Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number from the government that you need to import or export goods. It is issued once, on your PAN, and does not expire.

Who needs it

Anyone importing goods into India for business use
Anyone exporting goods from India
Service exporters who want to claim government benefits or schemes
Online sellers who ship products abroad
Manufacturers and traders who bring in raw material or machinery

Some imports and exports do not need one, such as personal use items and some small consignments. We tell you if yours is exempt.

Why it matters

Customs will not clear your goods without it
Banks need it to send and receive foreign payments for goods
It is the base for export refunds and incentives, including GST refund on exports
It is one number for life, linked to your PAN

Documents needed

PAN of the business or owner
Aadhaar of the owner, partner or director, for the verification
Proof of business address: rent agreement or ownership paper, with a recent utility bill
Bank proof: cancelled cheque or a certificate from your bank
Digital signature, or verification through Aadhaar, as the portal allows
For companies and LLPs: incorporation certificate

Our process

1You share the documents and business details.
2We check that your PAN, Aadhaar and address details match.
3We fill in and submit the application on the DGFT portal.
4We pay the government fee and respond to any query.
5Your IEC certificate is issued, and we send it to you.

Once your file is complete, the IEC is usually issued within a few working days. The government fee is small and fixed, and is quoted to you before we begin.

After you get it

The IEC does not expire, but you must confirm or update your details on the DGFT portal once a year, in the window the government sets. If you do not, the code can be made inactive. We keep your update date and do it for you. Changes such as a new address or bank account are also updated on the portal.

Next, you can register with the right export promotion bodies, open an authorised dealer bank account, and set up your customs and GST export routes. See our Customs Duty and Export GST Refund pages.

Common questions

Is there a validity period?

No. An IEC is valid for life, but you must update it every year to keep it active.

Can one person hold more than one IEC?

No. There is one IEC for each PAN.

Do I need an IEC to export services?

Generally not, but you need one to claim some benefits and schemes. We check your case.

What if my details change?

You can modify the IEC on the portal. We update your address, bank account or partners for you.

Get a quote

General information, not professional advice. Tax rates, limits and due dates change, so we confirm the current position for your case before we file. Government fees are separate from our service charge and are quoted before work begins.