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  5. ICEGATE : e-Commerce Portal of Central Board of Excise & Customs
Union Budget 2023 Highlights:
  • No taxes up to Rs 7 Lakhs annual income under the new tax regime
  • The TDS Rate was reduced to 20% from the current 30% on taxable withdrawal of EPF for people without PAN
  • Standard deduction of Rs 52,500 for Rs 15.5 Lakhs or more Income Slabs
  • ‘Senior Citizen Saving Scheme’ limit increased from 15 lakhs to 30 Lakhs
  • One-time Small Savings Scheme, ‘Mahila Samman Savings Certificate’ is introduced to encourage women to start investing; available for only 2 years
  • Tax hiked on Cigarettes by 16%
  • The surcharge rate is reduced from 37% to 25%
  • New Income Tax Regime is now the default for taxpayers, while the old regime is optional
Click here to delve into the main highlights of Union Budget 2023-24.

Central Board Of Excise & Customs E-Commerce Portal: ICEGATE

Updated on: 02 Feb, 2023 06:16 PM

ICEGATE stands for “Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway” or the e-commerce portal of the Central Board of Excise & Customs. ICEGATE is an e-filing service portal for traders and cargo carriers. It includes the custom department and trade users. As per the ICEGATE data, at present, there are 43,542 registered users serving 12.5 lakhs importers/exporters. ICEGATE serves the purpose of Electronic Data Interchange and electronic communication requirements for the department. For facilitating EXIM trade in a much faster way, ICEGATE linked 15 broad-type partners with message-exchanging services using the Customs Electronic Data Interchange facility. It helps in faster customs clearance in EXIM trade. Use the ICEGATE portal to create an ICEGATE login ID and password, an ICEGATE Bill of Entry, and an ICEGATE shipping bill.

Contents

What is ICEGATE?

It is an infrastructure project that helps in fulfilling the customs department's Electronic Commerce /Electronic Data Interchange and data communication requirements. Icegate login is mandatory for e-filing any import or export of trades, cargo carriers, and another online trading. In addition, you can follow a trail and see the status of your online document via a document tracking system.

How to create the Icegate login?

Visit the official website of ICEGATE, i.e., https://www.icegate.gov.in/. If you are new to ICEGATE, then register yourself at any of its websites- either at the old one or at the new website. Create the Icegate login Id and password there.

The step-by-step process to do the ICEGATE registration:
The ICEGATE registration process is very simple. The subscribers can easily do it by themselves by following a few steps. The steps are stated below:-

Step 1 – Log in at the ICEGATE official website – https://www.icegate.gov.in/.
Step 2 – Find the registration link and click on the tab ‘Simplified Registration’.
Step 3 – Enter the details and verify for requisite IEC, GSTIN, & temporary password that is sent to the registered mobile number.
Step 4 – Enter all the required information and complete the form.
Step 5 – Enter the unique ICEGATE ID and password into the portal.
Step 6 – Receive 2 different OTPs on the registered mobile number & registered e-mail ID.
Step 7 – Input valid OTPs to complete the registration process.
Step 8 – Verify the details and click on the ‘Finish’ button.
The applicant is allowed to change their registered email ID, mobile number, or other details that are submitted in the registration form.

What are the documents requirements for Icegate registration?

The list of required documents for successful registration of Icegate:

Index No. Document Required
1. Voter ID Card
2. Aadhaar card
3. Passport
4. Driving license
5. Scanned copy of Permit or License
6. Scanned copy Authorization Letter
7. Order of Commissioner
8. Scanned copy of G Card or F Card Authorization

What are the services ICEGATE offers?

ICEGATE offers varied distinguished services, such as

  1. Through ICEGATE, the department offers a host of services.
  2. Electronic filing of the ICEGATE Bill of Entry (import goods declaration).
  3. ICEGATE shipping bills (export goods declaration).
  4. Electronic messages between Customs and the Trading Partners using communication facilities (E-mail, Web-upload & FTP) using the communication protocols commonly used on the internet.
  5. 24X7 helpdesk facility is provided by ICEGATE to its trading partners.

How ICEGATE is helpful?

The ICEGATE Portal helps many agencies in making regulatory compliances in a seamless manner.

The shipping agents, cargo carriers, and airlines can file manifests through the internet using the ICEGATE interface facility.
The custodians and cargo logistics operators interact with Customs EDI through ICEGATE login for cargo, logistics, and related information.
ICEGATE provides an Electronic Data Interchange between different government bodies.
It helps in the exchange of data between regulatory bodies of India and licensing agencies that play a key role in the growth of the Indian economy. That is why it is good to do ICEGATE login ASAP.
The data is exchanged between RBI, DGFT, the Ministry of Steel, and DGICS.
For the Directorate of valuation, The National Import Database (NIDB) and Export Commodity Database (ECDB) use ICEGATE services.
Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) processes all the documents and electronically interchanged messages which are handled by ICEGATE. 245 customs locations serve 98% of Indian export and import traffic.

