DGFT, Customs and Export Compliance Support Across India
IGST Refund Assistance for Exporters in India
A pending export IGST refund needs a close review. Check the Shipping Bills, export invoices, GSTR-1, and GSTR-3B. Also check EGM status, ICEGATE validations, the refund scroll, and bank-account status.
Dwarkadhish Overseas reviews why your refund is pending. We find any mismatches we can. We follow up where needed. We also match refund records against each Shipping Bill.
Eligibility
Eligibility for IGST refund for export of goods
An exporter may be eligible for refund of IGST paid on exported goods when the applicable conditions are fulfilled.
These mainly cover:
Export supply made with payment of IGST
Correct GSTIN declared in the Shipping Bill
Correct export invoice details
Shipping Bill filed
Export General Manifest filed
Export invoices reported in Table 6A of GSTR-1
Relevant GSTR-3B filed
Applicable IGST paid and reported
GST data successfully transmitted to Customs
Customs and GST data successfully validated
Eligible and validated refund bank account
No unresolved Customs or statutory restriction affecting processing
The GST Portal sets two requirements for the goods-with-payment route. You need GSTR-1, with export details in Table 6A. You also need GSTR-3B for the relevant period.
IGST Refund
What Is IGST Refund on Exports?
An IGST refund on exports is a refund of Integrated Goods and Services Tax. It applies to tax paid on eligible zero-rated export supplies.
Some exports of goods are made with IGST paid. For these, the Shipping Bill usually works as the refund application. You do not normally need a separate refund application for this route. This holds if you have correctly filed the required GST returns and export information.
Different Export Refund Routes
Exporters should first identify the correct refund category.
Export of goods with payment of IGST
Where goods are exported after payment of IGST:
Shipping Bill acts as the refund application
Export invoice details must be filed in Table 6A of GSTR-1
GSTR-3B must be filed for the applicable period.
Export General Manifest must be filed
GST and Customs information must pass ICEGATE validations
Refund is processed through Customs and PFMS
Export of services with payment of IGST
Some service exports are made with tax paid. For these, the exporter files a refund
application. This is done through Form GST RFD-01, on the GST Portal.
This route does not process automatically through a Customs Shipping Bill. Service exports
do not usually involve a Customs Shipping Bill. This differs from how export of goods
works.
Export under LUT or Bond without payment of IGST
Some exporters supply goods or services under LUT or Bond. They do this without paying
IGST. If so, they do not claim a refund of IGST on the export.
Instead, this exporter may apply for a refund. This covers eligible accumulated input tax
credit. You file this through Form GST RFD-01. Certain conditions apply.
Process
How Is an Export IGST Refund Processed?
Export invoice and Shipping Bill filing
The exporter files the Shipping Bill involving the following details such as: GSTIN, Export invoice number, Invoice date, IGST payment details, Port code, Export value, Other applicable declarations.
Filing of GSTR-1
The exporter enters the details of export invoices and the Shipping Bill into Table 6A of the GSTR-1.
Filing of GSTR-3B
The exporter files the corresponding GSTR-3B and takes note of the export IGST liability.
Filing of EGM
The shipping company, airway, or transport agency files the Export General Manifest.
EGM ensures that export goods have been shipped out of India and further, only then can the
process of claim begin.
Transmission and Validation of data
GST invoice data are transmitted and validated against the Shipping Bill of Customs.
ICEGATE checks matters such as: Invoice number, Shipping Bill number, Shipping Bill date, Port code, GSTIN, EGM status, Receipt of all invoice records.
IGST scroll generation
When all applicable invoices in the Shipping Bill pass validation, an IGST refund scroll can
be generated and approved by the relevant Customs authority.
PFMS disbursement
The sanctioned refund information is transmitted for payment processing through PFMS.
Bank credit
After successful bank validation and payment processing, the refund is credited to the eligible
registered bank account.
ICEGATE states that once the applicable validations are completed, the scroll is approved by
the port authority and sent to PFMS for disbursement.
Check Status
How to Check IGST Refund Status
Authorised IEC users can review their refund position after logging into ICEGATE.
IGST validation status
Current ICEGATE path:
Login 2.0 → Dashboard → Services → Enquiries → ICEGATE Enquiry Service → IGST Validation Enquiry
The exporter can select:
- Return month and year
- GSTIN
- Customs location
The system displays the applicable validation status and response code against Shipping Bills.
IGST scroll status
Current ICEGATE path:
Login 2.0 → Dashboard → Services → Enquiries → ICEGATE Enquiry Service → IGST Scroll Sanctioned Status
The enquiry displays sanctioned Shipping Bill and scroll information for the selected location and period.
