RoDTEP Registration and ICEGATE Activation Process: Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• RoDTEP provides remission of eligible unrefunded taxes and duties embedded in exported products.

• Exporters must claim RoDTEP through the shipping bill declaration.

• Customs processes eligible claims after the Export General Manifest (EGM) is filed.

• An ICEGATE account with a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for eScrip functionality.

• Exporters must create a separate RoDTEP eScrip account through the ICEGATE Credit Ledger.

• The RoDTEP scheme has been extended up to 31 December 2026.

Introduction

Exporters in India incur several indirect costs during manufacturing, transportation and export operations. Some taxes and duties remain embedded in exported products and may not be refunded through other existing mechanisms.

To address this issue, the Government introduced the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme.

However, obtaining RoDTEP benefits involves more than simply exporting goods. Exporters must make the appropriate declaration in the shipping bill, ensure the export manifest is filed, and complete the ICEGATE eScrip activation process.

Understanding these steps is important to avoid missing eligible export benefits.

What Is the RoDTEP Scheme?

RoDTEP is a Government of India export incentive scheme designed to refund eligible embedded Central, State and local duties, taxes and levies that are not otherwise reimbursed.

The benefit is calculated according to the notified rate and value cap applicable to the exported product.

The remission is provided through an electronic duty credit scrip rather than a direct cash payment into the exporter’s bank account.

Latest RoDTEP Scheme Update – 2026

The Department of Commerce, through DGFT Notification No. 41/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026, extended the RoDTEP scheme until 31 December 2026.

The extension covers eligible exports by:

• Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units.

• Advance Authorisation (AA) holders.

• Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units.

• Export Oriented Units (EOUs).

The existing rates and value caps under Appendix 4R and Appendix 4RE, as applicable on 30 September 2026, continue during the extended period. Other scheme conditions remain unchanged.

Exporters should check the applicable notification and product classification before making a claim.

RoDTEP Registration and ICEGATE Activation Process

The process involves two important stages: claiming the benefit through the shipping bill and creating the eScrip account on ICEGATE.

Step 1: Check Product Eligibility

Before exporting, verify whether the product is covered under the applicable RoDTEP schedule.

Check:

• Correct ITC-HS classification.

• Applicable RoDTEP rate.

• Notified value cap.

• Relevant export category and conditions.

The applicable rate can be checked in Appendix 4R or Appendix 4RE, depending on the export category.

Step 2: Make the RoDTEP Declaration in the Shipping Bill

While filing the shipping bill through the Customs system, the exporter must select the applicable RoDTEP benefit declaration.

This declaration is important because the claim is linked to the shipping bill.

If the required declaration is missed or entered incorrectly, the exporter may face difficulty obtaining the benefit. Verify the shipping bill details before submission.

Step 3: Complete Export and EGM Filing

After the goods are exported, the Export General Manifest (EGM) must be filed by the concerned carrier or authorised party.

Once the EGM is filed, Customs processes the RoDTEP claim based on the applicable scheme provisions and export records.

Step 4: Register on ICEGATE with DSC

The exporter must have a valid ICEGATE registration and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to access the eScrip functionality.

Ensure that the IEC details and authorised user information are correct and that the DSC is valid and available for portal authentication.

Step 5: Create the RoDTEP eScrip Account

After logging in to the ICEGATE portal:

1. Open the Dashboard.

2. Select eScrip – Credit Ledger.

3. Open the eScrip Ledger Management section.

4. Click Add New Account.

5. Select RoDTEP from the scheme dropdown.

6. Click Submit to create the account.

This creates the RoDTEP account in the ICEGATE eScrip module. Account creation and actual credit availability are separate stages.

Step 6: Check the RoDTEP Scroll

After Customs processes the eligible shipping bill, the corresponding scroll is made available in the ICEGATE account.

Check the scroll details, shipping bill numbers and sanctioned amounts to confirm that the eligible export claims have been processed.

