⚖️ Licenses & Registration Desk 🌍 DGFT filing support 📦 Importers & Exporters
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🛡️ Licenses & Registration

Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

The IEC is a 10-digit business identification number — mandatory for anyone importing into or exporting from India. Issued by the DGFT under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, it's your passport to international trade. We file your application with the DGFT, end to end.

Apply for My IEC → 📞 Talk to an Expert
10-DigitUnique trade code
LifetimeNo expiry — once issued
PAN-IndiaDGFT filing for all states
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Merchant ExportersManufacturer ExportersImporters & TradersE-commerce SellersService ExportersProprietors & StartupsLLPs & CompaniesHUFs & Trusts Merchant ExportersManufacturer ExportersImporters & TradersE-commerce SellersService ExportersProprietors & StartupsLLPs & CompaniesHUFs & Trusts
Shipping containers at port
DGFTDirectorate General of Foreign Trade
What is IEC

Your gateway to importing & exporting from India

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a key business identification number that is mandatory for any import into, or export from, India. No person can import or export goods without one. It is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

For services exports, an IEC is generally not required — unless the service provider is claiming benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Once issued, the IEC is valid for the lifetime of the entity, with no renewal needed, though it must be updated electronically every year to stay active.

Issued by DGFT 10-digit code Lifetime validity PAN-based
Customs and cargo clearance
MandatoryFor clearing import & export shipments
When You Need It

Where the IEC comes into play

The IEC is not just a registration formality — it's required at every key checkpoint of a cross-border transaction:

  • Customs authorities require it to clear your shipments during imports
  • It is equally required by customs while clearing export shipments
  • Banks require it when you receive payment in foreign currency, so the money can be credited to your account
  • It is needed to claim export benefits and incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy
Engagement Plans

Choose the level of IEC support you need

From a straightforward new code to a fully managed trade-compliance setup. Pricing is event-based and shared as a written quote once we confirm your entity type and scope.

Basic

IEC Registration

For individuals and businesses needing a fresh Importer Exporter Code to begin trading.

Event-based pricingCustom quote on entity & scope
  • Eligibility & entity check
  • Document preparation & vetting
  • Aayaat Niryaat Form (ANF-2A) preparation
  • DGFT application filing
  • IEC certificate delivery
Get a Quote
Most chosen

IEC + Compliance

For active traders who want the code plus the surrounding compliance handled in one place.

Event-based pricingCustom quote on entity & scope
  • Everything in IEC Registration
  • Digital signature (DSC) guidance
  • Mandatory annual IEC update filing
  • Bank & AD-code coordination guidance
  • Priority DGFT follow-up
  • Free consultation & advisory
Get a Quote
Premium

Export Setup Suite

For startups building an export business from scratch and needing the full stack.

Event-based pricingCustom quote on entity & scope
  • Everything in IEC + Compliance
  • Entity incorporation (if required)
  • GST & LUT filing guidance
  • RCMC / export council advisory
  • IEC modification & updates
  • Dedicated case manager
Get a Quote
Pricing & scope disclaimer — please read
NoLegalPaisa (operated by Kaahmuchee Solution Private Limited) is a private professional-services platform and is not affiliated with, or a representative of, the DGFT or any government department or authority. Our fee is a professional service charge for assistance with documentation, application drafting and DGFT filing.

Pricing is event-based. No fixed figure is shown here because the total depends on the engagement scope (new IEC / IEC with compliance / full export setup), your entity type, and any add-on services such as incorporation, DSC or GST/LUT support. Government / statutory fees (the DGFT application fee) are payable separately to the concerned authority. A precise written quote is shared after a short consultation.

Issuance of the IEC is at the sole discretion of the DGFT and is subject to document verification. Timelines are indicative and depend on departmental processing. The IEC must be updated electronically every year (typically April–June) to remain active.
What You Get

Deliverables included in your engagement

A clear, hands-off registration experience — we assemble, file and follow through so you can start trading sooner.

🔍

Eligibility Check

We confirm your entity type qualifies and map the exact documents you'll need.

📂

Document Preparation

PAN, address proof, bank details and photos compiled in the format DGFT expects.

📝

ANF-2A Drafting

Accurate preparation of the Aayaat Niryaat Form for your IEC application.

📨

DGFT Filing

Your application is filed on the DGFT portal on your behalf by our IEC expert.

📜

IEC Certificate

Your 10-digit IEC certificate delivered once issued by the department.

🔄

Annual Update Support

Help with the mandatory yearly IEC update so your code never gets deactivated.

✏️

Modification Support

Assistance updating details on an existing IEC whenever your business changes.

🏦

Bank Coordination

Guidance on AD-code and bank details needed to receive foreign currency.

💬

Free Consultation

Advisory on entity type, scope and trade compliance throughout the engagement.

How It Works

Your IEC in a few simple steps

From the first call to the code landing in your inbox — here's the journey we run for you.

1

Share details & confirm scope

Tell us your entity type and trading plans. We confirm eligibility and share a clear quote.

2

Speak to an IEC expert

An expert calls to map your documents and the right registration approach.

3

Upload your documents

You submit PAN, address and bank proofs; we vet them to ensure they're correct.

