Get your Import Export Code (IEC) to legally engage in international trade. IEC is mandatory for importing or exporting goods and services from India. Lifetime validity with no renewal required.
Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It serves as the primary business identification number for any entity engaged in importing or exporting goods and services from India.
IEC is mandatory for customs clearance of imported/exported goods, receiving payments in foreign currency from overseas clients, making payments to foreign suppliers, and availing various export promotion schemes offered by the government. Without a valid IEC, businesses cannot legally engage in international trade.
The best part about IEC is its lifetime validity – once obtained, it never expires and requires no renewal. This makes it one of the most valuable business registrations for anyone looking to expand into global markets. The entire registration process is online through the DGFT portal with minimal documentation requirements.
Key Features of IEC Code
10-Digit Unique Code
Permanent identification for international trade
Lifetime Validity
No expiry, no renewal required ever
PAN-Based Number
Linked to your business PAN for authenticity
Online Process
Complete digital registration via DGFT portal
Minimal Fee
One-time government fee of ₹500 only
Quick Issuance
Digital certificate within 3-7 days
Who Needs IEC Code?
Importers
Exporters
Manufacturers (Export)
Trading Companies
E-commerce Sellers
Service Exporters
Software Companies
Freelancers (Foreign Clients)
Consultants (Global)
When is IEC Code Required?
Customs Clearance
For clearing imported goods at ports/airports or dispatching export consignments through customs
Foreign Currency Transactions
Receiving payments from foreign clients or making payments to overseas suppliers through banks
Booking cargo with shipping lines or airlines for international freight movement
Trade Documentation
Preparing Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List for international shipments
Benefits of IEC Code
Global Market Access
Legally import/export to any country worldwide
Lifetime Validity
One-time registration, never expires
Government Benefits
Access DGFT export promotion schemes
Bank Transactions
Process forex payments seamlessly
Business Expansion
Grow beyond domestic market limitations
No Renewal Cost
Zero recurring fees or charges
Professional Credibility
Recognized trader status with customs
Easy Process
Simple online application with minimal docs
Entities Eligible for IEC Registration
Individuals / Sole Proprietors
Partnership Firms
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
Private Limited Companies
Public Limited Companies
One Person Company (OPC)
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
Trusts
Society / Association
IEC Registration Process
1
Document Preparation
Gather PAN card, Aadhaar, business registration proof, bank details, and address proof. Ensure all documents are clear and valid
2
Digital Signature
Obtain Class 2 or Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for authorized signatory, or use Aadhaar-based e-Sign
3
DGFT Portal Registration
Create account on DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in), complete profile with business details and contact information
4
Online Application
Fill IEC application form (ANF-2A) with business details, bank account, and upload all required documents
5
Fee Payment
Pay ₹500 government fee online through net banking, debit/credit card via the DGFT portal
6
IEC Certificate
Upon verification, receive digital IEC certificate with 10-digit code. Download and print for records
What You Get
10-Digit IEC Number
Digital IEC Certificate
DGFT Portal Registration
Lifetime Valid License
Complete Documentation
DSC/e-Sign Assistance
Bank Letter Format
Customs Registration Guide
Export-Import Procedure Guide
DGFT Scheme Information
Annual Update Reminder
Post-Registration Support
IEC Annual Update Requirement
Mandatory Annual Updation (April - June)
As per DGFT regulations, all IEC holders must update their IEC details on the DGFT portal annually between April 1st and June 30th every year. This is mandatory even if there are no changes in details.
What to Update
Confirm or update business name, address, bank details, contact information, and other relevant details
Free of Cost
Annual updation is completely free - no government fee or charges applicable
Consequence of Non-Update
IEC may be deactivated if not updated for 2 consecutive years, blocking import/export operations
Reactivation Process
Deactivated IEC can be reactivated by completing pending updates and submitting request to DGFT
Cases Where IEC is NOT Required
Personal Imports/Exports
Goods imported/exported for personal use, not connected with trade, manufacture, or agriculture
Government Departments
Imports/exports by Central or State Government Ministries and Departments
Charitable Organizations
Notified charitable institutions importing/exporting goods for charitable purposes
Defense & Security
Import/export by defense and security forces for official purposes
Temporary Imports
Temporary imports for exhibitions, seminars, or specific events with re-export obligation
Small Value Consignments
Single consignment valued at ₹5 Lakh or less (subject to conditions)
Note: For all commercial trade activities, IEC is mandatory. If you're unsure whether you need IEC, it's always safer to obtain one given its lifetime validity and minimal cost.