Refund Services
Our IGST Refund Services
IGST refund diagnostic review
We perform an initial review to identify:
- Number of pending Shipping Bills
- Approximate pending amount
- Refund period
- Customs locations involved
- GST and ICEGATE status
- Error codes
- Bank-account issues
- Required corrective action
Shipping Bill-wise IGST reconciliation
We reconcile:
- Shipping Bill number
- Shipping Bill date
- Customs location
- Export invoice number
- Invoice date
- GSTIN
- IGST paid
- GSTR-1 reporting
- GSTR-3B payment
- EGM status
- ICEGATE validation code
- Refund scroll
- PFMS status
- Amount received
GSTR-1 Shipping Bill mismatch review
We compare GST return information with Customs data to identify:
- Incorrect Shipping Bill number
- Incorrect Shipping Bill date
- Incorrect port code
- Invalid invoice number
- Missing invoice
- Duplicate invoice
- Incorrect GSTIN
- Incorrect invoice formatting
IGST refund error resolution
We assist with identifying and resolving available validation errors, including:
- SB001
- SB002
- SB003
- SB004
- SB005
- SB006
EGM-related refund assistance
We help identify whether the refund is pending because:
- Local EGM has not been filed
- Gateway EGM has not been filed
- EGM contains incorrect information
- EGM has not been transmitted electronically
- Shipping Bill is not linked with the applicable EGM
Filing or correcting the EGM may require action by the shipping line, airline, carrier or gateway Customs location.
Refund scroll review
We review whether:
- Shipping Bill is successfully validated
- Temporary scroll has been generated
- Final scroll has been generated
- Shipping Bill is included in the scroll
- Sanctioned amount matches expected records
- Payment has moved to PFMS
IGST refund PFMS rejection assistance
We assist in reviewing cases where:
- Bank account was rejected
- Account details were incorrect
- IFSC was incorrect or changed
- Account holder information did not match
- Refund was returned after scroll generation
IGST refund bank validation assistance
We help review:
- Refund or incentive account registration
- ICEGATE bank-account status
- Account number
- IFSC
- PFMS validation
- Bank merger or branch change
- Rejected bank details
IEC alert or suspension review
ICEGATE’s current IGST refund FAQ states that an alert or suspension against the IEC can prevent the refund from being processed until the relevant restriction is resolved.
Our scope may include:
- Reviewing the available alert or suspension status
- Identifying the relevant Customs or DGFT authority
- Preparing the document checklist
- Coordinating revocation or clarification support under a separate quotation
Refund withheld or verification-related case support
Where an IGST refund has been withheld, flagged or transferred for officer verification, our team can review:
- Available notices
- Shipping Bills involved
- GST return records
- Export documentation
- Bank records
- Departmental communication
- Required response or representation
Certain refund alerts can result in IGST refunds being withheld and transmitted to the jurisdictional officer for verification or processing.
Refund for export of services
For eligible export of services with payment of IGST, we can assist with:
- Eligibility review
- RFD-01 filing
- Export invoice review
- Foreign inward remittance documentation
- Statement preparation
- Supporting-document review
- Notice or deficiency response
- Refund-status follow-up
Accumulated ITC refund under LUT
Where exports were made without payment of IGST under LUT, we can separately assist with:
- RFD-01 filing
- Statement 3
- Invoice data
- Accumulated ITC calculation
- Supporting documents
- Refund reconciliation
- Notice response
This is a separate GST refund service and should not be presented as an automatic IGST refund through the Shipping Bill.
Checklist
Documents Required for IGST Refund Review
The final checklist depends on the refund route and identified problem
Document or information
Requirement
IEC Certificate
Required
GST Registration Certificate
Required
Shipping Bills
Required
Export invoices
Required
GSTR-1
Required
GSTR-3B
Required
ICEGATE IGST validation report
Required where available
IGST scroll details
Where generated
EGM status
Required
Refund bank-account details
Required
Cancelled cheque
Where bank validation is involved
PFMS status or rejection
Where applicable
Error screenshots
For troubleshooting
Customs correspondence
Where applicable
GST notices
Where applicable
Shipping line communication
For EGM issues
Export of services with payment of IGST
Additional documents may include:
- Service export invoices
- Agreement or work order
- Foreign inward remittance certificate
- Bank realisation records
- BRC or eBRC, where applicable
- Relevant refund statements
- RFD-01 data
- Supporting declarations
- Tax payment records
Our Process
Our Five-Step IGST Refund Process
Clear, structured and remote — from discovery to handover.
