Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

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Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

IEC is mandatory for all businesses importing or exporting goods or services from India — get your IEC in 3–5 working days.

An Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that is mandatory for any business entity wishing to import or export goods or services from India. No import or export is possible without a valid IEC — customs will not clear goods, and banks will not process foreign exchange payments without it. IEC is now linked to PAN and is permanent — once obtained, it requires no annual renewal. It is updated through an annual exercise on the DGFT portal (which is mandatory to keep the IEC active).

Who Needs an IEC?

Businesses importing goods into India — raw materials, machinery, consumer goods
Businesses exporting goods from India — manufactured products, agricultural produce
Service exporters— IT companies, consultants, CA firms providing services to overseas clients
E-commerce exporters — selling on Amazon Global, eBay, Etsy, or directly to overseas buyers
Receiving foreign remittances — many banks require IEC for receiving regular foreign remittances above certain thresholds

IEC Registration Process

Application on DGFT portal — Form ANF-2A filed online
Document upload — PAN, Aadhaar, bank certificate, business registration proof
Fee payment — Rs. 500 (government fee)
IEC issuance— typically within 3–5 working days via digital IEC certificate
Annual update— IEC must be updated (confirmed active) on DGFT portal between April 1 and June 30 each year

Fee Rs. 500 — one-time government fee
Timeline — 3–5 working days
Validity — Permanent — no renewal, but annual update required on DGFT portal
Annual update penalty — IEC deactivated if annual update not done — Rs. 5,000 reactivation fee

IEC and GST/LUT for Exporters

Exporters using IEC must also ensure their GST compliance is aligned with export provisions:

LUT (Letter of Undertaking) — )— file Form GST RUT-1 annually to supply goods/services for export without paying IGST
IGST refund — if you export with IGST payment, the IGST is refunded through shipping bill integration
Form 15CA/15CB— required when receiving export proceeds above certain thresholds for certain service categories

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Can an individual obtain an IEC?

Yes — any person, whether an individual or a company, LLP, or proprietorship, can apply for an IEC. For individuals, the IEC is linked to their personal PAN.

02 Is IEC required for services exports (e.g., IT services, consulting)?

Technically, IEC is not required for service exports that do not involve physical goods. However, most banks require it for regular foreign remittance receipt, and DGFT export promotion schemes require a valid IEC. We recommend obtaining IEC for all businesses regularly receiving foreign payments

03What is the annual update requirement for IEC?

Between April 1 and June 30 each year, IEC holders must log into the DGFT portal and confirm that their IEC details are current. This 'annual update' keeps the IEC active. Missing the update results in IEC deactivation — which halts customs clearance until reactivated.

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