Business LicensesDGFT / Foreign Trade Policy

IEC Registration Online — Import Export Code in 1–3 Days

Get your Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT with expert CA support. Mandatory for all importers, exporters, and international service providers.

  • DGFT Portal Application Filing
  • PAN & Business Verification
  • Digital Signature (DSC) Assistance
  • IEC Number (10-Digit)
  • IEC Certificate Delivery
  • DGFT Portal Guidance

1000+

IEC Registrations

1–3 Days

Processing Time

Lifetime

Validity

Pan India

Service

Get Free Consultation

Talk to an expert — no commitment

Your information stays secure & confidential.

IEC Registration — Quick Highlights

Full FormImport Export Code (IEC)
Issuing AuthorityDGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
ValidityLifetime — No Renewal Required
Who Needs ItAll Importers & Exporters of Goods/Services
Format10-Digit Code (Same as Business PAN)
Processing Time1–3 Working Days
Annual UpdateMandatory (April–June each year)
Government Fee₹500 (DGFT portal fee)
Mode of FilingOnline via DGFT Portal (dgft.gov.in)
Required ForCustoms Clearance, FIRC, Bank Remittances

What is IEC (Import Export Code)?

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is the primary document required for engaging in international trade — importing goods into India or exporting goods out of India.

IEC is linked to the PAN of the applicant and is valid for the lifetime of the business. It must be quoted in all shipping bills, bills of entry, bank remittances involving foreign currency, and DGFT scheme applications.

Since 2021, DGFT has mandated annual updates of IEC data on the portal (free of charge) between April and June each year. Failure to complete this update results in IEC deactivation, which halts all import/export operations.

Benefits of IEC Registration

Global Trade

Export your products worldwide and import goods from any country. IEC is the passport to international trade.

Export Benefits & Incentives

Access MEIS, RoDTEP, advance authorization, and other export promotion schemes — all require valid IEC.

Customs Clearance

IEC is mandatory for customs clearance at ports, airports, and inland container depots.

Forex Remittances

Banks require IEC for receiving foreign currency payments (FIRC) and making outward remittances.

E-Commerce Exports

Required for exporting on Amazon Global, eBay, Etsy, and other international e-commerce platforms.

No Turnover Limit

IEC is required regardless of turnover or business size. Even first-time exporters need it.

DGFT Scheme Access

Access DGFT licensing schemes — advance authorization, EPCG, DFIA — only available with valid IEC.

Lifetime Validity

IEC is valid for the lifetime of the business. Only an annual update (free) is required.

Who Needs IEC Registration?

Must Have IEC

  • Any person or company importing goods into India
  • Any person or company exporting goods from India
  • Businesses exporting services (consultants, software, IT services, professionals)
  • E-commerce sellers exporting through international platforms
  • Companies receiving foreign currency for services rendered
  • Importers of machinery, raw materials, equipment, or finished goods

Exempt from IEC (Specific Categories)

  • Imports/exports for personal use (not for commercial purpose)
  • Central Government / State Governments (for non-commercial purposes)
  • Importers/exporters notified by DGFT as IEC-exempt

Documents Required for IEC Registration

All Applicants

  • PAN Card of Business (or Individual)
  • Aadhaar Card of Proprietor / Director
  • Bank Account Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
  • Address Proof of Business (Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement)
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) — Class 3

Companies / LLPs (Additional)

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • MOA & AOA
  • Board Resolution for Authorized Signatory
  • Director's PAN

IEC Registration Process

Step 1: Document CollectionDay 1

Share PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and business address proof. DSC arranged if needed.

Step 2: DGFT Portal RegistrationDay 1

Business registered on DGFT portal with IEC application form prepared.

Step 3: Application FilingDay 1–2

IEC application filed on dgft.gov.in with DSC. Application ID generated.

Step 4: Auto-ApprovalDay 1–3

DGFT verifies PAN details with CBDT. IEC issued automatically for most applications.

Step 5: IEC CertificateDay 1–3

Digitally signed IEC certificate downloaded from DGFT portal and delivered to you.

Pricing

DGFT government fee of ₹500 is included in all packages below.

Basic

₹1,499

For sole proprietors and individuals. DGFT fee of ₹500 is included.

₹500 included

  • DGFT Application Filing
  • IEC Number
  • IEC Certificate (PDF)
  • DSC Assistance
  • Email Support
  • Annual Update Service
  • DGFT Scheme Guidance
Get Started
Most Popular

Standard

₹2,999

Ideal for companies and LLPs needing board resolution and complete documentation.

₹500 included

  • Everything in Basic
  • Company Documentation
  • Board Resolution Drafting
  • Annual IEC Update (1 Year)
  • DGFT Scheme Advisory
  • WhatsApp Support
  • Export Benefit Consultation
Most Popular
Best Value

Premium

₹5,999

Complete export setup including IEC, DGFT registration, and export incentive guidance.

₹500 included

  • Everything in Standard
  • 2 Years Annual Update
  • Export Incentive Advisory
  • RoDTEP / MEIS Guidance
  • Advance Authorization Advisory
  • Priority Support
Get Premium

With IEC vs Without IEC

See how IEC enables your global trade operations.

Trade ActivityWith IECWithout IEC
Import Goods from Abroad
Export Goods from India
Customs Clearance
Receive Foreign Currency (FIRC)
Access Export Incentives
Amazon Global / International E-Commerce
Bank Export Finance

Why Choose Startup India Experts?

Fast IEC registration with DGFT portal expertise and export advisory.

Fast 1–3 Day Processing

Application filed on DGFT portal and IEC issued within 1–3 working days.

DGFT Expert Team

Our team handles DSC, portal registration, and filing — completely hands-off for you.

1000+ IECs Obtained

Extensive experience with IEC for sole proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, and companies.

Annual Update Included

Annual IEC update (mandatory each April–June) included in Standard and Premium plans.

Export Scheme Advisory

Guidance on RoDTEP, advance authorization, and other DGFT export incentive schemes.

Company Documentation

Board resolution drafting, MOA review, and authorized signatory documentation handled.

Frequently Asked Questions — IEC Registration

Related Services

Related Articles

IEC Registration Across India

Start Importing & Exporting

Get Your IEC Code in 1–3 Days

DGFT-registered IEC with expert CA support. Starting at ₹1,499 (includes ₹500 government fee).

Includes DGFT fee · Expert CA Filing · Annual Update Guidance

WhatsApp UsCall Experts