CBIC Streamlines Incentive Bank Account and IFSC Registration Across Ports

· Reference: Instruction No. 25/2023-Customs dated 28.07.2023 sets documentary requirements and timelines for AD Code and IFSC registration for incentive bank accounts at ports.

· For IGST refund/drawback purposes, exporters can register their incentive bank account for each port via the ICEGATE portal. Applications submitted before 2 PM are processed the same day; otherwise, by 2 PM on the next working day.

· To streamline approvals, the system will now automatically approve registration requests for the same incentive bank account and IFSC code for an IEC at multiple customs locations, if already approved at one location.

· Workflow for submission remains unchanged; system approvals will bypass manual port officer approval but continue to PFMS for validation.

· This measure aims to enhance efficiency and improve the Customs experience for trade.

CBIC Introduces System-Based Auto-Approval for IFSC Code Registration to Enhance Ease of Doing Business

In another step towards streamlining Customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced system-based auto-approval for IFSC code registration to enhance Ease of Doing Business.

As per the new initiative, the system will automatically approve requests for registration of the same incentive bank account and IFSC code for a particular Importer Exporter Code (IEC) at multiple Customs locations, provided the same combination has already been approved at any one location. Thus, manual intervention by the Port officer will be eliminated, and the system will directly approve such requests.

This initiative is aimed at:

i. swift processing of bank account and IFSC code approval requests,

ii. simplifying the registration process at multiple ports,

iii. ensuring faster and seamless credit of export incentives into exporters’ bank accounts.

iv. enhancing overall trade efficiency.

Exporter get export-related benefits in bank account declared by the exporter in Customs Automated System. There is already a facility for online registration of Authorised Dealer (AD) Code by the exporter on ICEGATE. Requests for registration of incentive-linked bank accounts and IFSC codes under an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) required approval by Customs officers at each port location. This often resulted in duplication of efforts and pendency of requests, particularly when the same bank account and IFSC combination is being registered across multiple customs stations.

CBIC remains committed to leveraging technology to simplify procedures, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the ease of doing business for India’s trade community with better Customs experience.

[CBIC Circular No 24/2025-Customs dated 7 October, 2025]

Subject : Auto-approval of Incentive Bank Account and IFSC Code Registration requests across all customs locations.

Reference is invited to instruction No 25/2023-Customs dated 28.07.2023 which stipulates list of documentary requirement and timeline for approval of AD code and IFSC registration for incentive bank account at the port. It is stated that, with respect to bank account registration for IGST refund /drawback purpose option is available in ICEGATE portal for applying registration of incentive bank account for every port, where exporter intends to transact. Vide the said instruction it directed to put in place a suitable mechanism the application for AD Code/bank account registration dealt on same day when made before 2 PM. In other cases, the application should be disposed before 2PM on next working day.

2. The Board has examined the IFSC code approval requests at different ports in consultation with the Directorate General of Systems. In order to further streamline the process, it has been decided that the system will automatically approve requests for registration of the same incentive bank account and IFSC code for an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) at different customs locations, provided that the same combination has already been approved at any one customs location.

3. The existing workflow of submission of requests shall remain unchanged. However, in the above-mentioned cases, the approval will be granted directly by the system, and such requests will not be routed to the Port officer for manual approval. Once approved by the system, the request will continue to flow to PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for validation, as per the existing process.

4. This initiative is expected to further improve the efficiency of customs procedures and better Customs experience for the trade.

5. Any difficulties or issues faced in this regard may be brought to the notice of the Board for necessary redressal.

F.No.450/145/2023-Cus IV