Quick Overview
DGFT Shipping Bill Status allows exporters to verify shipping bills received from Indian Customs against their Importer Exporter Code (IEC). DGFT provides services to view shipping bills received from Customs both IEC-wise and Customs-file-wise. For the detailed Customs-side status of a shipping bill, exporters should use ICEGATE, the electronic gateway for Indian Customs.
Key Facts about DGFT Shipping Bill Status at a Glance:
- A Shipping Bill is the primary Customs declaration for exported goods.
- DGFT lets exporters check shipping bills received from Customs.
- DGFT provides IEC-wise and Customs-file-wise shipping bill views.
- ICEGATE is used for Customs-related enquiries and shipping bill status.
- CBEC is the former name of the Customs board; the current name is CBIC.
- A Shipping Bill and a Let Export Order (LEO) are not the same thing.
- Exporters may need shipping bill data for post-export reconciliation and related processes.
What Is a Shipping Bill?
A Shipping Bill is the electronic export declaration submitted to Indian Customs before goods are exported. It contains details such as the exporter, consignee, description of goods, quantity, value, destination, classification and other information required for Customs processing.
Once filed, Customs processes the declaration through its electronic systems. Depending on the shipment, Customs may conduct document verification, examination or other checks before granting the Let Export Order (LEO).
DGFT vs ICEGATE: What Should Exporters Check?
One of the most common sources of confusion is treating DGFT and ICEGATE as the same system.
| Platform | What it is primarily used for |
| DGFT | Foreign trade administration, IEC and export-related services |
| ICEGATE | Indian Customs electronic filing and enquiries |
| CBIC | Authority responsible for Customs and indirect tax administration |
DGFT's View IEC Related Details service specifically includes options for checking shipping bills received from Customs, both IEC-wise and Customs-file-wise.
ICEGATE, meanwhile, provides Customs enquiry services, including facilities related to Shipping Bills. Its FAQ specifically addresses situations where a Shipping Bill is not visible or has not integrated at DGFT's end.
How to Check DGFT Shipping Bill Status
To check whether your shipping bill has reached DGFT:
1. Go to the DGFT Portal
Open the official DGFT website and access View IEC Related Details.
2. Select the Shipping Bill Service
DGFT provides options to check:
- Shipping Bills Received IEC-wise
- Shipping Bills Received Customs-file-wise
Choose the option based on the information available to you.
3. Enter the Required Details
Depending on the enquiry, enter the relevant IEC or Customs file information and submit the request.
4. Review the Shipping Bill Record
The service allows you to check shipping bills that have been received by DGFT from Customs.
You can also use the Government of India's service for checking DGFT shipping bill information using the Shipping Bill number or IEC number.
How to Check Shipping Bill Status on ICEGATE
If you need the Customs-side status, ICEGATE is the more relevant system.
ICEGATE provides enquiry services for Customs documents and Shipping Bills. Its official FAQ also addresses cases where the Shipping Bill is not visible or has not integrated with DGFT.
This is particularly useful when you need to distinguish between:
Shipping Bill filed → Customs processing → LEO granted → Export completed → Data received by DGFT
These are different stages and should not be treated as one status.
Shipping Bill vs LEO: What's the Difference?
This distinction is critical for exporters.
| Document/Stage | Meaning |
| Shipping Bill | Export declaration submitted to Customs |
| Customs processing | Customs reviews the declaration and cargo |
| LEO | Customs permission allowing the goods to be exported |
| EGM | Export General Manifest filed by the carrier after departure/loading |
| DGFT receipt | Shipping bill information received into DGFT's system |
A Shipping Bill can therefore exist in the Customs system without the shipment having completed the entire export process.
Why Is DGFT Shipping Bill Status Important?
Checking DGFT Shipping Bill Status is useful for maintaining accurate export records and identifying data-integration issues between Customs and DGFT.
It can become particularly relevant when exporters are:
- Reconciling shipping bills against their IEC
- Following up on export-related benefits
- Checking whether Customs data has reached DGFT
- Investigating discrepancies in export records
- Working with banks on export documentation
DGFT's eBRC system also provides functionality involving the linkage of inward remittances with corresponding shipping bills and invoices, making accurate export data important for post-export reconciliation.
What If the Shipping Bill Is Not Showing on DGFT?
If your DGFT Shipping Bill Status does not show the expected record, do not immediately assume that the Shipping Bill was never filed.
First verify:
- Shipping Bill number and date
- IEC used for the export
- Port or Customs location
- Customs processing status on ICEGATE
- Whether the Shipping Bill has been received/integrated at DGFT
If the Shipping Bill exists on ICEGATE but is not visible at DGFT, the issue may be related to the transmission or integration of Customs data. ICEGATE's own FAQ specifically covers this scenario.
How Intoglo Helps
For Indian exporters shipping FCL cargo to the USA, Customs documentation is only one part of the shipment. Origin coordination, export documentation, ocean freight, US drayage and final delivery all need to work together.
Planning your next shipment to the USA? Get a quote from Intoglo.
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Final Takeaway
DGFT Shipping Bill Status and ICEGATE Shipping Bill Status serve different purposes.
Use ICEGATE when you need to understand the Customs-side processing of your export declaration. Use DGFT when you need to verify shipping bills received from Customs against your IEC or Customs file.
For exporters, checking both systems at the appropriate stage can help identify missing records, integration issues and documentation discrepancies before they affect post-export processes.
FAQs
How can I check DGFT Shipping Bill Status?
Use DGFT's View IEC Related Details service to check shipping bills received from Customs, either IEC-wise or Customs-file-wise.
Can I check Shipping Bill Status on ICEGATE?
Yes. ICEGATE provides Customs enquiry services for Shipping Bills and other documents.
Is DGFT the same as ICEGATE?
No. DGFT manages foreign trade administration, while ICEGATE is the electronic gateway for Indian Customs.
What does LEO mean in export?
Let Export Order (LEO) is the Customs clearance allowing the goods to be exported. It is different from the initial Shipping Bill filing.
Why is my Shipping Bill visible on ICEGATE but not DGFT?
The Customs record may exist while the corresponding information has not yet been reflected or integrated at DGFT. ICEGATE's official FAQ specifically addresses this situation.
