How to Check Shipping Bill Status on ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) – Step by Step Guide 2026

Shipping Bill Status is the real-time customs clearance progress of your export shipment than can be tracked through ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) . After your CHA files a Shipping Bill (export declaration) with Indian Customs, the SB (Shipping Bill) status shows whether your goods are approved, under processing, cleared for export (LEO granted), or if EGM has been filed by the shipping line. 

Tracking Shipping Bill status on ICEGATE is critical because it determines when your shipment can physically leave the port and when you can claim export incentives like IGST refunds and RoDTEP.

What is a Shipping Bill?

A shipping bill is an official customs document filed by exporters, containing details about the goods being exported, their value, destination, and payment terms. It is mandatory for legal clearance and for claiming any export incentives or duty drawbacks. A shipping bill serves as the primary record for customs authorities, covering the entire shipping process in international trade, from export declaration to final clearance in line with Indian customs regulations

What Is Shipping Bill Status?

Shipping Bill Status is a real-time indicator that shows exactly where your export shipment currently stands in the Indian customs clearance process. After your CHA files a Shipping Bill in official ICEGATE website (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway), your shipment enters the customs system. As customs processes your paperwork and your goods move through the port, the status updates automatically to reflect current progress. For example, Under Assessment, Examination, Query Raised, Leo Granted Etc.

How to Check Shipping Bill Status on ICEGATE: Step-by-Step Guide

The official ICEGATE website (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) provides real-time tracking of your shipping bill status and also lets registered users download shipping bill copies directly from the portal. You can check without logging in (public inquiry) or with login (detailed view).

Services Offered by ICEGATE

ICEGATE is the official Indian Customs Electronic Gateway, and it is managed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to support India’s international trade.

Core services including:

• ICEGATE enables online payment of customs duties, making the process more convenient for businesses and reducing visits to customs offices.
• The platform integrates with various regulatory agencies (DGFT, RBI, shipping lines, etc.) to ensure that businesses comply with all relevant regulations and requirements during their import and export activities.
• ICEGATE provides communication channels and alerts (SMS, email, portal notifications) to keep businesses informed about updates and changes in customs regulation or document status.
• Overall, ICEGATE enhances transparency, reduces processing times, and improves efficiency in trade operations, which directly supports exporters’ cash flow and working capital management.

ICEGATE Login (Detailed View) - For Registered Users

From here, you can not only track status but also download shipping bill documents once they are generated and approved

Step 1: Log Into ICEGATE Indian Customs portal

Visit 

https://www.icegate.gov.in

Click "Login" (top right)

Enter your IEC and Password

Step 2: Click "Services"

From dashboard, click "Services" menu

Step 3: Select "Document Status"

Navigate to Services → Document Status → Shipping Bill

Step 4: Enter SB Details

Fill in:

• Shipping Bill Number
• Date
• Port Code/ Submission port code

Step 5: View Detailed Status

Get more detailed information than public inquiry:

• Complete processing history
• All status changes with timestamps
• Query details (if any)
• Customs officer remarks
• LEO details
• EGM status

Understanding Shipping Bill Status: The 7 Main Status Types

After filing a Shipping Bill, your shipment moves through these status stages. Each means something different.

Status Type 1: "SB Submitted" or "SB Under Processing"

What It Means: Your Shipping Bill has been received by customs and is waiting for initial review by the customs authorities in the ICEGATE system.

Status Type 2: "SB Approved"

What It Means: Customs has reviewed all your documents and everything looks correct. Your Shipping Bill is approved for export.

Status Type 3: "Query Raised" or "Pending Clarification"

What It Means: Customs has identified an issue with your Shipping Bill or documentation and needs clarification before proceeding.

Status Type 4: "Physical Examination Pending" or "Exam Scheduled"

What It Means: Customs has scheduled a physical inspection of your goods at the port. Customs officers will physically verify goods that match your documentation.

Status Type 5: "Goods Examined" or "Exam Complete"

What It Means: Physical examination of your goods is complete. Customs found everything acceptable.

Status Type 6: "LEO Given" (Let Export Order) - THE MOST IMPORTANT STATUS

What It Means: Customs has granted final clearance. Your goods are permitted to be loaded onto the vessel or aircraft and can physically leave India. This is the final go‑ahead in the entire shipping process, after which your goods can legally leave India

Status Type 7: "EGM Filed" (Export General Manifest)

What It Means: The shipping line has officially filed the Export General Manifest (EGM), confirming that your goods have physically left India on the declared vessel/aircraft.

Status Type 8: "Rejected" or "SB Cancelled" (Rare)

What It Means: Customs has rejected your Shipping Bill. Goods cannot be exported in their current form.

Did you know: Rejection is RARE (less than 1% of shipments). Most issues are resolved through queries/clarification.

Benefits of Tracking Shipping Bill Status for Exporters

For anyone involved in international trade, tracking shipping bill status on ICEGATE is essential for faster customs clearance and smoother documentation.

• Know When Goods Can Leave the Port
• Identify Customs Issues Early
• Update Your Buyer with Accurate Shipment Timelines
• Manage Shipping Line and Transportation
• Claim Export Incentives & GST Refunds
• Manage Cash Flow & Working Capital

Difference Between Bill of Entry and Shipping Bill

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the essential difference between a Shipping Bill and a Bill of Entry?

A Shipping Bill is the Customs document filed for exports (goods going out of India). A Bill of Entry is the equivalent Customs document filed for imports (goods coming into India). Both documents are essential for Customs clearance in their respective transactions.

2. Can I download my Shipping Bill from ICEGATE without a login?

No, To get the official shipping bill copy in PDF, you must log in to your registered account on the ICEGATE Indian Customs portal. However, you can check the live icegate shipping bill status (LEO status, EGM status) without logging in, using the 'Public Enquiry at ICEGATE' facility.

3. What is 'LEO' on a Shipping Bill and why is it important?

LEO stands for Let Export Order. It is the final physical or electronic endorsement granted by the Customs Officer, signifying that the goods have been examined/verified and are cleared to be loaded onto the vessel or aircraft. The LEO date is the official date of export and is vital for validating GST refunds and incentive claims.

4. Why is my Shipping Bill not visible on the DGFT portal?

Your Shipping Bill data might not be visible on the DGFT portal if: a) The final Let Export Order (LEO) has not yet been granted by Customs. b) The Export General Manifest (EGM) has not been filed by the carrier. c) There is a temporary technical issue or a delay in the automatic data transfer from the ICEGATE/Customs system to the DGFT system. Always check your icegate shipping bill status first on official ICEGATE website to confirm LEO is done.

5. Is the Shipping Bill download service on ICEGATE free of cost?

Yes, the service to download the final, electronically transmitted, and digitally signed copy of the Shipping Bill from the ICEGATE portal is free of cost for all registered exporters and their agents.