Import-Export Code (IEC)

What an IEC is

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce. It is the basic licence required to import goods into or export goods/services out of India. Without an IEC, customs will not clear your consignments and banks will not process your foreign trade remittances. Since GST, the IEC is the same as the firm’s PAN, but the code must still be obtained and activated on the DGFT portal.

An IEC has lifetime validity — there is no renewal fee — but it must be confirmed/updated on the DGFT portal every year between April and June. Miss this annual update and your IEC can be deactivated, halting your trade until it is reactivated.

Who needs an IEC

• Manufacturers and traders importing raw materials, machinery or goods.
• Exporters of goods to overseas buyers.
• Service exporters claiming benefits under foreign-trade schemes.
• E-commerce sellers shipping internationally and dropshippers sourcing from abroad.
• Anyone needing to make or receive foreign-currency payments for trade.

When you do NOT need an IEC

Imports or exports for personal use (not connected to trade, manufacture or agriculture) do not require an IEC, and certain government departments are exempt. For everyone running an actual import/export business, however, it is mandatory before the first shipment.

Documents required

• PAN of the individual/firm/company.
• Aadhaar/identity and address proof of the proprietor/partners/directors.
• Proof of business address (utility bill / rent agreement / sale deed).
• A cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the firm’s current account.
• Digital photograph and, for companies/LLPs, incorporation documents.

Process and timeline

• We register your profile on the DGFT portal and complete Aadhaar/DSC authentication.
• We fill the ANF-2A application with your business and bank details and upload documents.
• We pay the government fee and submit; the IEC is usually issued electronically within 1–2 working days.
• We set a reminder for the April–June annual update so your code never deactivates.

Why TCC for your IEC

We get your IEC issued fast and correctly, link it properly with GST and your bank for smooth customs clearance, and track the mandatory annual update so your trade never stalls on a lapsed code. Fixed fee, WhatsApp-first.