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Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Registration

Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Registration in India
Expand Globally with IEC Registration

Planning to import or export from India? An IEC (Import Export Code) is a mandatory registration issued by DGFT for businesses involved in international trade of goods, services, or technology. The IEC is issued based on the PAN of the business, and the IEC number is generally the same as the PAN of the organization. We help you obtain your IEC quickly and hassle-free through the DGFT portal. Our team handles the complete filing process, documentation support, and annual IEC update compliance to keep your IEC active and valid.

2-Day IEC
PAN-Based Code
1-Yr Free Updates
Lifetime Validity

400+

IEC registrations filed

All 28 States

+ 8 Union Territories

7+

Years of Legal Expertise

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

Register your importer exporter code with pocket friendly-prices

Elemental
₹1,999
₹1,499
+ Govt. fees & GST extra
  • IEC application on DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in)
  • Form ANF 2A filing
  • Aadhaar OTP + DSC coordination
  • Document validation + upload
  • IEC certificate delivery in 1-2 working days
  • Annual update reminder (every April-June)
★ MOST POPULAR
Enriched
₹3,999
₹2,999
+ Govt. fees & GST extra
  • All features of Elemental Plan
  • ICEGATE registration assistance
  • ICEGATE ID & password activation support
  • Digital Signature (DSC) mapping on ICEGATE
  • Importer/Exporter profile configuration support
  • Basic guidance for customs portal access
  • Email support for ICEGATE login issues
✦ FULL-SERVICE
Supreme
₹5,499
₹4,999
+ Govt. fees & GST extra
  • All features of Enriched Plan
  • AD Code registration on ICEGATE portal
  • Coordination for bank-issued AD Code letter
  • Port-wise AD Code submission support
  • Document validation & customs portal upload
  • Assistance in activation of AD Code at customs location
  • Priority processing & dedicated compliance support

Indicative Government & Out-of-Pocket CostsBilled at Actuals

These are estimated government fees charged over and above our professional fee. Actual amounts may vary by plan and applicable scheme.

Cost HeadTypical RangeNotes
IEC Application Fee (DGFT)Rs.500One-time govt fee; no renewal fee
IEC Annual Update FeeRs.0Annual update is free if done in April-June window
Late Update Fee (if missed)Rs.0No fee, but IEC gets deactivated until updated
DSC for Authorized Signatory (if not having a valid DSC)Rs.1,999Class 3 DSC - required for entities; optional for proprietorship using Aadhaar OTP
ICEGATE registrationRs.0No fee, for ICEGATE registration
AD Code RegistrationRs.0No fee, for AD code Registration

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By subscribing to any of the above plans, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

  1. Government Fee: DGFT application fee for IEC is Rs.500 (one-time, no renewal). This is payable directly to DGFT through the online portal at the time of filing. Our fee is in addition to this. Annual update of IEC (mandatory in April-June every year) is FREE - no government fee.
  2. GST on Our Fee: All quoted prices are exclusive of GST @ 18%, charged at checkout.
  3. DSC Charges: Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is required for entities (Pvt Ltd / LLP / Partnership / Trust / Society). Billed at Rs.1,999 + GST per signatory at actuals. Proprietorships can complete IEC application via Aadhaar OTP without DSC.
  4. One IEC per PAN: As per the DGFT Notification of 1 July 2017, IEC is now PAN-based - one PAN can have only ONE IEC. The IEC number issued is the same as your PAN. Multiple IEC under different names but same PAN are not permitted.
  5. Mandatory Annual Update (April-June): Every IEC holder MUST update IEC details online between 1 April and 30 June each year - even if there are no changes. Failure to update leads to automatic DEACTIVATION of the IEC. Reactivation is possible by completing the update; no penalty fee, but no exports / imports possible during deactivated period.
  6. Refund Policy: Full refund (less Rs.599 documentation handling) is available if the application is not filed within 2 working days from receipt of complete documents. Once IEC number is generated, no refund is payable as the work is substantively complete. DGFT govt fee is non-refundable in any case.
  7. Resubmission by DGFT: One free resubmission in case of DGFT objections that arise from documentation drafted by us. Resubmissions arising from client-side changes (incorrect PAN-Aadhaar mismatch, invalid bank account, address proof issues) are billed at Rs.499 + GST per resubmission.
  8. Service Exporter Note: Service exporters (IT, consulting, design, BPO etc.) ALSO require IEC if they receive payment in foreign currency. Exception: services delivered to Indian residents but billed in INR don't require IEC. We confirm scope on the discovery call.
  9. Out-of-Scope Items: Customs clearance (handled by Customs House Agent), shipping bill / bill of entry filing on ICEGATE, EPCG licence application, Advance Authorisation application, SEZ / STPI registration, Duty Drawback claims beyond first advisory call, MEIS legacy claims, IEC re-issuance after surrender / cancellation, and DGFT inspector visits are not included and quoted separately on request.
Import Export Code Registration by Legal Terminus

