534

What is ICEGATE?

Operating in the export-import business requires a correct understanding of several platforms, paperwork, and other formalities. It may seem a bit overwhelming initially, but as an exporter gains more experience, it becomes part of the daily operations. One such platform that an export-import business should know of is ICEGATE.

ICEGATE is the official website of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The Customs departments mainly use this portal as a gateway for several exporters, importers, cargo carriers, and other stakeholders in the trade for extending e-filing services.

Here is all you need to know about ICEGATE:

What is ICEGATE?

ICEGATE is the national portal from the CBIC that allows exporters, importers, cargo carriers, and other related parties in the export-import trade to file online applications, provide information on export compliance, and other tips for exporters to conduct business seamlessly.

The portal seamlessly links with government websites like the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other nationalized banks.

Services under ICEGATE

The primary purpose of ICEGATE is to help exporters and importers to secure a bill of entry and shipping bills etc. These are the essential documents that exporters and importers require when goods are dispatched out of India. The key services under ICEGATE are as follows:

• E-filling of the bill of entry and shipping
• E-payment of customs duties
• Use of the e-Sanchit portal to submit supporting documents
• IGST refund with electronic means
• Seamless handling of e-documents before processing by the customs EDI system
• 24-hour help desk facility for exporters
• Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) document tracking

ICEGATE Registration

The launch of ICEGATE has made it extremely easy for exporters and importers to generate key documents to complete transactions. Before the portal can create export documents such as shipping bills, all exporters and importers must have a registration ID with ICEGATE. The documents required to register an account on ICEGATE are as follows:

• Import-Export Code
• National identification documents (Aadhaar, Voter ID, driving license, passport, etc.)
• Export license

The documents mentioned above are mandatory for all categories of accounts. Depending on the registration category, some exporters may need to submit additional documents like shipping agents, customs brokers, IEC holders, etc.

ICE Registration Process

The registration process is simple and can be completed in a short time. Here are the steps to register on ICEGATE:

Step 1: As a new user, visit the ICEGATE website and click on ‘signup’.

Step 2: Select the category for registration

Step 3: Fill in the details and complete the registration form

Step 4: Scan and upload the documents required as per the category in the suggested format

Step 5: Fill in the ICEGATE ID and password. The user will get two OTPs (on the registered mobile and email address). Enter both to complete the process.

Step 6: Check and verify the submitted details. Click on ‘submit’ once you are satisfied.

After an exporter has completed the registration process, it is easier to generate key export documents like shipping bills from the portal itself. It helps to ensure the seamless movement of goods.

Building an export business from India

Building an export business from India is easier than ever. With the launch of Amazon Global Selling, a key program designed to help Indian exporters take their business from the domestic market to global Amazon marketplaces, it has become easier to launch e-commerce export businesses.

An exporter does not need to invest in setting up offices or warehouses in foreign markets with e-commerce exports. The Amazon Global Selling program gives access to over 18 global marketplaces and over 300 million Amazon customers. With a simple listing and registration process, it is much easier for Indian exporters to begin their e-commerce export journey with ease.

FAQs

1.Who can register on ICEGATE?

Anyone with an F-Card (Customs broker exam) or IEC (Import Export Code) can register on ICEGATE.

2.Is ICEGATE registration mandatory?

Exporters must get customs clearance and related export documents for shipping goods out of India. ICEGATE helps with these documents.

3.Can I change my ICEGATE ID?

An ICEGATE ID, once generated, cannot be changed or modified.

4.What was the purpose behind the launch of ICEGATE?

ICEGATE was primarily launched to help stakeholders involved in the export-import business with the electronic and seamless filing of export documents.

5.What is the role of ICEGATE in the customs department?

ICEGATE is the gateway for the customs department documents like shipping bills, bills of entry, and related electronic messages between customs and other trading partners in electronic format.

6.How can I check the status of my ICEGATE registration?

Users can check the status of their ICEGATE registration by logging on to the website with the registered ID.