ICEGATE: Benefits and How to Register – A comprehensive guide
ICEGATE, short for Indian Customs EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) gateway, is the national portal of the Indian Customs, operated by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). This government website facilitates the electronic filing of documents for exporters, cargo service providers, and other stakeholders involved in exports and customs processes.
The primary objective behind the launch of ICEGATE is to streamline the collection of indirect taxes and administer cross-border controls to enhance voluntary compliance through digital payment mechanisms. As a part of the Indian Customs department, ICEGATE offers a range of services, including e-filing of Bill of Entry (for import goods declaration), shipping bills (for export goods declaration), online customs duty payment, submission of supporting logistics documents, and end-to-end electronic Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) refund processing.
Services Offered by ICEGATE
ICEGATE provides various services to facilitate seamless customs processes. Some of the key services include:
i. Filing of Bill of Entry: Importers can electronically file the Bill of Entry for customs clearance.
ii. E-filing of Shipping Bills: Exporters can submit shipping bills electronically for the declaration of export goods.
iii. Payment of Custom Duties: ICEGATE allows for online payment of customs duties through a secure payment gateway.
iv. Submission of Supporting Documents for Logistics: Users can upload supporting documents related to logistics and clearance processes.
v. Handling of Electronic Documents: ICEGATE manages and processes all electronic documents before they are forwarded to the Indian Customs EDI system (ICES).
vi. Status of Import-Export Code (IE Code): Users can check the status of their IE Code, which is required for import and export transactions.
vii. Customs EDI Document Tracking: This service enables users to track the status of their documents within the Customs EDI system.
viii. Online Verification of DEPB/EPCG Scheme: Users can verify Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme details online.
ix. Online Registration of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): ICEGATE provides a platform for the online registration of IPR related to customs processes.
x. 24×7 Help Desk Facility: Users can seek assistance from the ICEGATE help desk at any time.
Benefits of Registering with ICEGATE
Registering on the ICEGATE website offers several advantages, simplifying document filing and payment processes. The benefits include:
a. Access to View and File Documents: Upon registration, users receive an ICEGATE ID, allowing them to view and file all relevant documents online.
b. Status Tracking: Users can track the status of their documents through the ICEGATE document tracking system.
c. Transaction Details: Registered users receive email notifications regarding their transactions and related details.
d. Acknowledgment of Bills: Exporters receive email acknowledgments for various bills, such as shipping bills and Bills of Entry.
e. Query Resolution: Through the ICEGATE portal, exporters can raise queries and receive timely replies.
Documents Required for ICEGATE Registration
To register with ICEGATE, the following documents are typically required:
- Aadhar card
- Driving license
- Passport
- Voter ID card
- Authorization Letter
Procedure for ICEGATE Registration
To initiate the registration process, exporters should follow these steps:
1) Log in to the ICEGATE website using the provided credentials.
2) Check the availability of ICEGATE ID and email ID options.
3) Select the user role (e.g., customs broker, airline, shipping agent).
4) Enter the Import Export Code (IEC) and verify it. The exporter’s details will be imported from the ICES (Indian Customs EDI System).
5) Select the appropriate photo ID and upload a scanned copy.
6) Upload the digital certificate and click the confirm button.
7) An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the registered email ID. Enter the OTP to complete the registration process.
8) After submitting the registration request, exporters must wait for approval from the customs department.
Checking BOE and Shipping Bill Status
Exporters can check the status of their Bill of Entry (BOE) and shipping bills through the ICEGATE portal by following these steps:
i. Log in to the ICEGATE website using the provided credentials.
ii. Select the “Job Status Link” from the list of available services.
iii. Choose the appropriate document type from the menu on the left.
For Bill of Entry: Click on “Bill of Entry,” select the desired location, and submit the request. This will display details (job number, job date,
customs location number, stages of BOE) of all filed Bills of Entry from the selected location within the last 24 hours.
For Shipping Bills: Click on “Shipping Bills,” select the desired location, and submit the request. This will provide details (job number, job date, customs location number, stages of bills) of all filed shipping bills from the selected location within the last 24 hours.
By following these steps, exporters can conveniently track the progress of their BOE and Shipping bills.
In conclusion, ICEGATE serves as the national portal for Indian Customs, offering a range of services to streamline customs processes and enhance compliance. Registering on ICEGATE provides exporters with numerous benefits, simplifying document filing and payment procedures. By leveraging this platform, exporters can efficiently manage their customs-related transactions and track the status of their documents.