Apply for Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

Ten digit IEC number allotted by DGFT is a mandatory registration for commercial importers and exporters in India. Apply online and get your IEC registration in less than three days.

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OVERVIEW

What is Importer Exporter Code?

Considering the recent trends in the business sector, a gradual shift of businesses is observed from the local market to the international market. To spread reach and conquer the international market, the import and export activities are undertaken which further requires the Import Export Code.

Import Export Code is a 10 digit unique code allotted to the business entities that allow imports and exports. The code is allotted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to the applicants.

Register for IEC code online comes with one-time registration and lifetime validity. The process for import export code registration has become simpler with online IEC application supported by a few documents.

BENEFITS

Benefits of Importer Exporter Code

Global Markets at Fingertips

Unless the entity holds IEC, it is not allowed to import or export goods/services into the foreign market. It is a key to enter the international market and widening the scope of business. With IEC, one can take their products or services to the global market and expand business with ease.

Simple Processing

The complete process of applying for importer exporter code is simple and hassle-free with the online Import-Export license application. It merely takes 3-4 working days for obtaining the importer exporter code. The applicant can immediately download the e-IEC through the link provided in the mail after uploading documents and payment of the fee.

Compliance-free

Once the import-export code is obtained, there is no adaptational formalities. Unlike other tax registrations, the IE code holder also does not need to comply with any kind of annual filing or return filing. Also, the code is valid for a lifetime so there is no need for renewal.

Government benefits

The importers and exporters are eligible to benefit from many Government schemes. The entities are eligible for the schemes under DGFT on their import/export. They can avail the subsidies from Customs and Export Promotion Council or similar government organizations.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Documents required for online Import Export code registration

PAN Card

A scanned copy of a PAN card of the applicant or the company

Address Proof

Sale Deed/ Rent Agreement/ Latest Electricity Bill/ Telephone Bill in name of applicant

Cancelled Cheque

A cancelled cheque of current account bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank Certificate in form ANF-2A(i)

PAN card of Director or Partner

For a company/partnership, PAN card of the Director/Partner is a must

Certificate of Registration

Entity should provide the registration certificate with MoA- AoA / LLP Agreement, or a Partnership Deed as applicable

When is IEC code required?

For Import and Export of Goods from India

For Import and Export of Services from India

To clear the shipment while making an Import or Export

Online Registration

Obtain IEC in 3 Simple Steps

1. Answer Quick Questions

It takes less than 10 minutes to fill in our questionnaires
Provide basic details & documents required for registration
Make payment through our secured payment gateways

2. Experts are Here to Help

Assigned Relationship Manager
IEC application preparation and filing
Allotment of IE Code

3. You get the IE Code

All it takes is 3-4 working days*

*Subject to Government processing time

The Process

Process for IEC registration

Day 1

Provide Required Documents

Day 2 - 3

Drafting and preparation of Application

Day 4 onwards

Filing of online IEC Code registration application with DGFT
Government processing time

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Parameters	Importer Exporter Code	GST Registration	Professional Tax Registration	Shop & Establishments Registration	Proprietorship Firm
Applicable To	All importers and exporters	Businesses exceeding prescribed threshold for turnover	Applicability defers based on State Act	Applicability defers based on State Act	All Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Registration Criteria	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory	Voluntary
	Any business entity undertaking import/export for business purpose from India	If turnover exceeds ₹ 20 Lakh or entity fall under specified category, registration is mandatory	A person earning income from salary or by practicing any profession has to pay the professional tax	All entities need to get registered under shop and establishments at the time of setting up their business	It is not mandatory to register under MSME. Any business entity if wishes can get registered under MSME
Regulatory body	Central Government	State and Central Government	State Government	Municipal Corporation	Municipal Corporation
	The code is granted by Directorate General of foreign Trade, Central Government	The tax is segregated into two parts CGST (central) and SGST (state)	The tax is based on income slab-rates decided by state Government	Governed by Municipal Corporation under whose jurisdiction the business place is situated	MSMEs comes under centrally based Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Return Filings	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
	No return are prescribed to file after registration	Annually, monthly or quarterly based on GSTR type	Monthly or yearly based on professional tax liability	No returns are to be filed after this registration	No returns are to be filed after this registration
	Get Started	Know More	Know More	Know More	Know More

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Importer Exporter Code Registration

2022-06-11T07:28:25+05:30

Who is required to make online IEC code registration application?

The IEC registration is required under the following circumstances:

1) It is a pre-requisite for any entity planning to engage in the business of import and export from India.
2) In case of service or technology, if the provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, then the IE code registration is mandatory for them.

2022-06-11T07:27:53+05:30

Whether obtaining IE code is mandatory for all?

No. Import Export Code registration is not compulsory for the below-mentioned activities:

If the import or export of goods is done for the personal use.
If the import or export is carried out by any Government Ministry or department or a notified charitable organization.
Any other category mentioned or defined by the DGFT.

2022-06-11T07:27:05+05:30

Can an individual apply for IEC registration?

Any individual involved in the import and export of goods or services for the purpose of conducting business can make IE Code application. They can obtain the IE code by filing an online application accompanied with required documents. In case the person does not have a current account for the business, he/she may provide canceled cheque of the savings account for the purpose of filing IE code application.

2022-06-11T07:26:46+05:30

What is the validity of import export code registration?

The Import Export Code comes with a lifelong validity unless the same is withdrawn or surrendered. Once the applicant receives the IE Code, there is no need to re-register as it is a perpetual registration.

2022-06-11T07:26:27+05:30

Whether the separate application is to be made for other branch?

No, there is no requirement to make a separate application for different places of business. This is a PAN based registration. Hence, the single registration will be valid for all the businesses and branch under the same entity.

2022-06-11T07:26:09+05:30

Whether more than one IEC can be issued against one PAN?

Only a single IEC can be issued against a single PAN card. If at all more than one IEC is issued then it has to be surrendered to the regional office.

2022-06-11T07:25:51+05:30

Is there any penalty for not having an importer and exporter code?

No, there is no penalty however, the import or export is not possible without IE code.

2022-06-11T07:25:34+05:30

Whether renewal of IEC registration is required?

Import Export code is allotted with lifetime validity and therefore it does not require any renewal.

2022-06-11T07:25:17+05:30

Is there any compliance after obtaining IEC?

No, there is no compliance to be fulfilled after the import-export license registration is obtained.

2022-06-11T07:25:00+05:30

Can IEC information be modified?

Yes, the IEC information can be modified by providing all the necessary documents even after the code is issued.

2018-08-13T12:52:24+05:30

Whether copy of PAN Card is required to be uploaded?

No, w.e.f. 09.08.2018, DGFT has integrated PAN web service of CBDT with the server; therefore PAN card is not required to be uploaded. However, for the purpose of filing an application, the copy of the PAN card is required to be submitted to the team.