ICEGATE Registration: Meaning, Purpose & Benefits

ICEGATE full form is Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway. It is a national e-commerce portal of Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC). For e-filing of all customs related documents on this portal, obtaining ICEGATE registration is a mandatory requirement. To learn about ICEGATE portal and ICEGATE registration’s purpose, benefits and registration process, check out this blog post!

What is ICEGATE Meaning?

Established in 2007, ICEGATE is a national portal run by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC). It offers a wide range of services such as e-filing, online amendment submission, online duty payment, query resolution, and only integrated goods and services tax (IGST) refund processing for traders. 

What is ICEGATE Registration’s Purpose?

For entities involved in global trade, such as trading partners or cargo carriers, ICEGATE registration is essential. By registering under the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway, the entities can easily e-file their crucial customs documents such as Shipping Bills and Bills of Entry, through the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway. Any individual or business that registers on ICEGATE portal is provided with an ICEGATE ID which can be used for all future online transactions.

The ICEGATE registration streamlines and speeds up the process of clearance of customs since it minimizes paperwork and empowers digital submissions. Due to this, the operational costs are reduced and the visibility of shipment statuses is improved.

What are Benefits of ICEGATE Registration?

When applicants involved in global trade through India register on ICEGATE portal, they get access to several key benefits that enhance the customs clearance process. Some of the benefits of ICEGATE registration are listed below:

• An ICEGATE ID allows users to file all the necessary customs documents from anywhere. This includes documents like shipping bills and bills of entries. The submission of all these documents online eliminates the need for physical paper, saving a lot of time and hassle.

• ICEGATE makes it easier for traders and the customs authorities to communicate. Incoming files can be sent from any email address, but important outbound communications, including queries and responses, are only sent to the email address that is registered in the ICEGATE database. This guarantees safe and efficient communication.

• Users with ICEGATE registration can easily monitor the status of their filings in real-time with the help of the online document tracking mechanism of the portal. This promotes transparency and ensures latest details on their customs jobs’ progress. 

• When a user submits their documents on the portal, they receive an instant acknowledgement regarding their documents’ submission status. This includes not only positive acknowledgements but also negative ones, and also unique identifiers such as shipping bill and bill of entry numbers which are crucial for reference and tracking purposes.

Due to all these benefits, ICEGATE registration is essential for entities involved in global trade.

Who can apply for ICEGATE Registration?

A wide range of entities involved in the import and export process can apply for ICEGATE registration, including the following:

• Airlines

• Authorized Terminal Operator (ATO)

• Console Agent

• Customs Broker (CHA) v. Custodian

• E-Seal Vendor

• Participating Government Agencies (PGA)

• Non-IEC Holder/ UIN Holder

• Freight Forwarder

• Importer/ Exporter

• Non-Vessel Owning Common Carrier (NVOCC)

• Shipping line

• Shipping Agent

• Container Train Operator (CTO)

• Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) – (for Courier Services)

• Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Entity 

Prerequisites for ICEGATE Registration

Here are some prerequisites for registering on the ICEGATE portal:

• The email ID of the applicant must be registered with ICEGATE/GSTN. In case of importers/exporters, it must be registered with DGFT.

• The contact number of the applicant must be GSTN-registered. In case of importers/exporters, it must be DGFT-registered.

• The name of the applicant provided in the registration form must be the same as the name on their PAN.

What are the documents required for ICEGATE?

The applicants must submit the following documents on ICEGATE portal for completion of the ICEGATE registration process:

• IEC Code Certificate issued by DGFT

• Class 3 DSC for Icegate

• PAN Card 

• Driving License

• Voter ID Card

• Aadhar Card 

• Authorization letter or Order of Commissioner

• Passport

ICEGATE Registration Process

Here are the steps which need to be fulfilled to register for ICEGATE successfully:

Step 1: Visit the official ICEGATE portal and sign up as a user.

Step 2: Now, choose the category under which you want to register.

Step 3: Now, you are required to add all the necessary details based on the application form to complete the registration form.

Step 4: Upon the completion of registration form, upload all the necessary documents in JPEG or PDF format as required.

Step 5: Thereafter, add your ICEGATE ID and Password. Two different one time passwords (OTPs) will be generated by the portal and sent to your registered phone number as well as email ID. Enter both of them on the portal in the OTP section.

Step 6: Verify all the mentioned details. To complete the ICEGATE registration process, click on submit.

Once the user obtains ICEGATE registration, they can easily get customs clearance and other shipping bills from the portal for exportation of their products without any hassle.

Reason for Rejection of ICEGATE Registration

There are some instances when ICEGATE registration gets rejected. As a result, the user must apply for it again. Some common reasons why an ICEGATE registration might get rejected include:

• Not providing a clear/proper, or self-attested/stamped copy of DGFT license or any other relevant license.

• Failing to provide a clear/proper authorization letter or BoM resolution in the prescribed format.

• Providing authorization letter or BoM resolution which is not accepted, stamped or self-attested.

Conclusion

ICEGATE registration is mandatory for individuals and entities required to file their customs related documents. By registering on the ICEGATE portal, all the custom related documents can be filed online easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does ICEGATE stand for?

A. ICEGATE stands for Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway.

Q2. Is ICEGATE registration mandatory or voluntary?

A. This registration is mandatory for e-filing of all customs related documents. 

Q3. What class of digital signature is ICEGATE digital signature?

A. Class 3 digital signature is required for ICEGATE portal.

Q4. What is Class 3 DSC?

A. Class 3 DSC is a kind of digital signature certificate. We can use DSC for Icegate, eTenders, patent/trademark registration, GST, income tax, IEC, signing invoices, portals of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), PDF signing, and several other Indian government portals that accept DSCs.

Q5. What is the ICEGATE Registration fees?

A. ICEGATE registration fees is Rs. 1499 (inclusive of all taxes). However, if you choose to obtain this registration through a professional, they will charge an additional fee for their services.

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.