What are the benefits of using ICEGATE

The ICEGATE registration is necessary for –

  • Import Facilitating the e- filing of Import declarations
  • Export Facilitating the e- filing of Export declarations
  • Consol manifest
  • Export general manifest (EGM)
  • Import general manifest (IGM)

Add-on Benefits of ICEGATE

It helps traders, importers, and exporters to avoid heavy paperwork and execute the whole process in a stress-free manner.
ICEGATE provides digital security and uses Digital signatures on the ICEGATE Bill of Entry and other documents, which are handled and processed under the ICEGATE and customs department.
ICEGATE login helped in solving the complex problems of eliminating data errors and communication delays between different legal bodies and licensing authorities.

How ICEGATE login provides a host for other services?

Varied other services, like paying taxes online, etc., are hosted on ICEGATE to provide a one-stop solution to the user. A list of such services has been given underneath:

  • E-payment
  • Online registration for IPR (Intellectual Property Rights)
  • Document Tracking status at Customs EDI.
  • Online verification of DEPB/DES/EPC licenses.
  • IE code status
  • PAN-based CHA data

It also helps the customs department to exchange data between important government Web portals.

ICEGATE Bill of Entry

What is the ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry is one of the legal documents submitted to the customs department in the customs clearance procedure. It is filed by an importer or CHA (Clearing House Agent). Once the ICEGATE Bill of Entry is filed on or before the arrival of goods, the importer will be able to claim ITC on the goods.

Who can file the ICEGATE Bill of Entry?

The ICEGATE Bill of Entry is filled by the Importer or CHA (Clearing House Agent) appointed on behalf of the importer. Firms or companies which are importing goods from other countries can also issue the ICEGATE Bill of Entry.

Sample of ICEGATE Bill of Entry
The sample of the ICEGATE Bill of Entry after the implementation of the GST regime.
The ICEGATE Bill of Entry consists of

  • BOE number and Date
  • Name and address of the Importer.
  • Port code, mode of payment.
  • Value of the goods, IGST, customs duty, additional duty.
  • IEC code, GSTIN, and PAN numbers.

How to track the ICEGATE Bill of Entry in ICES?

ICEGATE is an e-filing service portal for traders and cargo logistic operators. Once you create an ICEGATE login and password, it helps the traders and importers to track the customs clearance status and BOE (ICEGATE Bill of Entry) details in the services provided in the portal. Tracking the Indian Customs EDI system (ICES) through the ICEGATE portal is simple and easy.

  1. Enter the URL https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/beTrackIces
  2. Select the Port code from the dropdown.
  3. Enter the ICEGATE Bill of Entry number.
  4. Enter the ICEGATE Bill of Entry date and Captcha in the fields.
  5. Click on “Submit”.

ICEGATE shipping bill

What is ICEGATE shipping bill?

When the goods are exported to other countries by traders, it is mandatory that legal documents need to be provided to the customs department for shipping clearance. It contains the details of exported goods, the value of the goods, the buyer name, the seller name the tax amount paid, etc. It helps in claiming the duty drawback, additional duties, and extra charges paid.

Types of ICEGATE shipping bill

An ICEGATE shipping bill is an important legal document issued by shipping agencies for the export of goods from India to other countries and bonded warehouses to other places.
There are 5 types of ICEGATE shipping bills, which are classified depending on customs duty and duty drawback.

  1. Free ICEGATE shipping bill
  2. Dutiable ICEGATE shipping bill
  3. Drawback ICEGATE shipping bill
  4. ICEGATE shipping bill for Shipment Ex-Bond
  5. Coastal ICEGATE shipping bill

How to track the ICEGATE shipping bill in ICES?

ICEGATE is an e-filing service portal for traders and cargo logistic operators. It also helps traders and exporters track the customs clearance status of the goods in the services provided by the ICEGATE portal. Tracking the Indian Customs EDI system (ICES) through the ICEGATE portal is simple and easy.

  1. Enter the URL https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/beTrackIces
  2. Select the Port code from the dropdown.
  3. Enter the ICEGATE shipping bill number.
  4. Enter the ICEGATE shipping bill date and Captcha in the fields.
  5. Click on “Submit”.

After entering the Submit button, the following details will be displayed.

What is a Bill of lading?

Bill of lading is the important receipt issued by the carrier company’s agent or captain or owner of the carrier to acknowledge the goods (Cargo) for shipment through seaways or airways. It contains a detailed list of cargo with size and quantity. It is used by the importer to file the ICEGATE Bill of Entry. The Bill of lading serves as evidence of the contract of carriage.

What is IGM in shipping?

Import General Manifest (IGM) filing is the detailed filing of cargo before arriving at the destination port or port of importing country with the customs department. The IGM is filed by the carrier or his agent who filed on the basis of Bill of lading or Airway bills.
IGM contains details such as

  • Shipper’s name and details
  • Consignee details
  • Description of goods
  • Bill of lading
  • Total number of packages
  • Details of the ship, vessel, or aircraft.

If the details of IGM are filled incorrectly, then import custom clearance documents are rejected. If IGM is filed incorrectly, then such details are amended with customs before filing customs clearance.