Discovery Call
During the discovery call, we learn the key facts about your refund issue. This covers the refund period, the pending amount, and the number of Shipping Bills. It also covers your export locations. We also review any error codes you have. We check what action you have already taken to fix the issue
Requirement Assessment
Our team checks the issue first. We find the exact spot that needs care. The cause can be a GST return mismatch, or a Shipping Bill error. It may also be an EGM issue, or an ICEGATE validation problem. We check other spots as well. This covers refund scroll issues and PFMS rejection. It also covers bank checks, IEC suspension, held-back refunds, and RFD-01 needs.
Document Collection
We provide a case-specific checklist and collect the available GST, Customs, Shipping Bill and bank records.
Reconciliation and Execution
We prepare a Shipping Bill-wise reconciliation, identify the corrective action and undertake the agreed filing, amendment, communication or follow-up.
Completion and Reporting
We share a clear update on your case. This covers your status, your fixed records, and any steps still open. We also share your refund facts. This means your refund amount, or your scroll status. We flag any case still open. This shows you what still needs action. Once the work is done, we send a final report. This gives you clean, ready records.
IGST Refund Error Codes
Code
ICEGATE meaning
SB000
Successfully validated
SB001
Invalid Shipping Bill details
SB002
EGM not filed
SB003
GSTIN mismatch
SB004
Record already received and validated
SB005
Invalid invoice number
SB006
Gateway EGM not available
These meanings are listed in ICEGATE’s updated IGST Refund FAQ.
SB000: Successfully Validated
SB000 means one thing: the GST and Customs information has matched. The Shipping Bill has cleared the stated IGST check. But SB000 does not always mean the money has reached the exporter's bank account.
ICEGATE lists possible reasons for SB000 without payment. These include:
• Export made under LUT or Bond
• Refund amount below ₹1,000
• Bank account not validated with PFMS
• IEC alert or suspension
Our review
We check:
- Whether IGST was actually paid
- Refund amount
- Scroll status
- PFMS status
- Bank-account validation
- IEC status
- Whether the Shipping Bill entered the final scroll
SB001: Invalid Shipping Bill Details
SB001 comes from a mismatch. GST sends the Shipping Bill number, Shipping Bill date, and port code. These do not match the Customs Shipping Bill data.
Possible causes:
- Mismatch in the Shipping Bill number reported in GSTR-1
- Mismatch in the Shipping Bill date
- Mismatch in port code
- Typographical errors
- Issues with manual Shipping Bill form filling
- Mismatch of invoice with the Shipping Bill
Possible corrective action
Errors in invoice and Shipping Bill data can be fixed. Use the GSTR-1 correction facility for this, including Table 9A. Current GST rules apply.
Our review
We compare:
- GSTR-1 invoice data
- Shipping Bill
- Customs location code
- Invoice number
- Shipping Bill date
SB002: EGM Not Filed
SB002 means that the Export General Manifest has not been filed. ICEGATE advises exporters to approach the shipping line, airline or carrier for filing of the applicable EGM.
Common reasons:
- Carrier has not filed the EGM
- Incorrect Shipping Bill included in the EGM
- EGM filed with an error
- Cargo details not correctly linked
- Electronic message not accepted
Our approach
We assist with:
- Checking EGM status
- Identifying the carrier
- Preparing Shipping Bill details
- Coordinating the required follow-up
- Checking whether the EGM is subsequently reflected
SB003: GSTIN Mismatch
The GSTIN number in the Custom Shipping Bill does not match the GSTIN number of the export invoice or GSTIN return.
Commmon reasons:
- Incorrect GSTIN in Shipping Bill
- Export under a different state registration
- Incorrect GST registration reported on invoice
- Mistyping
- Multiple GST registrations on same PAN
According to ICEGATE, use of incorrect GSTIN in the Shipping Bill may lead to validation error and prevent the refund process
Our approach
We look at:
- GSTIN of Shipping Bill
- GSTIN of invoice
- GSTIN filing GSTR-1
- IEC-PAN report
- State registration was conducted
- Amendment path available
SB004: Record Already Received
SB004 usually means one thing. GSTN sent the Shipping Bill-invoice record twice, or more than once. ICEGATE says you usually need no action here. This applies if an earlier transmission already passed as SB000.
