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How to renew IEC online: A step-by-step guide

Importer Exporter Code is a unique identification number required for import & export from India. In this blog, learn how to renew and modify your IEC online.

Importer Exporter Code is a 10-digit number allotted by the DGFT to exporters and importers involved in international trade. To carry out import and export activities from India smoothly, it is necessary to obtain an IEC. Once obtained, it needs to be updated and renewed every year between April to June. To simplify process, IEC can now be updated or renewed online using a few important documents.

Why should IEC be renewed?

The DGFT recently notified that every IEC holder is required to ensure that the details of his/her Importer Exporter Code is updated electronically. Even if there are no changes in the IEC for a particular year, it must be renewed or confirmed online every year¹. Under the 12th February, 58th Notification by DGFT, certain amendment clauses were introduced for the Importer and Exporter Code (IEC)²:

• IEC holders must electronically update their IEC details every year. Even if there are no changes in IEC, the holder must confirm this status online. This annual update and confirmation process is a necessary compliance requirement for IEC holders.
• IEC has now been recognized as e-IEC.
• IEC can be deactivated if it is not updated within the specified timeframe. However, it can be reactivated upon successful updating. Please note that this deactivation does not affect any other actions taken for violating other Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) provisions.
• Furthermore, an IEC may be flagged for scrutiny, and it's the responsibility of the IEC holder(s) to promptly address any flagged risks. Failure to do so will result in deactivation.

Disadvantages of not renewing IEC Code

• IEC license will be deactivated if it is not updated within the specified time frame.
• You cannot operate any trade without a renewed IEC code.

Documents required for IEC code renewal

Some of the documents required for IEC renewal are²:
• Importer Exporter Code (IEC) license number
• Scanned copy of company Pan Card
• Scanned copy of register address proof
• All directors, trustees, partners Pan cards, Aadhar card copies and mobile number
• Copy of GST certificate

How to renew IEC code online?

Step 1:

Step 1: Register your business on the DGFT website. If you have already registered, select Apply for IEC.
Step 2: Login using your credentials. Click on Link IEC. Once you have linked your IEC, a new pop-up window opens asking for digital signature requests. For this, you are required to authenticate either by Digital Signature Certificate or Aadhar card.
Step 3: Once you have linked by authentication, you can renew or update other information on your IEC. Choose Update/Modify IEC option and fill the required details.
Step 4: Once the three steps are done, you can review changes. Use your digital signature certificate to authenticate it.
Step 5: Once updated and renewed, it can be printed by selecting Print IEC.

6-Step guide: How to apply for IEC

Amazon Global Selling: Expert support to obtain IEC and export from India

Starting an export business from India requires various documents including Authorized Dealer (AD) Code, Importer of Record and GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT). Amazon Global Selling guides exporters to the obtain the necessary export documents by connecting them to respective experts. Whether it is registration, shipping or tax, different licences are required depending on the product category being exported, destination country and origin country – India.

How to meet your export document requirements

With access to millions of customers shopping on Amazon international marketplaces across 200+ countries and territories, Amazon Global Selling also provides latest tools and programs that simplify the process of obtaining export documents, shipping and delivering products to the customer in the USA, the UK, the UAE, Australia or any other country. With FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), all that sellers or exporters are required to do is ship their products to Amazon warehouses. Amazon packs and delivers the order to the customer.

More blogs on IEC

1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC): How to obtain and export from India?

2. How to verify IEC code online?

3. How to download IEC certificate online from the DGFT website?

4. How to link Importer Exporter Code (IEC) with DGFT?

5. How to modify IEC on DGFT: Step-by-step procedure

6. How to surrender Importer and Exporter Code?

7. How to check IEC application status online?

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I renew my IEC code?

Between April and May every year, IEC holders must renew their IEC certificate for a smooth working of your export business. It is necessary to update your IEC on an annual basis with your verified email and mobile number of the business³.

How do I reactivate my IEC code?

If not renewed within due date, Importer Exporter Code is deactivated and cannot be used further. To reactivate it, one must visit the DGFT website and renew at the earliest.

Why is my IEC suspended?

IEC is suspended if annual updates are not filed within the due date. It then remains inactive until it IEC is updated or renewed.

Does IEC code need renewal?

Yes, IEC needs to renewed yearly.

Published on September 10, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://icegate.gov.in/EnqMod/
1. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/74893b60-2434-4b7c-b90d-ee9fe0eb7320/Notification%2058%20Date%2012-02-2021%20English.pdf
2. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/ANF-2A_0.pdf
3. http://dgftcom.nic.in/dgftmumbai/html/trmum/FY22/TN0122.pdf
4. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/8fff07ac-67b7-4ffc-a37b-682eb091c578/Trade%20Notice%2031%20-%20De-Activation%20of%20IECs-%203rd%20phase.pdf
5. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/74893b60-2434-4b7c-b90d-ee9fe0eb7320/Notification%2058%20Date%2012-02-2021%20English.pdf

What is an Importer of Record (IOR)?

Guide on how to export from India

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.