How to Check Bill of Entry Status Online on ICEGATE Portal
In India, importers must comply with various customs procedures before their goods can be cleared. One of the most important documents in this process is the Bill of Entry (BOE). After filing a BOE, importers often ask: How do I check my Bill of Entry status online?
The ICEGATE portal (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) provides a quick and easy way to track your BOE status. In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning of Bill of Entry, why it matters, and the step-by-step process to check your BOE status online.
What is a Bill of Entry (BOE)?
The Bill of Entry is a legal document filed by importers (or their Customs House Agent) with the Indian Customs department when goods arrive in the country. It serves as a declaration about the goods being imported, including details like:
- Importer’s name and IEC (Importer Exporter Code)
- Goods description and HS code
- Quantity and value of goods
- Customs duties and taxes payable
- Country of origin and shipment details
In simple terms, BOE is proof that goods are being imported legally into India.
Importance of BOE in Import
The Bill of Entry is crucial in international trade for several reasons:
- Mandatory for Customs Clearance – Without a valid BOE, goods cannot be released from customs.
- Duty Assessment – Customs duty, GST, and other charges are calculated based on BOE details.
- Banking Compliance – Banks use BOE data under IDPMS (Import Data Processing and Monitoring System) to match foreign remittances with imports.
- Audit & Records – Serves as legal proof of import for taxation and record-keeping.
Why Check BOE Status Online?
Checking the Bill of Entry status online on ICEGATE helps importers to:
- Ensure their BOE has been successfully filed and accepted by Customs.
- Track pending clearance status.
- Avoid delays and penalties due to incomplete documentation.
- Confirm duty payment and goods release.
ICEGATE Portal – Overview
The Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) is the official portal for e-filing, tracking, and monitoring import/export documents.
Through ICEGATE, importers can:
- File Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills.
- Pay customs duties online.
- Check BOE status, IGST refunds, and clearance reports.
- Track shipments and filing history.
👉 Website: https://www.icegate.gov.in
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check BOE Status on ICEGATE
Follow these steps to check your Bill of Entry status online:
Step 1: Visit ICEGATE Portal
Go to the official ICEGATE website: https://www.icegate.gov.in.
Step 2: Navigate to "Services"
From the top menu, click on Services → Bill of Entry (BOE) → Track Status.
Step 3: Enter BOE Details
You will need the following information:
- Bill of Entry Number
- BOE Date (dd/mm/yyyy format)
- Port Code
Step 4: Submit and Track
Click on Submit to view the BOE status. The system will show:
- BOE acceptance status
- Assessment details
- Duty payment confirmation
- Release order status
Step 5: Download/Print BOE Status
For record-keeping, you can download or print the BOE status report.
Types of BOE Status You May See on ICEGATE
When checking your BOE, you may come across different statuses, such as:
- Filed – BOE has been successfully submitted.
- Assessed – Customs has verified and calculated duties.
- Duty Paid – Importer has paid customs duties.
- Out of Charge (OOC) – Customs has cleared goods for delivery.
- Pending – Still under assessment or awaiting documentation.
Common Issues While Checking BOE Status
Importers may face problems while checking BOE status on ICEGATE:
- Incorrect BOE number/date entry.
- Delay in Customs assessment update.
- Network/server issues on ICEGATE.
- BOE not filed properly by CHA.
👉 Tip: Always verify details with your Customs Broker (CHA) if status does not appear.
Role of BOE in IDPMS Compliance
The RBI’s IDPMS system matches foreign remittance with BOE filing. If BOE status is not updated:
- Banks may not close import remittance entries.
- Importer may face compliance issues.
- RBI may flag discrepancies in foreign exchange usage.
Thus, regularly checking BOE status ensures smooth banking compliance.
Bill of Entry vs Shipping Bill
Many importers confuse BOE with Shipping Bill.
- Bill of Entry (BOE) → Filed for imports to clear goods from customs.
- Shipping Bill → Filed for exports when goods leave India.
Conclusion
The Bill of Entry (BOE) is a vital document in imports, required for customs clearance, duty payment, and banking compliance. By checking the BOE status online on ICEGATE, importers can ensure timely clearance of goods, avoid penalties, and maintain compliance with Indian trade laws.
Whether you are a first-time importer or an experienced trader, understanding the BOE meaning and status checking process is essential for smooth operations.
FAQs
What is BOE in import?
BOE stands for Bill of Entry, a declaration filed with Customs for clearing imported goods.
What is the Bill of Entry meaning?
It is a legal document that contains details of goods imported into India and is mandatory for customs clearance.
How can I check my BOE status?
You can check BOE status online on the ICEGATE portal by entering the BOE number, date, and port code.
What does "Out of Charge" mean in BOE status?
"Out of Charge" means Customs has completed verification and cleared goods for delivery.
Who files the Bill of Entry?
The importer or their Customs House Agent (CHA) files the BOE electronically through ICEGATE.
Can I check BOE status without login?
Yes. BOE status can be checked directly on ICEGATE without logging in, using BOE details.
What happens if BOE is not filed?
Goods cannot be cleared, remittances may be blocked in IDPMS, and penalties can be imposed.
How long does BOE clearance take?
Clearance time varies, but with proper documentation, it usually takes 1–3 working days.
Is BOE required for all imports?
Yes. Filing a Bill of Entry is mandatory for all goods imported into India.
What is the difference between BOE and Shipping Bill?
BOE is filed for imports, while Shipping Bill is filed for exports
