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IEC Code and DGFT Registration
The Importer-Exporter Code, or IEC, is the 10-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade that a business needs to import or export goods, and to claim benefits when exporting services. It is the same as the PAN. Sanmayu prepares your details, files the application on the DGFT portal and checks the IEC that comes back.
Free first consultation · a named contact replies
Who needs an IEC?
Importing or exporting goods needs an IEC unless an exemption applies. Exporting services or technology needs one on the date of rendering if a Foreign Trade Policy benefit is claimed.
- New importersStarting to bring goods or components in.
- ExportersSelling goods or services abroad and claiming export benefits.
- Traders and manufacturersWhose customs broker asks for an IEC before filing.
Do service exporters need an IEC?
For exporting services or technology, the Foreign Trade Policy says an IEC is necessary on the date of rendering the services, in order to claim benefits under the Policy. A service exporter who claims no benefit should still confirm the position for their case.
Which products or businesses does this apply to?
Firms, companies, LLPs and other entities engaged in trade across borders. A few categories are exempt, such as personal-use goods not connected with trade, Central and State Government departments, and low-value single consignments to or from some neighbouring countries, so whether your activity needs one is for an expert to confirm.
How does IEC registration work?
Eight stages, from your details to a downloaded IEC. The right-hand column is what most often slows each stage.
| Stage | Who acts | What happens | What can hold it up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Details | Sanmayu with you | Entity, PAN, address and bank details confirmed against each other | Details that differ between PAN and bank records |
| 2 · Signatory authentication | You | A digital signature token or Aadhaar e-Sign ready for the authorised person | Signature not registered for the right person |
| 3 · Portal registration | Sanmayu with you | User profile created on the DGFT portal with mobile and email OTPs | An OTP that expired before it was entered |
| 4 · Application | Sanmayu | Application filed in the prescribed online form with documents and fee | Errors in the form |
| 5 · Validation | DGFT systems | Details checked online against government and bank records where the system can | Firm name and bank account name that do not match |
| 6 · IEC issued | DGFT | IEC generated and available to download from the dashboard | Bank proof or member details the portal does not accept |
| 7 · Customs link | DGFT and customs | IEC downloaded from the dashboard before the first customs filing | Declarations tried before the IEC appears |
| 8 · Updates | You with Sanmayu | Details updated yearly, and after any change within the period DGFT sets | IEC deactivated for missing the annual update |
Which documents are needed for an IEC?
| Document | Why it is needed | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| PAN of the entity | The IEC is the same as the PAN | Name mismatch |
| Address proof | Supports the registered address | Not in the entity's name |
| Bank proof | Cancelled cheque with the entity's pre-printed name, or a bank certificate | Account name differs from the entity |
| Digital signature or Aadhaar e-Sign | Used to sign the application | Not yet obtained |
| Valid mobile number and email | Receive OTPs and the IEC notice | Not controlled by the applicant |
| Partner, director or trustee details | Members of the firm must be listed with their details | Mandatory details missing |
| Identity of the signatory | Authorised person details | Aadhaar not matching PAN |
How is an IEC linked to the PAN?
The IEC is the same as the entity's PAN, issued separately by DGFT on an online application, and only one IEC is issued against a single PAN. It is permanent unless suspended or cancelled, and covers all branches, divisions, units and factories of the applicant.
What does an IEC cost?
Three parts, quoted for your entity after a short review. Your first consultation is free.
- Government feeDGFT's application fee.
- Digital signatureIf needed, paid to its issuer.
- Our servicePreparation, filing and follow-up. A named contact quotes after review.
Get a quote for your case
A named contact reads your details and replies with a quote that lists each part above.
- What you make, move or run, in a line or two
- Where it is made and where it will be sold
- Any certificate or registration you already hold
Free first consultation covers
- Whether your product or activity falls under this service, and what its scope is.
- Which approvals, schemes or registrations apply to your case.
- The list of documents you will need to gather.
- What a named contact needs from you to prepare a quote.
The first consultation is free. Any work after it is quoted separately, and you decide whether to go ahead.
What holds IEC registration up?
- Detail mismatchDifferences between PAN, address and bank records cause queries; the firm name and bank account name must match.
- No digital signatureThe application needs a digital signature token or Aadhaar e-Sign for the authorised person.
- Annual update missedAn IEC not updated in the April to June window is deactivated. Do not file a shipment on a deactivated IEC.
- Change not updatedA new address, bank account or constitution must be updated online; a changed PAN may need the regional authority.
Does an IEC need updating every year?
Yes. The Foreign Trade Policy requires IEC details to be updated electronically every year during April to June, and confirmed online even when nothing has changed. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated, and it can be activated again once updated. A change in constitution, address or bank details also has to be updated online within the period the Handbook sets.
IEC: common questions
What is an IEC?#q-what
It is the Importer-Exporter Code, a 10-character code the same as your PAN, issued by DGFT and needed for import and export activity.
Is an IEC needed for customs clearance?#q-customs
Importing or exporting goods needs an IEC unless an exemption applies, so register it before the first shipment.
Do service exporters need one?#q-service
To claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, an IEC is necessary on the date the services are rendered. We check your case.
Which documents are needed?#q-docs
PAN, address proof, bank proof, a digital signature or Aadhaar e-Sign, and the signatory's details. See the table above.
Who is exempt from an IEC?#q-exempt
Personal-use goods not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture, Central and State Government departments, and single consignments to or from Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar within the value ceiling in the Handbook are among the exempt categories. SCOMET exports are outside most exemptions. Confirm yours.
Does it expire?#q-expire
The IEC has permanent validity unless suspended or cancelled, but it is deactivated if not updated each year in April to June.
How much does it cost?#q-cost
DGFT's fee and our service. A named contact quotes after review. Your first consultation is free.
Can I get the IEC and clearance from the same team?#q-both
Yes. We register the IEC and then handle your customs clearance.
Often needed with an IEC
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Phone: +91 72899 60446 · +91 96112 31611
Consultations and documents are in English; translation on request.