What Is an Import Export Code?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is required for most imports and exports of goods and for receiving payments for exported services through banks.
An IEC is linked to the business’s PAN and does not expire, but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every year. If it is not updated, the IEC can be deactivated.
Your IEC, issued and kept active
- Application filed on the DGFT portal
- Documents checked before submission
- Annual update tracked for you
Who Needs an IEC?
- Businesses importing goods into India
- Exporters of goods from India
- Service exporters claiming export benefits
- E-commerce sellers shipping abroad
Benefits of IEC
Enter global markets
Required to clear imports and exports through customs.
Lifetime validity
Valid as long as it is updated annually.
Export benefits
Needed to claim benefits under foreign trade schemes.
Simple compliance
No periodic return filing for the IEC itself.
Documents Required
- PAN of the business or individual
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
- ID proof of the proprietor, partner or director
- Digital signature or Aadhaar-based verification
IEC Application Process
Collect documents
We check your PAN, address and bank details.
Apply on DGFT
The online application is filed and fee paid.
Verification
Aadhaar or DSC-based verification completed.
IEC issued
The IEC certificate is generated.
Annual update
We remind you to update the IEC each year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
IEC applications are simple, but these slips cause delays.
- Mismatched PAN details – The applicant name must match the PAN exactly.
- Wrong bank details – Bank account details must be verifiable.
- Missing the annual update – An IEC not updated each year can be deactivated.
- Using someone else’s IEC – Each business should have its own IEC.
- Incorrect address proof – The address must match the uploaded proof.
After You Get Your IEC
Annual update
Update the IEC on the DGFT portal every year.
Register with customs
Link your IEC for customs clearance.
Export promotion councils
Obtain RCMC where required for benefits.
AD code
Register your bank’s AD code with customs for exports.
Why Choose Vaidam Consultancy for IEC Registration
Error-free application
Mismatched PAN or bank details are a common cause of delay.
Clear quote upfront
You receive our fee and all government charges before we begin.
One point of contact
A single consultant prepares your documents and follows up with the authority.
Export-ready
We guide you on RCMC and other export registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC is generally needed when you want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. We confirm whether it applies to your service.
It does not expire, but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every year, even if there are no changes.
Yes. Individuals, proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs and companies can all apply using their PAN.
Only one IEC is issued per PAN.
No. Imports for personal use are generally exempt from the IEC requirement.
Yes. You can surrender it on the DGFT portal if you stop trading.