DGFT
How Do I Register for an IEC? DGFT Application, Documents & Steps
DGFT portal application, documents required, INR 500 fee, 1-3 day timeline, and post-IEC setup checklist.
By Aaryan Kakani · · 4 min read
What is an IEC and why do I need one?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It is mandatory for any person or entity importing or exporting goods and services from India, with limited exceptions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 10-digit alphanumeric code (same as entity PAN for firms/companies; proprietor's PAN for proprietorships) |
| Issuing Authority | DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) |
| Validity | Lifetime (no expiry, but annual update required) |
| PAN Linkage | One IEC per PAN. IEC number = PAN number for most entities. |
| Government Fee | INR 500 (one-time) |
| Legal Basis | Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 |
Who needs an IEC and who is exempt?
Who is required to have an IEC?
- Goods exports. Any commercial shipment of goods from India, including via courier and postal channels.
- Goods imports. All commercial imports into India require IEC for customs clearance.
- Services exports above threshold. Service providers receiving foreign exchange above INR 5 lakh per financial year need IEC (below this threshold, AD banks may process without IEC).
- E-commerce sellers. Exporting via Amazon Global Selling, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, or any cross-border e-commerce platform.
- DGFT scheme benefits. Claiming RoDTEP, Advance Authorization, EPCG, or any other DGFT export incentive.
Who is exempt from needing an IEC?
| Exemption Category | Condition |
|---|---|
| Personal goods (non-commercial) | Import/export for personal use, not for trade |
| Central/State Government departments | Government ministries and departments are exempt |
| Diplomatic missions | Embassies, consulates, and UN organizations in India |
| Notified charitable organizations | Receiving donations/gifts from abroad (notified by DGFT) |
| Services exports below INR 5 lakh/year | Freelancers/consultants earning under the threshold per FY |
What documents do I need for IEC registration?
All documents are uploaded during the online application on the DGFT portal. Keep scanned copies ready in PDF or JPEG format (max 5 MB per file).
| Document | Format / Specs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAN Card | PDF/JPEG, <5 MB | Entity PAN for firms/companies; individual PAN for proprietorships. Must match the name on the application. |
| Aadhaar Card | PDF/JPEG, <5 MB | Of the applicant (proprietor/partner/director). Mobile number must be linked for OTP verification. |
| Cancelled Cheque / Bank Certificate | PDF/JPEG, <5 MB | Must show account holder name, account number, IFSC code, and bank branch. Pre-printed cancelled cheque or bank letterhead certificate accepted. |
| Passport-size Photo | JPEG, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, <2 MB | Recent photograph of the applicant with white background. |
| Address Proof | PDF/JPEG, <5 MB | Electricity bill, rent agreement, sale deed, or GST registration certificate showing the business address. |
What extra documents does my entity type need?
| Entity Type | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Proprietorship | GST registration certificate, Aadhaar of proprietor |
| Partnership Firm | Partnership deed, PAN of the firm, Aadhaar of all partners |
| LLP | LLP Agreement, Certificate of Incorporation, PAN of the LLP, DSC of designated partner |
| Private Limited Company | Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, Board Resolution authorizing signatory, PAN of company, DSC of authorized director |
| Public Limited Company | Same as Private Limited + additional ROC filings as applicable |
How do I apply for an IEC on the DGFT portal?
IEC is applied for online through the DGFT portal. No physical submission required.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register DSC (if applicable) | Companies/LLPs: register your DSC at dgft.gov.in → Services → Register DSC . Proprietorships can skip this. |
| 2 | Create DGFT Account | Go to dgft.gov.in → Register . Enter PAN, email, mobile number. Verify via OTP. |
| 3 | Start IEC Application | Login → Services → IEC → Apply for IEC. This opens the ANF-2A form. |
| 4 | Fill ANF-2A Form | Entity details, applicant details, bank account details (IFSC, account number), registered address. PAN is auto-populated. |
| 5 | Upload Documents | PAN card, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, address proof, photo, entity documents (as per entity type). |
| 6 | Pay Fee (INR 500) | Online payment via net banking, debit card, or credit card. DGFT generates a payment receipt. |
| 7 | Sign & Submit | Sign using DSC (companies/LLPs) or Aadhaar e-sign OTP (proprietorships/partnerships). Submit the application. |
| 8 | Track & Download | Track status at dgft.gov.in → Services → IEC → Track IEC Application . Download e-IEC certificate once approved. |
Timeline & Fee Summary
Processing Time
1-3 working days
Government Fee
INR 500
Validity
Lifetime
How do I modify or update my IEC?
When and how do I complete the mandatory annual IEC update?
