22-Jul-2025

DSC for Bill of Entry: Your Key to Secure ICEGATE Filing

Importing goods into India? First, get your DSC.

When you import goods into India the Bill of Entry is the first step to getting your goods cleared by Indian Customs. Today, this process is done online through the ICEGATE portal (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway). But to file or track anything on ICEGATE, you must have a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Without it, filing or tracking your import documents on ICEGATE simply isn't possible.

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What is a Bill of Entry?


A Bill of Entry is an official document that importers (or their customs agents) must file when goods arrive in India from another country. It includes details like their type, value, quantity, and origin. It is used to assess customs duties and taxes.

Filing an ICEGATE Bill of Entry is mandatory under Section 46 of the Customs Act, 1962, and no goods can be legally cleared from the port or airport without it.

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Types of Bill of Entry


There are three main types of ICEGATE Bill of Entry:

White (Home Consumption):
For goods that are directly used. Duties are paid upfront, and goods are cleared right away.

Green (Warehousing):
Filed when goods are to be stored in a bonded warehouse. Duties are paid when the goods are taken out.

Yellow (Ex-Bond Clearance):
Filed when warehoused goods are released for home consumption. Duties are paid at this stage.

DSC in Bill of Entry


Filing a Bill of Entry online through the ICEGATE portal requires authentication, and that's where the DSC comes in. A DSC verifies the identity of the importer and ensures the security of the documents submitted online.

As per ICEGATE guidelines, a valid DSC for bill of entry is used while:

- Filing the Bill of Entry

- Signing supporting documents (forms, declarations, and invoices)

- Accessing tracking, refund, and clearance-related services

Which Type of DSC is Required for ICEGATE Registration?


You must have a Class 3 DSC for ICEGATE to file a Bill of Entry or perform any customs-related activity on ICEGATE. It must be issued by a licensed Certifying Authority in India, like Capricorn CA.

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How to Register DSC on ICEGATE?


Here is a step-by-step process to register DSC on ICEGATE:

Step 1: Install DSC Driver

Install the driver/software that came with your DSC token to ensure it works on your system.

Step 2: Log in to ICEGATE

Visit www.icegate.gov.in and log in using your IEC code and credentials.

Note: New users must first register their IEC on the portal.

Step 3: Go to DSC Registration

Login done. Now, click on ‘DSC Registration' under the ‘My Account tab. Go to ‘Register New DSC'.

Step 4: Select and Confirm Certificate

Choose your Class 3 DSC for Bill of Entry from the list and confirm.

Step 5: Acknowledgment

Once successfully submitted, you'll see a confirmation message. Your DSC is now registered and ready to use for customs filings.

Want to know about the steps to register DSC on ICEGATE for Bill of Entry in complete detail? Click here.

How to File a Bill of Entry Online?


Filing a Bill of Entry (BE) on ICEGATE is a multi-step process. Here's how it's done:

1. Log in to ICEGATE

Go to the ICEGATE portal and log in using your IEC and password. Make sure your DSC is connected and active.

2. Prepare and Upload BE Details

Under the Services section, click on Bill of Entry, select File BE Online. Enter key details such as:

- Port of import

- BE type (Home Consumption, Warehousing, etc.)

- HS (Harmonized System) Code for each item

- Importer and CHA details

- Country of origin and invoice currency, etc.

3. Upload Supporting Documents

Attach documents like invoice, packing list, bill of lading, import license (if any), and any required certificates.

4. Sign and Submit with DSC

Digitally sign the BE using your Class 3 DSC for Bill of Entry and submit it.

5. Assessment by the Customs Department

After submission, the Customs department reviews it. They may raise a query or call for a document check or inspection.

6. Pay Applicable Duties

After assessment, pay the applicable customs duties and other charges online through ICEGATE or its partnered banks.

7. Get the OOC Order (Out-of-Charge)

After duty payment and document verification, Customs issues an Out-of-Charge (OOC) order, allowing your goods to be released from the port.

How to Track Bill of Entry Status?


ICEGATE offers a simple way to track the bill of entry status online:

1. Visit the portal: Go to the ICEGATE portal

2. BE Tracking: On the homepage, click “BE Tracking” under the Services menu.

3. Enter details: Enter your Bill of Entry Number, Date, and Port Code

4. Click on Submit: Submit the form to view the real-time status

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Conclusion


The ICEGATE Bill of Entry is the first official step to getting your imported goods legally assessed and cleared by Indian Customs.

Thanks to the ICEGATE portal, doing custom filings has become faster and paperless. But this digital gateway requires a secure and verified identity—your DSC for Bill of Entry. Without it, you simply can't access core services like Bill of Entry filing, document tracking, or shipping bill downloads.

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