What is ICEGATE?
ICEGATE, the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway, is an online portal developed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in India. It serves as the primary platform for electronic communication between trading partners and importers, exporters, and customs authorities. The Indian Customs Electronic Gateway helps in the exchange of information related to customs clearance, cargo tracking, and trade-related activities.
Why is it needed to register at the ICEGATE portal?
Registration on the ICEGATE portal is important for individuals and businesses involved in international trade. It provides access to a subjective platform for the electronic filing of documents, tracking shipments, and communicating with customs authorities. Registration ensures conformity with customs procedures and enables stakeholders to benefit from the up-to-date and efficient processes offered by the portal.
What are the services offered by ICEGATE?
The ICEGATE website allows the Customs Department to support exporters and importers in applying and obtaining shipping bills, bill of entry, bill of lading etc, which are crucial in the process of export, before shipping products from India. Some of the important services offered are:
• E- Portal filing of Bill of Entry and shipping bills
• E- Portal payment of customs duties
• Common signer utility for signing all customs documents
• Submission of supporting documents through the e-Sanchit portal
• Electronic portal IGST refund
• Handling of all electronic documents before they are processed by the customs EDI system
• Help desk/customer service available for ICEGATE Registration and for respective custom ports.
• Tracking the status of document status using Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Verification of Delivered Ex-ship (DES) and Duty Entitlement passbook (DEPB) online
Who can have an ICEGATE registration?
- Airline
- Authorized Terminal Operator (ATO)
- Console agent
- Customs broker (CHA)
- Custodian
- E Seal vendor
- Participating in govt. 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 – For courier services (ECCS)
- Special Economic Zones – (SEZ) (Entity)
Benefits of the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway Portal
The ICEGATE portal offers various benefits, such as:
- Time Efficiency: Assistance in customs clearance processes results in quicker import and export transactions.
- Cost Savings: Reduced paperwork and manual processes lead to decreased operational costs for businesses.
- Transparency: Access to real-time information improves visibility into the status and location of shipments.
- Accuracy: Electronic data entry minimizes errors related to manual documentation.
- Compliance: Ensures attachment to customs regulations, promoting a more flexible and secure trade environment.
What do you mean by bill of entry & bill of lading? How is it involved in ICEGATE?
- Bill of Entry: A legal document submitted by importers or customs brokers to customs authorities detailing the nature, quantity, and value of the goods being imported. It is a very important document for customs clearance, and its electronic submission through ICEGATE quickens the customs processes.
- Bill of Lading: A document issued by a carrier to acknowledge the receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as a title of ownership and a receipt for the goods. In the context of ICEGATE, the electronic exchange of information related to the Bill of Lading helps in tracking the movement of goods in real time.
What is custom duty?
Custom duty, also known as import duty, is a tax prescribed by a government on the importation of goods. It is assessed to protect domestic industries, regulate trade, and generate revenue for the government. Customs duties are generally calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. ICEGATE plays an important role in the assessment and payment of customs duties by facilitating the electronic submission of relevant documents and information to customs authorities.
What are the documents required for ICEGATE registration?
- Documents required for ICEGATE Registration,
- Class 3 DSC of Authorized person
- IEC Certificate
- GST Certificate
- PAN of Company
- Board Resolution
- Cancelled Cheque
- PAN & Aadhar of directors/partners/proprietor
- COI/ Memorandum of Association or Partnership/LLP deed respectively
Going through the complexities of ICEGATE requires comprehensive guidance and expert support. For complete assistance and hurdle-free registration process, reaching out to PWIP is highly recommended. PWIP’s experienced team can provide the necessary support and insights to ensure a smooth and successful experience with ICEGATE registration.