Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
Obtain your 10-digit mandatory IEC license from the DGFT to legally import or export goods and services from India.
Overview
An Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce. It is an absolute, mandatory prerequisite for any individual or business intending to import goods into India or export goods/services out of India. Without an IEC, customs will not clear your shipments, and banks will not allow you to send or receive foreign currency related to trade. The IEC is mapped to your PAN and is valid for a lifetime.
What is Included in Our Package
Detailed compliance and filing scope managed by JRC corporate experts.
Documents Required to Start
Upload digital files during onboarding. No physical submissions needed.
Identity & Business Proofs
- PAN Card of the Individual or the Company
- Aadhaar Card or Passport of the applicant/director
- Incorporation Certificate / Partnership Deed (for non-proprietorships)
Banking Proof
- Cancelled Cheque of the Current or Savings Account (must have the applicant’s or company’s name pre-printed)
- OR a Bank Certificate as per DGFT format
Step-by-Step Registration Timeline
Our step-by-step advisory workflow.
Step 1: Document Collection
We gather your PAN, Aadhaar, and banking details to prepare the application.
Step 2: Profile Creation on DGFT
We create your account on the new DGFT portal and authenticate it via OTP.
Step 3: Application Filing
We draft the application, link the branch details, upload the cancelled cheque, and pay the mandatory government fee.
Step 4: Certificate Generation
Upon automated or manual approval by the DGFT, the digital e-IEC certificate is generated and handed over to you.
Key Advantages of IEC Registration
An IEC unlocks international markets and government export incentives.
Global Market Expansion
Legally buy raw materials from cheaper global markets or sell your finished products to international customers via B2B or Amazon Global.
Claim Export Incentives
An IEC is required to claim lucrative government export benefits under schemes like RoDTEP, SEIS, and Duty Drawbacks.
Lifetime Validity
Unlike other licenses, the IEC does not expire. It is valid for the lifetime of the entity (though annual updating of details on the DGFT portal is now required).
No Return Filing
The DGFT does not require the filing of any monthly or annual returns regarding the transactions made under the IEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers to common regulatory inquiries.
Do individuals or freelancers need an IEC to export software or services?▼
Yes. If you are receiving foreign currency for services rendered or software exported, your bank may require an IEC to process the inward remittance through a regular trade channel.
What is the annual update requirement?▼
The DGFT mandates that every IEC holder must update their details electronically on the portal every year between April and June, even if there are no changes. Failure to do so results in the deactivation of the IEC.
Is a digital signature required?▼
Generally, an IEC can be obtained using Aadhaar-based e-Sign. However, for companies or LLPs, a Class-3 DSC of the director/partner is often required to sign the application.
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