What is EGM?

EGM stands for Export General Manifest. It is the documents to be filed by carrier or shipping agents with the customs department. It is filed once the export takes place from the country’s port or airways.
EGM contains details such as

  1. Details of the exporter.
  2. Details of the shipping goods.
  3. Value of the goods in the vessel or aircraft.

The Customs department releases the ICEGATE shipping bill based on the EGM filed by the goods shipping carrier.

Banks authorized for the e-payment through ICEGATE login

The Government of India allowed a few banks to facilitate the e-payment process to import and export traders. E-challan payments can be made for paying taxes, customs duties, and other duties in the import and export of goods.

State Bank of India Punjab National Bank Bank of India
Indian Bank UCO Bank IDBI Bank
United Bank of India Bank of Maharashtra Corporation Bank
Bank of Baroda Canara Bank Indian Overseas Bank
Central Bank of India Vijaya Bank Syndicate Bank
Andhra Bank   Dena Bank Oriental Bank of Commerce
Allahabad Bank Punjab National Bank

SWIFT: SINGLE WINDOW INTERFACE FOR FACILITATING TRADE

The manifold advantages of SWIFT: SINGLE WINDOW INTERFACE FOR FACILITATING TRADE are

  1. Integrated Declaration replacing 9 separate documents
  2. Online Clearances reduces the traveling cost and time consumed in the process. a) Receive
    b) Route
    c) Process
    d) Respond
  3. It follows automated routing, which involves four steps

By introducing the ICEGATE and SWIFT facilities, the Indian Government has improved its rank in ease of doing business. In 2017 India ranked 130th in ease of doing business, but in 2019, India stood at 77th rank in the world at an ease of doing business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- How to get the IGST refund through ICEGATE login?

IGST stands for Integrated Goods and Service Tax. IGST refund module is operational in ICES, Once you do ICEGATE login, then it has an inbuilt procedure to grant a refund after validating the ICEGATE shipping bill against GST Returns data available with GSTN.

Q- How can I pay customs duty online?

Custom payments can be made online using ICEGATE services such as ICEGATE e-payment. There are 20 authorized banks to pay the customs duty online.

Q- What is IEC?

IEC stands for Import and Export code. The IEC code is a 10-digit unique code issued by DGFT(Director General of Foreign Trade), Department of Commerce, Government of India.

Q- What is the main difference between IGM and EGM?

IGM stands for Import General Manifest. The Carrier or shipping agents of the cargo have to fill the IGM with the customs department. IGM is filed while importing the goods into the designated port of a country, mentioning the details of cargo, buyer, and seller of the goods.
EGM stands for Export General Manifest. The Carrier or the shipping agents of the cargo have to fill the EGM with customs department while exporting the goods out of the country.

Q- How can I claim an Input Tax Credit on imports?

To claim the Input Tax Credit on imports, an importer must declare the GSTIN number in the ICEGATE Bill of Entry. Input Tax Credits on Imports can be availed by filing GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
In GSTR-3B, the eligible person for the Input Tax Credit has to mention the invoice details to avail of ITC.

Q- What is the ITC code?

Indian Trade Classification code is based on Harmonised system of codes. ITC -HS code is adopted for the import and export trade in India. Indian customs adopted 8 digits ITC codes for trade which fulfill the national trade requirements.

Q- What is ICES?

ICES stands for The Indian Customs EDI system. It is designed to transact and exchange customs clearance information with different trading partners. It uses an electronic data interchange(EDI) facility to exchange the data.

Q- What is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the facility provided by ICES. It is generally the data exchange between computers using a standard interface for business information. It is also said to be the transmission of business data between organizations and regulatory bodies.

Q- What is DGFT?

DGFT stands for Directorate General of Foreign Trade. DGFT is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the government of India responsible for foreign trade. It provides the complete database of all importers and exporters of India. It is responsible for the execution of all the foreign trade policies in the country.

Q- What is a Digital Signature?

A Digital signature is a digital code that is generated by public key encryption,. iIt is attached to an electronically transferred document to verify the sender’s identity and content in the document.
A digital signature is used in the EDI filing of customs process documents to validate the authenticity of the document and verify the sender’s Identity. It helps in the privacy and protection of the data which is transferred.

Q- What is an electronic cash ledger or GST cash ledger?

An electronic cash ledger stores the details of deposits and GST payments made by taxpayers. The ledger divides the GST payments into IGST, SGST, CGST, UGST, and CESS. They are further divided into 5 minor classifications such as tax, payment, penalty, etc.

Q- Do I need to register at ICEGATE?

Without having a registered ICEGATE ID, you cannot file ICEGATE shipping bills, Bills of entry, and other export documents online. It is mandatory to register at ICEGATE.

Q- What is the difference between an IEC holder and an IEC-authorized Person?

If any individual is importing or exporting the goods, then he/she must hold a registered IEC code, a 10-digit unique code issued by DGFT and the Indian government. If a person is an authorized signatory on behalf of any company or firm which wants to have an IEC code, then the individual is named as IEC authorized person.

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CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.

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