4

We prepare & file ANF-2A

We draft the Aayaat Niryaat Form and file your application on the DGFT portal.

5

IEC issued by DGFT

Once verified, the DGFT issues your 10-digit IEC, which we share with you.

6

Ongoing compliance

We support the annual IEC update and any later modifications you need.

Who Can Apply

Eligible entities for IEC registration

The IEC is open to virtually every form of business registration in India:

ProprietorshipProprietorship
PartnershipPartnership Firm
LLPLLP
Limited CompanyLimited Company
TrustTrust
HUFHUF
SocietySociety
StartupsStartups & E-commerce
Before You Apply

Documents & benefits at a glance

What you'll need to apply, and what an IEC unlocks for your business.

📄Documents required

Requirements vary slightly by entity type; we confirm your exact list during the consultation.

  • Two colour passport-size photographs of the proprietor / promoters
  • PAN card of the individual or business entity
  • Identity proof — Aadhaar, Voter ID or Passport
  • Proof of business address — utility bill, rent agreement or sale deed
  • Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the current account
  • Entity proof — incorporation certificate, partnership deed or registration certificate (as applicable)

⭐Benefits of holding an IEC

More than a licence — it's the foundation of a compliant trade business.

  • Unlocks the ability to legally import and export goods
  • Enables customs clearance for your shipments
  • Lets you receive and send payments in foreign currency
  • Opens access to export incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy
  • Lifetime validity — no renewal required once issued
  • Builds credibility with overseas buyers and banks
Key Advantages

Why getting your IEC early pays off

🌍

Access to global markets

An IEC is the single registration that lets your business sell to and buy from the rest of the world.

♾️

One-time, lifetime code

Issued once and valid for the life of the entity — no renewal, only a quick annual update.

💸

Foreign currency inflows

Banks need your IEC to credit export earnings, so payments reach you without friction.

🎁

Export incentives

Holding an IEC is the entry point to schemes and benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Good to Know

Key facts about the IEC

A quick reference on the essentials before you apply.

Aspect Detail
Issuing authority Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Code format 10-digit unique number, linked to the entity's PAN
Application form Aayaat Niryaat Form (ANF-2A), filed online on the DGFT portal
Validity Lifetime — no expiry once issued
Annual obligation IEC must be electronically updated every year (typically April–June) to stay active
Services exports IEC not mandatory unless claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits
Government fee A nominal DGFT application fee is payable separately to the authority
Beyond Registration

IEC modification & annual update, handled too

Your IEC is a living record. We keep it accurate and active across its full lifecycle.

IEC modification paperwork

IEC Modification

When your business details change — address, name, directors, bank account or business activity — your IEC must be updated on the DGFT portal so customs and banks always see current information.

  • Update name, address or constitution
  • Change or add bank account details
  • Add or remove directors / partners
  • Accurate DGFT modification filing
Modify my IEC →
Annual IEC update

Annual IEC Update

Since the IEC has no expiry, the DGFT requires every holder to confirm or update their details once a year. Skip it and your IEC can be deactivated — halting your imports and exports until reactivated.

  • Yearly update filed within the window
  • Reactivation of a deactivated IEC
  • Details verified against PAN & bank records
  • Reminders so you never miss the deadline
Update my IEC →
Watch

IEC registration, explained simply

A quick walkthrough of what the IEC is, who needs it, how DGFT issues it, and the annual update that keeps it active — so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.

Prefer to talk it through? Our IEC desk can confirm your scope and timeline in a single call.

Book a Consultation →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions importers and exporters ask us most often about the IEC.

What is an Import Export Code (IEC)?
It's a 10-digit business identification number issued by the DGFT, mandatory for importing into or exporting from India. No person can import or export goods without one.
Who issues the IEC?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, issues and manages the IEC through its online portal.
Do I need an IEC for exporting services?
Generally no. An IEC is not required for service exports unless the service provider is claiming benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. For goods, it is always mandatory.
Who can apply for an IEC?
Almost any business form can apply — proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, limited companies, trusts, HUFs and societies. Even individuals trading in their own name can obtain one.
What documents are needed?
Typically PAN, identity proof, business address proof, a cancelled cheque or bank certificate, passport-size photos and the relevant entity proof. We confirm your exact list upfront.
How long is the IEC valid?
The IEC is valid for the lifetime of the entity and never expires. However, it must be electronically updated every year to remain active.
What happens if I don't do the annual update?
If you miss the yearly update, the DGFT can deactivate your IEC — which stops your imports and exports until you complete the update and reactivate it. We send reminders to prevent this.
When is the IEC actually required?
Customs need it to clear both import and export shipments, and banks need it to credit foreign-currency payments to your account. It's also required to claim export incentives.
Can I modify my IEC later?
Yes. Details like address, name, directors, bank account or business activity can be updated on the DGFT portal through a modification, which we handle for you.
Is the IEC linked to GST?
The IEC is PAN-based and integrates with systems like GST and customs. Depending on your trade, you may also need GST registration and an LUT — which we can advise on.

Ready to start trading globally?

Tell us your entity type and trade plans. We'll confirm eligibility, map your documents, and share a clear event-based quote — then file your IEC with the DGFT for you.

Book My Consultation → 📞 Request a Call