Who this service is suitable for
- Goods importers and exporters
- Businesses starting cross-border trade
- E-commerce exporters
- Entities needing customs/DGFT identification
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Import Export Code (IEC)
The Importer Exporter Code is the key DGFT business identification number generally required for importing into or exporting from India, subject to notified exemptions.
Starting priceCustom quotation
Estimated timelineOften 1–3 business days for an auto-processed clean case
✓ Exact document checklist✓ Transparent fee split✓ Authority filing support✓ Post-completion checklist
Request free consultation
AuthorityDirectorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Official filing destination
Realistic timeframeConfirmed after review
After complete documents
Information reviewedJuly 2026
Verify case-specific rules before filing
Service definition
What Import Export Code (IEC) means
The Importer Exporter Code is the key DGFT business identification number generally required for importing into or exporting from India, subject to notified exemptions.
Eligibility requirements
- PAN-based person/entity
- Valid address and bank account
- Authorised signatory
- DGFT portal authentication and accepted signature method
Key benefits
- Enables customs and DGFT identification
- Supports export/import documentation
- Required for many trade benefits and authorisations
- PAN-linked digital record
Limitations and important considerations
- IEC is not a product licence
- Restricted goods need separate authorisation
- Profile must be confirmed/updated annually
- Bank/customs/GST records should match
Exact preparation list
Documents required
Clear, current and matching records reduce avoidable queries. Foreign documents may need notarisation or apostille where stated.
PAN/entity details
Address proof
Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
Authorised signatory KYC
DSC/Aadhaar signature access
Constitution proof
Application process
Step by step
Often 1–3 business days for an auto-processed clean case; verification issues can extend it.
Create DGFT profile
Link PAN/entity
Complete IEC application
Upload bank/address proof
Sign and pay government fee
Receive e-IEC and complete future annual update
Transparent pricing
Professional, government and optional costs
No government charge is presented as a CorpFile fee. Your final quotation confirms the exact scope before payment.
CorpFile feeStarting at ₹1,000
Standard IEC application
Government fee₹500
Current standard application fee
Restricted-goods approvalsNot included
Separate
What’s included
- Eligibility checklist
- DGFT profile/application
- Document review
- Digital filing
- e-IEC download
What’s not included
- Government fee, stamp duty or authority charges unless expressly listed
- Notary, apostille, courier, translation or physical visit costs
- Work triggered by litigation, hearing, inspection or a material scope change
- RCMC, customs registration, restricted-goods licence or export incentive
Customer handover
Exact deliverables you receive
e-IEC certificate
IEC number
Application receipt
Annual-update reminder
Common application mistakes
- Bank name mismatch
- Wrong entity PAN
- Treating IEC as customs/product approval
- Missing annual confirmation
- Duplicate IEC
Common rejection, objection or delay reasons
- Bank verification
- Signature failure
- Address mismatch
- DGFT profile linkage
Location matters
State-specific cost or procedure
IEC is central; port registration, state taxes and product permissions are separate.
Post-completion compliance
- Confirm/update IEC details electronically each April–June
- Update address/bank changes
- Comply with customs and foreign-trade policy
- Surrender IEC when appropriate
Validity and renewal
How long it remains valid
IEC is continuing, but details must be electronically updated/confirmed every year in the prescribed April–June period.
Non-compliance risk
Penalties and practical consequences
These are common risks, not a substitute for advice on an existing default or notice.
What can go wrong
- IEC can be deactivated for non-update
- Trade may be held for mismatch
- Restricted-goods violations can attract customs/FTDR action
Service-specific answers
Import Export Code (IEC) FAQs
Requirements can change with facts, jurisdiction and authority instructions.
Is IEC the same as an export licence?
No. IEC identifies the trader; restricted products may need separate permission.
Does IEC expire?
It does not use ordinary periodic renewal, but annual electronic confirmation is required.
Can one PAN have multiple IECs?
IEC is PAN-based; duplicate applications should be avoided.
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