IEC Registration Guide. How to Get Import Export Code in India

What Is IEC?

IEC stands for Import Export Code . It is a mandatory 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) , which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The IEC is the primary identification number for any business entity engaged in importing or exporting goods and services.

Think of IEC as your PAN card for international trade. Just as you cannot file income tax returns without a PAN, you cannot clear goods through Indian customs without an IEC. The code is linked to your entity's PAN and remains valid for the lifetime of the business. There is no expiry date, though you must update it annually (more on that in Section 7).

Why IEC is essential

• Customs authorities require IEC for clearing all import and export consignments at ports, airports, and ICDs
• Banks mandate IEC for processing foreign exchange remittances related to trade transactions under FEMA
• DGFT requires IEC for applying to any export promotion scheme. RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, Advance Authorisation, EPCG
• Export Promotion Councils require IEC for issuing RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate)
• ICEGATE registration (for filing shipping bills and bills of entry electronically) is linked to IEC

Who Needs IEC. And Who Is Exempt

The general rule is simple: if you are importing or exporting goods or services for commercial purposes, you need an IEC. However, the Foreign Trade Policy carves out specific exemptions for non-commercial and small-value transactions.

IEC is mandatory for

• All businesses (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited, public limited) engaged in import or export of goods
• Service exporters earning foreign exchange (IT/ITES, consulting, design services). Though some banks accept a declaration in lieu of IEC for service exports
• E-commerce sellers exporting through platforms like Amazon Global Selling, Shopify, eBay, or Etsy
• Individuals operating as sole proprietors in import/export trade
• Merchant exporters who buy domestically and sell internationally

Exemptions. IEC not required

Types of IEC

There is technically only one "type" of IEC. The 10-digit code issued by DGFT. However, the application process and documentation differ based on who is applying. Here are the main categories.

IEC for companies and LLPs

The most common type. Applied for using the company or LLP's PAN. The application is signed by a director (for companies) or designated partner (for LLPs) using their individual digital signature certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar OTP. The IEC is issued in the name of the entity, not the individual signing it.

IEC for partnership firms

Partnership firms apply using the firm's PAN. The application is signed by one of the partners using their DSC or Aadhaar OTP. A copy of the partnership deed is required in addition to the standard documents. The firm PAN must be used, not the individual partner's PAN.

IEC for sole proprietors / individuals

Sole proprietors use their personal PAN for the IEC application. This is the simplest form. The individual is both the applicant and the entity. The IEC is issued in the individual's name. If you later convert your proprietorship to a company, you will need to apply for a new IEC under the company's PAN.

IEC for e-commerce sellers

There is no separate "e-commerce IEC". Sellers on Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and other platforms apply for a regular IEC using the same process. The IEC is then linked to the e-commerce platform during seller onboarding. For individual sellers without a company structure, a sole proprietorship IEC using personal PAN works.

Online Application Process (DGFT Portal)

IEC registration is fully online through the DGFT portal. There is no physical filing or office visit required. The entire process can be completed in under 30 minutes if you have all documents ready. Here is the step-by-step process.

Step 1

Create an Account on dgft.gov.in

Go to dgft.gov.in and click on "Register". Enter your entity details including PAN, email address, and mobile number. You will receive an OTP on both your email and mobile for verification. Once verified, set your password and your DGFT account is created.

If you already have a DGFT account (for example, from an earlier IEC application or for accessing other DGFT services), simply log in with your existing credentials.

Step 2

Fill the ANF 2A Form (IEC Application)

After logging in, navigate to Services > IEC > Apply for IEC . This opens the ANF 2A form (Aayaat Niryaat Form 2A), which is the standard IEC application form. Fill in the following details:

• Entity name (must match PAN card exactly)
• Entity type (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company)
• PAN number
• Registered office address
• Branch office addresses (if any)
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC, bank name)
• Nature of business (manufacturer, trader, service provider)
• Director/partner/proprietor details including Aadhaar number

Step 3

Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents. The portal accepts PDF and JPEG formats with a file size limit of typically 5 MB per document. Ensure all documents are clearly legible. Blurry or incomplete scans are a common reason for queries from the DGFT office. See Section 5 for the complete document checklist.

Step 4

Pay the Application Fee (Rs 500)

The government fee for IEC registration is Rs 500 , payable through net banking. The portal redirects you to a payment gateway where you can select your bank and complete the payment. Keep the payment receipt. You will need the transaction reference number if there are any issues with your application.

Step 5

Digital Signature / Aadhaar OTP Verification

You have two options for verifying your application:

Step 6

IEC Issued Online

After successful verification and fee payment, the IEC is generated electronically. In most cases with Aadhaar OTP verification, the IEC is issued within the same day. Often within 1 to 2 hours. You can download the IEC certificate (e-IEC) from the DGFT portal under Services > IEC > Print IEC .

