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Import Export Code (IEC) Online

The Import Export Code (IEC) registration online gives you the 10-character, PAN-based code that DGFT issues to businesses that import or export goods. You apply in Form ANF-2A, pay the DGFT fee of ₹500, and download the e-IEC. We prepare and file the application with you and keep your details matching PAN and bank records. We also update, correct or reactivate an existing code, and surrender one you no longer need.

What the IEC is

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-character identifier issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is compulsory for anyone who imports or exports in the course of trade, unless an exemption applies (Handbook of Procedures, Para 2.07).

Who can apply

Any person or entity that imports or exports goods in the course of trade.

  • Proprietor
  • Partnership firm
  • LLP
  • Company
  • Trust or society
  • HUF

Who does not need an IEC

Exemptions under Para 2.07 of the Handbook of Procedures.

  • Central and State Government ministries and departments: Exempt from the IEC requirement.
  • Goods for personal use: Only if not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture.
  • Border trade with Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar: Up to ₹25,000 per consignment.
  • Border trade with China: Up to ₹1 lakh at Gunji and Namgaya Shipkila, and up to ₹2 lakh at Nathula.
  • Entities covered by the Foreign Trade (Exemption from application of Rules) Order, 1993: Exempt as that Order provides.

IEC compared with registrations it is often confused with

Registration, What it is, Issued by

  • IEC: The code that lets you import or export
  • GST: Indirect tax registration; its number is later linked on ICEGATE
  • ICEGATE: Customs e-filing portal ID for Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills
  • RCMC: Membership of an export promotion council, needed for many FTP benefits
  • AD Code: Bank and customs port registration for exports

DGFT fees

Paid online through the BharatKosh gateway. The fee is not refundable.

  • New IEC application: ₹500
  • Amendment or correction in IEC: ₹200
  • Duplicate IEC or I-card: ₹200
  • Annual update, April to June: Nil

Add up your DGFT fee

Tick what you need.

Documents for the IEC application

Most details are validated online against PAN, MCA and bank records, so the uploads are few and the matching matters.

  • PAN
  • Cancelled cheque with pre-printed entity name, or a bank certificate
  • Address proof of the entity
  • Signing at filing: a one-time code on the mobile linked to the signer's identity, or a digital signature certificate of the right type for
  • Rent agreement with owner NOC

How the application works

The official sequence in Para 2.08 of the Handbook of Procedures.

Keeping the IEC active

An IEC that is not updated is deactivated (Para 2.10(b)). No separate penalty for a late annual update is stated beyond the deactivation.

  • Update the IEC profile: Every year between 1 April and 30 June, with no fee. If you miss it, the code may be switched off, and updating the
  • Report a change in constitution, address or bank details: Within 30 days
  • Change of the entity's PAN: Apply for a new IEC within 30 days
  • Incomplete application: Auto-withdrawn after 90 days
  • Surrender of the IEC: Online, once authorisations are closed

Update, correct or reactivate your IEC

The IEC profile must be confirmed or updated at least once a year, and the update is free only between April and June. The 2026 window has closed, so a code that was not updated may have been switched off. The usual way back is to update the profile online, and the fee for a late update or a reactivation is not in the published fee scale, so we confirm it before filing.

What happens without a valid IEC

Customs clearance is blocked: A deactivated IEC stops customs clearance until you update the profile.

  • Customs clearance is blocked
  • Remittances may be held up
  • Scheme benefits may stop
  • Trading without an IEC
  • Reactivation

Why applications get stuck

Bank name does not match the PAN.

  • Bank name does not match the PAN.
  • The cancelled cheque has no pre-printed entity name.
  • The address proof is not in the entity's name.
  • PAN, Aadhaar and mobile number do not match.
  • The mobile number is not registered on the DGFT portal.
  • The application is left incomplete and auto-withdrawn after 90 days.

What StampMitra does for you

StampMitra is a filing assistance platform. We are not DGFT and not a law firm.

  • Eligibility check
  • Document collection and verification
  • Filing the IEC application
  • Follow-up and support after registration

How it works

  1. Register on dgft.gov.in Sign up on the DGFT portal with PAN, mobile number and e-mail.
  2. Fill Form ANF-2A Open Services, then IEC, then Apply, and fill the application.
  3. Upload documents Upload a cancelled cheque or bank certificate and address proof of the entity.
  4. Sign and pay Sign with a one-time code or a digital signature certificate of the right type, and pay the DGFT fee of ₹500.
  5. Download the e-IEC The IEC is generated automatically and the e-IEC is downloaded from the DGFT dashboard.

Frequently asked questions

Is an IEC mandatory?

Yes for importing or exporting in the course of trade, unless you fall under an exemption such as personal-use goods or small border trade.

What is the IEC fee?

The DGFT application fee is ₹500, paid online. An amendment or correction costs ₹200. StampMitra's own fee starts at ₹1,499 plus GST.

How long is the IEC valid?

It is valid permanently, unless suspended or cancelled, as long as you update the profile every year between 1 April and 30 June. The update carries no fee.

Is the IEC the same as the PAN?

No, but it is PAN-based: one PAN can hold one IEC. The IEC is 10 characters, made of letters and digits.

Can an individual or proprietor apply?

Yes. A proprietor applies with personal PAN.

Do I need GST registration first?

No, GST is separate. You will need a GSTIN later to link on the ICEGATE portal.

Do service exporters need an IEC?

The rules speak of import and export of goods. For services, an IEC is generally needed to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits. We confirm for your case.

What if my address or bank account changes?

Update the IEC profile within 30 days. If the PAN of the entity changes, you need a new IEC within 30 days.

Can I surrender my IEC?

Yes, online, once any authorisations are closed.

My IEC was not updated this year. What now?

The April to June window for 2026 has closed, so the code may have been switched off. Update the profile on the DGFT portal to reactivate it; we confirm the fee for a late update before filing.

Do I need an IEC for each branch?

No. One IEC covers all branches.