In any export-import operations or cross-border trade, the cargo must be cleared by the customs officials of that country to protect and safeguard the country from dangerous things entering its territory. As an exporter or importer, it is important to register with the customs department to deliver the cargo smoothly, with no legal hassles and penalties, while doing international trade.
ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Commerce/Electronic Data Interchange Gateway) is an e-commerce portal for Indian customs.
Documents required for ICEGATE registration:
1. Digital signature certificate (DSC) and class-3 certificate.
Obtain a digital signature certificate (DSC) and class-3 certificate.
2. PAN (Permanent Account Number) card.
Apply for PAN- https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
3. Proof of business/trade (such as a trade license, registration certificate, GST registration certificate).
Apply for GSTIN no. online from Income tax department
4. obtain an IEC code at dgft.gov.in
Apply for IEC code online @dgft portal.
Steps to complete online customs registration in India:
visit website: www.icegategov.in
- Visit ICEGATE:
- ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI Gateway) is the e-commerce portal of the Indian Customs. It offers various services related to customs and trade facilitation.
- You can access ICEGATE at icegate.gov.in.
- Register on ICEGATE:
- If you haven’t already, register on the ICEGATE portal.
- Go to the Registration section on the ICEGATE website.

3. Register as an importer/exporter or a customs broker on the ICEGATE website

4.. enter your IECcode and GSTIN no

Follow the instructions to create your account and Fill out the online registration form and submit it along with the required documents.
Wait for approval from ICEGATE, which usually takes 2-3 business days. Once approved, you will receive a user ID and password to access the portal.
- Login to ICEGATE:
- Once registered, log in to your ICEGATE account using your credentials.
- Once registered, you can use the ICEGATE portal for various purposes such as filing bills of entry, shipping bills, and other customs-related documents.
- Explore Services:
- ICEGATE provides a range of services, including:
- E-filing: Submit Bills of Entry (for import) and Shipping Bills (for export) electronically.
- Online Amendment Submission: Make amendments to your declarations.
- Online Duty Payment: Pay customs duties online.
- Query Resolution: Seek assistance for any customs-related queries.
- IGST Refund Processing: Process integrated goods and services tax (IGST) refunds for traders.
- Import/ Export goods manifest
- ICEGATE provides a range of services, including:
- Contact ICEGATE Helpdesk:
- If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to the ICEGATE helpdesk:
- Toll-free number: 1800-3010-1000
- Email: icegatehelpdesk@icegate.gov.in
- If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to the ICEGATE helpdesk:
ICEGATE is a valuable resource for customs-related processes, and it streamlines interactions between traders and customs authorities.
I have registered in ICEGATE on the 17th of September 2024. Till today 18th of October 2024, I have not received any messages or emails from them. Also my application is not rejected or approved. I have sent them emails raising complaints and also called their helpline. All the time they give the same reply. “Your application bearing Reference ID xxxxxx is under processing. We appreciate your Patience”. This is same when I call helpline. They say that they have accolade the application and it will be done in 3 to 4 working days.
Due to this, I even cannot apply again.
What shall I do. Any solutions?
please refer to the below links and check if you have followed the application process thoroughly.
you can directly chat with DGFT Ai chatbot -Vahei for further queries. the chatbot is a small icon available on the IEC profile management page on the right- bottom. click on it and the chatbox window opens.
https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=iec-profile-management#
https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT-Chatbot_for_Website_v1.0.pdf
https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT-Website_User_Registration.pdf
https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=application-help
I hope any of the above may help.
Best Regards
Sirisha V