs ports for import/export clearance. Bank-issued AD code linked to customs port.
TaxClue manages the complete process — application, documentation, portal filing, and post-registration compliance.
Why is This Important?
Market Access
Legal permission to import/export.
Customs Clearance
Smooth port clearance for goods.
FTP Benefits
RoDTEP, EPCG, duty exemptions.
Cash Flow
LUT avoids IGST cash block.
Compliance
Avoid penalties and goods seizure.
Quick Process
TaxClue completes in 3–7 days.
Benefits of AD Code Registration
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Meet Foreign Trade Act and Customs Act requirements |
| Customs Clearance | Smooth import/export at all Indian ports |
| FTP Benefits | Access RoDTEP, EPCG, Advance Authorisation schemes |
| Cash Flow | LUT eliminates IGST payment on exports |
| Global Market | Legal framework for international trade |
| Bank Compliance | AD Code + IEC required for forex transactions |
Is This Right For You?
Exporters
All goods/services exporters.
Importers
Commercial importers.
Manufacturers
Export-oriented manufacturing.
E-commerce Sellers
Cross-border e-commerce.
Service Exporters
IT, consulting, professional services.
Startups
First-time exporters.
Eligibility & Applicability
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Individuals | Salaried, self-employed, freelancers, professionals |
| Businesses | Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company |
| Applicability | As per relevant Act/Rules — TaxClue assesses your case |
| Timeline | Within prescribed deadline — varies by service |
Documents You'll Need
PAN Card
Business entity PAN
Aadhaar
Of proprietor/partner/director
Bank Certificate
AD Code / bank details
Business Proof
CoI / GST / Udyam
IEC (if existing)
For modifications/linked registrations
Product Details
HS codes, product description
Step-by-Step Process
Consultation
Assess export/import registration needs.
Documentation
Prepare application and supporting documents.
Filing
Submit on DGFT/ICEGATE/GST portal.
Approval
Registration/certificate issued.
Compliance Setup ✅
Set up ongoing compliance calendar.
Turnaround Time
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application preparation | 1–2 days |
| Portal filing | 1 day |
| Authority processing | 1–5 working days |
| Total | 3–7 working days |
Fees & Charges
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| IEC Registration | ₹500 (DGFT fee) |
| ICEGATE | Nil (linked to IEC) |
| RCMC | Varies by EPC (₹1,000–₹25,000) |
| AD Code | Nil (bank + customs process) |
| LUT Filing | Nil (GST portal) |
| GST Registration | Nil |
Ongoing Compliance
| Compliance | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IEC Update | Annual (DGFT) | Update IEC details on DGFT portal by June 30 annually |
| LUT Filing | Annual (GST) | File fresh LUT on GST portal each financial year |
| RCMC Renewal | Every 5 years | Renew with respective Export Promotion Council |
| Shipping Bills | Per shipment | File on ICEGATE for every export consignment |
| Bill of Entry | Per import | File on ICEGATE for every import consignment |
| GST Returns | Monthly | GSTR-1, GSTR-3B with export invoices |
Penalties & Consequences
| Default | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Import/export without IEC | Goods seized at customs; penalty under Foreign Trade (D&R) Act 1992 |
| Non-filing on ICEGATE | Customs clearance blocked; demurrage charges on goods |
| Expired RCMC | Cannot avail FTP benefits — RoDTEP, EPCG, Advance Authorisation |
| Non-filing of LUT | Must pay IGST on exports; claim refund later (cash flow impact) |
| AD Code not registered | Cannot clear goods at that port |
| GST non-compliance | Export refund blocked; ITC issues |
| FTP violation | Penalty, suspension of IEC, customs action |
Why Choose TaxClue?
Expert Team
CA/CS/Lawyers with deep domain expertise.
End-to-End
Consultation to completion — fully managed.
Fast Turnaround
Quick processing with zero delays.
Latest Laws
Always current with latest amendments.
100% Online
Everything handled digitally.
5,000+ Clients
4.9/5 Google rating.
TaxClue's Process
Free Consultation
Assess your requirement and plan the approach.
Document Collection
Gather required documents via WhatsApp/email.
Expert Execution
CA/CS/Lawyer handles the complete process.
Delivery & Support ✅
Service completed. Ongoing support provided.
What Our Clients Say
AD Code Registration Across Sectors
Service Comparison
| Registration | Authority | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC | DGFT | Import/Export license | Lifetime (no renewal) |
| ICEGATE | CBIC/Customs | Customs e-filing | Linked to IEC |
| RCMC | Export Promotion Council | FTP benefits | 5 years |
| AD Code | Customs (port) | Port-wise registration | Per port |
| GST (Export) | GST Portal | Tax compliance | Active |
| LUT | GST Portal | Zero-rated export | 1 FY (annual) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulatory Updates
- 2023–ongoingFTP 2023 — dynamic policy with no end date. DGFT issues amendments via notifications.
- 2025RoDTEP rates revised — Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products updated for multiple HS codes.
- 2025ICEGATE 2.0 — upgraded customs portal with enhanced features for importers/exporters.
- OngoingDistricts as Export Hubs — DGFT initiative to boost exports from every district.
- OngoingLUT for exporters — file annually on GST portal for zero-rated export supply without IGST payment.
- OngoingRCMC mandatory for availing FTP benefits — issued by EPCs (Export Promotion Councils).
Real Clients. Real Results.
AD Code Registration — Exporter
Complete registration. TaxClue managed from application to approval.
AD Code Registration — First-Time Importer
New importer onboarded. All registrations completed in 1 week.
AD Code Registration —
Expert, Fast, Fully Managed.
Free consultation, expert execution, and ongoing support — all handled by TaxClue.