IEC Registration Online | Import Export Code Registration in India
Get Your IEC Code in 3-5 Working Days with Expert Assistance
Start your import-export business with hassle-free IEC registration. DisyTax provides complete documentation support, online filing, and expert guidance for obtaining your 10-digit Import Export Code from DGFT.
IEC Registration Pricing
Transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden charges. Get your Import Export Code at the best rates in India.
Complete IEC Registration Package
(Inclusive of Govt. Fee ₹500 + Professional Charges ₹999)
- Government Fee (₹500) Included
- Complete Documentation Support
- Online Form Filling & Submission
- Digital Signature Filing (If Required)
- Application Tracking & Follow-up
- IEC Certificate Download Assistance
- Expert Consultation Support
- 3-5 Working Days Delivery
- Email & WhatsApp Support
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
What is IEC (Import Export Code)?
Understanding the basics of IEC and its importance for import-export businesses in India
📜 Definition & Overview
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is mandatory for any person or entity engaged in import or export activities in India.
The IEC serves as a business identification number that allows Indian businesses and individuals to legally conduct international trade. Without an IEC, Customs authorities will not allow you to import or export goods, except in specific exempted categories.
🎯 Key Features of IEC
Unique 10-Digit Code: Each IEC is a permanent, unique identification number assigned to importers and exporters.
PAN-Based: The IEC is linked to the applicant's Permanent Account Number (PAN), ensuring transparency and traceability.
Mandatory Requirement: Required for clearing goods through Customs for both imports and exports.
Non-Transferable: The IEC is entity-specific and cannot be transferred to another person or business.
💡 Important Note: IEC registration is a one-time process with lifetime validity. There is no renewal required, but you must update your IEC details annually on the DGFT portal between April-June to keep it active.
⚖️ Legal Framework
IEC registration is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy issued by the DGFT. The registration process has been completely digitized and can be completed online through the DGFT portal.
The government charges a nominal fee of ₹500 for IEC registration, making it one of the most affordable business registrations in India. Professional consultants like DisyTax offer complete assistance for a total cost of ₹1,499, including government fees.
Benefits of IEC Registration
Why you need an Import Export Code for your international business
Global Market Access
Opens doors to international trade, allowing you to import and export goods across 195+ countries. Expand your business reach beyond Indian borders.
Legal Authorization
Provides legal authorization to conduct import-export business. Customs will clear your shipments only with a valid IEC number.
Lifetime Validity
One-time registration with lifetime validity. No renewal required - just annual online updation between April-June on DGFT portal.
Export Incentives
Access to various export promotion schemes, subsidies, and incentives provided by the government under Foreign Trade Policy.
Banking Benefits
Easy opening of EEFC (Exchange Earners Foreign Currency) account for foreign exchange transactions authorized under FEMA.
Tax Benefits
Claim various tax benefits and exemptions on exported goods and services. File Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST for zero-rated supplies.
Control Illegal Trade
Helps government track and prevent illegal import-export activities. Ensures compliance with trade regulations and customs laws.
Business Credibility
Enhances business credibility and trustworthiness in international markets. Shows you are a verified and authorized trader.
Duty Exemption Schemes
Participate in duty exemption schemes like EPCG, Advance Authorization, and Duty Drawback schemes for cost savings.
Documents Required for IEC Registration
Complete list of documents needed based on your business entity type
For Individual/Proprietor
- PAN Card (Mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Passport Size Photograph (3x3 cm)
- Cancelled Cheque with Pre-printed Name
- Bank Certificate (ANF-2A Format)
- Business Premise Address Proof
- Electricity Bill / Rent Agreement / Sale Deed
- Mobile Number & Email ID
For Partnership Firms
- Partnership Deed (Notarized Copy)
- PAN Card of Firm
- PAN & Aadhaar of All Partners
- Passport Size Photo of Authorized Partner
- Partnership Registration Certificate (If Registered)
- Cancelled Cheque with Firm Name
- Bank Certificate in ANF-2A(I) Format
- Office Address Proof
For Companies (Pvt Ltd/Ltd)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- PAN Card of Company
- PAN & Aadhaar of All Directors
- Board Resolution for IEC Application
- Authorized Signatory ID Proof
- Cancelled Cheque with Company Name
- Bank Certificate (ANF-2A Format)
- Registered Office Address Proof
For Limited Liability Partnership
- LLP Certificate of Incorporation
- LLP Agreement
- PAN Card of LLP
- PAN & Aadhaar of All Partners
- Designated Partner ID Proof
- Passport Size Photo of Authorized Partner
- Cancelled Cheque with LLP Name
- Bank Certificate (ANF-2A Format)
- Office Premise Address Proof
For Trust/Society/NGO
- Trust/Society Registration Certificate
- Trust Deed / Bye-laws
- PAN Card of Trust/Society
- PAN & Aadhaar of Trustees/Members
- Resolution for IEC Application
- Authorized Signatory Documents
- Cancelled Cheque with Entity Name
- Bank Certificate (ANF-2A Format)
- Registered Address Proof
For Hindu Undivided Family
- HUF PAN Card
- PAN & Aadhaar of Karta
- HUF Deed (If Available)
- Bank Account Statement of HUF
- Passport Size Photo of Karta
- Cancelled Cheque with HUF Name
- Bank Certificate (ANF-2A Format)
- Address Proof of HUF
📌 Important Notes:
• All documents must be self-attested and scanned in PDF format (max 5MB per file)
• Bank certificate must be on bank letterhead in ANF-2A(I) format or provide cancelled cheque with pre-printed name
• Address proof should be recent (not older than 2 months) - Electricity bill, Telephone bill, Rent agreement, or Sale deed
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-sign is required for online application submission
IEC Registration Process
Simple 7-step process to get your Import Export Code online
Document Collection
Gather all required documents based on your entity type. Share scanned copies with our team.
