An IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that you need before you can import or export goods from India. It is the same as your business’s PAN, but you must apply for it separately on the DGFT portal. IEC registration costs ₹500, is done entirely online and has lifetime validity, as long as you update it every year between April and June.
If you run an MSME and plan to sell abroad or import raw material, this guide explains everything about the IEC code: the real cost, the exact DGFT steps, documents, timelines, who doesn’t need one, how to keep it active and what to register next before your first shipment.
What Is An IEC Code And Do You Need One Before Exporting?
The IEC code, or importer exporter code, is your business’s identity for foreign trade in India. It is the 10-digit number DGFT uses to identify Indian businesses for cross border trade, and customs and banks also rely on it for import or export transactions.
If you run an MSME or any Indian business that wants to do business globally through import-export activity, this guide is for you. Since the introduction of GST, your IEC is the same as your business’s PAN. However, you still need to apply for the import export code separately on the DGFT portal. Having a PAN alone does not make you an IEC holder.
Do you need an IEC before you start exporting? Yes. Under the Foreign Trade Policy, no export or import of goods can be made without an IEC, unless your business falls under a specific exemption. In practice, you will need your IEC for:
- Clearing your goods through customs
- Filing shipping bills (for exports) and bills of entry (for imports)
- Receiving export payments and making import payments through your bank
- Claiming export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy
- Accessing certain government schemes and avail export incentives
So if you plan to export goods, apply for your IEC before your first shipment.
How Much Does IEC Registration Cost?
The government fee for IEC registration is ₹500. It is a one-time fee for a new IEC, paid online on the DGFT portal through the Bharatkosh payment gateway, using net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI.
There is no renewal fee, because the IEC has lifetime validity. The annual update between April and June is also free.
Why Do Agents Quote So Much More Than ₹500?
Agents and consultants often quote much more than ₹500 because their price includes:
- Their service fee for filling and submitting the application on your behalf
- A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), if you need one to sign the application (the cost varies by vendor)
- Follow-up support, such as handling queries or corrections
You don’t need an agent to get an IEC. If you have your documents ready and can e-sign with Aadhaar, you can apply on the DGFT portal yourself and pay only the ₹500 government fee. If you do use an agent, ask for the government fee and service charges separately in writing.
Documents Required For IEC Registration
Keep the following documents ready before you start your IEC registration. Any legally recognized business entity can apply, including proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs and companies planning import or export activities.
- PAN of the business: for a proprietorship, this is the proprietor’s personal PAN; for a partnership, LLP or company, it is the entity’s PAN
- Aadhaar or identity proof of the proprietor, partner or director signing the application
- Address proof of the business premises: such as a sale deed, rent or lease agreement, or an electricity or telephone bill
- Bank proof: a cancelled cheque or a bank certificate for the business bank account
- Incorporation documents, where applicable: such as the partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation
Keep these necessary documents complete and accurate for the IEC registration process.
Documents Required If Your Office Premises Are Rented
If your business operates from rented premises, this is where many applications get stuck. Along with the rent or lease agreement, keep a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner, together with the owner’s address proof, such as an electricity bill in their name.
Make sure the address on your rent agreement, NOC and application matches exactly. A mismatched or missing NOC is a common reason for IEC applications being queried or rejected.
How To Apply For IEC On The DGFT Portal: Step By Step
The IEC application form is called ANF-2A (Aayat Niryat Form 2A). Here is how the online application process works:
Step 1: Register On The DGFT Portal
Go to the official DGFT website (dgft.gov.in) and begin your iec code online application by creating an account in IEC Profile Management on the DGFT portal. Click Register, select Importer/Exporter as the user type, enter your name, email ID and mobile number, verify both with OTP and set your password.
Step 2: Open The IEC Application
Log in and go to Services > IEC > Apply for IEC (you may also see an Apply for IEC option directly on your dashboard). This starts your iec code registration application in the DGFT account. Choose Start Fresh Application to open Form ANF-2A.
Step 3: Fill In Form ANF-2A
Enter your business details, including the legal name as per PAN, type of entity, whether you are a sole proprietor or other business entity running an import export business, registered address, details of the proprietor, partners or directors, nature of business and your business bank account details.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload your address proof, bank proof and any other required documents by using the portal to upload scanned copies in pdf format.
Step 5: Pay The ₹500 Fee
Pay the government fee online through the Bharatkosh payment gateway.
