Import Export Code - your key to international trade

Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric registration number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is mandatory for every business or individual engaged in importing or exporting goods or services from India. The IEC is PAN-linked and has lifetime validity.

Yes, IEC is mandatory for all importers and exporters of goods and services. This includes individuals, proprietorships, partnership firms, companies, LLPs, and service exporters. Very limited exceptions exist (personal courier shipments below threshold values).

Apply online on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) or ICEGATE portal. Create a user account linked to your PAN, fill the ANF 2A application form, upload required documents, pay ₹500 fee, and sign with DSC. Processing takes 2-3 working days. Bizeneed handles the entire process.

IEC has lifetime validity - it does not require annual renewal. Once issued, it remains valid until cancelled, surrendered, or suspended by DGFT. You only need to amend it if there is a change in address, bank details, or authorised signatory.

The government fee for IEC registration is ₹500, paid online on the DGFT portal. Amendments (change of address, bank, authorised signatory) are free. IEC cancellation or surrender also has no fee.

PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, cancelled cheque, Digital Signature Certificate (Class 2 or 3), business address proof (utility bill / rent agreement / NOC), incorporation/partnership/proprietorship certificate, and passport-size photo. Companies and LLPs need additional documents like COI and MOA.

Yes. Individual proprietors can apply for IEC using their personal PAN and Aadhaar. The IEC is issued in the name of the proprietor and is valid for all their import/export activities.

Yes. NRIs and foreign nationals can apply for IEC. They need a notarised passport, proof of overseas address, and a DSC. If the business operates from India, an Indian address proof is also needed.

IEC amendments (address change, bank change, authorised signatory change, etc.) are made online on the DGFT portal. Submit the amendment form with supporting documents. No government fee is charged. Processing takes 3-5 working days.

To surrender IEC, file the surrender form on the DGFT portal with a declaration that there are no pending export obligations. The IEC will be cancelled. A cancelled IEC cannot be used for any further import or export transactions.

Three main categories: (1) Merchant Exporter - procures from domestic manufacturers for export, (2) Manufacturer Exporter - produces goods and exports them directly, (3) Service Exporter - exports services like IT, BPO, consulting. All three require a valid IEC.

AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is registered with customs at each port where you export. It tells customs which bank to credit export proceeds to. AD Code is separate from IEC but is required for export operations. We assist with AD Code registration as part of our Standard and Premium packages.

IEC is PAN-linked, so each PAN has one IEC. If you have multiple businesses under the same PAN, you can add branch or factory details to the same IEC. For separate IECs, each business needs a separate PAN.

Exporting without IEC is a violation of the Foreign Trade Policy. Customs will not clear your shipment. You cannot claim any export benefits, incentives, or duty drawbacks. Your goods may be detained at the port, causing financial losses and delays.