Export · Export License
IEC Certificate
The foundational Import Export Code every exporter/importer needs.
What is IEC Certificate?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit business identification number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), mandatory for any business wanting to import or export goods/services from India — without it, customs clearance and foreign remittance for trade transactions cannot proceed.
IEC exists to give customs and banking authorities a single traceable identifier for every entity engaged in cross-border trade, forming the backbone of India's foreign trade data and enforcement system.
IEC is now issued entirely online through the DGFT portal and is PAN-linked — a business (or individual proprietor) holds exactly one IEC against its PAN, regardless of how many branch offices or product lines it operates across. Because the code is tied to PAN rather than to a specific product category or port, the same IEC is used for every shipment, every bank remittance, and every customs filing the business makes, which is why it's typically the very first registration any export or import journey starts with.
A common misconception is that IEC alone is sufficient to start trading — in practice it's the base layer, and most exporters still need one or more scheme-specific registrations (RCMC with the relevant Export Promotion Council, Icegate access for electronic filing, and sector registrations like APEDA or Spices Board where applicable) layered on top of the IEC before they can claim incentives or route certain shipments.
Who Needs It
Key Benefits
Documents Required
- PAN of the business/individual
- Bank account details and cancelled cheque
- Business address proof
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-sign for authentication
- Constitution proof of the entity (partnership deed, incorporation certificate, or proprietorship declaration, as applicable)
Our Process
Eligibility & Document Check
We confirm the correct applicant entity (proprietorship, partnership, company, LLP) and compile PAN, bank, and address proof.
Application Filing
The IEC application is filed online on the DGFT portal with PAN and bank details.
Digital Authentication
The application is authenticated using DSC or Aadhaar-based e-sign as required by the portal.
Verification
DGFT verifies the submitted details electronically.
IEC Issuance
The IEC is issued digitally, typically within a few working days.
Annual Update Reminder
We flag the April–June annual confirmation window each year so your IEC never lapses into deactivation.
Validity & Renewal
IEC has lifetime validity with no expiry, but holders must confirm/update their details annually between April and June or risk deactivation.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
DGFT deactivates a non-updated IEC automatically after the June deadline, without a prior notice or hearing, which halts customs clearance, remittance processing, and access to DGFT authorisation schemes until it's reactivated. Reactivation itself carries no penalty or late fee — the cost is the operational disruption while the IEC stays deactivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IEC need annual renewal?
IEC holders are required to confirm/update their details annually between April and June, though the code itself does not need re-registration.
Can one business hold multiple IECs?
No — IEC is linked to PAN, so a single legal entity holds exactly one IEC covering all its branches and product lines, regardless of how many locations it trades from.
Is IEC required for service exports too?
Yes, in most cases — banks typically require IEC to process inward remittances for service exports, even though no physical shipment or customs filing is involved.
What happens if my IEC gets deactivated?
A deactivated IEC blocks customs clearance and remittance processing; it can usually be reactivated by completing the pending annual confirmation on the DGFT portal.
Do I need a separate GST registration before applying for IEC?
GST is not always mandatory for IEC issuance, but most trading businesses need both, and having GST details ready smooths related compliance down the line.
Can an individual (not a company) get an IEC?
Yes — proprietorships and individuals can obtain IEC in their own name using personal PAN, which is common among freelancers and small exporters just starting out.
How much does IEC registration actually cost?
The DGFT government fee is ₹500 for a fresh application, payable online; there's no renewal fee since IEC doesn't expire, and the annual confirmation is free if filed within the April–June window.
Is there a penalty or late fee for missing the annual update deadline?
No monetary penalty is charged — DGFT simply deactivates the IEC after the deadline lapses, and it can be reactivated free of charge once the pending update is filed, though shipments and remittances are blocked in the meantime.
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