Introduction of ICEGATE Portal
The national portal of Indian Customs, administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), known as the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), facilitates e-filing services to the trade, cargo carriers, and other trading partners through a ICEGATE registration.
It is a single-window platform that offers importers, exporters, and other stakeholders a range of services, such as:
- Online customs declaration filing
- Electronic payment of taxes and customs duties
- Status tracking for freight
- Obtaining numerous licenses and permits connected to trading
- Obtaining trade statistics and data
Faster customs clearance is made possible by ICEGATE’s internal connections to a number of partner organisations.
ICEGATE currently has more than 1.6 million users enrolled, serving more than 12.5 million importers and exporters. The technology is intended to streamline and speed up the customs permission process for Indian importers and exporters.
ICES ( The Indian Customs EDI System )
Nearly 98% of India’s international trade in terms of import and export consignments is now handled by the 245 major customs facilities where the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) is already functioning. ICES includes two elements:
- Internal Custom House Automation will create a thorough, paperless, completely automated customs clearance system that will make the process transparent and effective.
- Through ICEGATE, there is an online, real-time electronic link between the regulatory, banking, and trade organisations involved in clearing customs for import and export cargo.
ICES is made to share and transact information about customs clearance electronically through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Currently being processed are a sizable number of documents that trade, transportation, and regulatory organisations are required to send or receive during the course of live customs clearance.
Benefits of using ICEGATE portal
The ICEGATE web portal supports the infrastructure needed to meet the Customs department’s standards for Electronic Data Interchange and Data Communication. Additionally, it is connected to 15 partners who use EDI to convey communications. Also, by doing this, certain customs clearance is accelerated.
This gateway can be used for a number of services, such as:
- Online IPR registration is quick.
- To check the IE code’s status
- To monitor the status of the customs EDI papers
- Online payment of customs duties
- using the IGST to refund
- DEPB, DES, and EPCG licensing verification online
- Finding data using PAN
- linking to a number of customs-related websites
- Timekeeping services should be provided in alternating rounds.
Facilitating Services
The Customs authorities can assist exporters and importers in obtaining shipping bills, bills of entry, and other documentation needed for the import and export operations through the ICEGATE website. The following are a few of the crucial services offered:
- Bill of Entry (Import Goods Declaration) electronic filing
- IE status code
- Shipping Bills (Declaration of Export of Goods)
- Customs Import Duty e-Payment
- A free web-based Common Signer application that may be used to sign all customs paperwork.
- A facility to upload supporting documents using e Sanchit’s end-to-end electronic IGST refund system.
- 24-hour help desk service
- Customs EDI document tracking status
- DEPB/DES/EPCG licences, PAN-based CHA data, IGST Refund, and DBK Status can all be verified online.
- Submission of RoDTEP and RoSCTL
Secrets to Efficiently using the ICEGATE portal
- Keep your login credentials secure: It is essential to protect your username and password for the ICEGATE portal. Avoid sharing them with others and regularly update your password for added security.
- Stay updated with notifications: Enable email or SMS notifications on the ICEGATE portal to receive important updates, such as changes in customs duty rates or new regulations.
- Familiarize yourself with the ICEGATE portal: Spend some time exploring the different features and sections of the ICEGATE portal to understand how it works and what it offers.
- Use digital signatures: Incorporate digital signatures whenever possible while submitting documents through the ICEGATE portal. This helps expedite clearance processes by reducing paperwork requirements.
- Keep track of transaction history: Regularly review your transaction history on the ICEGATE portal to ensure accuracy and detect any discrepancies that may need attention.
- Collaborate with customs agents or consultants: If you find it challenging to navigate certain aspects of the ICEGATE portal, consider seeking guidance from experienced customs agents or consultants who can provide expert advice.
- Seek assistance when needed: If you encounter any issues or have questions about using specific features on the ICEGATE portal, reach out to their customer support team for guidance and assistance.
- Stay compliant with regulations: Familiarize yourself with customs regulations specific to your industry and ensure that you are adhering to all requirements while using the ICEGATE portal.
- Engage in training programs: Attend training sessions or webinars provided by ICEGATE or relevant authorities to enhance your knowledge about using the portal efficiently and effectively.
- Optimize document management: Organize your electronic documents and maintain a systematic approach to storing and retrieving files on the ICEGATE portal. This will save time and ensure easy access when needed.
- Leverage automation tools: Explore automation options within the ICEGATE portal, such as pre-filled forms or templates, to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce manual data entry.
- Seek feedback from users: Connect with other users of the ICEGATE portal through forums or communities dedicated to import-export activities for insights into best practices and tips for efficient usage.
Need for registering for ICEGATE
Generally, in order to submit important documents a person requires to register for ICEGATE first. Any transaction using the whole EDI customs port must typically be registered with ICEGATE.
The following require registration:
- Import
- Export
- Manifest for CONSOL
- Export general manifest, or EGM
- Import General Manifest, or IGM
Different ICEGATE Registration Types
The two sorts of registration modules are the new version and the old version.
Users can create a shipping bill, a bill of entry, and apply for an AD code and IFSC registration in the streamlined registration module. Use of Class 3 DSC for ICEGATE Registration is required for the New Version of Registration.
Additionally, customers can apply for a variety of services such as the creation of shipping bills, bill of supplies, incentive programme applications, and online bill of entry payment. In light of the fact that the Simplified version is no longer accessible, we shall outline the new ICEGATE registration process’s step-by-step procedure using screenshots.