The e-IEC certificate contains your 10-digit IEC number, entity name, address, PAN, date of issue, and the authorized DGFT officer's digital signature. This is the only document you need. There is no physical certificate.

Documents Required. Complete Checklist

Keep these documents ready before starting your application. Missing or incorrect documents are the primary cause of delays and rejections.

Mandatory for all applicants

• PAN card of the entity (company PAN for companies, firm PAN for partnerships, personal PAN for proprietorships)
• Aadhaar card of the applicant (director/partner/proprietor signing the application)
• Bank certificate or cancelled cheque with pre-printed entity name, account number, and IFSC code. The name on the bank account must match the PAN name exactly.
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant (recent, white background, JPEG format)
• Address proof of registered office. Any one of: electricity bill (not older than 2 months), rent agreement with latest receipt, sale deed/ownership proof, or telephone landline bill

Additional documents by entity type

IEC Modification

After your IEC is issued, you may need to modify it if any of the registered details change. DGFT allows online modification through the same portal. Common modification scenarios include:

• Change of address. When your registered office or branch address changes
• Change of bank details. When you switch to a new bank or open a new current account for trade transactions
• Addition or removal of directors/partners. When the management structure changes
• Change of entity name. After an MCA name change approval (requires updated PAN first)
• Addition of branch offices. When you open new branches that will handle import/export operations

How to modify your IEC

1. Log into the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) with your credentials.
2. Navigate to Services > IEC > Modify IEC .
3. Select the field(s) you want to modify and enter the updated information.
4. Upload supporting documents for the change (for example, new rent agreement for address change, new cancelled cheque for bank change).
5. Pay the modification fee of Rs 200 (for certain types of modifications).
6. Verify using Aadhaar OTP or DSC and submit.

Annual Update Requirement

Starting from the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, DGFT has made it mandatory for all IEC holders to update their IEC details annually . This is not a renewal (IEC has no expiry) but a confirmation that your registered details are still current.

Key details

IEC for E-Commerce Exports

If you are selling products internationally through e-commerce platforms, your IEC requirements are the same as traditional exporters, but there are some additional considerations.

Platform-specific requirements

• Amazon Global Selling. Requires IEC during seller onboarding for FBA Export and Easy Ship International. IEC is mandatory for customs clearance of outbound shipments.
• Shopify. IEC needed for international orders. You handle customs filing through your logistics partner or customs broker using your IEC.
• eBay Global Shipping. IEC required for Indian sellers listing products for international buyers. Customs documentation uses your IEC.
• Etsy. IEC needed for customs clearance. Etsy does not handle Indian export compliance. You must manage shipping bills and customs through your own broker.

Special considerations for e-commerce exporters

• Courier shipping bills. Exports under Rs 5 lakh per consignment can use courier shipping bills (filed by the courier company) which have a simplified process. Your IEC is still required.
• IGST refund vs LUT. E-commerce exporters need to decide between paying IGST and claiming refund or filing under LUT (Letter of Undertaking) for zero-rated supply. LUT is generally more cash-flow friendly. See our IGST vs LUT guide.
• RoDTEP for e-commerce exports. E-commerce exports are eligible for RoDTEP benefits just like traditional exports. The RoDTEP scheme code must be declared on the shipping bill.
• Foreign exchange receipt. Platforms like Amazon may remit through their own payment channels. Ensure the remittance is properly reported to your AD bank with the correct purpose code for FEMA compliance.

Common Rejection Reasons

IEC applications are generally straightforward, but DGFT does reject applications with discrepancies. Knowing the common reasons helps you get it right the first time.

PAN name mismatch

The entity name on the application does not match the PAN card exactly. This includes differences in abbreviations (Pvt vs Private), missing middle names, or spelling variations. The DGFT system validates against the PAN database automatically.

Incomplete or illegible documents

Blurry scans, partially visible documents, or uploaded files that cannot be opened. Ensure all uploads are clear, complete, and in the correct format (PDF or JPEG under 5 MB).

Address proof issues

Address proof is outdated (electricity bill more than 2 months old), or the address on the proof does not match the address entered in the application. Rent agreements must be registered or notarized in some DGFT offices.

Bank account name mismatch

The name on the bank certificate or cancelled cheque does not match the PAN name. This is especially common when the bank has an abbreviated or slightly different version of the entity name. Get the bank to update the account name to match PAN exactly.

Aadhaar not linked to mobile

When using Aadhaar OTP verification, the Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number. If the mobile number is not linked or has changed, the OTP verification fails. In this case, either update your Aadhaar mobile at a UIDAI centre or use DSC verification instead.

Duplicate PAN

An IEC has already been issued against the same PAN. Since one PAN can have only one IEC, the system rejects duplicate applications. If you need to modify an existing IEC, use the modification process instead of applying for a new one.

IEC vs AD Code. Understanding the Difference

IEC and AD Code are two different identification numbers that every exporter needs, and they are commonly confused. They serve different purposes, are issued by different authorities, and are registered at different points in your export journey.

