An Import Export Code is the licence number that lets a business import into or export from India. It is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, is valid for the life of the business, and is required by customs, by banks for foreign currency remittance, and by every export incentive scheme. Without it, a consignment does not clear.
Who needs this
- Anyone importing goods into India for business
- Exporters of goods or services claiming benefits under foreign trade policy
- Businesses receiving payment from overseas clients where the bank asks for an IEC
- E-commerce sellers shipping internationally
Documents required
This is the usual list. Depending on your state and your specific facts, an authority may ask for more — we tell you at the scope stage rather than midway through.
- PAN of the business or individual
- Aadhaar of the proprietor, partner or director for authentication
- Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or equivalent
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for the current account
- Digital signature or Aadhaar-based e-signature
How we handle it
1. Eligibility and details
We confirm the correct applicant entity and gather the details exactly as they appear on PAN — mismatches are the main cause of rejection.
2. Application
The application is filed on the DGFT portal with document upload and e-signature.
3. Issue
The IEC is issued electronically and linked to your PAN.
4. Annual update
The IEC must be updated on the portal every year, even where no detail has changed. We track this.
Fees and timeline
An IEC that is not updated annually is deactivated. This catches out a large number of exporters, usually at the moment a shipment is waiting at the port.
We quote after a short conversation rather than publishing a single number, because the honest answer depends on your state, your turnover and your category. Call +91 98999 00300 or send the details through the enquiry form.
Common questions
Is the IEC valid permanently?
It has no expiry, but it must be confirmed or updated on the DGFT portal each year or it is deactivated.
Do service exporters need an IEC?
Not for every service export, but it is required to claim benefits under foreign trade policy, and many banks ask for it regardless.
Can an individual obtain an IEC?
Yes. A proprietor can obtain an IEC against their own PAN.
This page is general information, not advice on your facts. Rules, rates and due dates change. Government fees are payable to the concerned authority and are separate from our professional fees.