Step 6: Sign And Submit
Sign the application using Aadhaar-based e-sign (OTP) or a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), then submit it. After successful submission and successful verification, the approved e-IEC certificate is issued electronically and can be downloaded from your DGFT dashboard in PDF format.
How Many Days Does It Take To Get The IEC Certificate?
If your application is complete and your documents and bank details are in order, the IEC is generally issued within 1 to 3 working days, and the certificate is often issued soon after successful verification of a complete application during the online registration process. You can download the digitally signed certificate in PDF format from your DGFT dashboard.
Delays usually happen because of a mismatch between your PAN and application details, address proof issues (especially a missing NOC for rented premises) or bank account validation. To avoid delays, check that your business name, PAN, address and bank details match exactly across all documents.
Can You E-Sign The IEC Application If Your Aadhaar Is Not Linked To Your Mobile?
No, not with Aadhaar e-sign. It works through an OTP sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, so if your Aadhaar isn’t linked to your current mobile, you won’t receive the OTP at the final step.
You have two options:
- Update your mobile number in Aadhaar at an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre, wait for the update to reflect, then e-sign
- Use a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) instead. You can buy one from a licensed DSC provider, register it on the DGFT portal and use it to sign the application
If you are short on time, a DSC is usually the quicker route. Companies and LLPs often use a DSC anyway.
Can A Sole Proprietor Get An IEC Without A Company Or GST Registration?
Yes. As a sole proprietor, you can complete IEC code registration in your own name using your personal PAN without forming a company or taking GST registration.
This enables businesses to start small and enter the international market in their own name.
You will still need your PAN, Aadhaar, business address proof (with an NOC if the premises are rented) and a bank account in the name of your business or as a proprietor.
Keep in mind that GST may still be required for your business activity itself, depending on your turnover and the type of supply. If you plan to export goods regularly, registering under GST also helps you export under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) and manage tax credits. Keep your GST registration documents ready if you plan to register.
Do You Need An IEC If You Only Export Services?
Not always. The Foreign Trade Policy makes IEC mandatory for the export and import of goods. For export of services or technology, an IEC is necessary only if you want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, including government benefits available to eligible service exporters.
So if you are a freelancer, consultant, software developer or agency exporting services and receiving payment in foreign currency, you may not legally need an IEC just to receive the payment. However:
- Some banks may ask for an IEC when you receive foreign inward remittances
- You will need one if you want to claim any export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy
- It costs only ₹500 and has lifetime validity, so many service exporters get one anyway
Check with your bank before your first foreign payment arrives.
Who Does Not Need An IEC Code?
The Handbook of Procedures under the Foreign Trade Policy lists the categories that are exempt from getting an IEC. They include:
- Ministries, government departments, and departments of the Central or State Government
- Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use that is not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture
- Low-value border trade with Nepal, Myanmar and through specified border ports with China, within the prescribed value limits
Some other notified categories use permanent IEC numbers issued by DGFT, such as government agencies, diplomatic personnel and individuals or charitable institutions importing duty-exempt relief goods for victims of natural calamities.
If you are running a business that imports or exports goods commercially, these exemptions won’t apply to you, and you need your own IEC.
IEC Annual Update: The April To June Rule
This is the most important IEC compliance rule, and many MSMEs miss it. Although your iec code valid period is for life, you must update your IEC details on the DGFT portal every year between April and June to keep your valid iec active. If nothing has changed, you still need to log in and confirm your details online.
If you don’t update or confirm your IEC by the end of June, DGFT deactivates it. A deactivated IEC can block your customs clearance and your access to Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
The annual update during the April to June window is free. Set a yearly reminder for April so you don’t miss it.
How To Reactivate A Deactivated IEC
If your IEC has been deactivated because you missed the annual update, you can reactivate it by completing the update:
- Log in to the DGFT portal with your IEC account.
- Go to IEC Profile Management and select the option to Update/Modify IEC.
- Check and update your details, or confirm them if nothing has changed.
- Sign the update with Aadhaar e-sign or DSC and pay any applicable fee.
- Check your IEC status again to confirm it is active.
Your IEC is reactivated once the update is successful, and DGFT shares the updated status with Customs. As per DGFT’s fee schedule, an update done outside the April to June window may attract a small fee (currently ₹200). Check the amount shown on the payment screen.
