Businesses in India engaged in international trade must obtain a 10-digit unique identifier, known as the Import Export Code (IEC). This is a mandatory registration process with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Companies that import or export products and services from India must complete the IEC registration to comply with trade regulations.
The IEC code streamlines the customs clearance process for shipments and allows businesses to access various government incentives and programs.
Essentially, the IEC serves as a crucial document for verification by authorities, enabling businesses to legally and efficiently engage in global trade transactions.
Getting an IEC Code Online is one of the most crucial steps before starting any import-export business.
Looking to learn how IEC can benefit your business? Let’s explore how it can help your import or export business:
The IEC Code can be obtained from the DGFT within 1-2 days of applying. After submitting all the required documents, documents will be verified and issued within 1-2 days.
One of the fundamental prerequisites for the IEC Code is the submission of accurate information. IEC cannot be obtained without providing satisfactory information. The transportation of illegal products is rendered impossible by this criterion.
After IEC registration, the business is relatively simple to maintain, as there are no other compliance requirements except annual renewal.
The IEC stays in effect for the business lifetime, only renewal will be required every year.
Before applying for the import/export license, let’s proceed with the documents you'll need to submit online. The nature of the business entity applying for IEC can be any of the types like Sole proprietorship, private limited company, partnership, LLP, Trust, HUF, and society and public limited company.
Here is the List of all required documents to apply for IEC registration Online.
✅ PAN Card of the Business Entity
✅ Bank Account details of the business entity with the Canceled Cheque.
✅ Address proof of the business entity, such as an electricity bill/telephone bill.
✅ If the premises is on Rent then the rent agreement/ NOC from the owner will be required.
✅ Contact details and email ID
✅ Certificate of Incorporation of the Business Entity
✅ Identity Proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID card).
Any business, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and private limited companies, must register for an importer-exporter code if engaged in import/export business. The process for IEC Registration Online is divided into the following steps
Before starting the registration process, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready, such as
Access to the official website of the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
Sign up for the account according to your business entity type.
Make sure to fill out all the necessary fields, such as the proprietor, partner, director, business address proof details, bank information, and more.
Fill in all the required information and apply the application by doing verification through Form ANF2A attached. Pay the fees online through any online mode like netbanking, credit/debit card.
Once your application is approved, you will receive the IEC certificate via email or downloadable from the website.
IEC Registration fees
The brief information about the IEC Registration fees and any modification in the IEC Profile is as follows:
✅ The IEC Code (Importer Exporter Code) registration fee for the fresh application is Rs. 500
✅ For any modification in the IEC Profile, the IEC fee is Rs. 200
There are no other charges involved in the online registration of the IEC Code
Note* Updating IEC is mandatory every year.
According to the most recent circular from DGFT, the Importer Exporter Code is not mandatory for all GST-registered traders. In all such cases, the trader's PAN will be built as a new IEC Code for import and export.
Products exported or imported for non-commercial use do not require IEC certification. Notified charitable institutions and departments of the Indian government are not required to seek an IEC to import or export.
In summary, an Import Export Code (IEC) is a must for Indian companies wishing to trade internationally.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued the IEC to facilitate corporate growth and competitiveness.
The IEC simplifies customs procedures and opens doors to worldwide markets. It does double duty by following regulations and facilitating access to government export incentives and benefits.
At JustStart, we provide top-tier professional services, positioning us as one of the leading one-stop solutions for businesses. We not only help you complete your IEC Registration smoothly and effectively but also offer you all future requirements for the Importer-Exporter code.
✅ Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through the entire process hassle-free and reliably.
✅ Start your international trade journey with us and enjoy all the benefits of importing and exporting to India.
Any business in India must have an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC Code) to export goods. Further an import company doing business in India must have an Importer-Exporter Code to import goods into the country. Unless otherwise exempted, no person may export or import without first obtaining an IEC Code.
The DGFT typically issues the IEC code within 1-2 days of application submission.
Yes. When shipping goods to or from India, an Importer Exporter Code (IEC Code) is required. It is a crucial identifier for an import/export company in India.
There is no a need to renew an entity's IEC code because it is effective for the entirety of its lifetime. An entity could utilize its IEC Registration against all import and export transactions after it is obtained.
There is no need to file any returns with IEC. There is no procedure to follow to in order to maintain its validity once the IEC code has been allocated; ; however, the renewal of IEC Code registration must be updated every year to prevent deactivation.
Yes, To modify your IEC online, visit the DGFT website and choose the "update IEC" option. Please ensure that you submit the necessary documents, which include identity proof, address proof, bank details, and the certificate corresponding to Form ANF2A.
The DGFT website allows IEC holders to submit an online request to surrender their IEC if they wish to cancel their IEC. Fill out the application and finish the "Surrender IEC" procedure by submitting the necessary paperwork. All future export/import transactions will be annulled, and your IEC license will be withdrawn.
Those registered under GST are not required to link IEC with GST. Those without a GST number can apply for an IEC code with a PAN number. The application must be submitted to DGFT for the applicant's PAN to be authorized as an IEC.
The validity of an IEC assigned to an applicant is perpetual; however, the renewal of IEC Code registration must be updated every year to prevent deactivation. No price will be required to update the IEC annually if it is done between April and June.
Anyone or any organization doing business on a global scale needs an Import Export Code (IEC). One must get an IEC number to fully conform to the rules and regulations that regulate international trade. Here is some information on who can apply for an Import Export code:
Any legal entity, whether a one-person, partnership, limited liability company or corporation, can apply for an import-export code, regardless of its size. Merchandise intended for private consumption and unrelated to commerce, manufacturing, or farming does not necessitate an IEC for import or export.
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