Overview
What is an IEC Code?
The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is mandatory for any business or individual engaged in the import or export of goods or services from India.
No import or export can legally be made without a valid IEC, unless specifically exempted. The IEC is PAN-based — the same as the entity's Permanent Account Number — but a formal DGFT application is still required to activate it for trade.
Annual Update Required: 1 April – 30 June every year
Although the IEC has lifetime validity, DGFT requires every holder to confirm or update details annually between 1 April and 30 June (Notification No. 58/2015-2020). Missing this causes automatic deactivation — blocking customs clearance, international payments, and export incentives. We offer the annual update as a separate service too.
Eligibility
Who Needs an IEC?
Any person or entity engaged in commercial import or export must hold an IEC:
Exempted
Exporters of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET — Appendix 3, Schedule 2 of ITC-HS) are not eligible for any exemption and must hold an IEC regardless of entity type.
Documentation
Documents Required
Share these with us and we handle the rest. The DGFT portal performs live PAN–Aadhaar–bank verification via NPCI — mismatches are the most common cause of rejection and we check before filing.
| Entity Type | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| All applicants (mandatory) |
|
| Proprietorship |
|
| Partnership Firm |
|
| Pvt. / Public Ltd. Company |
|
| LLP |
|
| Trust / HUF / Society |
|
How It Works
We Handle It in 3 Steps
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1
Share your documents with us
Send us the applicable documents from the list above. We check PAN–Aadhaar–bank consistency before anything is submitted — the most common cause of DGFT rejection is mismatched details.
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2
We file on the DGFT portal
We complete Form ANF-2A on dgft.gov.in, upload all documents, coordinate Aadhaar e-Sign OTP with your authorised signatory, and pay the ₹500 government fee on your behalf.
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3
You receive your e-IEC certificate
DGFT typically processes applications within 1 to 3 working days. We send you the e-IEC certificate along with a reminder about the mandatory April–June annual update that keeps your IEC active.
Common Questions
FAQ
Is my IEC number the same as my PAN?
Yes — the IEC issued by DGFT is the same 10-digit alphanumeric as your entity's PAN. However, you still need to apply formally through the DGFT portal to activate it. Holding a PAN alone does not give you an IEC.
My business has multiple branches. Do I need a separate IEC for each?
No. One IEC per PAN covers all branches and locations of the same entity. DGFT does not issue separate IECs for different offices of the same PAN-based business.
What happens if I miss the annual update window?
Your IEC is automatically deactivated by DGFT after 30 June. A deactivated IEC cannot be used for customs clearance, international banking, or export incentive claims. There is no monetary penalty — but all trade stops until you file the update. Reactivation happens the same day. We offer the annual update as a separate service.
Can an individual (not a registered company) get an IEC?
Yes. Any Indian individual with a valid PAN and bank account can apply. No business registration or GST number is required. This is commonly used by service exporters and freelancers.
Are there any ongoing filings required after getting an IEC?
No returns need to be filed with DGFT. The only compliance requirement is the annual April–June update on the DGFT portal. We can handle this for you every year.