Legal Terminus Priority ⚖

Getting an IEC registration is simple when your documents and Aadhaar-PAN linkage are properly in place. However, many businesses face delays due to portal errors, DSC issues, missed annual updates, or lack of guidance for ICEGATE, AD Code, and export incentive setup. At Legal Terminus, we do more than just file your IEC application. We provide end-to-end support to help your business become fully ready for import and export operations.

What you get

  • ⚡Expert verification of PAN, Aadhaar linkage, and document readiness — followed by IEC filing on the DGFT portal within 24 hours of receiving complete documents.
  • 📱Real-time updates via Email and WhatsApp throughout the process, with post-registration support including IEC Certificate delivery and ICEGATE guidance.
  • 🤝Single point of contact for IEC, ICEGATE, AD Code, GST, Trademark, and other registrations — helping your business become fully import-export ready.
  • ⏱️Fast processing with IEC Certificate delivery in 1–2 working days in most cases.

Important Notes

  • Mandatory Annual Update is the single biggest gotcha. EVERY IEC must be updated online between 1 April and 30 June each year - even with zero changes. Miss it = IEC deactivated = no shipping bills, no bills of entry, no foreign payments. We send the reminder and handle the update free for 1 year.
  • Service exporters often think they don't need IEC because they're not shipping physical goods. Wrong. If you receive payment in foreign currency for services (IT, consulting, design, BPO, freelancing for foreign clients), IEC is mandatory for the bank to credit FIRC and process the inward remittance correctly.
  • AD Code registration is separate from IEC - it links your bank account to your IEC on the customs portal (ICEGATE). Without AD Code, your shipping bill won't process and your export proceeds won't flow back to you. Enriched and Supreme tiers handle this.
  • PAN-Aadhaar linkage must be valid (post 30 June 2023 deadline). Inoperative PANs cannot complete IEC application - the DGFT portal rejects them. Check at incometax.gov.in before applying.
Consult a Legal Expert
Import Export Code illustration

Why Get an IEC

Import Export Code (IEC) is the 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, governed by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992. It's the foundational compliance for ANY cross-border trade out of or into India - goods exports, goods imports, service exports billed in foreign currency, and software / technology transfers. Without IEC, banks cannot process your foreign exchange receipts, customs cannot clear your shipments, and DGFT cannot extend any export incentive to you.

Since the 1 July 2017 DGFT reform, IEC is PAN-based - your 10-digit IEC number IS your 10-character PAN. One PAN can have only one IEC. The 1-2 day online issuance + lifetime validity + free annual update (in April-June window) makes IEC one of the easiest mandatory registrations in India - provided you actually keep up with the annual update. Missed updates = IEC deactivated = export operations frozen until reactivated.

IEC + Adjacent Registrations: The Deep Dive

IEC alone gets you started. The full export / import compliance stack typically needs 3-4 more pieces fitted together. Here's the 2026 map:

RegistrationIssued ByRequired ForGovt Fee
IECDGFTAll exports / imports / foreign-currency receiptsRs.500 (one-time)
AD CodeYour BankLinking bank account to IEC on ICEGATE customs portalRs.0 - Rs.2,500
RCMCExport Promotion CouncilClaiming RoDTEP / Advance Auth / EPCG / MEIS legacyRs.5K - Rs.15K
RoDTEP Scrips AccountDGFT / ICEGATEReceiving Remission of Duties & Taxes creditsRs.0
EPCG / Advance AuthDGFTDuty-free import of capital goods / inputs for exportApplication-specific
GSTIN (for exports)GSTNFiling LUT (Letter of Undertaking) for export without IGSTRs.0
BIS / EPR / FSSAI etc.SectoralProduct-specific export approvals (chemicals, food etc.)Sector-specific

Types of IEC Registration in India

01

Proprietorship IEC

Most common variant. PAN + Aadhaar of proprietor, address proof, bank account, photograph. Can be filed via Aadhaar OTP without DSC. Fastest path - typically 1 working day. Suitable for freelancers exporting services, solo traders, online sellers shipping to foreign customers.

02

Partnership / LLP IEC

Requires partnership deed / LLP Agreement + authorised signatory's DSC. Authorised signatory's PAN + Aadhaar. Bank account in firm's name. Slightly more documentation, same timeline. Standard for two-or-more partner trading firms and professional service exporters.

