Overview
The Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Most businesses need it to clear imports through customs or ship exports, and banks ask for it for foreign exchange remittances related to trade. The IEC is based on the business's PAN and is applied for online on the DGFT portal.
An IEC doesn't expire, but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every year between April and June, even if nothing has changed; an IEC that isn't updated can be deactivated. Service exporters need an IEC when they want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Our team files the application with your PAN, address and bank details, pays the government fee from your account, and can take care of the annual update for you.
Who needs it
- Businesses importing goods into India
- Businesses exporting goods from India
- Service exporters claiming benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy
- Sellers shipping internationally through e-commerce platforms
Documents required
What we usually ask for. Our team confirms the exact list for your case before anything is filed.
- PAN of the business (or the individual)
- Address proof of the business
- Bank details: a cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the business name
- Aadhaar or DSC of the applicant for signing
- Mobile number and email for OTP verification
How it works
- 1
Check details
We confirm that the PAN, address and bank details match across documents.
- 2
Apply on the DGFT portal
The application is filed online and the government fee is paid.
- 3
Sign and submit
The application is signed with Aadhaar e-sign or a DSC.
- 4
IEC issued
The e-IEC is issued electronically. We share it with you and set a reminder for the annual update.
Typical timeline
The IEC is issued electronically by DGFT after the online application is signed and the fee paid; most complete applications are processed quickly. The annual update is due between April and June every year.
Get a free quote
Answer a few questions and our team will contact you. It takes about two minutes.
Official sources
The government portals and laws this page is based on:
Please note