Our approach
We check:
- Whether an earlier record is SB000
- Whether the Shipping Bill is included in a scroll
- Whether refund payment has moved to PFMS
- Whether another validation error also exists
SB005: Invalid Invoice Number
SB005 points to a mismatch. GST sends one invoice number. The Customs Shipping Bill shows a different one.
Common reasons:
- Special characters
- Additional spaces
- Leading zero differences
- Wrong invoice number
- Invoice reported against the wrong Shipping Bill
- Different invoice format in GSTR-1 and Customs
Corrective action
ICEGATE says you can fix invoice errors, such as a wrong invoice number. Use the GSTR-1 amendment mechanism for this, such as Table 9A.
Our approach
We compare:
- Shipping Bill invoice number
- Tax invoice
- GSTR-1 Table 6A
- GSTR-1 amendment history
- GST transmission status
- ICEGATE validation result
SB006: Gateway EGM Not Available
SB006 means that the Gateway EGM is not available. This often happens in one case. Exports route from an ICD through a gateway sea port or airport. The gateway carrier information was not filed, or not sent correctly. ICEGATE advises exporters here. Contact the shipping line or carrier. Ask them to file the Gateway EGM electronically. Follow up with gateway-port Customs, where needed.
Our approach
We identify:
- ICD of export
- Gateway port
- Shipping line
- Local EGM status
- Gateway EGM status
- Container or transport information
- Required follow-up point
Multiple IGST Errors
Sometimes more than one validation error exists. If so, you may need to fix each error on its own. Only then can the refund move ahead.
Our reconciliation report finds every error against each Shipping Bill. It also assigns a fix for each one.
PFMS Rejection After Scroll Generation
A Shipping Bill may enter a refund scroll fine. But it can still fail later, at the payment stage. ICEGATE's updated FAQ explains what happens next. After a PFMS rejection, that Shipping Bill may get marked as permanently cancelled. This applies only to that one payment attempt. The Customs officer can then re-scroll it, through the set system process.
Possible reasons:
- Invalid bank account
- Incorrect account number
- IFSC error
- Closed account
- Bank merger
- Account-holder mismatch
- PFMS validation failure
Our approach
We assist with:
- Refund-account status review
- Bank-detail verification
- Updated bank documents
- Customs follow-up
- Re-scroll status monitoring
Refund Pending
Why Is My IGST Refund Pending Despite Filing GST Returns?
Filing GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B alone does not guarantee refund processing.
The refund may remain pending because of:
Invoice mismatch
Incorrect GSTIN
EGM not filed
Gateway EGM not available
Shipping Bill details mismatch
GST data not transmitted
Bank account not validated
IEC alert or suspension
Refund below the applicable minimum
PFMS rejection
Refund withheld for verification
Scroll not finalised
ICEGATE states that refund processing fails where the claim does not pass validation at GSTN or Customs.
Bill-wise Report
IGST Refund Reconciliation Report
Our Shipping Bill-wise report may contain:
Field
Review
Shipping Bill number
Verified
Shipping Bill date
Verified
Port code
Verified
Invoice number
Matched
GSTIN
Matched
GSTR-1 status
Reviewed
GSTR-3B status
Reviewed
IGST paid
Reconciled
EGM status
Reviewed
ICEGATE response code
Identified
Scroll status
Reviewed
PFMS status
Reviewed
Refund received
Reconciled
Pending amount
Calculated
Corrective action
Recommended
Possible deliverables: Pending Shipping Bill list, Error-code summary, Estimated pending amount, GST mismatch report, EGM issue list, Bank validation issue list, Corrective-action report, Refund-receipt reconciliation, Management summary.
What Is Included in Our IGST Refund Service?
The scope may include:
Initial consultation
Document checklist
Shipping Bill-wise refund review
GSTR-1 reconciliation
GSTR-3B reconciliation
ICEGATE validation review
Error-code identification
EGM status review
Scroll review
Bank-account review
Corrective-action report
Standard portal or departmental follow-up
Completion report
Services requiring separate quotation
GST return amendment preparation
Shipping Bill amendment
Customs representation
Response to notice
Refund-withholding proceedings
Risky exporter verification
IEC suspension revocation
Legal opinion
Appeal or litigation
Physical departmental appearanc
Very high Shipping Bill volumn
Multiple GSTINs or ports
Historical multi-year reconciliation
IGST Refund Professional Fees
Number of Shipping Bills
Pending refund amount
Number of GST registrations
Number of ports
Period involved
Error type
Requirement for amendment
Requirement for departmental representation
Price Model
Recommended pricing model
Initial diagnostic review
A fixed professional fee based on the number of Shipping Bills.
