Standalone IEC registration with DGFT

Category: Licenses & Certifications. From ₹2,499. Typical timeline: 7–10 days.

Overview

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit registration issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that is mandatory for any business or individual wishing to import into or export from India. Without an IEC, customs will not clear shipments and banks will not process foreign remittances tied to trade. Because the code is now PAN-based and applied for entirely online, it has become one of the fastest registrations available, making it the starting point for any cross-border trading business.

Who needs it

• Exporters of goods or services shipping internationally
• Importers sourcing raw materials, machinery or finished goods from abroad
• E-commerce sellers exporting via international marketplaces
• Service exporters availing benefits under FTP schemes such as SEIS

Eligibility

• Any individual, proprietorship, partnership, LLP or company with a valid PAN can apply
• A valid bank account in the name of the entity/individual is required
• No minimum turnover or business history is required
• Not required for personal-use imports/exports or import/export by government departments and certain notified categories

Documents required

• PAN card of the individual/entity
• Address proof of the business premises
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the current account
• Digital photograph of the applicant (for proprietorships)
• Certificate of incorporation/partnership deed, as applicable

Process

1. Document preparation — Collect PAN, address proof and bank details in the format required by the DGFT portal.
2. Online application (ANF 2A) — File the IEC application on the DGFT website with digital signature or Aadhaar-based verification.
3. Fee payment — Pay the government fee online through the DGFT portal.
4. Verification — DGFT verifies the application and supporting documents electronically.
5. IEC issuance — The IEC certificate is generated and emailed instantly upon approval.

Government fees

• IEC application fee: ₹500
• IEC modification fee: ₹200

Professional fee

Kanoons charges from ₹1,499 for complete IEC application filing, including document preparation and DGFT portal submission.

Timeline

IEC is typically issued within 7–10 working days of filing; discrepancies in bank or address documents are the main cause of delay.

Deliverables

• IEC certificate with the unique 10-digit code
• DGFT portal login credentials for future updates and scheme applications

Frequently asked questions

Is IEC linked to my GST number?

IEC is PAN-based and independent of GST registration, though both are commonly required together for export-import operations.

Do I need an IEC if I only import occasionally?

Yes, an IEC is mandatory for any import or export shipment regardless of frequency or value, with limited exemptions for personal-use goods.

Does IEC expire?

IEC does not expire, but it must be confirmed/updated annually on the DGFT portal between April and June, failing which it gets deactivated.

Common mistakes

• Not updating/confirming the IEC annually, leading to automatic deactivation
• Mismatch between PAN details and bank account name causing rejection
• Applying with a savings account instead of a current account
• Overlooking that a new IEC is needed if the constitution of the business changes (e.g., proprietorship to company)

Penalties for non-compliance

• Shipments cannot be customs-cleared without a valid, active IEC, leading to demurrage and delayed deliveries
• A deactivated IEC (due to non-updation) blocks all import/export transactions until reactivated

Legal references

• Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 — empowers DGFT to regulate import/export
• Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — prescribes IEC application procedure and annual updation requirement
• DGFT — issuing authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry