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Import Export Code (IEC)

Get your 10-digit IEC from DGFT to import or export goods.

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What it isWho needs itDocuments requiredGood to knowOur processFAQ

About Import Export Code (IEC)

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is needed to import or export goods, and customs, banks and ports use it to identify you. It is issued against your PAN, and one IEC covers the whole business and all its branches. The IEC has lifetime validity, but its details must be confirmed or updated every year on the DGFT portal.

Exporters of services do not always need an IEC, but many take one to claim export benefits and to make banking and customs work easier. We apply for your IEC, and then guide you through the steps that follow, such as registering with your bank and customs and filing the GST undertaking for exports. Importing or exporting goods without a valid IEC can attract penalty under the foreign trade law.

Who needs it

  • Businesses importing or exporting goods, including jewellery, manufactured goods and traded goods
  • Service exporters who want export benefits
  • New exporters planning their first shipment
  • Businesses whose IEC details need an update or correction

Documents required

For the applicant

  • PAN of the business (proprietor, firm, LLP or company)
  • Aadhaar of the proprietor, partner or director, with the mobile number linked
  • Email ID and mobile number
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorised signatory, or Aadhaar OTP signing where allowed

Proof of business address

  • Rent agreement with the owner's no-objection letter and a utility bill, or an ownership document

Bank proof

  • Cancelled cheque with the business name printed, or a bank certificate

Constitution of the business

  • Partnership deed, LLP agreement, or certificate of incorporation, as relevant
Exact requirements can vary with your case and the authority. We confirm the final list when you contact us, so you collect everything once.

What to do after you get the IEC

  • Register the IEC with your bank and get your authorised dealer (AD) code linked
  • Register with customs on the ICEGATE portal
  • Join the export promotion council for your product if you need a membership certificate (RCMC)
  • File the GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT) every year to export without paying IGST
  • Update your IEC details on the DGFT portal each year

How we do it

  1. Check that you need itWe confirm whether you are importing or exporting goods or services and which benefits you want.
  2. Share your documentsYou send the documents above and we check them.
  3. We apply on the DGFT portalWe fill the application and attach the documents.
  4. Fee and e-signatureThe government fee is paid and the application is signed digitally.
  5. IEC issuedThe IEC certificate is issued electronically and we share it with you.
  6. Set up for tradeWe guide you on bank registration, customs and GST for exports.

Time it takes

Often 1 to 3 working days after a complete application, if DGFT raises no query.

Frequently asked questions

Does the IEC expire?

The IEC itself is valid for life, but you must confirm or update the details on the DGFT portal every year. An IEC that is not updated can be deactivated until it is.

Do I need an IEC to export services?

Not always. Many service exporters still take one to claim benefits and to make banking easier. We advise based on your case.

Can one IEC be used for several branches?

Yes. One IEC is issued for the PAN and works for all branches.

What is an LUT?

A Letter of Undertaking filed on the GST portal that lets you export without paying IGST at the time of export. It is filed every financial year.

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