DGFT Registration
Create account on DGFT portal (www.dgft.gov.in) and register for IEC services.
Form ANF-2A Filling
Complete online application form ANF-2A with accurate business and bank details.
Document Upload
Upload all required documents in PDF format (max 5MB per file) on DGFT portal.
Fee Payment
Pay government fee of ₹500 online through DGFT portal using Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card.
Digital Signature
Sign the application using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-Sign.
IEC Issuance
DGFT processes application and issues IEC certificate within 3-5 working days via email.
🚀 Fast Track Service: DisyTax handles the entire process on your behalf. Just share documents with us, and we'll complete your IEC registration in 3-5 working days. Call 7065281345 now!
IEC Validity & Annual Updation
Understanding the lifetime validity and annual update requirements
Lifetime Validity
Once issued, the Import Export Code (IEC) has lifetime validity. Unlike many other business registrations, there is no expiry date or renewal requirement for IEC.
The IEC remains valid for the entire lifespan of the business entity, whether it's a proprietorship, partnership, company, LLP, or any other form of organization.
Key Benefits:
- No renewal fees ever
- One-time registration cost
- Permanent business identification
- Continuous import-export authorization
Annual Updation
While IEC has lifetime validity, annual updation is mandatory to keep it active and functional. All IEC holders must update their profile on the DGFT portal every year.
Updation Period: Between 1st April to 30th June annually
What to Update:
- Business address (if changed)
- Bank account details (if changed)
- Partner/Director details (if changed)
- Contact information (mobile/email)
- Confirm existing details if unchanged
Non-Compliance
Failure to update IEC annually can lead to deactivation or suspension of the IEC by DGFT authorities.
Consequences of Non-Updation:
- IEC becomes inactive/suspended
- Cannot clear imports/exports at Customs
- Business operations get halted
- Requires reactivation process
- Penalty charges may apply
Solution: Update your IEC profile every year during April-June. DisyTax sends annual reminders to all clients.
Who Needs IEC Registration?
Find out if your business requires an Import Export Code
🏭 Manufacturers
Companies manufacturing products for export to international markets
🛒 Importers
Businesses importing raw materials, machinery, or finished goods
📦 Exporters
Entities exporting Indian products, services, or goods abroad
🚢 Trading Companies
Import-export trading businesses dealing in international commerce
🌐 E-commerce Sellers
Online sellers on Amazon Global, eBay, Etsy selling internationally
💼 Merchant Exporters
Traders buying from Indian manufacturers and selling abroad
🏢 Service Exporters
IT, consultancy, and other service providers with foreign clients
🎨 Artisans & Handicraft
Individual artisans exporting handicrafts, art, and crafts
🏗️ Project Exporters
Companies executing turnkey projects or setting up plants abroad
🌾 Agricultural Exporters
Exporters of agricultural produce, spices, and food products
💎 Gem & Jewelry
Businesses dealing in precious stones, jewelry, and metals
🏭 EOU/SEZ Units
Export Oriented Units and Special Economic Zone businesses
⚡ Exemptions: Small packages valued below ₹5 lakhs for certain goods and software exports in digital form may be exempted. However, having an IEC is still recommended for availing export benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common queries about IEC registration answered by experts
IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by DGFT to businesses engaged in import-export activities. It is mandatory for customs clearance and legally conducting international trade in India.
The government fee for IEC registration is ₹500. With DisyTax professional assistance, the total cost is ₹1,499 (inclusive of ₹500 govt. fee + ₹999 professional charges). No hidden charges.
IEC is typically issued within 3-5 working days after successful submission of application and payment. In some cases, if additional verification is needed, it may take up to 7-10 days.
Yes, IEC is mandatory for most import and export activities. Without IEC, customs will not clear your goods. However, small exports below ₹5 lakhs and certain digital exports may be exempted in specific cases.
IEC has lifetime validity. There is no expiry date or renewal requirement. However, annual updation on DGFT portal between April-June is mandatory to keep it active.
Yes, you can apply for IEC without GST registration. IEC and GST are separate registrations. However, for most import-export businesses, both registrations are recommended.
Basic documents include: PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport size photo, cancelled cheque/bank certificate, and business address proof. Additional documents depend on entity type (proprietor/partnership/company/LLP).
Yes, individuals, proprietors, partnerships, companies, LLPs, trusts, societies - all entity types can obtain IEC. The registration process and documents vary based on entity type.
No, there is no annual fee or renewal for IEC. It's a one-time registration with lifetime validity. Only annual profile updation is required (which is free of cost) between April-June every year.
If you don't update your IEC annually during April-June, DGFT may deactivate or suspend your IEC. This will prevent you from clearing imports/exports at customs until reactivation.
Yes, you can modify IEC details like business address, bank account, partner/director details by logging into DGFT portal. Modification service costs ₹200 government fee.
You can use either Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-Sign to file IEC application. DSC is not mandatory if you opt for Aadhaar authentication.
Ready to Start Your Import-Export Business?
Get your IEC registration completed in 3-5 working days with DisyTax expert assistance. We handle all documentation, filing, and follow-up - you just focus on growing your business!