Overview
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, viz. (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This unique code is essential for any individual or business entity who are engaged in the importing or exporting of goods or services from India.
Whether you are an MSME exporting your first product or a startup offering IT services to overseas clients, an IEC is your first step for the purpose of participating legally and effectively in global trade.
Why
Here's why having an Import Export Code (IEC) is essential: -
1. Legal Authorization for International Trade
IEC acts as a legal permit to conduct import/export activities in India. Without it, cross-border trade is not permitted.
2. Required for Customs Clearance
Customs authorities require an IEC to clear shipments that are imported or exported from India. It helps track and verify trade transactions.
3. Mandatory for Foreign Currency Transactions
Banks request an IEC while processing foreign currency payments, issuing letters of credit, or settling export/import invoices.
4. Eligibility for Export Incentives
Various benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (such as RoDTEP, SEIS, etc.) are accessible only to IEC holders.
5. Lifetime Validity with Mandatory Annual Confirmation
The IEC is issued for a lifetime. However, it must be electronically confirmed or updated every year between the period of April 1 and June 30 on the DGFT portal to remain active. Even if there are no changes, confirmation is still mandatory. Failure to do so may lead to automatic deactivation.
Process
IEC registration is entirely online and can be completed through the DGFT portal without any physical visits.
Step 1: Visit DGFT Portal
Go to: https://www.dgft.gov.in
Step 2: Create Login Credentials
Register using your email-ID, PAN and mobile number to generate a user ID and password.
Step 3: Fill Application Form (ANF-2A)
Enter details including: -
- Type of entity (individual, firm, company etc.)
- PAN of the applicant
- Address and contact details
- Bank account details
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan and upload all required documents in the prescribed specified format.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay the government fee of ₹500 online via the DGFT e-payment gateway (e-MPS) using Bharatkosh/Net Banking/UPI options provided.
Step 6: Bank Account Validation
Bank details are verified through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), and the process may take a few hours to complete the validation...!
Step 7: IEC Issuance
Upon successful verification, IEC is issued digitally within 1–3 working days. The certificate can be downloaded from the DGFT portal.
Documents
To apply for an IEC, you need to upload some important documents that prove your identity, your business and your bank account. Here's a simple checklist of the commonly required documents:
1. PAN Card
PAN of the applicant. (individual or business entity)
2. Identity Proof
- For individuals: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID
- For businesses: ID proof of Director/Partner/Owner
3. Address Proof of Business
Electricity bill, rent agreement, property ownership documents, etc.
- Bank Account Proof
4. Cancelled cheque or a banker’s certificate with the entity’s details
5. Business Registration Documents
- Sole Proprietor: No additional registration documents
- Partnership Firm: Partnership Deed
- LLP: Certificate of Incorporation & LLP Agreement
- Company: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, AOA, and Board Resolution (if applicable)
6. Photograph
7. Recent digital passport-size photo of the applicant
8. Digital Signature Requirement
- Individuals/Proprietors: Aadhaar-based e sign is sufficient.
- Companies and LLPs: A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory for submitting the application, post-registration updates, and profile linking.
Fee
- Government Fee: Application fee is ₹500 (non-refundable, one-time) and the Modification Fee is ₹200 (for changes to IEC details like bank, address, etc.)
- Renewal: Not required; however, annual confirmation of IEC is mandatory each year between April 1 and June 30.
- Professional/consultancy fees: It may apply if using a service provider.
Note: - Pay the government fee of ₹500 online via the DGFT e-payment gateway (e-MPS) using Bharatkosh/Net Banking/UPI options provided.
Timeline
| Activity | Estimated Time |
| Application Preparation | 30–60 minutes |
| Submission & Fee Payment | Immediate |
| Verification & Bank Validation | Within 24 hours |
| IEC Issuance | 1 to 3 working days |
FAQs
Yes. Any business or individual engaged in import or export of goods/services from India must obtain an IEC, except for personal use items or goods exempted by DGFT.
Yes. Even service providers such as freelancers and consultants need IEC to receive international payments and comply with FEMA and RBI rules.
Yes. Businesses exporting through Amazon, eBay, Flipkart Global, etc., require IEC for customs clearance and payment processing
No formal renewal is required. However, you must confirm or update your IEC details annually between April 1 and June 30 on the DGFT portal. Failing to do so may result in deactivation.
Only one IEC can be issued per PAN. Multiple IECs for a single PAN are not allowed.
Yes. You can surrender your IEC online via the DGFT portal if your business is closed or no longer needs it.
Yes. You can update your business address, contact information, bank details, or entity structure through the DGFT portal at any time. Aadhaar e sign or DSC may be required.
Yes, for companies and LLPs. Proprietors and individuals can use Aadhaar e sign. DSC is also required for post-registration changes or linking existing IEC.
Customs may detain goods, deny clearance, or impose penalties. Conducting international trade without an IEC is a violation of foreign trade regulations.
Yes. IEC is mapped to your PAN and GSTIN. This linkage is used for tax filings and claiming export-related benefits like GST refunds.
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