Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

What is an Import Export Code?

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is required for any business that imports or exports goods from India. Customs, banks and shipping agents use the IEC to identify the importer or exporter. The IEC number is the same as the applicant’s PAN.

Who needs an IEC?

• Businesses importing goods for sale or for their own commercial use, such as machinery or equipment
• Exporters of goods, including handicrafts, textiles, food products and costumes
• E-commerce sellers shipping products to overseas customers
• Service exporters who want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy
• Businesses receiving foreign payments for goods through banks

Certain government bodies and specified categories are exempt, and personal imports for non-commercial use do not need an IEC.

Benefits of IEC registration

• Customs clearance: import shipments cannot be cleared for business use without an IEC.
• Foreign payments: banks require an IEC to process export receipts and import payments for goods.
• Export incentives: access schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy and duty benefits.
• Lifetime validity: a single registration, with only a simple annual update.
• Minimal compliance: no periodic returns are required for the IEC itself.

Documents required

• PAN of the business or proprietor
• Aadhaar card of the proprietor, partner or director
• Business address proof: an electricity bill, rent agreement or sale deed
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for the business current account
• Certificate of Incorporation, LLP certificate or partnership deed, as applicable
• Digital signature or Aadhaar OTP for signing the application

Our IEC registration process

1. Consultation: we understand what you import or export and check whether an IEC is required.
2. DGFT portal setup: we register your business on the DGFT portal and link it to your PAN.
3. Application: we file the IEC application in Form ANF-2A with correct business details and bank information.
4. Verification: the application is signed with your DSC or Aadhaar OTP and the government fee is paid online.
5. IEC certificate: the e-IEC certificate is issued and shared with you, usually within a few working days.
6. Annual update: we remind you every April and update your IEC before the June deadline.

Timeline and cost

Most IECs are issued within one to three working days of filing. The cost includes a small government fee and our professional fee, which we confirm upfront.

Beyond the IEC

Importing and exporting often needs more than one registration. We also help with GST registration and Letters of Undertaking (LUT) for zero-rated exports, export documentation, foreign remittance compliance and accounting for multi-currency transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the IEC need renewal?

The IEC has lifetime validity, but it must be updated online every year between April and June, even if there are no changes. If it is not updated, the IEC is deactivated.

Can a proprietor get an IEC in their personal PAN?

Yes. A proprietor can apply using their individual PAN. Companies, LLPs and firms apply using the entity’s PAN.

How long does IEC registration take?

With correct documents, the IEC is usually issued within one to three working days of filing the application on the DGFT portal.