IEC Registration in India: How to Get Your Import Export Code on the DGFT Portal

Introduction

IEC, or Import Export Code, works as a legal passport for Indian exporters and importers. In India, the IEC code is issued by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), which is compulsory for goods customs clearance, as without it, Indian importers/exporters cannot do international border trade. Under the Foreign Trade Policy, Indian businesses enjoy privileges like duty drawbacks, tax rebates, and export subsidies. Let's take a look at the IEC code registration process, steps for IEC check, and what documents are required for it. 

What is IEC Code and Who Needs it?

The IEC full form is "Import Export Code", issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India. IEC code is a 10-digit alphanumeric number which is mandatory for everyone whoever making the import-exprt into or outside of India. As it holds the lifetime validity, therefore the businesses do not require to apply for renewal.

To get the IEC Code, the government fee is ₹500. Entities registered as an LLP, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited company, trust, or society are required to obtain the mandatory 10-digit IEC Code.

Note: In India, a GST registration certificate is generally not required to obtain the IEC Code.

What Are the Benefits of IEC Code?

Under the Export Trade Policy, registered businesses with a valid IEC code can claim duty drawbacks, tax rebates, and enjoy export subsidies. These are the common advantages associated with IEC (Import Export Code):

• Access to Global Market: With valid government documents, businesses can easily sell goods or raw materials in international markets without any restrictions. 
• Smooth Customs Clearance: It is a gateway to get customs clearance of goods from the officers. The goods are cleared only at the ports of entry
• International Financial Transactions: The banks ask for an IEC code if your business is receiving payment for import or export. 
• Opportunity for Government Schemes & Incentives: Eligible export and import businesses enjoy foreign trade advantages and can be part of promotional programs. 
• Simplified Compliance: An IEC code license holds the lifetime validity, therefore businesses are not required to apply for a new code, instead they only maintains the IEC annual update compliance; missing the April–June window gets the IEC deactivated. 
• Boosts Business Representation: As the IEC code number is valid globally, it boosts the credibility of your import or export business on the global stage. 

What Documents Are Required for DGFT IEC Code?

To obtain the Import-Export Code (IEC), you are generally required to provide specific personal documents and other code entity paperwork. The IEC registration documents include:

Entity Specific Documents

Entity-specific documents depend on the structure under which you have applied. Here is the complete checklist of entity-specific documents:

How to Register for an IEC Code on the DGFT Portal?

Exporters and importers can easily obtain the IEC code via the DGFT portal. To obtain it, you only need to register on the portal, prepare the required documents, pay the application fee of ₹500, and wait 1-3 working days for approval. Follow these steps for faster approval:

Step 1: Register on DGFT Portal

Visit the DGFT portal and navigate to the Importer/Export section. Enter your details to get the OTP, which you will receive on your contact number. Make a temporary password to log in and you can change it later.

 Step 2: Open the IEC application

Log in, click Apply for IEC on the dashboard (or Services > IEC Profile Management > Apply for IEC), then click Start Fresh Application (form ANF-2A). Mention Proceed with Existing Application for saved drafts.

Step 3: Mention Details & Attach Documents

In the application form, enter the details of your firm: nature, PAN, name of the applicant, and address with PIN. According to your business structure, mention the entity details, including the details of the bank account.

Step 4: Provide Other Details & Complete Declarations

Give the reason why you are applying for the IEC code and select the option between Importer and Exporter. Once you accept the declaration, enter the place details.

Step 5: Review & Pay Fees

Before the final submission, review all the details you mentioned and then sign in. For authentication, use the Aadhaar card or DSC. Pay the mandatory fee of ₹500 via BharatKosh and download the receipt.

Step 6: Download Your IEC Certificate

DGFT sent the IEC certificate to your email address, which you mentioned in the application. Download it and print the certificate. The applicant is required to mention the CBIC transmission status under their IEC.

How Much Does IEC Registration Cost?

The government cost for obtaining the Import Export Code is ₹500, which can be paid via an online payment gateway. Beyond the government fees, additional costs are associated with specific documents.

Note: The Government Fee of ₹500 is non-refundable.

Process to Track IEC Code Application

The applicants can track the application through the official DGFT online portal. The steps to track the application status are:

• Visit the DGFT portal and sign in with your registered contact number and email address.
• Navigate to the IEC Section and click on Services> IEC Profile Management> Check IEC Application Status.
• Enter your application or reference number. Complete the CAPTCHA process and then click on “Search”. 
• The dashboard will show your current application status.

Conclusion

IEC Code is the gateway to legally operating import or export activities. With a valid IEC, you can apply for the AD code, claim government benefits/incentives, and expand into cross-border selling. DGFT is the primary authority that grants the IEC code to businesses that heavily involve themselves in importing from India. The government fee for the application is ₹500, and it takes 1-3 working days to complete the process.  Make your process faster and simpler with JustStart experts who handle the complete IEC registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is an IEC Code?
Ans. IEC, or Import Export Code, is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to businesses that operate goods import or export activities. 

Q2. Can I file the IEC application myself?
Ans. Yes, you can submit the IEC application yourself on the DGFT portal in a hassle-free manner. The government fee is only ₹500 and additional associated only with specific documents required. 

Q3. What is ANF-2A?
Ans. ANF-2A is an application form used by businesses while applying for the IEC code. It is also used for the IEC (Import Export Code) modification. 

Q4. How long does it take to get the IEC?
Ans. It takes only 1-3 working days to get the IEC certificate online. However, delays can be due to mismatched information or documents.

Q5. Is GST registration mandatory to obtain an IEC Code?
Ans. No, you are not required to obtain GST to file an IEC application on the DGFT portal, as the whole process is attached to the PAN card. 

Q6. Is DSC mandatory for an IEC application?
Ans. No, DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) is not mandatory for an IEC application. For authentication, you can use Class 2, Class 3, or e-Aadhaar, depending on entity type. 

Q7. Does an IEC expire?
Ans. No, an IEC has lifetime validity, and it does not expire. But still, IEC holders are required to update the details annually (from 1 April to 30 June); missing the April–June window gets the IEC deactivated. 

Q8. Can I have more than one IEC on the same PAN?
Ans. No, you cannot have more than one IEC code on the same PAN, as DGFT allows only one IEC per PAN. 

Q9. Do service exporters also need the IEC in India?
Ans. No, service exporters are generally not required to obtain the IEC unless they seek incentives, rewards, or benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. 

Q10. Can I import without IEC?
Ans. Yes, you can import goods without the IEC (Import Export Code), but only when you fall under a specific government-exempted category.