Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Online

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. As per Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, it is mandatory for any person or entity engaged in the import or export of goods from India. The IEC number is now linked to your PAN, making it an essential business identifier for international trade.

Yes, the IEC registration is valid for the lifetime of the entity and does not expire. However, as per DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020 dated 12th February 2021, you must update your IEC details online every year between April 1st and June 30th, even if there are no changes. Failure to complete this mandatory annual update will result in the automatic deactivation of your IEC from July 1st.

The official government fee for applying for a new IEC is ₹500, payable online through the DGFT portal during the application process. For the mandatory annual update/confirmation of IEC details (with no changes), there is no government fee. Professional fees for consultancy services and DSC procurement are additional.

Yes, an individual can get an IEC under the category of "Proprietorship." The individual's personal PAN card and bank account will be used for registration. The name on the PAN and bank account must match precisely to avoid validation errors during the DGFT verification process.

Yes, the PAN card is the most critical document for IEC registration. Under the current system implemented post-GST, the IEC number issued is actually your 10-digit alphanumeric PAN number itself. The IEC Certificate issued by DGFT serves as the authorisation to use that PAN for foreign trade activities in India.

No, as per Para 2.08 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023, a single legal entity (defined by a single PAN) can have only one IEC. However, you can add multiple branch addresses, factory locations, or warehouse addresses under the same IEC registration as "Branch Offices" in your IEC profile.

No, an IEC is not required if you are importing goods for personal use that is not connected with trade, manufacturing, or agriculture. This exemption is provided under Para 2.08 of the Handbook of Procedures. However, this exemption is subject to specific value limits and categories defined by the Customs department under the Baggage Rules.

As per the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993 and Para 2.07 of HBP 2023, the following are exempted: (i) Ministries/Departments of Central or State Government (permanent IEC: AMDCG0111E / ADSGA0129E), (ii) Persons importing/exporting for personal use not connected with trade (permanent IEC: IIHIE0153E), (iii) Imports from Nepal/Myanmar within ₹25,000 CIF value per consignment, and (iv) UN and its specialised agencies (permanent IEC: DCUNO0137E).

As per Para 2.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, IEC is not mandatory for service exports unless the service provider intends to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (like RoDTEP or RoSCTL schemes) or is dealing with specified services/technologies. However, having an IEC is recommended for seamless banking transactions and receiving foreign remittances.

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for Companies, LLPs, and Partnership Firms to sign the IEC application digitally. For Proprietorships, the application can be authenticated using Aadhaar-based e-sign OTP as per DGFT's updated guidelines from 2025, though DSC is recommended for future DGFT transactions and modifications.

Yes, you must provide a valid address for the principal place of business. This can be a commercial space or a residential address (for proprietorships). You must submit proof of address, such as a rent agreement (if rented) or a sale deed (if owned), along with a recent utility bill not older than 2 months.

The DGFT accepts either: (a) A Cancelled Cheque where the account holder's name, account number, and IFSC code are pre-printed, OR (b) A Bank Certificate signed by the authorised bank official in the prescribed format as per Annexure to ANF-2A. The bank account must be in the applicant entity's name.

Since the IEC application process is fully automated and online on the DGFT portal, the IEC is typically generated instantly or within a few hours after successful payment and submission. In some cases, where manual verification is triggered due to data discrepancies, it may take 1-2 working days for the Regional Authority to process.

No, the entire IEC application process is faceless and online as per the Government's Digital India initiative. All applications are filed through the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in), queries are raised and answered electronically, and the IEC Certificate is delivered via email. There is no requirement to visit any DGFT Regional Office.

Yes, you can modify your IEC details at any time through the DGFT portal. Changes in address, partners, directors, bank details, or branch offices must be updated by filing a modification request online. Most modifications are auto-approved by the system, and changes are typically reflected within a few hours.

Suppose you fail to confirm or update your IEC details between April 1st and June 30th of each financial year (as mandated by DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020). In that case, your IEC will be automatically marked as "Deactivated" from July 1st. A deactivated IEC cannot be used for import/export transactions or customs clearance.

