Mandatory Annual IEC Renewal & Updation by DGFT

IEC Renewal is the yearly online update of your Import Export Code (IEC) details on the DGFT portal. You simply confirm or correct your business information so that DGFT’s records stay accurate, as required under the current Foreign Trade Policy.

Yes, it is compulsory for all IEC holders every year. Even if there are no changes in your business details, you still have to complete the renewal.

The renewal window is from 1st April to 30th June every year. You must complete the process by 30th June.

If you do not update by 30th June, your IEC gets automatically deactivated in the DGFT system. Once deactivated, you cannot carry out any import or export activities until it is reactivated.

No. Customs do not accept a deactivated IEC. The ICEGATE system will block your shipping bills and bills of entry, and your import/export transactions will not go through.

You need to log in to the DGFT portal, complete the pending update/confirmation, and submit it with proper authentication (OTP/DSC). Once done correctly, the IEC is generally reactivated immediately, and you can resume trade.

If you are only confirming your existing details and not changing anything, there is no government fee for the annual renewal.

A small government fee (currently ₹200 + GST) is charged when you change any details, such as address, directors/partners, or bank account information.

Yes. Even if you did not do any import or export during the year, you still have to complete the annual IEC update. The requirement is based on holding an IEC, not on the volume of trade.

• Renewal: Yearly confirmation that your existing details are correct (no fee).
• Modification: Actual change in your IEC details, like address, directors, or bank information (fee payable).

For companies and LLPs, a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is typically required to authenticate the application on the DGFT portal.

Yes. Proprietors can use Aadhaar-based e-Sign with OTP, provided the mobile number is correctly linked to their Aadhaar.

If you have your login details, DSC/Aadhaar OTP access, and all information ready, the online renewal can usually be completed within 30–60 minutes, and confirmation is almost instant.

Linking IEC means connecting your IEC number with your DGFT user account for the first time. This step confirms that you are the rightful holder and then allows you to renew or modify the IEC online.

First, check that the PAN, name, and date of birth/incorporation match precisely with the Income Tax records. If the error persists, you may need help from a professional to resolve any mismatch or database syncing issue.

No documents are required if you are only confirming your existing details. You just complete the form and authenticate it digitally.

Documents are needed only when you change something, for example:

• Address change → utility bill/rent agreement
• Bank change → cancelled cheque/bank proof DGFT may ask for supporting documents to verify the updated details.

Yes, and you should. Keeping your mobile number and email ID updated is very important to receive OTPs, alerts, and all future communications from DGFT.

The IEC itself is valid for a lifetime. However, if you do not complete the annual update, the status will become “Deactivated” in the system until you renew it.

Annual renewal was introduced to keep DGFT’s exporter-importer database accurate and up to date, so that policy decisions, risk management, and compliance checks are based on current information.

Yes. If you have stopped doing business or no longer need the IEC, you can voluntarily surrender it through the DGFT portal. The IEC will then be cancelled/suspended.

Yes. All your branches, units, and additional business locations linked to the IEC should be verified and updated during renewal so that your IEC profile reflects the whole, correct structure of your business.

GST details are part of your IEC profile and should be correctly mentioned. However, the core renewal is authenticated primarily through PAN, Aadhaar, and DSC, as per the current DGFT process.

ANF 2A (Aayaat Niryaat Form 2A) is the standard application form used for applying for a new IEC or for significant changes in IEC details under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Yes, foreign directors can sign the application as long as they have a valid DSC recognised in India and their details are correctly updated in the IEC and DGFT user profile.

Go to the DGFT website, open the “View IEC / Print IEC” or similar status section, and enter your IEC number and firm name. The system will show whether your IEC is active, deactivated, or suspended.

Yes, you can still complete the update after the deadline. However, until you do it, your IEC will remain deactivated, and you won’t be able to import or export.

At present, there is usually no separate monetary penalty for late renewal. The real penalty is business disruption, because a deactivated IEC blocks all import and export activity until it is reactivated.

After updating, you can download the latest e-IEC certificate from the DGFT portal. It will show your updated details and can be shared with banks, customs brokers, or other authorities when required.

You must have an active IEC to claim any export benefits or incentives (such as under schemes like RoDTEP or future schemes). If your IEC is deactivated, your incentive claims may get delayed or rejected until the IEC is reactivated.