How to Check Your Shipping Bill Status Online in India?

The possibility of global commerce has enhanced India’s trade ecosystem. Among the many operations that an exporter must perform, one of the most important is tracking the status of the shipping bill. Nowadays, tracking the status of the shipping bill is possible via online portals. Since a shipping bill is a critical document that contains details about the consignments and also serves as the declaration of goods being exported, it is essential to track it properly.
When the shipping bill status is tracked and managed effectively, it can save time and prevent delays while ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. This article will examine how the status of a shipping bill status can be checked online in India and other methods of checking it.
- What is a Shipping Bill?
- How to Check Shipping Bill Status Online?
- Other Methods to Track Shipping Bill Status
- Benefits of Tracking the Shipping Bill Online
- Challenges Faced by Exporters While Tracking Shipping Bills Online
- Importance of a Shipping Bill
- Get Access to Prompt Shipping Bill Status with Smart Shipping Solutions from WareIQ
- Conclusion
- FAQs About Tracking Shipping Bill Status Online
What is a Shipping Bill?
Documentation and paperwork are the cornerstones of any business, and they apply to any import or export business. A shipping bill is a legally mandatory document that shipping agencies issue. Below are some of the details that a shipping bill contains:
- Details of the goods that are exported
- Goods value
- Seller’s name
- Buyer’s name
- Details about the paid taxes
These details help to track and keep records of every shipment that is imported or exported. There are five different types of shipping bills: Duty-free, Coastal, Dutiable, Drawback, and Ex-bond.
How to Check Shipping Bill Status Online?
For smooth tracking of shipping bill status, the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) platform is the most ideal. Below are the steps that you can follow to check your ICEGATE shipping bill status online:
Step 1: Go to the official ICEGATE website – https://www.icegate.gov.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, navigate and click on the Services option.
Step 3: Under the “Services” tab, click on the “Document Tracking” option. (This feature will allow you to track the shipping bills).
Step 4: Enter the shipping bill details, such as the unique Shipping Bill Number, Port Code, and Date of Filling.
Step 5: After entering all the required details, click on the “Submit” option. Upon submitting the details, the status of your shipping bill will be displayed on the screen. It will display the current stage in the customs process.
Other Methods to Track Shipping Bill Status
Although checking shipping bill status on ICEGATE is the primary method that exporters or importers should use to track shipping bills, there are other methods also that can prove to be beneficial in times of need:
Via Email
Exporters can navigate the various steps on the ICEGATE website to check the shipping bill status. They can also send a status inquiry email to ICEGATE. The email should contain necessary details, such as the shipping bill number, port code, and filing date. The shipping bill tracking status will be shared via email.
Logistics Partner Portal
Several logistics partners offer integrated custom tracking options to their clients. Exporters working with such logistics partners can access the shipping bill status updates through the portal itself.
Customs House Agent (CHA) Support
If you have a CHA in your export operations, you can get real-time updates on the status of the shipping bill.
SMS Tracking
Another way to track the shipping bill status is via the SMS tracking option provided by ICEGATE. Exporters are expected to send specific messages along with bill details to a pre-designated number to get updates about the shipping bill.
Benefits of Tracking the Shipping Bill Online
There are various benefits for exporters when shipping bills are traced online. Below are some of the benefits:
- Tracking shipping bills online provides immediate access and also gives the latest status of the shipment.
- Provide a clear picture of the custom process.
- Identification and verification can be done as quickly as possible in case of errors and discrepancies in the shipping bill.
- Checking the shipping bill status online can help to adhere to various customs and export regulations.
Challenges Faced by Exporters While Tracking Shipping Bills Online
While there are several benefits of checking and tracking shipping bills online, exporters also face a few challenges. Below are some of the most common challenges:
Incorrect Details
A small mistake while typing the shipping bill number or port code will lead to no response from the platform.
Customs Delays
Due to several blockages in customs, the shipping bill status processing can be considerably delayed.
System Downtime
Due to the system downtime at ICEGATE, tracking shipping bill details can be temporarily unavailable.
Exporters should cross-check all the information before filling out the details to avoid errors or discrepancies.
Importance of a Shipping Bill
A shipping bill is a document that is required under the Indian Customs Act 1962. It is a must-have document for any exporter as it provides vital details such as:
- Exporter and importer information
- Description of the goods in terms of quantity and value
- Details about the shipping route
- Incentive claims or applicable duty drawbacks
Get Access to Prompt Shipping Bill Status with Smart Shipping Solutions from WareIQ
WareIQ’s innovative shipping solution helps eCommerce brands minimise cost leakages caused by RTOs, fake delivery attempts in NDR, weight reconciliation issues, and more. Our solution also offers prompt support for handling urgent client escalations, ensuring smooth operations at all times.
Our solution offers the following capabilities:
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- Shipping Badges to display precise Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD)
- Custom branded tracking pages and notifications to enhance customer experience
Suggested Read – Bill of Lading: A Guide for the Shipping Industry in 2025
Conclusion
For an exporter to perform seamless operations, it is essential to be able to check the shipping bill status online. A shipping bill displays essential information; it is ideal. Platforms like IGATE are used to track and check all the details. Exporters can stay informed about the process, hence improving efficiency in compliance and reducing delays. Checking the shipping bill status online by visiting the ICEGATE website is easy, and within just a few steps, you can check the exact shipping bill status. You can also try SMS tracking or email inquiry methods to learn the exact shipping bill status.
Related read : How to Export from India and What Is a Bill of Exchange? Definition and Uses Explained
FAQs About Tracking Shipping Bill Status Online
Is online tracking of shipping bills available for all types of shipments?
Yes, ICEGATE supports all types of shipping bill tracking.
What does a shipping bill number signify?
A shipping bill number is a unique number assigned to a shipment by the customs authority. It is used to track a specific shipment’s status.
What should be done if the ICEGATE portal is not working?
If the ICEGATE portal isn’t working, try logging into it again after a couple of minutes. If the issue still exists, try other methods of tracking ship bill status, like SMS tracking or inquiry over email.
Is it necessary to file shipping bills online?
Yes, Indian customs have made it mandatory to file the shipping bill electronically to ensure transparency and efficiency. When bills are filed online, they are easier to track for future reference.
Can you track duty drawback claims and the shipping bill?
Yes, you can track the drawback claims along with the shipping bill, thanks to the integrated tracking feature provided by the ICEGATE portal.