To reactivate a deactivated IEC, simply navigate to the DGFT website (dgft.gov.in), log in to your account, and complete the pending IEC update/confirmation process. Upon successful submission via DSC or Aadhaar e-signature, the IEC shall be automatically reactivated without any manual intervention or a physical visit to the DGFT offices.

There are no monthly or quarterly return filing requirements specifically for IEC. However, you must comply with GST return filings (if registered), RBI/FEMA regulations regarding foreign remittances, and Customs compliance for each shipment. The only direct IEC compliance is the mandatory annual update of details on the DGFT portal between April and June.

If you are exporting software on physical media (CD/DVD/Hardware), IEC is mandatory as it involves physical export. For pure software transmission online (digital delivery), IEC is not strictly mandatory unless you want to claim export incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy. However, banks often request an IEC for processing inward foreign remittances.

If you are managing drop shipping (Merchanting Trade), the goods do not physically enter India, but the payments flow through Indian banks. Therefore, a valid IEC is mandatory to process these foreign currency transactions in compliance with RBI Master Directions and FEMA regulations. Additionally, Income Tax compliance in India applies to your earnings from such transactions.

No, in addition to the IEC, you will need an FSSAI Central License for food safety compliance. Furthermore, RCMC registration with APEDA is mandatory for exporting scheduled agricultural and processed food products under the APEDA Act, 1985. Other product categories may additionally require clearance from the Spices Board, Tea Board, or Coffee Board, depending on the specific commodity.

A foreign company cannot obtain an IEC directly. It must first establish a legal presence in India by registering a Liaison Office or Branch Office, or by incorporating a Private Limited Subsidiary, and subsequently obtain an Indian PAN from the Income Tax Department. Only after receiving a PAN can they apply for an IEC.

This is a classification declared in the IEC application. A Manufacturer Exporter produces/manufactures the goods they export from their own facility. A Merchant Exporter procures/purchases goods from a manufacturer and exports them without manufacturing. You must select the correct category, as it affects eligibility for specific export schemes.

Yes, if a startup intends to import raw materials, components, equipment, or export finished products/services, obtaining an IEC is one of the first regulatory requirements. There is no exemption based on business size or startup status – IEC is mandatory for all commercial import/export activities regardless of entity type.

Importing commercial goods without a valid IEC is a violation of Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. The goods may be held/confiscated by Customs authorities, and the importer may face penalties under Section 11 of the FT(D&R) Act, which can range from ₹10,000 to five times the value of the goods involved.

Common reasons for IEC rejection include: (i) Name on PAN and Bank account not matching exactly, (ii) Unclear or illegible scanned documents, (iii) Address proof not matching the application details, (iv) Use of an invalid/expired DSC, (v) Bank account not being in the name of the applicant entity, or (vi) Incorrect email/mobile verification.

Yes, if you wish to discontinue your import-export business permanently, you can file an online request to surrender your IEC via the DGFT portal under IEC Profile Management. Once surrendered, the IEC is cancelled, marked as inactive in the system, and cannot be used for any further import/export transactions.

RCMC stands for Registration Cum Membership Certificate, issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) like FIEO, AEPC, or EEPC. While IEC is the basic licence to conduct import/export trade, RCMC is additionally required to claim government benefits, subsidies, and incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy. You need a valid IEC before applying for RCMC.

Once your IEC is approved, log in to the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) using your credentials. Navigate to "Services" → "IEC Profile Management" → "View IEC" or "Print IEC." You can download the digitally signed PDF certificate, which contains a unique QR code for online verification by customs, banks, and other stakeholders.

Yes, Setindiabiz provides comprehensive IEC-related services, including new IEC registration, linking old IECs to the new DGFT portal, updating profile details, managing the mandatory annual compliance update, modifying IEC details, and handling any queries or deficiencies raised by DGFT Regional Authorities to keep your licence active and compliant.