Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

Mandatory

Mandatory 10-digit DGFT code for all cross-border trade transactions

Validity: Lifetime (annual update required)

What is Import Export Code (IEC) Registration?

An Import Export Code is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is mandatory for any person or entity engaging in import or export of goods or services from India. IEC is required for customs clearance, foreign exchange remittance, and availing export incentives. The registration is lifetime valid but requires annual update.

The Import Export Code is the primary business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992. Every exporter or importer of goods or services must obtain an IEC before initiating any cross-border trade transaction. The code is a 10-digit number linked to the PAN of the entity or individual. Only one IEC can be issued against a single PAN. IEC is required by customs authorities when filing shipping bills for export or bills of entry for import on the ICEGATE portal. Banks require IEC for remitting foreign exchange payments in connection with import of goods or services, and for crediting export proceeds received from overseas buyers. The DGFT requires IEC for registration on trade facilitation portals and for availing benefits under schemes such as the Advance Authorisation Scheme, the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme, and the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme. The IEC application is made online on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. The applicant uploads supporting documents including PAN card, address proof, bank certificate or cancelled cheque, and a digital photograph. The DGFT issues the IEC electronically within one to two working days after successful submission and payment of the application fee. The IEC is issued for the lifetime of the entity and does not require renewal. However, the DGFT introduced a mandatory annual update requirement effective 2021 under which the IEC holder must update their details on the DGFT portal between April and June each year even if there are no changes. Failure to update results in deactivation of the IEC. Entities that are not required to obtain IEC include individuals importing goods for personal use, imports or exports by Central Government departments and notified charitable organisations, and imports of specified goods below a threshold value. However, virtually all commercial importers and exporters require IEC.

Who Needs Import Export Code (IEC) Registration?

Every Indian exporter and importer of goods or services, including manufacturers exporting their products, traders importing raw materials or finished goods, software and IT services exporters, freelancers receiving foreign currency for professional services, and e-commerce sellers exporting through international platforms.

What's Included

Mandatory clearance for all import and export customs transactions
Required by banks for foreign exchange remittance and receipt
Prerequisite for all DGFT export promotion schemes (Advance Auth, EPCG, MEIS successor)
Enables GST refund on exports through ICEGATE-GSTN integration
Lifetime validity eliminates periodic renewal burden
Annual update maintains active status and DGFT portal access

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Exporting or importing without a valid IEC is a violation of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992. Goods may be confiscated by customs and the person may face penal action. Failure to annually update the IEC results in automatic deactivation, disrupting trade operations.

Gamma — AI deck and presentation creator for startups

How It Works

1
DGFT portal registration
Register on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in using the entity PAN and create a user account linked to the applicant email.
2
Application form completion
Complete the IEC application form online, entering entity details, bank account details, and uploading required documents.
3
Payment of application fee
Pay the DGFT application fee of Rs 500 online through the payment gateway on the portal.
4
IEC issuance
DGFT processes the application and issues the IEC electronically within one to two working days. The IEC letter is downloadable from the portal.
5
Annual update compliance
Set a reminder each year to log in to the DGFT portal between April and June and update IEC details to prevent deactivation.

Live workshop — Can My Startup Win Grants? 4 August, 10:30 AM. Register for ₹99

Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Core Documents

PAN card of the entity or individualRequired
Aadhaar or passport of authorised signatoryRequired
Address proof of principal place of businessRequired
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate showing account number and IFSCRequired
Photograph of applicant or authorised signatoryRequired
Certificate of Incorporation or equivalent registrationRequired

Fees & Pricing

Government Fees

IEC application fee (DGFT portal)

One-time fee payable online at dgft.gov.in; no renewal fee

500

Professional Fees

IEC application assistance and DGFT portal registration

Quoted on review of your specific case

Varies

Total (approx.)0500

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an individual obtain an IEC?

Yes. Any individual engaged in export or import of goods or services, including freelancers, consultants, and sole proprietors, can obtain an IEC. The IEC is linked to the individual PAN. Only one IEC can be issued per PAN.

What is the annual IEC update requirement?

The DGFT mandated annual update of IEC from 2021. Every IEC holder must log in to the DGFT portal between April and June each year and confirm or update their details. Even if nothing has changed, the update must be performed to keep the IEC active. An IEC that has not been updated for a year is automatically deactivated.