How To Change Your Bank Account Or Address On An Existing IEC
You can modify your IEC details at any time, not just during the annual update window. Common changes include a new bank account, a new business address, or a change in partners or directors.
- Log in to the DGFT portal.
- Go to your IEC profile and select Update/Modify IEC.
- Edit the details you need to change, such as your bank account or address.
- Upload supporting documents, such as a cancelled cheque or bank certificate for the new account, or address proof (with an NOC if rented) for the new premises.
- Sign with Aadhaar e-sign or DSC, pay any applicable fee and submit.
A modification fee may apply as per DGFT’s current fee schedule. If you change your bank account, also inform your bank and update your details on ICEGATE (see below), so export payments and customs records match.
You Have Your IEC: What Else To Register Before Your First Shipment
Getting your IEC is only the first step. Before your first export shipment, you will usually need:
- AD Code registration: your Authorised Dealer (AD) Code links your bank account to customs. Get the AD Code letter from your bank and register it with customs at the port you will export from. It is needed for filing shipping bills and receiving export payments.
- ICEGATE registration: ICEGATE is the Indian Customs online portal. Register to file documents electronically, track shipments and link your AD Code and bank account.
- RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate): issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or FIEO. You need an RCMC to claim many benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
- GST LUT: if you are GST-registered, file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) on the GST portal to export without paying IGST.
- Product-specific licences: some products, such as food, spices or certain chemicals, need additional registrations or certificates from the relevant authority.
Completing these registrations before your first order arrives saves you delays at the port.
Funding Your Import And Export Business
An import export business often needs funds upfront for raw material, packaging, freight, and the working-capital gap before payment from overseas buyers.
If your business has been running for at least 1 year, with a monthly turnover of ₹2 lakh or more and a CIBIL score of 700 or above, FlexiLoans can support your trade with an import finance business loan or a working capital loan. You can get collateral-free funding from ₹50,000 up to ₹50 lakh, sanctioned quickly and entirely online, with minimal paperwork. Check Eligibility today, subject to eligibility and credit assessment.
If you sell online as well, you can also explore the e-commerce business loan.
Conclusion
An IEC code is your business’s entry ticket to international trade. IEC registration costs just ₹500 on the DGFT portal, is completed entirely online using Form ANF-2A, and is usually issued within a few working days. Keep your documents (especially the NOC for rented premises) in order, update your IEC every year between April and June, and complete your AD Code, ICEGATE and RCMC registrations before your first shipment.
This article is for general information only. DGFT rules, fees and procedures can change, so please check the official DGFT website (dgft.gov.in) or consult a professional for your specific situation.
FAQs
Q1. What Is An IEC Code?An IEC code (Importer Exporter Code) is a 10-character code issued by DGFT that identifies your business for import and export. It is the same as your business’s PAN, but you must apply for it separately on the DGFT portal before you import or export goods.
Q2. What Is The Fee For IEC Registration?The government fee for a new IEC is ₹500, paid online on the DGFT portal. There is no renewal fee, and the annual update between April and June is free. Agents may charge more because they add their own service fee.
Q3. How Long Does It Take To Get An IEC Code?If your application and documents are complete, the IEC is generally issued within 1 to 3 working days. Delays usually happen because of mismatched details, missing address proof or bank account validation issues.
Q4. Is IEC Required For Export Of Services?An IEC is mandatory for exporting goods. For exporting services, it is required only if you want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. However, some banks may ask for an IEC when you receive foreign payments, so check with your bank.
Q5. Can I Get An IEC Without GST Registration?Yes, GST registration is not mandatory to get an IEC. A sole proprietor is one type of business entity that can apply using personal PAN, Aadhaar, business address proof and bank details. GST may still be needed for your business depending on your turnover and supplies.
Q6. What Happens If I Don’t Update My IEC Between April And June?If you don’t update or confirm your IEC details between April and June, DGFT deactivates your IEC. You can reactivate it by completing the update on the DGFT portal. An update outside the window may attract a small fee.
Q7. Does An IEC Code Expire?No, an IEC has lifetime validity, so the iec code valid period is permanent unless it is suspended or cancelled. However, it can be deactivated if you miss the yearly April to June update, so you must confirm or update your details every year to keep it active.
Q8. What Should I Register After Getting My IEC?Before your first shipment, register your AD Code with customs through your bank, sign up on ICEGATE, get an RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council if you want export benefits, and file a GST LUT if you are GST-registered