PAPERLESS CUSTOMS

Hassle-Free e-Sanchit & IRN Generation

Struggling with Digital Signature errors? We handle document resizing, PDF signing, and instant upload to ICEGATE for seamless clearance.

Technical Support

Facing issues with document upload?

What is e-Sanchit?

e-Sanchit (e-Storage and Computerized Handling of Indirect Tax documents) is a mandatory component of the SWIFT (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) initiative by Indian Customs. It allows importers and exporters to upload supporting documents like Invoices, Packing Lists, and Certificates digitally.

Once a document is successfully uploaded and digitally signed, the system generates a unique Image Reference Number (IRN). This IRN must be quoted in the Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill for the Customs Officer to view the document. Physical submission of papers is no longer required.

Prerequisites

Technical Requirements

Strict standards apply for successful upload.

PDF Standards

  • Must be PDF/A format
  • Max size: 1 MB per file
  • Resolution: 200 DPI (B&W)
  • No Color / Greyscale

Digital Signature

  • Class 3 DSC Required
  • Organization Based
  • Linked to ICEGATE ID
  • Token Driver Installed

System Setup

  • ICEGATE Account Active
  • Java Runtime (JRE)
  • Signing Utility v2.0
  • PKI Component

Pro Tip:

Most upload failures occur because the PDF is colored or the file size exceeds 1MB. We have specialized tools to compress and convert documents without losing clarity.

How We Help

IRN Generation Workflow

Scan & Send

You email us the scanned copies of Invoice, PL, BL, etc.

Optimize

We convert files to B&W, resize to below 1MB, and fix format issues.

Digital Sign

We apply your Digital Signature securely using the official utility.

Generate IRN

Upload to ICEGATE and share the generated IRNs with you instantly.

Service Charges

e-Sanchit Support

Pay Per Job Basis

₹ 500

Per Consignment (Up to 5 Docs)

  • PDF Conversion & Compression
  • Digital Signature Application
  • Document Type Code Mapping
  • IRN Generation
  • Error Resolution
Start Upload

*For bulk uploads or annual contracts, please contact our sales team.

Why CloudDesk for E-Sanchit-Filing?

e-Sanchit is where "Technical Glitches" meet "Customs Delays." CloudDesk is the filter that ensures only perfect data reaches the officer.

1. The "Format-First" Auto-Optimizer

ICEGATE is incredibly picky: PDFs must be under 1MB, no special characters in filenames, and specific DPI settings.CloudDesk’s Auto-Formatter takes your raw scans and instantly compresses, renames, and optimizes them to meet the exact ICEGATE 2026 specifications. No more "File Size Exceeded" or "Invalid Format" rejections.

2. Universal Signer Bridge

The most common failure point is the Digital Signature (DSC) mapping.CloudDesk provides a custom-built Signer Utility that works across all browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox). It ensures your DSC is detected and the document is "Hard-Signed" before the upload even begins.

3. IRN Ledger & Auto-Population

Manually copying 16-digit Image Reference Numbers (IRN) into your Shipping Bill or BoEis an invitation for typos. CloudDesk maintains a Digital IRN Vault. Once a document is uploaded, the IRN is automatically pulled into your filing draft, eliminating the risk of "Invalid IRN" queries.

4. Multi-Document Batch Processing

Instead of uploading one document at a time and waiting for the "Success" message, CloudDesk allows for Batch Uploads. Drag and drop your Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin; CloudDesk handles the sequential upload and gathers all your IRNs in one go.

Common e-Sanchit Queries

What is a DRN vs IRN?

DRN (Document Reference Number): Generated temporarily when a document is uploaded.
IRN (Image Reference Number): Generated after the DRN is digitally signed and submitted. Only the IRN is valid for customs filing.

Why am I getting "Digital Signature Not Verified" error?

This happens if the DSC used to sign the PDF is not registered under the same ICEGATE ID being used for upload. It may also occur if the Signing Utility (Signer) is outdated.

Can I upload documents after filing the Bill of Entry?

Yes — use the e-Sanchit (Post Filing) option. You must provide the Job Number and Date to link the additional documents to the existing Bill of Entry.

What are the exact file specifications for e-Sanchit in 2026?

Documents must be in PDF format, preferably in black and white (to save space). Each file must be less than 1 MB. The filename should not contain spaces or special characters (e.g., use Invoice_123.pdf instead of Invoice #123.pdf).

Is a Digital Signature mandatory for every upload?

Yes. Every document uploaded to e-Sanchit must be digitally signed by the person registered on the ICEGATE profile (either the Importer/Exporter or the authorized CHA).

Can I upload a photograph of a document?

No. Photographs (JPEG/PNG) are not accepted. You must scan the document and convert it to a clear, legible PDF. CloudDesk’s mobile app includes a "Customs-Grade Scanner" that does this automatically.

What is an IRN, and how long does it take to generate?

An Image Reference Number (IRN) is a unique 16-digit number generated by the system for every successful upload. Usually, it is generated instantly. If it’s "Pending," CloudDesk’s Ping-Bot monitors the status and alerts you the moment it’s ready

Once I have an IRN, is the document permanently saved?

Yes, the document is stored in the ICEGATE repository. However, an IRN is typically linked to a specific job. If you need to use the same document (like an Annual Insurance Policy) for multiple shipments, CloudDesk helps you re-use the IRN, saving you from redundant uploads.

What should I do if the system says "Signature Verification Failed"?

This usually happens if the DSC used for signing is not the same as the one mapped to the ICEGATE ID. CloudDesk’s DSC-Verify Tool checks the mapping before you sign to prevent this error.

Can I delete a document after generating an IRN?

No, you cannot delete it from the Customs server once the IRN is generated. If you uploaded the wrong file, you must upload the correct one, generate a new IRN, and use the new one in your filing.

How many documents can I link to a single Bill of Entry?

There is no hard limit, but you must upload all "Mandatory Documents" (Invoice, PL, BL) plus any "Supportive Documents" required for duty exemptions. CloudDesk provides a Checklist per HSN so you know exactly which documents need an IRN.