Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Online in India

An Overview

Import Export Code is a 10-digit unique code assigned to an individual or company, required for every import/export operation. The government has prioritized trade facilitation to reduce transaction cost and time. Import Export Code is issued by DGFT. The purpose of the Import Export License Certificate is to regulate and monitor foreign trade activities in India. IEC is also known as the passport of import and export business. No import or export can be made by any person without obtaining an IEC.

• Import Export Code is a 10-digit code allotted by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India.
• The code is valid for the lifetime of the entity. There is no need for the IEC holder to apply for renewal.
• A period of 12–15 working days is required for IEC generation after all documents are submitted. Having an IEC is mandatory for every commercial importer and exporter in India.
• Unlike other government licenses, IEC does not need to be renewed regularly. However, the IEC status must be updated on the DGFT portal on a yearly basis.

Documents Required for Obtaining IEC License

The following documents are required before proceeding with IEC registration. IEC can be obtained by entities of any nature — Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt & Public Limited Company, Trust, HUF and Society.

• PAN of the business entity
• Address proof of the applicant's entity (electricity bill)
• Registration/Certification Number
• Bank account details of the entity with Cancelled Cheque
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport)
• Passport size photograph

IEC Registration Process

1. Register online through the government portal of DGFT.
2. Upload the required documents and information to the web portal.
3. Preparation of the application in the prescribed format for Import Export Code.
4. Attach the applicant's digital signature and file the online application before DGFT.
5. DGFT officials verify and process the application within a week.
6. After successful verification, the Import Export Code certificate is sent via email. (Fee charged by LegalTax for IEC Registration: Rs. 1999/- only.)

IEC Validity and Renewal

After amendments to Import Export Code provisions under Chapter 1 and 2 of the Foreign Trade Policy on 12th February 2021, IEC details must now be updated on the DGFT portal every year. Even if there are no changes, the status must be confirmed online annually.

Why IEC Code License Is Mandatory for Export Service Providers

Import Export Code is a key business identification number mandatory for all export and import in India. No business is licensed to carry out any import or export without an IEC number granted by DGFT.

For import or export of services or technology transfer, IEC is required only when the service or technology provider is seeking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or is dealing with specified services or technologies under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2010.

DGFT issues IEC registration. It is mandatory for Indian companies that want to expand their business through export and import. The Reserve Bank of India has also made it compulsory for all traders to provide their IEC during any foreign payment transfer.

With the rapid rise of globalization, IEC registration unlocks international growth opportunities. Every individual who wants to expand their business globally through import and export is required to obtain IEC registration.

Import Export Code Exemption

The following entities are exempted from obtaining IEC:

• Central and State Government ministries or departments.
• Import or export of certain items for personal use, unrelated to trade, manufacturing, or agriculture.
• Individuals importing or exporting to/from Nepal, Myanmar via Indo-Myanmar border areas or China, provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Rs. 25,000. The exemption ceiling for Nathula port is Rs. 1 lakh.

Requirement of Digital Signature for Import Export Code

• Importers and exporters can apply for Import Export Code online, which requires a Digital Signature of the business owner or director.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the preferred method for online IEC applications.
• DGFT issues a special DSC to organisations that already hold an IEC. Using this DSC, applicants can save up to 50% on license fees.

Certificate of Origin (CO)

• A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international business document that verifies the country in which the export goods were obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed.
• The Certificate of Origin declares the product's "nationality" and serves as a statement by the exporter to meet customs or trade regulations.
• Customs authorities, banks, private parties, and importers require COs for various reasons. Almost every country requires a CO for customs clearance, so IEC holders planning to export outside India must also apply for one.
• A Certificate of Origin is issued by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Promotion Council of India. IEC holders can obtain two types of CO.

Non-preferential Certificate of Origin: Specifies that the exported goods do not receive preferential tariff treatment and that standard charges apply.

Preferential Certificate of Origin: Issued for goods subject to preferential tariff treatment under Regional Trade Agreements, helping exporters benefit from lower taxes in partner countries.

Benefits of Import Export Registration

IEC registration is the essential first step for any business looking to import or export from India.

• Business Expansion: IEC enables businesses to export goods and services globally and build an international market presence.
• Government Scheme Benefits: IEC holders can avail benefits from the Export Promotion Council, DGFT, and Customs.
• No Return Filing Required: Once IEC is allocated, there is no need to file any returns. DGFT does not require return filing for export transactions.
• Hassle-Free Processing: IEC is issued within 10–15 working days. No proof of export or import is required after registration.
• Lifetime Validity: IEC does not expire and requires no periodic renewal — only an annual online confirmation.
• Government Identity: The IEC number serves as an official business identity, presentable during shipment clearance at customs.

