Export essentials
Posted on Dec 30, 2025
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Earlier, once you filed a Shipping Bill, you were mostly left guessing.
Was it approved? Did Customs flag anything? Is some document missing?
Now, ICEGATE makes it easy for you. You can check your Shipping Bill status on the portal and stay updated through every step till clearance.
What is ICEGATE?
ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) is the main online portal used for customs processing in India.
If you’re exporting (or importing), it’s where you submit key documents to Customs and track your shipment's progress through the clearance process.
Here’s what ICEGATE helps you do:
Link GSTIN with IEC: It supports GSTIN matching and enables IEC (Importer Exporter Code) registration/mapping with Customs.
Submit filings in multiple ways: You can file using RES packages, Service Centres, web forms, or web uploads—so exporters can choose what’s easiest for them.
Use e-Sanchit for digital documents: Upload supporting documents online to reduce paperwork and speed up checks.
Handle duty payments and baggage filings: It also supports online customs duty payments and declarations for unaccompanied baggage.
Other services, such as SEZ registration, are also covered by ICEGATE, including SEZ unit registration and related compliance filings, thereby streamlining the overall process.
Why you must track your Shipping Bill status
Once you’ve filed a Shipping Bill, the job isn’t really done. If you don’t keep an eye on the status, you might miss a Customs query, a document mismatch, or a small error that can delay clearance and sometimes require you to resubmit.
Here’s why checking it regularly matters:
Early detection of customer-raised objections.
A clear, traceable status history reduces follow-ups and makes audit and incentive verification smoother.
Maintaining GST export paperwork will help to stay consistent and in order
Keep your buyer confident by sharing timely shipment updates that build trust and reduce follow-ups.
Strengthen buyer confidence with transparent updates that reassure them on progress and minimise repeated follow-ups.
What you’ll know when you track the status
By following the status after submission, you get clarity on:
Whether the Shipping Bill is under processing or stuck
If the shipment is cleared/approved for export
Whether you’re likely eligible for an IGST refund (based on processing milestones)
If customs clearance is completed and the shipment is ready to move
If you need a step-by-step guide on what a Shipping Bill is, why it matters, and how to file it correctly
Check our complete Shipping Bill guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Shipping Bill Status on ICEGATE
1. Open the ICEGATE portal
Visit the official ICEGATE website and go to the Shipping Bill status/check section.
2. Fill in the required details
Enter the following information:
Shipping Bill Number
Submission Date
Port Code (for example, INNSA1 for Nhava Sheva)
3. Submit and view the status
Click Submit to view the latest status of your Shipping Bill on-screen.
Common ICEGATE Shipping Bill Status Updates
Here are the common status messages you may see on ICEGATE and what they indicate:
SB Submitted: Your Shipping Bill has been successfully filed and is queued for assessment.
SB Under Processing: Customs is currently examining the submission and may take some time to complete the review.
SB Approved: Customs has accepted the Shipping Bill and approved it for export processing.
LEO Given (Let Export Order): Final approval has been given, and you have a Let Export Order document.
EGM Filed (Export General Manifest): The carrier/shipping line has filed the EGM confirming shipment details and departure, an important milestone for refund processing.
How to download the shipping bill status
After you enter your details on ICEGATE, the Shipping Bill status will be displayed on the screen.
You can save a copy by right-clicking and choosing “Save As”, or simply take a screenshot for easy future reference.
ICEGATE Portal Troubleshooting Tips
Portal Not Loading
Issue Fix | What to Do |
Use another browser | Open ICEGATE on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (these usually work more reliably). |
Clear cache and cookies | Delete your browser cache/cookies, then reload the page and try again. |
Try during non-peak hours | Access the portal outside busy windows(10 AM to 1 PM IST is the most congested) |
Check JavaScript settings | Make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser, since ICEGATE depends on it to run properly. |
System Crashes or Runs Slow
Issue Fix | What to Do |
Clear cache and cookies | Remove cached files and cookies to fix lag, freezing, or sudden crashes. |
Turn off browser extensions | Disable non-essential extensions (especially ad-blockers or script tools) that may interfere with the portal. |
Switch your internet connection | Try a stronger network or use mobile hotspot/data if your current connection is unstable. |
OTP / Login Errors
Troubleshooting Step | Action |
Verify your registered contact info | Confirm your email ID and mobile number in your ICEGATE profile are correct and active. |
Check junk/spam mail | OTP emails can land in Spam/Junk/Promotions, so look there if it doesn’t show in inbox. |
Re-register if details have changed | If you’ve changed your email or phone recently, re-register/update your account to restore access. |
Other ways to check your Shipping Bill status
Email ICEGATE
You can email ICEGATE with your Shipping Bill number, filing date, and port code, they’ll provide the latest status.
Use your logistics partner’s portal
Most freight forwarders and logistics providers display Shipping Bill updates in their own tracking portals, so you can directly track it through that instead.
Ask your CHA
Customs House Agent (CHA) can usually pull the status quickly and can also tell you if there’s a query, delay, or any action needed from your side.
SMS-based tracking
For a fast status check, you can send the Shipping Bill details via SMS to the official number (if available). Charges may apply depending on your mobile plan.
FAQ on Shipping Bill Status
How can I check the status of my Shipping Bill on ICEGATE?
Use your Shipping Bill number, filing date, and port code on the ICEGATE status page.
What does 'SB Submitted' status mean?
It means your Shipping Bill has been filed successfully and is waiting for customs review/assessment.
How long does it take for a Shipping Bill status to update on ICEGATE?
Updates can reflect within hours, but some stages may take 1–2 working days.
How long does “Under Processing” take?
Typically, under processing clears in 24–48 hours, but it can take up to two weeks in some cases, depending on the port, workload and checks.
What is LEO and why is it important?
LEO (Let Export Order) is the final customs clearance that allows your goods to be exported.
What is EGM, and who files it?
EGM (Export General Manifest) is filed by the shipping line/carrier to confirm shipment and departure details.
My shipping bill is stuck for 3 days, what do I do?
Recheck documents and details, then follow up with your CHA/forwarder to see if Customs raised a query or needs clarification.
When can I claim a GST refund?
Generally, after export is completed and key milestones like LEO, EGM, payment, and EDPMS closure are completed, which typically takes 45-60 days.