03

Pvt Ltd / Public Ltd IEC

Requires Certificate of Incorporation + Board Resolution authorising the signatory + signatory's DSC. Bank account in company's name. Most common for established exporters / importers - the DGFT verification is tighter, expect 1-2 days. Standard for IT services, manufacturers, e-commerce.

04

HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) IEC

Requires HUF PAN + karta's Aadhaar + karta's PAN + bank account in HUF name + HUF declaration. Less common; typically used by family-owned trading businesses. Karta acts as the authorised signatory.

05

Trust / Society IEC

For registered trusts and societies engaged in import / export (typically NGOs importing relief material, educational trusts importing equipment, religious bodies importing artefacts). Requires trust deed / society registration + signatory authorisation + tightly-scoped object clause.

06

Government Entity IEC

For government departments, PSUs, government-owned undertakings importing / exporting on government account. Requires GoI / state government notification + authorising letter. Filed by the designated department officer, not commercial.

Benefits of IEC Registration in India

IEC isn't a strategic choice - it's a mandatory gateway. But the downstream unlocks are where the real value sits. Here's what genuinely matters:

Mandatory for Any Cross-Border Trade

Without IEC, you legally cannot export goods, import goods, export services billed in foreign currency, or receive foreign-currency payments. Customs will reject your shipping bills, banks will reject your FIRC. IEC is the first thing every international business does.

Foreign Exchange Compliance

Banks need your IEC to credit Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRC) for export receipts and to release Bank Realisation Certificates (BRC) confirming proceeds. Without IEC, foreign-currency receipts get held up in the bank's suspense account.

Export Incentive Access

RoDTEP (Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products), Advance Authorisation (duty-free input imports), EPCG (capital goods at concessional duty), Duty Drawback - all require valid IEC. The schemes that actually move the needle on export profitability all start with IEC.

Customs Clearance via ICEGATE

Shipping bills (exports) and bills of entry (imports) on the ICEGATE customs portal require IEC + AD Code linkage. Without IEC, your shipment sits at port. With IEC, you (or your Customs House Agent) can file documents and clear cargo in hours.

Lifetime Validity, No Renewal

Once issued, IEC has lifetime validity - no renewal, no expiry. The only ongoing requirement is the FREE annual update in April-June every year (confirming details are current). This is the most low-friction lifelong registration in India.

Foundational for RCMC + Export Promotion

Export Promotion Councils (FIEO, EEPC, APEDA, EPCH, GJEPC etc.) issue RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) only to IEC holders. RCMC unlocks tender preferences, trade-show subsidies, market-development assistance, and DGFT incentive schemes.

Steps for IEC Registration in India

Eight steps. 1-3 working days end-to-end from kick-off to IEC certificate in your inbox.

1

Discovery & Nature CheckDay 0

30-min call with our foreign-trade CA to confirm: nature of trade (goods / services / both), entity type (Proprietorship / Partnership / LLP / Pvt Ltd / HUF / Trust), products / services to be exported / imported, target markets, existing PAN / GSTIN status, bank account where foreign proceeds will land.

2

PAN-Aadhaar Linkage VerificationDay 0–1

Confirm authorised signatory's PAN-Aadhaar linkage status (post-30 June 2023, unlinked PANs are inoperative and IEC application fails). If not linked, we fix it before filing - takes 1-2 days.

3

DSC Procurement (if not available)Day 1

Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate for the authorised signatory (mandatory for entities; optional for proprietorship using Aadhaar OTP). Same-day issuance via Aadhaar e-KYC.

4

DGFT Portal RegistrationDay 1

Create / log in to dgft.gov.in user account using PAN. Email + mobile OTP verification.

5

Form ANF 2A FilingDay 1–2

Application form filed with entity details, signatory details, business activity, address, bank details. Documents uploaded (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank proof, photograph). DSC / Aadhaar OTP signature.

6

Govt Fee Payment (Rs.500)Day 2

DGFT fee of Rs.500 paid online via net banking / debit card / UPI. Receipt auto-generated and attached to application.

7

IEC IssuanceDay 2–3

DGFT system auto-processes the application. IEC number generated and IEC certificate (PDF) issued to the applicant's email - typically within 1-2 working days.

8

AD Code Setup + Onboarding KitDay 5–10

(Enriched / Supreme) AD Code registration with your bank linking it to your IEC on ICEGATE customs portal. We deliver onboarding kit: IEC certificate, AD Code letter, annual update calendar reminder (April-June), FIRC / BRC banking checklist.

