Are you planning to import goods into India or export products to international markets? One of the first registrations you are likely to need is an Importer Exporter Code (IEC).

IEC is an important business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. For most businesses dealing in the import or export of goods, obtaining an IEC is a fundamental step before beginning international trade.

The good news is that the IEC registration process is online and paperless, making it possible for eligible businesses to apply electronically.

In this complete beginner’s guide, we explain what IEC registration is, who needs it, documents required, IEC registration fees, how to apply online, validity, annual updating requirements, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is an Import Export Code (IEC)?

An Importer Exporter Code, commonly known as IEC, is a 10-character alphanumeric business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Under the Foreign Trade Policy, an IEC is generally mandatory for undertaking the import or export of goods unless the person or transaction falls under a specified exemption.

Following the implementation of GST, the IEC is based on the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the entity and is separately issued by DGFT.

For example, businesses planning to:

Import products from another country
Export Indian products overseas
Start an international trading business
Sell goods to customers outside India
Source products internationally for commercial purposes

may need to obtain an IEC before commencing their import-export activities.

According to the Foreign Trade Policy, the requirement differs somewhat for the export or import of services or technology. For export of services or technology, IEC is necessary for availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, subject to the applicable rules.

Who Issues the IEC Certificate in India?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issues the Importer Exporter Code.

DGFT operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and administers India’s foreign trade policy and various import-export related procedures.

The application for a new IEC is made electronically through the DGFT portal.

Official DGFT Website:
DGFT – Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Who Needs IEC Registration?

IEC registration is primarily required by individuals and business entities intending to undertake import or export activities in India.

An IEC may be obtained by different types of entities, including:

Proprietorship firms
Partnership firms
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
Private Limited Companies
Public Limited Companies
One Person Companies
Trusts
Societies
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
Other eligible entities

DGFT follows the principle of One PAN – One IEC. Therefore, only one IEC is issued against a single PAN.

For a proprietorship, for example, the IEC is linked to the proprietor’s PAN.

Why is IEC Registration Important?

For businesses entering international trade, an IEC serves as a key identification number within India’s import-export ecosystem.

1. Required for Import and Export of Goods

As a general rule, a person cannot undertake the import or export of goods without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted under the applicable rules.

2. Helps Start an International Business

Obtaining an IEC allows eligible Indian businesses to take an important step towards trading with customers and suppliers internationally.

3. Used Across Import-Export Processes

IEC details are used across various foreign trade and customs-related processes.

An active IEC is also a prerequisite for certain other export-related registrations. For example, DGFT states that an active and updated IEC profile is required when applying for an e-RCMC.

5. Permanent Validity

An IEC generally has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled by the competent authority.

However, IEC holders must comply with the applicable annual IEC update/confirmation requirement.

Documents Required for IEC Registration

Keeping the correct documents ready can make your IEC registration online process much easier.

Depending on the nature of the entity and individual circumstances, the information/documents required can include:

1. PAN Details

The applicant firm/entity must have an active PAN.

The name and other relevant PAN details entered in the IEC application are validated against the Income Tax database.

2. Proof of Establishment or Registration

Where applicable, proof relating to the establishment, incorporation or registration of the entity may be required.

This can depend upon whether the applicant is a partnership, registered society, trust, HUF or another type of entity.

3. Address Proof

DGFT’s IEC documentation lists several acceptable address documents, including, as applicable:

Sale deed
Rent agreement
Lease deed
Electricity bill
Landline telephone bill
Post-paid mobile bill
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Partnership deed

For proprietorship firms, certain additional documents such as Aadhaar, passport or voter ID may also be accepted as specified by DGFT.

Where the address proof is not in the name of the applicant firm, an NOC from the owner of the premises, together with the relevant address proof, may be required.

4. Bank Account Proof

Applicants need details of an active bank account in the name of the firm/entity.

Bank proof may include:

Cancelled cheque, or
Bank certificate

DGFT also validates bank account details through NPCI.

