✅ What is IEC (Import Export Code)?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It is mandatory for anyone who wants to import or export goods or services from India.
Without an IEC, import/export operations through Indian customs cannot be legally executed.
🔍 Who Requires IEC Registration?
IEC is required by:
- Individuals or Sole Proprietors engaged in import/export
- Partnership Firms
- LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships)
- Private Limited or Public Limited Companies
- Trusts or Societies involved in cross-border trade
- E-commerce exporters or service exporters receiving foreign currency
📌 Even for personal shipments (non-commercial), IEC is needed if goods are being imported/exported.
🧾 Why is IEC Registration Required?
IEC registration is essential for:
- Customs clearance at ports/airports
- Remittance of foreign currency through Indian banks
- Availing benefits/incentives under DGFT schemes (e.g., RoDTEP, SEIS)
- Establishing credibility and legality in international business
📋 Documents Required for IEC Registration (Entity-wise)
Here is the list of documents required for different types of applicants:
1. For Individuals / Proprietorship Firms
- PAN Card of the individual
- Aadhaar Card or Passport
- Passport-size photograph
- Cancelled cheque / Bank certificate
- Address proof (Electricity bill, Rent Agreement, etc.)
2. For Partnership Firms
- PAN Card of the partnership firm
- Partnership deed
- Aadhaar/PAN of the managing partner
- Cancelled cheque of the firm’s bank account
- Address proof of the firm
3. For LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
- LLP PAN card
- LLP Agreement
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Aadhaar/PAN of the Designated Partner
- Cancelled cheque
- Address proof of LLP office
4. For Private Limited / Public Limited Companies
- Company PAN Card
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
- PAN & Aadhaar of any one Director
- Board resolution authorizing Director to apply
- Cancelled cheque from company’s bank account
- Registered office address proof
5. For Trusts / Societies / HUFs
- PAN of the Trust/Society/HUF
- Registration Certificate
- PAN & Aadhaar of Managing Trustee/Karta
- Cancelled cheque
- Address proof
✔️ All documents must be self-attested and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format.
🔄 IEC Registration Process – Step-by-Step (2025)
Step 1: Visit DGFT Portal
Step 2: Register as a User
- Create an account using Aadhaar and OTP-based authentication
Step 3: Apply for IEC
- Navigate to “Services” > “IEC Profile Management”
Step 4: Fill Online Form (ANF-2A)
- Submit PAN, business details, bank information, and preferred communication address
Step 5: Upload Documents
- Upload required documents based on your business type
Step 6: Pay Government Fees
- Application Fee: ₹500 (non-refundable)
Step 7: Verification and Issue of IEC
- DGFT processes and issues a digitally signed IEC certificate with QR code in 1–2 working days
🕒 Time Required for IEC Registration
- Standard Timeframe: 1–2 working days after submission
- Extended Timeframe: Up to 5 days in case of verification or errors
💼 IEC Fees Structure (2025)
| Type of Fee | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee (DGFT) | ₹500 |
| Professional Fee (if applicable) | ₹4000 – ₹4,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹4,500 – ₹5,000 |
🔄 Annual Update Requirement – NEW RULE
From recent updates by DGFT:
Every IEC holder must update or confirm their IEC details on the DGFT portal annually (between April and June), even if no changes occurred.
📌 Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- IEC will be deactivated if not updated by June of each year
- Reactivation is possible only after the pending update is completed
📈 Benefits of Having an IEC
- Legal permission to export/import
- Enables foreign payments and bank transactions
- Access to government export incentives
- Smooth customs clearance
- Builds international brand recognition and credibility
📚 FAQs on IEC
Q1. Is IEC mandatory for service exporters?
✅ Yes, if you are receiving foreign currency for services rendered.
Q2. Can one person have multiple IECs?
❌ No, only one IEC per PAN is allowed.
Q3. What happens if IEC is not updated annually?
⚠️ It will be deactivated and cannot be used until reactivated.
Q4. Is there any return filing for IEC?
🛑 No regular returns or filings are needed under IEC, other than annual updates.
Q5. Can I surrender my IEC?
✅ Yes, IEC can be voluntarily surrendered online via the DGFT portal.
📞 Need Help with IEC or Company Compliance?
Get expert assistance from CA professionals in Delhi NCR for IEC registration, company setup, and all statutory compliances.
👉 Contact the team at CAinDelhiNCR.in:
📧 Email: info@caindelhincr.in
📞 Phone: +91-9718046555
Whether you’re looking for a CA for company registration, a CA for tax filing, or a CA for annual filing, our professionals can help you stay compliant and business-ready.