Step 7: Generate the RoDTEP eScrip

Once eligible scroll details are available:

1. Open the RoDTEP scheme account.

2. Select the Scrip Generation tab.

3. Identify the eligible shipping bills.

4. Select the shipping bills for which the scrip is to be generated.

5. Click Create Scrip.

6. Verify the generated scrip number and credit entry in the ledger.

The generated eScrip can then be managed through the ICEGATE account.

How Can Exporters Use RoDTEP Scrips?

RoDTEP eScrips can be used towards payment of eligible Basic Customs Duty on imports, subject to applicable Customs procedures.

The ICEGATE system also provides a facility to transfer eligible eScrips to another IEC holder. The receiving IEC must have a valid eScrip account and approve the transfer request.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Exporters should watch out for these issues:

• Not selecting the RoDTEP declaration in the shipping bill.

• Using an incorrect ITC-HS code.

• Claiming benefits without checking the applicable rate and cap.

• Delays or errors in EGM filing.

• Not having a valid ICEGATE registration or DSC.

• Creating the eScrip account but not checking the generated scroll.

• Assuming that account activation automatically means duty credits are available.

Featured Snippet: How to Activate RoDTEP on ICEGATE?

To activate RoDTEP on ICEGATE, register the IEC holder on ICEGATE with a valid Digital Signature Certificate. Log in, open eScrip – Credit Ledger, select Add New Account and choose RoDTEP. Submit the request to create the account. Eligible credits become available after the shipping bill declaration, EGM filing and Customs processing.

FAQs

1. Is separate RoDTEP registration required on ICEGATE?

Exporters need to create a RoDTEP eScrip account through the ICEGATE Credit Ledger to manage and generate eligible duty credit scrips.

2. Is DSC mandatory for RoDTEP activation?

A valid DSC is required for the IEC holder to access the ICEGATE eScrip functionality, as specified in the ICEGATE advisory.

3. When does the RoDTEP benefit become available?

The claim is processed after the EGM is filed and Customs completes the relevant processing. The eligible scroll is then made available in the ICEGATE account.

4. Can RoDTEP scrips be transferred to another exporter?

Yes. The ICEGATE eScrip module provides a transfer facility. The receiving IEC holder must have a valid eScrip account and approve the transfer.

5. What is the validity of the RoDTEP scheme in 2026?

DGFT Notification No. 41/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026 extended the scheme until 31 December 2026.

6. Is RoDTEP benefit credited directly to the exporter’s bank account?

No. The benefit is issued through an electronic duty credit scrip, which can be used towards eligible Basic Customs Duty payments or transferred in accordance with applicable procedures.

Conclusion

RoDTEP can provide meaningful financial support to eligible Indian exporters by remitting embedded duties and taxes on exported products. However, receiving the benefit requires correct shipping bill declarations, EGM filing, Customs processing and proper ICEGATE eScrip account activation.

Exporters should verify their product eligibility, applicable rates and shipping bill declarations before proceeding with exports. Regularly checking the ICEGATE Credit Ledger and scroll details can also help prevent missed or delayed benefits.

Need Assistance With RoDTEP Registration and ICEGATE Activation?

A V International provides professional import-export consultancy and regulatory compliance support to exporters, manufacturers and businesses across India.

Our services include:

• RoDTEP eligibility and rate verification.

• ICEGATE registration and eScrip account assistance.

• Shipping bill declaration guidance.

• DGFT licensing and export compliance.

• Advance Authorisation and EPCG consultancy.

• AD Code registration and Customs-related support.

Contact A V International for assistance with RoDTEP registration, ICEGATE activation and export incentive compliance.

Written By

Akash Bhangare

Having more than 10 years of experience in EPR Compliance, Legal Metrology, DGFT Regulations and Import Export Consulting Services in India.

Associated with A V International, a company with over 35 years of expertise in Environmental Compliance, EPR Registrations, Licensing and Regulatory Approvals.