How to create ICEGATE ID by own?
On the ICEGATE site, creating an account has been made incredibly easy for user comfort. The steps described below make up the registration process for the ICEGATE site.
- To register, a person must go to the official ICEGATE website.
- The user will be directed to the home page of the ICEGATE portal. A link for online registration will be given.
- Click the registration link to begin the registration procedure.
- After clicking the registration link, Simple Registration will be accessible.
- Select the Simplified Registration option to continue with the ID registration.
- A variety of personal information, like the user’s GST number, phone number, email address, etc.
- Once form is submitted the user needs to create a password for their ID.
- The ICEGATE ID and user generated password, is shown on the registration form.
- A dual OTP verification will be done
- A completed form will be provided to the user for approval following a successful registration.
- Once all of the information has been verified and amended, the user must click the finish button.
- Finally, a pop-up warning message with the title “Are you sure you want to finish the auto IEC registration?” will appear on the screen.
However, in order to properly register on the portal, a number of documents must be ready. These consist of:
- Aadhar Card
- ID required to vote
- Driving permit
- Passport
- Letter of authorization
- Permission to submit an application for a F or G card
- Trade authorization
In addition to e-filing, ICEGATE offers other services like electronic payments, online IPR registration, online DEPB/DES/EPCG license verification, Document Tracking status at Customs authorities, IE code status, PAN-based CHA data, and links to other crucial websites and resources for the customs industry. It offers its trading partners a help desk that is open around-the-clock. The system uses digital signatures on the Bill of Entry as well as other documents and messages that will be handled on the Gateway for secure filing.
Authorized Banks
The banks that are permitted to process E-payments using ICEGATE are listed below-
- State Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- UCO Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Corporation Bank
- IDBI Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Vijaya Bank
Facility for Filing Documents
This portal allows all exporters, importers, custom house agents, airlines, shipping agencies, and trade members to submit their paperwork. For now, trade members in indian market have access to the ability to submit papers via service centres and diskette submission.
Users of RES
The National Information Centre Portal offers access to the RES package. The RES package’s function, known as the process to construct B/E and S/B, is identical to submitting on the ICEGATE. The submission of the documents differs from ICEGATE, though. Trade members can refer to the Message Implementation Guidelines provided in the Portal if they don’t want to utilise the RES package.
Users who are not RES
The messaging standards must be used as a basis for the trading partners’ messages. These standards provide the trading partner with information on message structure, validation policies, and directory data.
Similar to the Message Implementation Guidelines, this message format is provided. The rules include a few sample messages for easier understanding. Mailing the created file to the relevant Custom Houses is required.
Bill of Entry through ICEGATE
The Indian Customs departments built the Internet gateway known as ICEGATE, or Indian Customs Electronic Commerce Gateway. It makes it simpler to perform online transactions and submit documents linked to customs online. One of the crucial documents is the Bill of Entry, which is submitted with assistance from ICEGATE.
The ICEGATE Bill of Entry includes the information below:
- Port Number
- Licensing ID
- Agent Code for Customs House (CHA)
- Name of the importer
The ICEGATE webpage also offers a soft copy of the bill of entry for download.
Shipping Bill of ICEGATE
The ICEGATE shipment bill is the most crucial document for obtaining clearance from customs inspectors. A shipping bill is a record that includes information about the goods leaving India. It includes details like:
- Name and location of the exporter
- Name and address of the recipient
- Transit method
- Detailed description of the goods
- Their quantity and worth
- The final port of call
The shipment bill must also contain the relevant sender’s tax information. As a result, it is less complicated to assert obligations, additional fees, and fines.
Shipping costs fall under categories like:
- No Shipping Charges
- Dutiable Shipping Statements
- Cons Shipping Charges
- Coastal Shipping Bills for Shipments Exempt from Bond.
Tracking for Shipping Bill
The exporter must submit a unique bill known as a shipping bill tracking in order to receive customs clearance. You should be aware that someone needs a shipping bill in order to load the goods.
The exporter must upload the shipping bill electronically through the ICEGATE site. However, the exporter may also submit a physical shipment bill
Process for Producing ICEGATE Shipping Bills
The exporter must possess the things listed below in order to establish a shipping bill number format.
- IEC Code No. or the number on a licence for a Customs House Agent (CHA)
- Number of the bank account to which the export profits will be transferred using the Authorised Dealer Code.
The exporter or his customs house representatives must sign the declaration and provide it to the service centre together with the invoice and a duplicate of the packing list.The exporter must use the checklist to validate the data after data entry is finished, and then submit the results to the service centre. The facility automatically processes the information if it is accurate.
The Assistant Export Commissioner will assess the processed data if necessary.The exporter can use the service to monitor the status of the shipping bill after completing the aforementioned processes. The exporter must answer as soon as feasible to any inquiries by providing the service centre with his information.
Conclusion
ICEGATE stands for Indian Custom and Central Excise of Electronic Data Interchange or Electronic Commerce Gateway, as already mentioned. It is an online web portal created for database management and record-keeping that stores data linked to import and export documentation. The ICEGATE e-commerce portal is expanding the range of services it offers, including online tax payment, IGST refund, e-payment, etc.
The ICEGATE portal is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes to efficiently manage their customs clearance processes. However, it is important to understand how to use the portal effectively in order to reap the full benefits.
