IEC Code — Import Export Code Registration Online 2026
Updated: 3 June 2026 | DGFT | Govt Fee: ₹500 | Processing: 1–3 Working Days
IEC (Import Export Code) is a mandatory 10-digit identification code for all importers and exporters in India. Issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) under the Ministry of Commerce. No annual renewal — IEC is a permanent code (annual update/confirmation required on DGFT portal between April–June each year). Required for: customs clearance of any consignment, bank processing of foreign exchange trade payments/receipts, and claiming export incentives (MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, advance authorisation). Apply online at dgft.gov.in — ₹500 government fee — issued within 1–3 working days.
IEC
IEC — mandatory for ALL import/export transactions in India
₹500 government fee. Permanent code. No renewal. Apply on DGFT portal — issued in 1–3 working days.
₹500 government fee. Permanent code. No renewal. Apply on DGFT portal — issued in 1–3 working days.
Documents Required for IEC Registration
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | PAN of the applicant entity (company PAN for companies; proprietor's PAN for proprietorship). Mandatory. |
| Aadhaar / Passport | Identity proof of the authorised signatory / proprietor / managing partner / director. Aadhaar preferred for auto-verification. |
| Bank Certificate / Cancelled Cheque | Bank account details of the entity — account number, IFSC, bank name. Cancelled cheque or bank certificate on bank letterhead accepted. |
| Address Proof | Registered office address proof: electricity bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing the business address. |
| Passport-size Photograph | Recent photograph of the proprietor / partner / director in JPEG format for DGFT portal upload. |
| Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed | For companies: MCA incorporation certificate. For LLP: LLP agreement. For partnership: partnership deed. Not required for sole proprietorship. |
Who Needs IEC vs Who is Exempt
| Category | IEC Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All importers & exporters (commercial) | Yes — mandatory | For all goods, regardless of value or quantity |
| Service exporters (IT, consulting, etc.) | Required for DGFT benefits | Not mandatory for service exports alone, but needed to claim SEIS/RoDTEP benefits |
| E-commerce sellers exporting goods | Yes — mandatory | Required for customs clearance on courier/postal shipments |
| Government departments & PSUs | Exempt | Can use PAN instead of IEC for customs purposes |
| Personal imports (gifts, personal use) | Exempt for ≤3 consignments/year | Restricted personal imports above this limit require IEC |
| Defence / security imports | Exempt | Handled under special government permissions |
How to Apply for IEC Code — Step by Step
1. Register on DGFT portal — Go to dgft.gov.in and register with your mobile number and PAN.
2. Login and navigate to IEC section — Under "Services", click "IEC" → "Apply for IEC".
3. Fill the application form — Enter PAN, business name, business type, registered address, and bank account details.
4. Upload documents — Upload PAN, Aadhaar/passport, cancelled cheque/bank certificate, and address proof in JPEG/PDF format.
5. Pay ₹500 government fee — Via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card on the DGFT portal.
6. Submit and receive IEC by email — DGFT processes the application and issues the IEC certificate within 1–3 working days.
Annual IEC Update Requirement
Since April 2021, DGFT requires all IEC holders to update/confirm their IEC details annually on the DGFT portal. The update window is April 1 to June 30 each year. This is free of charge. If you do not update within the window, your IEC will be deactivated. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated by completing the update on the portal. Always ensure your IEC is active before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IEC mandatory for all exporters and importers in India?
Yes, IEC (Import Export Code) is mandatory for all importers and exporters in India. Without an IEC: customs will not clear your consignment, banks cannot process foreign exchange payments or receipts for trade transactions, and you cannot apply for export incentives like MEIS, SEIS, or RoDTEP. Exemptions exist only for government departments, defence imports, and personal imports below 3 consignments per year.
How to apply for IEC code online?
Apply on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in): (1) Register/login on DGFT website. (2) Go to Services → IEC → Apply for IEC. (3) Fill the IEC application form with your PAN, business details, and bank account details. (4) Upload documents: PAN card, Aadhaar/passport, cancelled cheque or bank certificate. (5) Pay ₹500 government fee online. (6) Submit — IEC is issued within 1–3 working days by email. No physical visit required.
Does IEC require annual renewal?
No. IEC is a permanent code — there is no annual renewal or expiry. However, since April 2021, DGFT has made it mandatory to update/confirm IEC details annually (between April 1 and June 30 each year) on the DGFT portal. Failure to update within the annual window results in deactivation of the IEC, which requires a reactivation request. This update is free of charge.
What happens if I export or import without IEC?
Exporting or importing without IEC is illegal. Consequences: customs will detain your shipment, banks will refuse to process foreign trade payments, you will be ineligible for all export incentive schemes (RoDTEP, MEIS, advance authorisation). There may also be penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. IEC registration is quick and low-cost — there is no reason to operate without it.
Can a sole proprietor get IEC code?
Yes. IEC can be obtained by any business entity: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited company, public company, trust, HUF, or individual. For a sole proprietor, the IEC is issued against the PAN of the proprietor (since the proprietorship has no separate PAN). The same PAN can hold only one IEC. If you close the proprietorship and start a new entity, you need a new IEC for the new entity.
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