Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
Obtaining the ten-digit Import Export Code from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the mandatory first step for any business that wants to import into or export out of India.
An Import Export Code, or IEC, is a PAN-linked registration issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that is mandatory for any business or individual engaging in the import or export of goods and services from India, barring a few notified exemptions. The application is filed online on the DGFT portal with PAN, business address proof and bank account details, and the code is typically issued within a few working days.
What our IEC registration service covers
The entry point for any cross-border trade business.
- Checking whether the business needs a fresh IEC or already holds one linked to an existing PAN
- Filing the online application on the DGFT portal with the required documents
- Linking the correct bank account and branch details for the IEC
- Modifying IEC details when the registered address, bank account or directors change
- Completing the mandatory annual IEC updation between April and June
- Advising on IEC-linked benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy for eligible exporters
What businesses use their IEC for
The code underpins nearly every cross-border trade formality.
Customs Clearance
Required at customs for filing shipping bills and bills of entry alongside the ICEGATE registration.
Foreign Remittances
Requested by banks to process inward or outward remittances connected to import and export transactions.
Export Incentive Schemes
A prerequisite to claim benefits and incentives available to exporters under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Annual Updation
Mandatory annual confirmation of IEC details on the DGFT portal to keep the code active.
Our process
From initial consultation to completion.
Eligibility Check
Confirming PAN details and whether the entity already holds an IEC.
Application Filing
Filing the IEC application on the DGFT portal with address and bank proof.
Code Issuance
Receiving the ten-digit IEC once the application is processed.
Annual Updation
Confirming IEC details every financial year to keep the code from being deactivated.
Why the annual updation step gets missed
What sets our approach apart.
IEC deactivation is automatic on missed updation
An IEC not confirmed annually between April and June is deactivated by the system, which can halt an ongoing shipment or remittance.
Bank details on the IEC need to stay current
A mismatch between the IEC's registered bank account and the account actually used for a transaction can hold up customs or banking processes.
One IEC per PAN, so duplicate applications get rejected
Only one IEC is issued against a given PAN, so any changes should be filed as a modification, not a fresh application.
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration questions answered
What people ask before engaging us.
Starting cross-border trade?
We will get your Import Export Code issued and keep it updated every year.
