When you need an IEC
No consignment clears Indian customs without an Import Export Code, and no bank will process an international trade remittance without one. It is issued by the DGFT against your PAN, which means one business gets exactly one IEC. The code has no expiry and carries no filing obligation, though since 2021 holders have been required to confirm their details on the DGFT portal once a year between April and June — a two-minute exercise that we remind our clients about, because failing to do it deactivates the code.
- Mandatory for customs clearance. Goods cannot be imported or exported commercially without quoting a valid IEC.
- Required by banks. Authorised dealers need the IEC before remitting or receiving foreign currency for trade.
- Lifetime validity. One application, no renewal fee, no expiry date.
- Access to export incentives. DGFT schemes such as RoDTEP and duty drawback require a registered IEC.
- No return filing. Unlike GST, holding an IEC creates no monthly or quarterly compliance.
- Open to all structures. Proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, companies and trusts can all hold one.
Documents you'll need
- PAN card of the business or individual applicant.
- Aadhaar card of the proprietor, partner or director, for digital signing.
- Bank proof — a cancelled cheque or a banker's certificate for the business account.
- Business address proof — utility bill, rent agreement or sale deed.
- Digital photograph of the applicant.
- Incorporation certificate for companies and LLPs.
How the process runs
1
Share your documentsSend PAN, Aadhaar, bank proof and address proof. We confirm the details match your bank records, as a mismatch is the usual cause of rejection.
2
DGFT applicationWe file the application on the DGFT portal and complete the Aadhaar-based e-signature or DSC authentication with you.
3
Departmental verificationDGFT verifies the submission. If any clarification is raised, we respond on your behalf rather than passing it back to you.
4
IEC issuedYour ten-digit code and certificate are issued within six to seven working days and emailed to you.
The annual update that catches people out
Since 2021 every IEC must be confirmed on the DGFT portal between April and June each year, even when nothing has changed. If you miss it the code is deactivated and your consignments stop at customs. There is no fee — just the update. We flag this to our clients each year.
Frequently asked
Do I need GST registration as well?
An IEC is issued independently of GST, but in practice most importers and exporters need GST registration too — exports are zero-rated supplies and you will want to claim input credit or a refund. Imports attract IGST, which you can only recover if registered. We usually recommend doing both together.
Can an individual apply without a company?
Yes. A sole proprietor can obtain an IEC against their personal PAN. You will need a current account in the business name and proof of the business address.
Is an IEC needed for service exports?
Not for ordinary service exports where payment is received through normal banking channels. It is required if you intend to claim benefits under the foreign trade policy for services. Software and IT service exporters often obtain one for this reason.
Can I modify my IEC later?
Yes. Address, bank details, directors and business name can all be amended on the DGFT portal. We handle modifications for existing clients at a nominal charge.
★★★★★
"Got my IEC in six days and shipped my first export consignment the same month. They also flagged the annual DGFT update, which I had no idea existed. Smooth from start to finish."
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Imran ShaikhExport trading · Mumbai, Maharashtra