AD Code Registration
Bank AD code registration at customs ports
Register your bank Authorised Dealer code at every customs port and ICD where you trade — first-shipment essential.
AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) registration is a one-time-per-port formality that lets you transact in foreign exchange at that customs node. Without AD Code registration at the specific port, your Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill cannot be filed — even if you have IEC, GST, and all licences in order. It's the simplest mandatory compliance that trips up most first-time importers and exporters.
Your AD Code is your bank's IFSC + customer ID combined into a 14-digit code. WCL files the AD Code registration at every port / ICD / air cargo complex where you trade. One-time per port, no annual renewal, no fee from customs.
Particular speed: we file AD Code registration for new ports ahead of your first shipment so the customs system already has you on file when the BoE/SB is filed. No last-minute scramble.
Everything we cover for AD Code Registration
Our process — step by step
Bank AD Code letter request
We help you request the AD Code letter from your bank in the format customs requires — printed on bank letterhead, signed by branch manager, mentioning the customer's name, AD Code number, branch IFSC.
Customs filing
AD Code letter, IEC copy, GST registration, and PAN uploaded to ICEGATE 2.0 against the specific port code.
Customs registration
Customs registers the AD Code typically within 24-48 hours. Once registered, BoE/SB can be filed.
Confirmation & shipment-ready status
AD Code activation confirmed. You can now ship through that port.
Why exporters / importers pick us for AD Code Registration
- We pre-register AD Code for your first-shipment port BEFORE the cargo arrives
- Bank format errors caught early — most rejections are due to AD Code letter format
- Multi-port parallel filing where you trade through several gateways
- No charge for AD Code registration when bundled with your CHA engagement
What we'll typically need
Questions clients ask us about AD Code Registration
Why do I need separate AD Code at each port?
Indian customs treats each port as a separate jurisdiction. Your AD Code is linked to your bank account at a specific bank branch, and customs needs to verify this at each gateway. One-time per port; no expiry.
How long does AD Code registration take?
If the bank letter is in correct format: 24-48 hours from filing on ICEGATE. If the letter has errors: we re-do with the bank and refile. Total typically 3-5 days for first-time registration.
Can I file BoE before AD Code is registered?
No — AD Code must be active before any BoE/SB can be filed. That's why we pre-register for first-shipment ports.
What if I change my bank?
Old AD Code stays registered, but new shipments should be against the new bank's AD Code. We update the registration at customs accordingly.
Ready to move on this?
Tell us the shipment specifics — we'll turn around a binding quote in under 4 working hours.