Documents Required for IEC Registration in India

Six categories. Documentation is deliberately light because IEC is a self-declaration-based registration with PAN-Aadhaar-bank validation. We send a personalised checklist after the discovery call.

Identity & Signatory Documents

PAN, Aadhaar, photograph & address proof

PAN of Applicant

Must be active — inoperative PAN blocks IEC application
  • PAN card of the applicant entity
  • For proprietorship: proprietor's individual PAN (mandatory)
  • For Partnership / LLP / Pvt Ltd / HUF / Trust / Society: entity's PAN
  • PAN must be active (not inoperative due to PAN-Aadhaar non-linkage)

Authorised Signatory Identity

Aadhaar must be mobile-linked for OTP or DSC for entities
  • Aadhaar of authorised signatory (mobile-linked for OTP)
  • Signatory's PAN
  • Passport-size photograph (jpeg, < 100 KB)
  • Email + mobile number (used for IEC certificate delivery)

Address Proof of Business

Utility bill not older than 2 months
  • Electricity / telephone / mobile postpaid bill in business name (≤ 2 months old)
  • For rented premises: rent agreement + landlord's NoC
  • For owned premises: property tax receipt
  • Address must match PAN / GSTIN where available

Bank, Entity & Optional Documents

Bank account, entity-specific & sector docs

Bank Account Details

Account must be in entity's name
  • Cancelled cheque OR first page of bank passbook OR bank certificate (Format ANF 2A Appendix) on bank's letterhead
  • Account must be in entity's name (or proprietor's name for proprietorship)
  • IFSC code captured for AD Code linkage

Entity-Specific Documents

Varies by entity type
  • Proprietorship: nil additional
  • Partnership: Partnership Deed
  • LLP: LLP Agreement + COI
  • Pvt Ltd / Public Ltd: COI + MOA + AOA + Board Resolution
  • HUF: HUF declaration + karta details
  • Trust / Society: registration certificate + trust deed / society bye-laws + authorising letter

Optional / Sector-Specific

For regulated products or incentive claims
  • Relevant licence reference if applying for IEC for a specific product needing sectoral approval (chemicals, drugs, food, jewellery)
  • EPC membership preference if you intend to claim export incentives
  • Indicative HSN / SAC codes (we map)

IEC Registration — FAQs

Got questions? We've got answers — straight, no-BS, legally accurate.

IEC (Import Export Code) is a registration issued by DGFT for businesses or individuals involved in import or export activities. It is mandatory for importing goods, exporting goods, exporting services, or receiving foreign currency payments from outside India. The IEC number is generally the same as the PAN of the business or individual.
Yes. If you receive payment in foreign currency for services provided to clients outside India, IEC is required. This includes IT services, software development, freelancing, consulting, digital marketing, design services, BPO, and other professional services. Banks often require IEC details to process foreign inward remittances smoothly.
The DGFT government fee for IEC registration is ₹500. Professional fees depend on the plan selected by you. DSC charges, if required, are additional. We provide complete pricing details before starting the application process.
IEC registration is usually completed within 1–3 working days, subject to successful document verification and DGFT approval. Delays may occur due to PAN-Aadhaar mismatch, incorrect bank details, or incomplete documents.
Only one IEC can be issued against one PAN. Separate business entities with different PANs require separate IEC registrations.
Every IEC holder MUST update their IEC details online at dgft.gov.in between 1 April and 30 June each year - even if there are no changes. The update is FREE (no govt fee). Failure to update by 30 June leads to AUTOMATIC DEACTIVATION of the IEC - no exports / imports / foreign-currency receipts possible until reactivated. Reactivation is done by simply completing the missed update; no penalty fee but no business possible during deactivated period. We send reminder + handle the update free for 1 year.
Every plan includes free professional support for 1 year for any update / change / correction to your IEC - the mandatory April-June annual update, address changes, bank account changes (very common), authorised signatory changes, branch additions, telephone / email updates. Counted from the date of IEC issuance. Beyond 1 year, updates are billed at Rs.499 per change.
No. IEC and AD Code are different. IEC is issued by DGFT, whereas AD Code is issued by your bank for customs and export transactions. AD Code registration on ICEGATE is required for export clearance and shipping bill processing. Enriched and Supreme plans include AD Code registration support.
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) is an export incentive scheme introduced by the Government of India. Eligible exporters can claim benefits on export transactions subject to product eligibility and correct documentation. Our Supreme plan includes basic RoDTEP guidance and first-claim support.
Legal Terminus provides complete assistance for IEC registration, document verification, DGFT filing, ICEGATE support, AD Code registration, and annual IEC updates. Our team helps businesses across India with fast processing, professional support, and end-to-end guidance for import-export compliance.

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