You need both. IEC without AD Code means customs knows who you are but cannot link your shipment to your bank for FEMA compliance. AD Code without IEC is useless because you cannot file a shipping bill without IEC in the first place. Get IEC first, then register your AD Code at every port you plan to ship from.

Post-IEC Steps. What to Do After Getting Your IEC

Getting your IEC is step one. Before you can actually start exporting, there are several additional registrations and setups required. Here is the complete post-IEC checklist in the order you should complete them.

Step 1

AD Code Registration with Customs

Get your AD Code from your bank and register it with customs at every port or ICD you plan to ship from. This involves submitting a request to the customs commissioner of the port with your bank's AD Code letter and IEC copy. Processing takes 3 to 7 working days per port.

Step 2

RCMC from Export Promotion Council

Apply for a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) for your product category. RCMC is required for claiming certain export incentives and participating in government-supported trade fairs. The relevant council depends on your product. For example, EEPC India for engineering goods, FIEO for general products, Chemexcil for chemicals.

For the full list of councils and how to choose, see our EPC registration guide.

Step 3

ICEGATE Registration

Register on ICEGATE (icegate.gov.in) using your IEC. ICEGATE is the customs EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system where all shipping bills and bills of entry are filed electronically. You need a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for ICEGATE registration. Once registered, you (or your customs broker) can file shipping bills, track customs status, and manage your RoDTEP ledger.

Step 4

GST Registration Linkage

Ensure your GST registration is active and properly linked to your export activities. Key actions:

• File GST LUT (Letter of Undertaking) on the GST portal if you want to export without paying IGST. LUT is valid for one financial year and must be renewed annually. See our GST LUT guide.
• Ensure your GSTIN is reflected on all export invoices and shipping bills.
• Set up GST refund tracking if exporting with IGST payment instead of LUT.

Step 5

Appoint a Customs Broker (CHA)

While not legally mandatory, a licensed customs broker (formerly called Custom House Agent or CHA) handles the actual filing of shipping bills, customs examination coordination, and documentation at the port. Most exporters (including large ones) use a customs broker rather than filing directly. Choose one with experience in your product category and ports. For guidance, see our customs broker selection guide.

Step 6

Open a Current Account for Trade

If you have not already, open a current account with an Authorized Dealer (AD) bank specifically for your trade transactions. This account will be linked to your IEC and used for receiving export proceeds, making import payments, and EDPMS/IDPMS tracking by RBI. Many exporters prefer banks with strong trade finance desks. Look for banks that offer PCFC (Pre-shipment Credit in Foreign Currency), LC discounting, and proactive EDPMS closure support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IEC and who needs it?

IEC (Import Export Code) is a mandatory 10-digit code issued by DGFT that is required for all businesses engaged in import or export of goods and services in India. Without IEC, customs will not clear your shipments and banks will not process foreign exchange remittances related to trade.

How much does IEC registration cost?

The government fee for IEC registration is Rs 500, payable online through net banking on the DGFT portal. There are no additional charges from DGFT. If you use a consultant or customs broker to file the application, their professional fees are separate and typically range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.

How long does it take to get IEC?

IEC is typically issued within the same day if all documents are in order and Aadhaar OTP verification is used. In most cases, the IEC number is generated within 1 to 2 hours of successful application submission. If there are discrepancies or if DSC verification is used, it may take 2 to 3 working days.

What documents are required for IEC registration?

The core documents are: PAN card of the entity, Aadhaar card of the applicant, bank certificate or cancelled cheque with pre-printed entity name, passport-size photograph, and address proof of the registered office. Companies and LLPs also need Certificate of Incorporation and board resolution. See Section 5 for the complete checklist.

Is annual IEC update mandatory?

Yes. DGFT requires all IEC holders to update their IEC details annually between April and June. Even if no details have changed, you must log in and confirm that the existing details are correct. Failure to update results in IEC deactivation, which blocks shipping bills and export incentive claims.

Can I use one IEC for both import and export?

Yes. A single IEC serves for both import and export activities. There is no separate code for importers and exporters. The IEC is linked to your PAN, so one entity can have only one IEC. If you engage in both importing raw materials and exporting finished goods, the same IEC covers both.

Do e-commerce sellers need IEC for exports?

Yes. Selling products internationally through Amazon Global Selling, Shopify, eBay, or Etsy requires an IEC for customs clearance, filing shipping bills, claiming export incentives, and receiving foreign exchange remittances. Some platforms also require IEC during seller onboarding for international sales. See our e-commerce export compliance guide for the full picture.

What is the difference between IEC and AD Code?

IEC is your identity as an importer/exporter, issued by DGFT. AD Code is a 14-digit code that links your bank account to the customs system for foreign exchange tracking. You need both: IEC to identify yourself to customs, and AD Code registered at each port you ship from so customs can track your forex transactions through RBI's EDPMS system. See Section 10 for the detailed comparison.

Update history

• 2026-08-12 First published.