Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

Overview

The Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary licence required to legally carry out import or export of goods from India.

Any individual or business entity that wishes to import goods into India or export goods from India must obtain an IEC. This includes proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, private and public limited companies, trusts, HUFs and societies. For service exports, an IEC is generally not mandatory unless the service provider intends to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

An IEC is required because Customs will not clear import or export consignments without a valid IEC, and banks require it to process foreign-currency payments related to international trade. The code is linked to the entity's PAN and remains valid for the lifetime of the entity, but its details must be updated or confirmed on the DGFT portal every year to keep it active.

Key Feature

• 10-digit unique code issued electronically by the DGFT and linked to the entity's PAN.
• Mandatory for trade — no import or export of goods can be carried out without a valid IEC, unless specifically exempted.
• Lifetime validity — the IEC is issued for the lifetime of the entity and does not require renewal.
• Annual update requirement — IEC details must be confirmed or updated on the DGFT portal every year (between 1 April and 30 June), even if there are no changes; failure to do so can lead to deactivation.
• One IEC per PAN — only a single IEC is allotted against one Permanent Account Number.
• Fully online process — application, document upload, fee payment and issuance are handled through the DGFT e-portal.
• No return filing — unlike GST or income tax, holding an IEC does not require periodic returns.

Benefits

• Legal authorisation to trade — enables businesses and individuals to import and export goods lawfully from India.
• Customs clearance — required for clearance of import and export shipments at ports and customs stations.
• International payments — banks need a valid IEC to send and receive foreign-currency payments for trade transactions.
• Access to government schemes — allows businesses to avail export benefits and incentives offered by DGFT, Customs and Export Promotion Councils, such as RoDTEP and other Foreign Trade Policy schemes.
• Business expansion — opens access to global markets and helps establish credibility with overseas buyers and suppliers.
• Low compliance burden — once obtained, there are no periodic returns to file; only an annual update on the DGFT portal is needed.

Document Checklist

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
• Bank Statement
• IEC Registration Application Form
• Business Registration Documents (Certificate of Incorporation / MOA & AOA)
• Partnership Deed
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
• Trust Deed
• NGO Registration Certificate
• RBI Permission Letter (for Branch Office)

How to Apply

Getting your Importer–Exporter Code (IEC) through TaxoSure is simple and fully assisted. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit taxosure.com. Open this Importer–Exporter Code (IEC) service page on our website.
2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or log in if you already have one.
3. Upload your documents. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; simply upload the remaining documents as per the checklist on this page.
4. Submit your application. Send us your IEC application in just one click.
5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
6. Get your IEC. Our experts complete the entire process with the DGFT and deliver your Importer–Exporter Code certificate to you.

FAQs