India's merchandise exports crossed USD 437 billion in 2023-24, and the government continues to push aggressive trade targets for the coming years. If you are a trader, manufacturer, or e-commerce seller looking to participate in this growth, one document stands between you and the global marketplace. That document is the Import Export Code.
IEC registration online is the process of obtaining a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Without this code, you cannot legally import goods into India or export products out of the country. The process to apply for an import export code on the DGFT portal has been fully digitised, making it faster and more accessible than ever. This guide walks you through every step, from eligibility to post-registration compliance.
What is an Import Export Code
An Import Export Code, commonly referred to as IEC, is a 10-digit alphanumeric identification number allotted by the DGFT under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. It serves as the primary business identity for any entity engaged in cross-border trade.
Think of it as a PAN card for international trade. Just as you need a PAN for tax transactions in India, you need an IEC for customs clearance at ports, airports, and land borders. Importers require it to clear shipments and remit foreign currency, while exporters need it to dispatch consignments and receive payments from overseas buyers.
The IEC has lifetime validity. Once issued, it does not expire or require periodic renewal. However, the DGFT introduced a mandatory annual updation process in 2022, where IEC holders must update their profile details between April and June every year to keep their code active.
Who Needs IEC Registration
Any person, firm, or company involved in importing or exporting goods and services must obtain an IEC. The requirement applies across all business structures.
| Entity Type | IEC Requirement |
| Private Limited Company | Mandatory for import/export |
| LLP / Partnership Firm | Mandatory for import/export |
| Sole Proprietorship | Mandatory for import/export |
| Individual (personal use) | Not required for gifts/personal items under Rs. 5 lakh |
| Government departments | Exempt |
| Charitable/religious organisations | Exempt for notified goods |
| Amazon/Flipkart global sellers | Mandatory for cross-border sales |
If you plan to sell products internationally through platforms like Amazon Global Selling, Etsy, or Alibaba, IEC registration is your essential first step. Similarly, businesses importing raw materials, machinery, or consumer goods for resale in India cannot operate without it.
Before applying for the IEC, ensure your business entity is formally registered. If you haven't incorporated yet, services like private limited company registration can help you establish the right structure for international trade.
Documents Required for IEC Registration Online
The documentation requirements for IEC registration online are straightforward. Keeping these ready before starting the application saves considerable time.
You need a valid PAN card of the applicant entity. For sole proprietors, this is the individual PAN. For companies, LLPs, and firms, the entity's PAN is required. An Aadhaar card of the applicant or the authorised signatory is needed for OTP verification on the DGFT portal.
A cancelled cheque or bank certificate from a current account in the entity's name serves as proof of banking details. The DGFT cross-verifies the bank account details, so accuracy is critical.
Address proof of the principal business premise is required. This can be a utility bill (electricity, telephone, or gas), a rent agreement with a landlord's NOC, or a sale deed for owned premises. The document must be recent, typically not older than two months.
A passport-sized photograph of the applicant or authorised signatory, a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for companies and LLPs, and the Certificate of Incorporation or registration proof of the business entity complete the list.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Import Export Code on DGFT Portal
The entire process to apply for an import export code through the DGFT portal is digital. Here is a detailed walkthrough.
Step 1: Register on the DGFT Portal
Visit the official DGFT website at dgft.gov.in. Click on "Register" to create a new account. Enter your name, email address, mobile number, and entity type. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile and email. Verify both to activate your account.
Step 2: Log in and Navigate to IEC Application
After logging in, go to the "Services" tab and select "IEC Profile Management." Click on "Apply for IEC." The system will redirect you to the application form, known as Aayaat Niryaat Form (ANF) 2A.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Details
Enter the applicant's details, including name, PAN, constitution of the business, date of establishment, and registered address. Provide bank account details including the IFSC code, account number, and branch address. Upload the scanned copies of all required documents.
Step 4: Attach Digital Signature and Pay Fees
Sign the application using a valid Digital Signature Certificate. For sole proprietors, Aadhaar-based e-sign is also accepted. Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 through the integrated payment gateway. The DGFT accepts net banking, debit cards, and credit cards.
Step 5: Submit and Receive IEC Certificate
Once the application is submitted and the payment is confirmed, the DGFT processes the application. In most cases, the IEC certificate is auto-generated and sent to the registered email within 1 to 3 working days. You can also download the certificate from the "IEC Profile Management" section on the DGFT portal.
The certificate contains your firm's name, registered address, 10-digit IEC number, date of issuance, and branch details. This document must be quoted on all shipping bills, bills of entry, and foreign trade correspondence.
Benefits of IEC Registration for Your Business
The advantages of holding a valid Import Export Code extend well beyond basic customs clearance.
An IEC provides unrestricted access to global markets. You can import raw materials from China, export finished goods to Europe, or source components from Southeast Asia, all legally and efficiently.
Registered exporters become eligible for government incentive schemes such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), and various Export Promotion Council benefits. These schemes can offset a significant portion of your export costs.
The IEC has lifetime validity with no need for renewal. Unlike GST registration, which requires regular return filings, the IEC does not impose any filing obligations. You only need to update your profile annually between April and June.
For e-commerce exporters selling on platforms like Amazon Global Selling, an IEC is mandatory to dispatch goods through courier mode under the Foreign Trade Policy. It also enables you to open a foreign currency account and receive payments directly from international buyers.
IEC Annual Updation: What You Must Know
Starting from 2022, the DGFT mandated that all IEC holders must update their IEC profile annually between April and June. This is not a renewal. It is a confirmation that the details in your IEC profile remain accurate and current.
Log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to "IEC Profile Management," review your details, and click "Update." If no changes are required, you still need to confirm the existing details. Failure to update within the specified window results in automatic deactivation of the IEC.
A deactivated IEC can be reactivated by completing the updation process, but during the deactivation period, you cannot carry out any import or export transactions. This can disrupt supply chains, delay shipments, and cause financial losses, particularly for businesses with time-sensitive international orders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During IEC Registration
Several avoidable errors delay or derail IEC applications. The most frequent is a mismatch between the PAN details and the entity name. If your company was recently incorporated and the PAN reflects slight variations in spelling, the DGFT system may flag it.
Uploading incorrect bank details is another common issue. The bank account must be a current account in the name of the business entity. Personal savings accounts are not accepted for companies, LLPs, or partnership firms.
Using an expired or invalid Digital Signature Certificate causes application failures. Ensure your DSC is active and issued by a certifying authority recognised by the Controller of Certifying Authorities.
Finally, many applicants forget to link their IEC with their GST registration. While the IEC and GSTIN are separate registrations, customs authorities require both for clearance. Applying for both simultaneously or ensuring they are linked from the start prevents port-level delays.
Conclusion
IEC registration online is one of the simplest yet most impactful registrations for any business looking to trade internationally. The DGFT has streamlined the entire process to a fully digital application that takes minutes to complete and delivers the certificate within days.
Whether you are an established manufacturer expanding into exports, a startup importing components, or an e-commerce seller dispatching products globally, the Import Export Code is your gateway. Combine it with proper GST registration, a well-structured business entity, and sound accounting services to build a compliant and competitive international trade operation.
If you need help with the import export code apply DGFT process or any related registrations, Patron Accounting provides end-to-end support for traders and exporters across India.
