What is ICES?

If you've been in the Import/Export business, you must have definitely come across this term called ICES. Ever wondered what it is or how it works? ICES stands for the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System. It is designed to give out customs clearance related information electronically using Electronic Data Interchange. The ICES ensures that data or documents that are required by the trade, transport and regulatory agencies for submission in the process of live customs clearance are now being processed and submitted online without any hassle or tedious paperwork. ICES is in service at approximately 134 majorly working customs locations with almost 98% of India's International trade.

For Import and Export consignments ICES has two aspects:

  • The Customs House has an internal automation setup for a complete, paperless, fully automated customs clearance system that makes the working of customs totally transparent and efficient.
  • The data that goes through ICEGATE is an online, real-time electronic interface with banks regulatory, trade, transport and transport concerned with customs clearence of import and export.
Customs EDI Trading Partners: Summary
Customs EDI Trading Partners: Summary

These 3 Systems are major Components of Indian Custom automation:

  • ICES automatically receives and processes all incoming messages. ICES generates all outgoing messages automatically at the time of the clearance process. Everything is scheduled back to back.
  • ICES is situated under the platform of ICEGATE for customs clearance messages and trade sharing, customs clearance data with licensing and regulatory agencies such as DGFT, Ministry of Steel,etc
  • The 3rd component which facilitates the compliant trade segregating the transactions requiring deeper scrutiny by customs is Risk Management System

The only aspect that ICES does not cover is providing you quotes, tracking your shipment and managing it. As someone in the trade business, you don't need to worry because GoComet has you covered. All you need to do is log in, type in your shipping details to get a variety of options with detailed quotes and no hidden surcharges. Based on your flexibility for time and cost, you are provided with the best option for your shipment. You can also compare various quotes and choose the one that fits your needs. You will receive live updates of your shipment and can also manage it effortlessly when booked from GoComet. What are you waiting for? Schedule a demo of GoComet now!