Reconciliation engagement
A fixed fee based on the volume and period.
Resolution engagement
A case-specific professional fee.
Ongoing refund management
Monthly or annual outsourcing fee.
Fee disclaimer
Our professional charges cover only the agreed scope. Other costs are billed apart from this. These include government fees, statutory charges, travel, and third-party costs. They also include legal representation and any work outside the agreed scope.
Paying a professional fee does not guarantee government sanction. It also does not guarantee refund disbursement.
How Long Does an IGST Refund Take?
There is no single guaranteed completion period.
The total timeline can depend on:
GST return filing
GSTN data transmission
EGM filing
Customs validation
Error correction
Amendment transmission
Scroll generation
Bank validation
PFMS processing
Departmental verification
Customs-location workload
ICEGATE gives exporters two pieces of advice. Check the Shipping Bill status after scroll generation. Approach the helpdesk if there is an unwarranted delay.
Dwarkadhish Overseas can give an estimated timeline for our own work. We can do this once we finish the initial assessment. But we cannot guarantee the processing time of GSTN, Customs, ICEGATE, PFMS, or another authority.
Why Dwarkadhish overseas
Why Choose Dwarkadhish Overseas?
Shipping Bill-wise analysis
We do not only check the total refund. Every available Shipping Bill is reviewed separately
GST and Customs reconciliation
We compare GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, invoices, Shipping Bills and ICEGATE statuses.
Error-specific resolution
Different errors require different corrective actions. Our process identifies the appropriate responsible party.
Multiple-agency coordination
This depends on the issue. Follow-up may need us to coordinate with several agencies. These can include GSTN, ICEGATE, Customs, shipping lines, airlines, carriers, gateway ports, banks, and PFMS. Each agency may handle a different part of the process. Good coordination can help resolve issues smoothly.
Clear reporting
Clients receive an organised pendency and action report instead of only verbal updates.
Ongoing compliance support
We can manage IGST refund reconciliation as part of Export Compliance Outsourcing.
Related Services
ICEGATE Registration
Register your IEC on ICEGATE and access applicable Customs enquiry and refund-status services.
AD Code Registration
Register your foreign-remittance bank account and AD Code against the applicable Customs location.
Duty Drawback
Get assistance with pending Duty Drawback, scroll status, bank rejection and Shipping Bill reconciliation.
RoDTEP Services
Buy or sell RoDTEP scrips and manage pending claims, scrolls and e-scrips.
Export Compliance Outsourcing
Outsource recurring IGST, Drawback, RoDTEP, Customs, DGFT and Shipping Bill management.
Client Experiences
What Our Clients Say
“Dwarkadhish Overseas supported us with our export documentation and compliance requirements. Their team was responsive and kept us informed throughout the process.”
Nishu Vishwas
[Company Name]
Service: Advance License
“We approached the team for our pending refund-related work. They reviewed the documents carefully and helped us understand the issues and required next steps.”
[Client Name]
[Company Name]
Service: IGST Refund Support
“The team assisted us with DGFT and Customs requirements in a professional and organised manner. Communication and follow-up were consistent.”
[Client Name]
[Company Name]
Service: Export Compliance Support
Pan India
IGST Refund Services Across India
Dwarkadhish Overseas provides remote IGST refund assessment, reconciliation and resolution support to exporters across India.
Mumbai
Surat
Kolkata
Pune
Indore
Jaipur
Kochi
Ludhiana
Rajkot
Tiruppur
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An export IGST refund is the refund of Integrated GST. This tax is charged on exports of goods or services that qualify for export. Statutory guidelines govern this process.
No. The Shipping Bill usually works as the refund application. This applies once you meet the required conditions.
No IGST is paid on exports under LUT. So an exporter does not claim a refund of export IGST this way. You may claim eligible accumulated ITC separately, through RFD-01.
File the refund claim through Form GST RFD-01, on the GST Portal. This applies where you have paid IGST.
SB000 means the Shipping Bill has passed the stated GST-Customs validation.
A few reasons are common. These include PFMS bank validation, IEC alerts, or IEC suspension. They also include small refunds under ₹1,000, or exports made using LUT or Bond.
The SB001 code shows a mismatch. The Shipping Bill information from GST does not match the information in Customs.
Compare the Shipping Bill number, date, and port code. Then use the available GST amendment tool, based on what you find.
Log in to ICEGATE. Go to the IGST Validation Enquiry, under the Enquiries service.
There is no single guaranteed timeline. It depends on return filing, EGM, validations, scroll generation, bank validation, and departmental processing.