ICEGATE- Full Form, Facilities, and Services

The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system, also known as ICEGATE, was implemented by the Customs Department to automate the process and make life simpler for end-users and authorities.

Full-Form of ICEGATE

The Indian Customs Electronic Commerce/ Electronic Data Interchange (EC/ EDI) Gateway is known as ICEGATE. It’s the way the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) communicates with the rest of the world about customs clearance.

ICES is responsible for about 98 percent of India’s foreign commerce (including exports and imports) and operates at 134 major customs facilities.

Reasons behind the Introduction of ICEGATE

To increase “ease of doing business” in India, the Customs Department has implemented multiple programs such as ICEGATE and E-Sanchit, which will automate different operations and eliminate paper processing. Less paper processing means less human intervention and increased transparency.

What Role Does the ICEGATE Play in the Customs Department?

Customs offers a variety of services through the ICEGATE facility, including electronic filing of Bills of Entry (import goods declarations), shipping bills (export goods declarations), and associated electronic messaging between Customs and business partners.

Who Can Utilize ICEGATE facility?

Here is the list of individuals or bodies who can utilize the ICEGATE facility:

1. Airlines and shipping agents can file manifests utilizing the ICEGATE system. Customs EDI allows custodians and cargo logistics to exchange cargo and logistics information.
2. Transactional services for imports and exports are available through Customs House Agents. They may e-file import and export documents, track real-time summaries, and verify the progress of query responses.
3. Importers and exporters may e-file documents, make e-payments, and watch the status of their queries in real-time.
4. ICEGATE as a data sharing center as data between Customs and numerous regulatory and licensing authorities, including the RBI, DGFT, Ministry of Steel, and DGCIS is shared via ICEGATE.
5. ICEGATE also maintains and supports the National Import Database (NIDB) and the Export Commodity Database (ECDB) For the Directorate of Valuation.

What Other Services Does ICEGATE Offer? 

ICEGATE also offers the following other services in addition to e-filing: 

1. E-payment 
2. Online registration for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Document Tracking Status at Customs EDI, Online Verification of DEPB/ DES/ EPCG License, Import Export Code Status, PAN-based CHA data, and Links to Other Important Websites or Customs Business Information 
3. It also offers a “24/7 accessible” helpline to answer concerns that business partners may encounter. 

List of Bank Permitted to Allow E-Payment Via ICEGATE 

A taxpayer can use ICEGATE to e-pay for all customs stations using the services of any of the permitted banks listed below – 

S.No	Name of the Bank
1.	Punjab National Bank (PNB)
2.	Indian Bank
3.	Canara Bank
4.	Bank of Baroda (BOB)
5.	Indian Overseas Bank
6.	UCO Bank
7.	Bank of Maharashtra (BoM)
8.	Bank of India (BoI)
9.	Central Bank of India
10.	State Bank of India (SBI)
11.	IDBI Bank
12.	Union Bank of India

Have questions about ICEGATE or are you seeking an automated e-way bill solution that can create e-way bills straight from bills of entry? Do not hesitate; contact us; we will be pleased to help.