An Import Export Code (IEC) is a ten-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that is mandatory for most import and export businesses in India. It is applied for online on the DGFT portal in form ANF-2A, costs Rs 500, is usually issued quickly, and must be updated online every year between April and June.
What is an IEC?
The Importer Exporter Code is the primary registration for anyone doing cross-border trade in goods or services from India. Customs will not clear an import shipment, and banks will not process foreign exchange for an export or import transaction, without a valid IEC. Since 2018, the IEC number is the same as the PAN of the business, but it still has to be applied for and activated separately.
Who needs an Import Export Code?
- Businesses importing goods for commercial purposes
- Exporters of goods, and exporters of services who want to claim foreign trade policy benefits
- E-commerce sellers shipping internationally
- Any entity that needs to open a letter of credit or receive export proceeds as a trade transaction
A few categories are exempt, such as imports and exports for personal use not connected to trade and certain government departments. If you are unsure, it is safer to obtain an IEC, since it has no annual fee.
Documents required
- PAN of the entity (or individual for a proprietorship)
- Address proof of the business premises: sale deed, rent agreement or utility bill
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate showing the entity's name and account number
- Registration document for firms and companies: partnership deed, LLP or incorporation certificate
- Digital signature, or Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP-based e-signing
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Get expert help →How to apply for IEC online
- Register on the DGFT portal with the applicant's mobile number and email.
- Log in and select Apply for IEC under the services menu.
- Fill the ANF-2A form with entity details, address, bank details and details of partners or directors.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the Rs 500 fee online.
- Sign the application with a digital signature or Aadhaar OTP and submit.
- Download the IEC certificate once it is issued. Straightforward applications are often approved the same day or within a few working days.
Do not miss the annual IEC update
Every IEC holder must confirm or update their IEC details on the DGFT portal between April and June each year, even if nothing has changed. If the update is not done, the IEC is deactivated and customs clearance stops until it is updated again. This is one of the most common reasons shipments get stuck, so put it in your compliance calendar.
What to do after getting your IEC
- Register on ICEGATE, the customs electronic portal, to file shipping bills and bills of entry.
- Register your AD code (authorised dealer bank code) at each port you will export through.
- Obtain a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant Export Promotion Council to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
- Check whether your products need additional registrations such as APEDA, Spices Board, FSSAI import licence or BIS.
Modifying or cancelling an IEC
Changes in address, partners, directors or bank details must be updated on the DGFT portal through a modification application. A business that no longer trades can surrender its IEC online. Operating with outdated details can cause mismatches with customs and bank records.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee for IEC registration?
The government fee for a new IEC is Rs 500, paid online on the DGFT portal. There is no renewal fee. The annual update between April and June is free. Consultants charge a separate professional fee for preparing and filing the application.
Is IEC required for export of services?
IEC is not strictly mandatory for every service exporter, but it is required to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy and is often requested by banks for inward remittances classified as export proceeds. Most service exporters obtain one for smooth banking and future incentives.
Can an individual get an IEC?
Yes. An individual or sole proprietor can apply for an IEC using their personal PAN, Aadhaar and bank account. The same IEC covers all the proprietorship's import and export activities.
What happens if I do not update my IEC every year?
If the annual update is not completed between April and June, the IEC is deactivated. Customs will not clear goods against a deactivated IEC. It can be reactivated by completing the update on the DGFT portal, but shipments may be delayed until then.
Is GST registration required to get an IEC?
No. GST registration is not a precondition for IEC. However, most businesses that import or export goods will need GST registration anyway, because imports attract IGST and exporters need GSTIN to claim refunds of input tax credit or IGST paid.
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