Customs Clearance
Customs authorities will not process import or export shipments without a valid IEC at any port or ICD.
IEC REGISTRATION
Iec Registration Registration
Mandatory 10-digit Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Required for all import and export of goods and services. Lifetime validity. 100% online. Government fee ₹500. professional assistance. Typically issued in 2–3 working days.
DedicatedExpert Assistance
DedicatedExpert Assistance
LifetimeNo Renewal
IMPORTERS · EXPORTERS · SERVICE PROVIDERS
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SAMPLE
IEC / Export Trade Certificate
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) — sample IEC certificate
Illustrative sample. Your official certificate is issued after approval.
01
10-Digit Code
Unique identifier issued by DGFT for all import/export transactions
02
Lifetime Validity
No renewal — one-time registration; annual update of details required
03
PAN-Linked
One IEC per PAN — linked to your entity’s Permanent Account Number
04
2–3 Working Days
Typical processing time when documents are complete
OVERVIEW
What is Import Export Code (IEC)?
Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory 10-digit registration number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy. Without a valid IEC, customs will not clear goods and banks will not process foreign trade-related remittances.
IEC is required for both import and export of goods and services. It has lifetime validity — no renewal is needed, though details must be updated annually on the DGFT portal. The process is fully online; the digital certificate is issued within 2–3 working days in most cases. Government fee is ₹500.
Issuing Authority
DGFT (dgft.gov.in)
Format
10-digit code (PAN-linked)
Validity
Lifetime
WHY IEC
Why IEC is Mandatory
Bank Transactions
Banks require IEC for foreign currency transactions, letters of credit and international trade payments.
Export Incentives
RoDTEP, Advance Authorisation, EPCG and other schemes require a valid IEC to claim benefits.
Service Exports
IT companies, consultants and service providers receiving foreign remittances also need IEC.
BENEFITS
What You Gain with IEC
Global Market Access
Import inputs and export products/services worldwide — expand beyond the domestic market.
Export Schemes
Access RoDTEP, SEIS (where applicable), Advance Authorisation, EPCG and other promotion schemes.
Banking Support
Smoother processing of LCs, outward/inward remittances and trade finance.
Credibility
IEC adds legitimacy when dealing with overseas buyers, suppliers and financial institutions.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply
All Entity Types
Individuals, proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, companies, HUFs and trusts can apply.
One IEC per PAN
IEC is linked to PAN. Only one IEC is issued against one PAN.
Import & Export
Single IEC covers both import and export — no separate codes needed.
Goods & Services
Required for merchandise trade and for many service exporters receiving foreign exchange.
DOCUMENTS
What You Need
1. PAN
Entity PAN (company/LLP/firm) or individual PAN (proprietorship).
2. Aadhaar
Aadhaar of proprietor, partner or authorised director for OTP / e-sign.
3. Bank Proof
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the name of the entity (current account preferred).
4. Address Proof
Electricity bill, rent agreement or property documents of the business premises.
5. Entity Proof
Certificate of Incorporation / LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed as applicable.
6. Photograph
Passport-size photo of the applicant (JPEG, under size limits of the portal).
PROCESS
How IEC Registration Works
1. Document Collection
Gather PAN, Aadhaar, bank proof, address proof, entity documents and photograph.
2. DGFT Portal Registration
Create account on dgft.gov.in using PAN, email and mobile; complete OTP verification.
3. Application & Upload
Fill IEC application, upload documents in prescribed format and link bank details.
4. Fee Payment
Pay ₹500 government fee online via net banking, card or UPI.
5. e-Sign & Certificate
Sign with Aadhaar OTP or DSC; IEC issued digitally within 2–3 working days.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Corporate Mart for IEC?
Error-Free Filing
Documents and bank details matched correctly so the application is not rejected or delayed.
2–3 Day Turnaround
Complete application support aimed at issuance within the typical DGFT processing window.
All Entity Types
Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company and individual applications handled with the right document set.
Modification Support
Help with updates and modifications on the DGFT portal after the IEC is issued.
Docs → DGFT Portal → Fee → e-Sign → IEC Certificate
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Import Export Code is a 10-digit number issued by DGFT. It is mandatory for importing or exporting goods and services from India and is required by customs and banks for trade-related transactions.
Yes, for commercial import and export. Without IEC, customs will not clear shipments and banks will not process foreign trade remittances. Personal baggage and certain exemptions may not require it.
Lifetime. No renewal is required. You must, however, update IEC details annually on the DGFT portal (usually in the April–June window).
₹500 one-time, paid online on the DGFT portal. There is no annual renewal fee. Corporate Mart provides transparent, tailored assistance based on your entity structure and state requirements. Contact our expert team for a detailed proposal.
Typically 2–3 working days after a complete application is submitted and the fee is paid. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or mismatch with PAN/bank details.
PAN, Aadhaar of the applicant, cancelled cheque or bank certificate, address proof of premises, entity registration proof (COI/deed/agreement) and a passport-size photograph.
Yes. Individuals, proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, companies, HUFs and trusts can apply. One IEC is issued per PAN.
Yes, in most cases. Service providers receiving foreign remittances for export of services typically need IEC for banking and for claiming benefits under applicable schemes.