5. Mobile Number and Email Address

A valid mobile number and email address are needed for registration, OTP verification and communication.

6. Aadhaar e-Sign or Digital Signature

The IEC application must be electronically signed using the applicable Aadhaar-based e-Sign or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) facility.

IEC Registration Fees in 2026

According to DGFT’s IEC Module User Help File, the government application fee for a new IEC application is currently:

₹500

The payment is made online during the IEC application process.

Please remember that the government application fee and professional/service charges are different.

If you use Formseva to assist with preparing and filing your IEC application, the applicable Formseva service/facilitation fee is separate from any government fee payable for the application.

Government fees and procedures can change, so applicants should verify the applicable fee at the time of filing.

How to Apply for IEC Registration Online

The IEC registration process is completely online.

Here is a simplified step-by-step explanation for beginners.

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Portal

Visit the official Directorate General of Foreign Trade website and create/register your user account as an Importer/Exporter.

Step 2: Verify Your Email and Mobile Number

Complete the required OTP verification using your email address and mobile number.

Step 3: Log In to Your DGFT Account

Once registration is complete, log in to your DGFT account.

From the dashboard, select the option to Apply for IEC.

Step 4: Start a New IEC Application

Choose the option to start a fresh IEC application and enter the required information.

This includes details relating to your:

Firm/entity
PAN
Business address
Contact information
Proprietor/partners/directors, as applicable
Bank account
Preferred business/export activities

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the required supporting documents in the prescribed format.

Make sure the information entered in your application matches the supporting records.

Step 6: Add Bank Details

Enter the firm’s bank account information, including details such as:

Account number
Account holder name
IFSC
Bank name
Branch

Upload the applicable bank proof.

Bank details are subject to validation.

Step 7: Review the Declaration

Carefully review the information entered in your IEC application and accept the required declaration.

Incorrect information can cause unnecessary delays or problems.

Step 8: Sign the Application

Electronically sign the IEC application using the applicable Aadhaar e-Sign or Digital Signature process.

Step 9: Pay the Government Fee

Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the applicable IEC application fee.

The DGFT IEC help documentation currently specifies an application fee of ₹500.

Step 10: Receive Your IEC Certificate

After successful processing and applicable validations, the IEC certificate can be received electronically and can also be downloaded through the DGFT portal.

DGFT’s Handbook of Procedures provides for IEC to be generated electronically, with applicants informed through email and SMS.

How Long Does IEC Registration Take?

IEC applications are processed electronically, but applicants should avoid assuming that every IEC will be issued within a fixed number of hours.

Processing can depend on successful verification of the information submitted, particularly bank account validation.

DGFT’s IEC help documentation notes that bank validation can occur near real-time for many banks, while in some cases validation may take significantly longer.

Therefore, it is advisable to apply for IEC well before you need to complete an import or export transaction.

What is the Validity of an IEC Certificate?

An IEC generally has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled by the competent authority.

This means you do not normally have to apply for a completely new IEC every few years.

However, there is an important compliance requirement that every IEC holder should know.

Is IEC Renewal Required Every Year?

IEC does not operate like a traditional licence requiring a completely new registration every year.

However, under the Foreign Trade Policy, an IEC holder must ensure that the information contained in the IEC is updated electronically every year during the April–June period.

Even where there is no change in IEC details, the existing information must still be confirmed online.

Failure to complete the prescribed IEC update can result in the IEC being deactivated.

A deactivated IEC may generally be activated again after successful updating, subject to applicable rules and any other action that may apply.

Therefore, business owners should not forget their annual IEC update/confirmation.

Can One Business Have Multiple IEC Codes?

Generally, no.

DGFT follows the rule:

One PAN = One IEC

Only one IEC is issued against a single PAN.

The IEC allotted to an applicant covers its branches, divisions, units and factories.

This makes it important to correctly maintain and update the information associated with your existing IEC rather than applying for another IEC against the same PAN.

Do Service Providers Need IEC Registration?

Not every service provider automatically needs an IEC simply because they provide services to an overseas customer.