Why Choose Legal Tax for Import Export Registration?

• Legal Tax is a professional service organisation whose experts handle your application efficiently.
• The import export registration process is handled in a smooth and complication-free manner.
• Client reviews reflect consistently high satisfaction with the services provided.
• IEC registration is available at just Rs. 1999/- — one of the most competitive rates available.

FAQs

Q1. Who is exempted from obtaining IEC registration?

• Traders registered under Goods & Service Tax (GST) are not obligated to obtain IEC.
• Import or export for personal consumption (not commercial) does not require IEC.
• Government departments, ministries, or notified charitable institutions importing/exporting on behalf of the Government of India.

Q2. Is there any tax on IEC code?

Import Export Code is not a tax registration. However, depending on the product, certain customs duties may be imposed.

Q3. Can import/export be done without a license?

No. Any individual, company, or sole proprietor engaged in import-export must obtain an IEC license. However, if the transaction value is very low, the authority may permit the first export against nominal charges.

Q4. What are the documents required for IEC registration?

• PAN of the business entity
• Address proof (electricity bill)
• Registration/Certification Number
• Bank account details with Cancelled Cheque
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
• Passport size photograph

Q5. What are the steps for IEC registration?

1. Register online through the DGFT government portal.
2. Upload required documents to the web portal.
3. Prepare the application in the prescribed format.
4. Attach the digital signature and file the online application before DGFT.
5. DGFT officials verify and process the application within a week.
6. IEC certificate is sent via email after successful verification.

Q6. What are the benefits of IEC registration?

• Business expansion globally
• Benefits from Export Promotion Council, DGFT and Customs
• No return filing required
• Simple processing — issued within 10–15 working days
• Lifetime validity with no periodic renewal
• Serves as a government-recognised business identity

Q7. What is the fee charged by Legal Tax for IEC registration?

Legal Tax charges only Rs. 1999/- for IEC registration.

Q8. Why choose Legal Tax for IEC registration?

• Expert team handles your application efficiently.
• Smooth and hassle-free registration process.
• High client satisfaction ratings.
• Competitive fee of Rs. 1999/- only.

Q9. Can we modify our IEC application?

Yes, you can modify your application multiple times before it is submitted to the next department.

Q10. Why is a Digital Signature required for IEC?

DSC is the preferred method for online IEC applications. DGFT also issues a special DSC to existing IEC holders that can reduce license fees by up to 50%.

Q11. Is it necessary to provide a PAN Card?

Yes. A self-attested copy of the PAN Card must be submitted along with the application.

Q12. Is there any need to revalidate the IEC?

No. IEC has lifetime validity and does not need to be revalidated. However, annual online confirmation of details on the DGFT portal is required.

Q13. How can an exporter cancel their allotted IEC?

The allotted IEC can be cancelled by surrendering it to the issuing authority.

Q14. Is IEC registration item-based?

No. Import Export Code is a permanent document and is not restricted to any specific item or product category.

Q15. How to obtain a new or amended IEC?

You need to check the status of your BIN (Business Identification Number) on the official DGFT website.

Q16. What is an Import Export Code?

A 10-digit code allotted by DGFT to individuals or businesses for importing or exporting goods and services. It is valid for the lifetime of the entity and issued within 12–15 working days of application.

Q17. Why is DGFT website registration required for IEC?

It gives you a personal user profile to apply, link, and view your IEC dashboard, track applications, and receive notifications via dashboard, mobile, and email.

Q18. How long does it take to receive an IEC certificate?

An IEC certificate is typically issued immediately upon successful submission of the online application.

Q19. Is the foreign director's PAN mandatory?

No. A foreign director's PAN is not mandatory for the IEC application.

Q20. What is a Certificate of Origin (CO)?

A CO is an international trade document verifying the country where exported goods were produced or manufactured. It is required by customs authorities in almost every country. IEC holders can obtain two types: non-preferential and preferential.

Q21. What is a non-preferential Certificate of Origin?

It specifies that the exported goods do not receive preferential tariff treatment and that standard applicable charges must be imposed.

Q22. What is a preferential Certificate of Origin?

It is issued for goods eligible for reduced tariffs or allowances under Regional Trade Agreements when exported to partner countries that provide these benefits.