Why IEC Registration?

IEC is the first step for any business looking to trade internationally — without it, customs won't clear your goods and banks won't process trade forex.

01

Mandatory for All Importers & Exporters

Every business engaged in importing or exporting goods must hold a valid IEC. Customs authorities require it for clearance at ports and airports across India.

02

Lifetime Validity — One-Time Process

Unlike most business registrations, IEC has no renewal requirement. Register once and the code is valid for the lifetime of the business entity.

03

Required for Forex Remittances

Banks and authorised dealers will not process trade-related foreign exchange transactions — payments or receipts — without a valid IEC linked to the account.

04

Enables Duty Drawback & GST Refunds

Exporters can claim duty drawback and GST refunds on zero-rated exports only with a valid IEC. These benefits significantly improve export margins.

Legal Framework

IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992, Section 7: No person shall make any import or export except under and in accordance with an Importer Exporter Code Number granted by the Director General of Foreign Trade.

Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (DGFT): IEC is a mandatory 10-digit code linked to the PAN of the business entity. It is required for customs clearance, bank forex transactions, and government export incentive schemes including Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP).

Exemptions: Personal imports not for commercial purpose, imports/exports by Central or State Government entities, and certain defence-related imports are exempt from IEC requirements. For all other commercial transactions, IEC is compulsory.

Registration Process

Entirely online through the DGFT portal. We handle the application, document upload, and follow-up until IEC is issued.

1

Login to DGFT Portal

Create or access the business entity's account at dgft.gov.in using the registered mobile number and PAN linked to the business.

2

Fill IEC Application Online

Complete the IEC application form with business details, director/proprietor information, and branch office details if applicable.

3

Upload Identity, Address & Bank Proof

Upload PAN, Aadhaar/passport of the authorised signatory, proof of registered office address, and a cancelled cheque or bank certificate showing account number and IFSC.

4

Pay Government Fee

₹500 government processing fee paid online through the DGFT portal. This fee is in addition to our professional charges.

5

IEC Issued Digitally

DGFT issues the IEC electronically within 2–3 working days of successful application submission. The e-IEC is downloaded from the portal and is the official certificate.

Documents Required

All documents must match the PAN details of the business entity applying for IEC.

PAN card of the business (or individual for sole proprietors)
Aadhaar card or passport of proprietor / director
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate (showing account number and IFSC)
Registered office address proof (utility bill / rent agreement)
Passport-size photograph of the authorised signatory
Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or partnership deed
GST registration certificate (if already registered)
Digital signature (DSC) for companies — if available

Timeline

One of the fastest business registrations — IEC is typically issued within 2–3 working days. Government fee ₹500 additional.

Day 1

Application Filed

Day 1–3

DGFT Processing

Day 3

IEC Issued

Benefits & Risks

Benefits of IEC Registration

Legally import and export goods and services from India
Banks process trade-related forex receipts and payments
Claim duty drawback on re-export of imported goods
Claim GST refund on zero-rated exports
Lifetime validity — no annual renewal or filing obligations

Risks of Trading Without IEC

Customs authorities refuse clearance of import/export shipments
Penalties under the Foreign Trade Act for unauthorised trade
Banks refuse to process trade-related foreign exchange without valid IEC
Cannot avail RoDTEP, duty drawback, or export incentive schemes
Goods may be seized or held at port pending regularisation

Import Export Code (IEC) Registration