DGFT mandates that all IEC holders update their IEC details annually between April and June of every financial year, even if nothing has changed. This is done online on the DGFT portal.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Window | April 1. June 30 of each financial year |
| Fee | No fee for annual update (free) |
| Penalty for Non-Update | IEC is deactivated by DGFT. All import/export transactions blocked until updated and reactivated. |
| How to Update | dgft.gov.in → Services → IEC → Modify IEC → Confirm or edit details → Submit |
What changes require an IEC modification?
Changes to the following require an IEC modification application on the DGFT portal. No additional fee is charged.
- Business address. Change of registered office or principal place of business.
- Bank account details. Adding, removing, or changing the linked bank account.
- Director/partner changes. Addition or removal of directors (companies) or partners (firms).
- Constitution change. E.g., proprietorship converting to LLP or company.
- Name change. Change in entity name (requires updated PAN and ROC documents).
Where do I need to link my IEC after approval?
Once you have your IEC, you need to register it across multiple systems to actually use it for import/export. Here is every linkage required.
| System | Portal / Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ICEGATE (Customs) | Register at icegate.gov.in as Importer/Exporter using your IEC | Required to file shipping bills, Bills of Entry, and clear goods through customs |
| AD Code (Bank) | Request AD code letter from your bank, register it at customs port(s) of export | Links your bank account to customs for EDPMS tracking and export proceed repatriation |
| GST Portal | File LUT (Form GST RFD-11) at gst.gov.in referencing your IEC | Zero-rated exports without IGST payment; claim ITC on inputs |
| E-commerce Platforms | Enter IEC in Amazon Seller Central, eBay, Etsy, or Shopify settings during export setup | Platform requires IEC for cross-border listing and customs documentation |
| DGFT Schemes | Register on DGFT portal for RoDTEP, Advance Authorization, EPCG, MEIS/SEIS successor schemes | IEC is the primary identifier for all DGFT export incentive claims |
| Export Promotion Council | Apply for RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) from the relevant EPC using your IEC | Required for certain DGFT schemes and for getting e-Certificate of Origin |
Why do IEC applications get rejected?
DGFT may reject or return your IEC application for correction. These are the most frequent causes and how to resolve each one.
| Rejection Reason | Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PAN-entity name mismatch | Name on PAN does not match the name entered in the application form | Use the exact name as printed on the PAN card, including spelling and abbreviations |
| Incomplete bank details | Cancelled cheque is unclear, IFSC mismatch, or account holder name does not match entity name | Get a bank certificate on letterhead confirming account number, IFSC, and account holder name |
| Address proof mismatch | Address on uploaded proof differs from the address entered in the form | Ensure the address in ANF-2A matches the document exactly. Use GST registration certificate as address proof for consistency. |
| DSC errors | DSC not registered on DGFT portal, expired DSC, or DSC PAN does not match applicant PAN | Register/renew DSC on DGFT before applying. Ensure the DSC is in the name of the authorized signatory whose PAN matches. |
| Duplicate application | An IEC already exists against this PAN | Check existing IEC at dgft.gov.in → Services → IEC → View IEC . Modify the existing IEC instead of applying for a new one. |
| Aadhaar verification failure | Mobile number not linked to Aadhaar, or Aadhaar details mismatch | Update Aadhaar-mobile linking at UIDAI. Ensure Aadhaar name matches PAN name. |
| Blurry/unreadable documents | Uploaded scans are too low resolution or cut off | Scan at minimum 200 DPI. Ensure all four corners of documents are visible. Use PDF format for multi-page documents. |
What should I do after getting my IEC?
Getting your IEC is step one. Complete these registrations before your first export shipment.
Complete Before First Export
- Register on ICEGATE. Create an account at icegate.gov.in as Importer/Exporter. Link your IEC, PAN, and GSTIN. Required for filing shipping bills.
- Open AD Code with your bank. Request your AD code letter from your bank. Register it at every customs port you plan to export from. Takes 3-7 days per port.
- File LUT on GST portal. File Form GST RFD-11 at gst.gov.in before your first export of the financial year. Enables zero-rated exports without paying IGST.
- Register on DGFT for schemes. Apply for RoDTEP, Advance Authorization, or EPCG as applicable. RoDTEP claim requires ICEGATE + DGFT registration.
- Obtain RCMC. Apply for Registration-cum-Membership Certificate from your relevant Export Promotion Council (e.g., FIEO for general exports, AEPC for apparel, EPCH for handicrafts). Needed for certain scheme benefits and e-Certificate of Origin.
- Set up annual update reminder. Calendar reminder for April 1 every year to update IEC on the DGFT portal (April-June window). Missing this deactivates your IEC.
- Link IEC to e-commerce platforms. Enter your IEC in Amazon Seller Central, eBay Global Shipping settings, or your freight forwarder's system.
- Engage a customs broker (CHA). For sea/air cargo exports, a licensed CHA files shipping bills on your behalf via ICEGATE. Select one before your first bulk shipment.
Update history
- First published.