The Foreign Trade Policy specifically provides rules regarding the export of services or technology.

For export of services or technology, IEC is required for availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Requirements may also depend on the nature of the transaction and other applicable regulations.

Businesses dealing with international services should therefore evaluate their specific transaction before determining their registration requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for IEC

A small mistake in your IEC application can create avoidable complications. Some common issues include:

Incorrect PAN information: Enter the firm name and PAN-related information exactly as maintained in the relevant official records.

Incorrect bank details: The bank account should meet DGFT requirements and is subject to validation.

Mismatch in business address: Make sure the address entered corresponds with the supporting address proof.

Improper documents: Upload clear and valid supporting documents in the prescribed format.

Applying for another IEC: Check whether an IEC already exists against the PAN because DGFT follows the One PAN-One IEC principle.

Ignoring annual IEC updating: Even after obtaining IEC, remember the annual April–June update/confirmation requirement.

How Formseva Can Help with IEC Registration

Applying for an IEC online can appear simple, but first-time applicants may find the documentation, data entry, document uploading and online filing process confusing.

Formseva is an independent service provider and facilitator. We are not a government authority and do not issue IEC certificates. IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Our role is to assist customers with the application process.

With Formseva, you can get assistance with:

IEC application form filing
Document checklist and basic document review
Online application assistance
Application submission support
Follow-up assistance relating to the filed application
Assistance in obtaining the electronically issued certificate after successful processing

Final approval, issuance, processing time and any verification are subject to DGFT and other relevant government systems/authorities.

Need Help Applying for Your IEC?

Avoid confusion with forms and documentation.

Apply for IEC Registration Assistance through Formseva and let our team help you with the online filing process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About IEC Registration

1. What is IEC registration?

IEC stands for Importer Exporter Code. It is a business identification number issued by DGFT and is generally mandatory for importing or exporting goods from India unless specifically exempted.

2. Who issues the IEC certificate?

IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

3. What is the government fee for IEC registration?

DGFT’s current IEC help documentation specifies an IEC application fee of ₹500. Applicants should verify the applicable government fee when filing because fees can be revised.

4. Can an individual apply for IEC?

A proprietorship business can apply for IEC using the applicable proprietor/entity details and PAN, subject to DGFT requirements.

5. Is GST registration compulsory for IEC?

GSTIN is captured in the IEC application where applicable. Whether GST registration itself is mandatory for a particular business depends on the business and applicable GST law rather than IEC alone.

6. Does IEC expire?

IEC generally has permanent validity unless suspended or cancelled. However, IEC details must be updated or confirmed electronically every year during the prescribed April–June period.

7. Can I have two IEC codes?

Only one IEC can normally be issued against one PAN under DGFT’s One PAN-One IEC rule.

8. What happens if I don’t update my IEC?

An IEC can be deactivated if the required annual update is not completed within the prescribed period. It can generally be activated after successful updating, subject to applicable rules.

9. Can Formseva issue an IEC certificate?

No. Formseva does not issue IEC certificates. Formseva provides application and filing assistance. IEC is issued by DGFT.

10. Is IEC registration completely online?

Yes. DGFT states that the IEC application process is electronic and paperless.

Final Words

For entrepreneurs looking to take their business beyond India’s borders, obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is one of the fundamental steps in starting an import-export business.

The application is online, the current government application fee is ₹500, and IEC generally has permanent validity. However, applicants need to submit accurate information, complete the required verification and remember the annual IEC update/confirmation requirement.

Whether you are a manufacturer, trader, ecommerce seller, startup or first-time entrepreneur, getting your IEC ready can help you move one step closer to exploring international business opportunities.

Need assistance with IEC registration?

Get IEC Registration Assistance with Formseva

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Disclaimer: Formseva is a private service provider/facilitator and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of DGFT or any government department. We assist customers in preparing and submitting applications based on information/documents provided by them. Government fees, requirements, timelines and approval are controlled by the respective government authority and may change.