Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Online Registration
Secure your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) registration to unlock global trading opportunities and streamline your import and export processes.
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Four Steps to Get Your IEC Registration
Fill the Form
Provide business details
Add to cart
Pay the required fee online
Submit Documents
Upload required papers
Certificate delivery
Official Document Delivery
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Basic Plan
+GST
- Import export Code (IEC) Registration
Standard Plan
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Basic Plan
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- One DSC – 2 Years Vallidity
Premium Plan
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Standard Plan
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- MSME/UDYAM Registration
- GST Registration
- GST LUT Form
Overview of Import export code registration
Import Export Code (IEC) registration in India is a mandatory requirement for businesses engaged in importing or exporting goods and services. The IEC is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and serves as a primary identification for an entity in all export-import transactions. Obtaining an IEC is straightforward, involving an online application with the requisite documents, including the business’s PAN card, proof of address, and bank details.
Once issued, the IEC does not require renewal and remains valid for the lifetime of the business. It is essential for availing benefits from the export promotion schemes of the government and for seamless customs clearance. Additionally, the IEC is crucial for international transactions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and facilitating smooth global trade operations.
What What is an Import Export Code (IEC)
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India. It is a mandatory requirement for any individual or business engaged in international trade (import/export of goods or services).
Without IEC, you cannot legally import or export goods and services from India.
Example: A textile manufacturer exporting garments to the USA must obtain an IEC to process customs clearance and receive international payments.
Need to Update
Need to Update
Why Do You Need an IEC
Need to Update
Legal Requirement
Required to clear shipments through customs.
Global Business Expansion
Enables trade in international markets.
Tax Benefits
Helps in claiming GST refunds and duty exemptions on exports.
Smooth Foreign Transactions
Required for foreign bank payments and international trade financing.
No Annual Compliance
Unlike other business registrations, IEC does not require annual renewal or returns.
Example: A company exporting leather goods to Europe can claim GST refunds and duty exemptions using an IEC.
Documents Required for IEC Registration
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready
PAN Card
Bank Details
Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) / Aadhaar e-Sign
Business Address Proof
Company Incorporation Certificate (for companies/LLPs)
Note: Ensure your business name and bank details match exactly across all documents to avoid rejection.
Things to Consider Before Applying for IEC
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Process to Apply for IEC
Follow these simple steps to apply for IEC
Go to https://dgft.gov.in and register with your PAN and mobile number.
- Enter business details, PAN, address, and bank details.
- Upload all required documents in the correct format.
- Use Aadhaar e-sign (for individuals) or DSC (for companies).
- Verify details before submitting.
The IEC registration fee is ₹500, payable online.
- If all documents are correct, IEC is issued within 2-7 working days.
- Download the IEC certificate for customs and banking use.
Tip: Save a copy of your IEC certificate and update your records for future use.
Need to Update
Need to Update
Why Do You Need an IEC?
An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is essential for businesses and individuals involved in international trade. Here are six key reasons why an IEC is needed:
Legal Requirement
Customs Clearance
Export Incentives
Global Market Identity
Bank Transactions
Ease of Doing Business
Customs Clearance
It helps in the smooth clearance of goods at customs, facilitating international trade.
Export Incentives
An IEC enables exporters to avail government benefits under foreign trade policies.
Global Market Identity
The code establishes a trader's identity in the global market, enhancing credibility.
Bank Transactions
Necessary for processing international financial transactions through banks..
Ease of Doing Business
Streamlines documentation and compliance in international trade, making business operations smoother.
Why Do You Need an IEC?
An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is essential for businesses and individuals involved in international trade. Here are six key reasons why an IEC is needed:
Legal Requirement
Customs Clearance
Export Incentives
Global Market Identity
Bank Transactions
Ease of Doing Business
Customs Clearance
It helps in the smooth clearance of goods at customs, facilitating international trade.
Export Incentives
An IEC enables exporters to avail government benefits under foreign trade policies.
Global Market Identity
The code establishes a trader's identity in the global market, enhancing credibility.
Bank Transactions
Necessary for processing international financial transactions through banks..
Ease of Doing Business
Streamlines documentation and compliance in international trade, making business operations smoother.
How to Register for an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
Registering for an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is a pivotal step for engaging in international trade. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your IEC:
- Go to the DGFT’s official website
- This site is the primary portal for all trade-related activities, including IEC registration.
Locate the Services Tab: On the homepage of the DGFT website, find the ‘SERVICES’ tab which is typically located in the top menu.
Open IEC Options: Click on this tab to view a dropdown list of services related to IEC and other trade-related activities.
Select the Right Option: In the dropdown list under ‘SERVICES’, choose ‘IEC PROFILE MANAGEMENT.’ This section is dedicated to all activities related to IEC.
Initiate Application: On the IEC Profile Management page, look for and click on the ‘APPLY FOR IEC’ link. This action will start the IEC application process.
- After selecting ‘APPLY FOR IEC,’ you will be directed to a login and registration page.
- Click on the ‘REGISTRATION’ option to create a new user account.
- Enter the required personal or business details.
- After submitting these details, click on ‘SEND OTP.’
- You’ll receive OTPs on the registered email and mobile number.
- Enter these OTPs for verification and then click on ‘REGISTER.’
- Once your OTP is successfully validated, you will receive a temporary password.
- Use this password to log into your account on the DGFT website, where you can change it for future use.
Login and Apply: Log in with your new credentials. Navigate back to ‘APPLY FOR IEC.’ Complete the IEC application form (ANF 2A format) with all required business and personal details.
Upload Documents: Attach necessary documents such as PAN card, proof of address, bank details, etc.
Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fees for the IEC registration process.
Final Submission: After verifying all details and attachments, click on ‘SUBMIT AND GENERATE IEC CERTIFICATE.’
- After submitting the application, DGFT will process your request.
- Once approved, your unique IEC code will be generated.
- Revisit DGFT Website
- Navigate for Print Option: Click on ‘Services’ > ‘IEC Profile Management’ > ‘Print IEC.’
- Printing the IEC Certificate: Verify your details and then click on ‘Print IEC’ to get a physical copy of your IEC certificate.
Validity and Maintenance of Your IE Code
To ensure the smooth operation of your Import and Export Code (IEC), it’s essential to be aware of its validity and maintenance requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
Yearly Updates
Mandatory Yearly Updates: It is mandatory to update your Import and Export Code (IEC) profile every year.
Even with No Changes: Whether or not there are any changes to your IEC details, you must confirm the information online
Deactivation and Reactivation
Deactivation for Non-Compliance: If you fail to update your IEC profile as required, it will be deactivated.
Reactivation Possible: The good news is that a de-activated IEC can be reactivated once you successfully update your profile.
Compliance Matters: However, reactivation is contingent upon ensuring that no other actions have been taken that violate any other provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.
Keeping your IEC profile updated and compliant is essential for uninterrupted import and export activities. Failure to do so may result in deactivation, but rest assured, reactivation is possible with adherence to the necessary requirements.