Export Benefits Available with IEC
Duty Drawback
Refund of customs duties paid on imported inputs used in export products
RoDTEP Scheme
Remission of duties and taxes on exported products
Advance Authorization
Duty-free import of inputs for export production
EPCG Scheme
Import capital goods at zero/concessional duty for export commitment
SEZ Benefits
Special Economic Zone tax and duty benefits for exporters
Export Credit
Pre and post shipment credit at concessional interest rates
IEC Modification & Surrender
IEC Modification
Change in business name or constitution
Change in business address
Addition/deletion of partners/directors
Change in bank account details
Update contact information
IEC Surrender/Cancellation
Business closure or winding up
No longer engaged in import/export
Merger or acquisition with another entity
Voluntary surrender request
Ensure no pending export obligations
Important Trade Terms to Know
FOBFree On Board
CIFCost, Insurance & Freight
LCLetter of Credit
BLBill of Lading
AWBAir Waybill
HS CodeHarmonized System Code
DGFTDirectorate General of Foreign Trade
ECGCExport Credit Guarantee Corporation
EDIElectronic Data Interchange
Why Get IEC with Saarthium?
1500+ IEC Registrations Completed
Expert DGFT Portal Knowledge
Complete Documentation Support
DSC Procurement Assistance
Quick 3-7 Days Processing
Annual Update Reminders
Modification Support
Post-Registration Guidance
Important Points to Remember
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IEC is mandatory for all commercial import/export activities in India
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One PAN can have only one IEC - ensure correct business PAN is used
⚠️
IEC has lifetime validity but requires annual update between April-June
⚠️
Non-updation for 2 consecutive years leads to IEC deactivation
⚠️
Government fee is only ₹500 (one-time, no renewal charges)
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Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign is required for application
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IEC number is PAN-based and unique to your business entity
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Ensure bank account is active and in the name of IEC applicant entity
IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary document required for any person or business entity to engage in import or export activities. Without IEC, customs authorities will not allow clearance of goods, and banks will not process foreign currency transactions related to trade.
Who needs IEC Code?
IEC is mandatory for: Individuals engaged in import/export business, Proprietorship firms, Partnership firms, LLPs, Private/Public Limited Companies, Trusts, HUFs, and any other entity involved in international trade. It's required for customs clearance of goods, receiving foreign currency in bank accounts, sending foreign payments, availing export promotion benefits, and dealing with DGFT for trade-related matters.
What is the validity of IEC Code?
IEC Code has lifetime validity and does not require renewal. Once issued by DGFT, it remains valid indefinitely unless specifically cancelled or surrendered by the holder. However, as per new DGFT regulations, all IEC holders must update their IEC details on the DGFT portal annually between April and June, failing which the IEC may be deactivated.
How long does IEC registration take?
IEC registration typically takes 3-7 working days after submission of complete and accurate documents on the DGFT portal. The entire process is online. If all documents are in order and there are no discrepancies, the IEC certificate is issued digitally within this timeframe. Processing may take longer if documents need clarification.
What is the government fee for IEC registration?
The government fee for IEC registration is ₹500 only, payable online through the DGFT portal via net banking or debit/credit card. Since IEC has lifetime validity, there are no renewal fees. The only recurring requirement is annual updation of IEC details (which is free of cost) between April-June each year.
Can I import/export without IEC?
Generally, IEC is mandatory for all import/export activities. However, some exemptions exist: Personal imports/exports not connected with trade/manufacture/agriculture, imports/exports by Central/State Government departments, notified charitable organizations, and temporary imports/exports for specific purposes. For all commercial trade activities, IEC is compulsory.