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What is Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)? Benefits, registration, and how to apply
Importer-Exporter Code is a unique identification number required for import and export from India. Learn how to apply, register, modify, and link IEC with DGFT.
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If you're an Indian business thinking about selling your products outside India, there’s one simple but important step you need to take: getting your Importer Exporter Code (IEC). This code is your official license to start importing or exporting; it’s a basic requirement, no matter how big or small your business is.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the IEC is, why it matters, and how you can get yours easily, so you can focus on growing your business globally.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the IEC is, why it matters, and how you can get yours easily, so you can focus on growing your business globally.
What is an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)?
The Importer-Exporter Code is a 10-digit number issued by the DGFT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is a unique identification number that is required by importers and exporters to run a seamless business in international trade.1
Importance of IEC
The following are some reasons why IEC registration is crucial:
● Customs clearance: Import and export activities cannot be conducted without an active IEC. Indian Customs checks for the IEC during customs clearance before allowing any goods to pass through.
● International payments: Banks require an IEC to facilitate foreign currency transactions for exports.
● DGFT schemes and incentives: Exporters need to have a valid IEC to avail export incentives and schemes offered by the Government of India.
Need help with IEC?
Amazon Export Navigator is here to simplify your export journey. This one-stop export compliance dashboard offers guidance on key export documentation like IEC registration, product and shipping documentation, tax paperwork, payment reconciliation, and export incentives. Plus, you can connect with expert service providers to get hands-on support at any step.
When is IEC required?
You will need an IEC registration to engage in any international trade activity, including:
● Importing goods into India: Required to clear shipments through customs, whether you're bringing in raw materials, machinery, or products.
● Exporting goods or services: Required to ship products or offer services to customers outside India and receive payments.
● Applying for trade finance: Banks need a valid IEC to offer export-related financing.
● Claiming duty refunds or incentives: An IEC is needed to get benefits like duty drawbacks and other export incentives.
Format of IEC
What are the benefits of IEC registration?
The following are some benefits of IEC registration:
● Access to tax benefits and government schemes: Exporters who have an IEC can avail various export incentive schemes introduced by the government. They can also claim tax benefits on exports. For instance, exporters who file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST may be exempted from paying taxes on exported goods and services.
● Ease of global transactions: Obtaining an IEC makes all your cross-border transactions legal and easy. Additionally, having this code marks you as a verified importer/exporter. It reduces the illegal transportation of goods across the borders.
● Global market access: IEC facilitates entry into the international market, allowing organizations to showcase and sell products on global platforms.
● Lifetime validity: The IEC is effective for the entire lifespan of a business, reducing the need for lengthy renewal processes. Note: While IEC registration has lifetime validity, it needs to be updated annually online.2
Documents required for IEC registration
Some of the documents required for IEC registration are:
● Digital Signature Token
● PAN
● GST Registration
● Aadhaar card matching the PAN details
● Address details of the branch office
● Bank details of the IEC holder3
● PAN
● GST Registration
● Aadhaar card matching the PAN details
● Address details of the branch office
● Bank details of the IEC holder3
Eligibility for IEC registration
Almost any legally recognized business entity in India is eligible. This includes:
● Proprietorship firms
● Partnership firms
● Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
● Private Limited and Public Limited Companies
● Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
● Trusts and NGOs involved in trade activities4
● Partnership firms
● Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
● Private Limited and Public Limited Companies
● Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
● Trusts and NGOs involved in trade activities4
IEC registration: A step-by-step guide
Applying for an IEC is now a completely online process and can be completed via the DGFT portal. This step-by-step guide provides an overview of the process:
Step 1: Visit the DGFT portal:
Navigate to the official website of the DGFT.
Step 2: Register your business:
Sign up using your Permanent Account Number (PAN), mobile number, and email ID.
Step 3: Login with credentials:
Access your dashboard using the credentials provided.
Step 4: Navigate to “Apply for IEC”:
Choose the IEC module and click on “Apply for New IEC.”
Step 5: Fill in application details:
Enter your entity name, business type, and contact information.
Step 6: Upload necessary documents:
You will be prompted to upload scanned copies of the required documents in PDF format. This typically includes a cancelled cheque or bank certificate and proof of address.
Step 7: Pay the fee:
A nominal fee is to be paid online.
Step 8: Submit and acknowledge:
Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment with a reference number.5
How to download an IEC certificate?
After approval, you can download the IEC Certificate by following these steps:
● Log in to the DGFT portal with your credentials.
● Navigate to “My Dashboard” and click on “IEC Profile Management.”
● You will find an option to “Print IEC.” Clicking on this will allow you to view and download your e-IEC certificate in PDF format. This digitally signed certificate is a valid legal document.6
How to edit and renew IEC?
IEC needs to be renewed every year between April and June. Non-renewal might lead to the de-activation of the import-export certificate. Here is how you can renew IEC:
● Login to the DGFT portal.
● Select ‘IEC Portfolio Management’ from the Services tab and click on ‘Update/Modify IEC.’
● Now, you need to link your IEC by entering the IEC number and verifying it with the OTP.
● Once the IEC has been linked to the DGFT portal, choose ‘Update IEC.’
● A form with the existing IEC details will appear. Select the details in the IEC that need modification and then get the IEC updated accordingly.
● Now, complete the process by verifying the IEC certificate through a digital signature certificate or Aadhaar.
● Once you submit the IEC update form has been submitted, your IEC renewal will be complete.7
How to link IEC with DGFT and GST?
It is mandatory for every IEC holder to link their IEC with the DGFT website every year between April and June. For this, just log into the DGFT website and click on ‘Link IEC.’ Authenticate by using your Aadhaar-based OTP or with your registered DSC.8
How to cancel IEC?
If an IEC holder wants to cancel their IEC, they can file an online request to surrender their IEC on the DGFT website. Submit the required documents to complete the process of ‘Surrender IEC’ and complete the application. Your IEC license will be surrendered, and all future export/import transactions shall be revoked.9
Once you have your IEC, you’re ready to start growing your business beyond India. If you’re looking to export via e-commerce, you can leverage the tools and support offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling to start and scale your export journey more easily.
Once you have your IEC, you’re ready to start growing your business beyond India. If you’re looking to export via e-commerce, you can leverage the tools and support offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling to start and scale your export journey more easily.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Related resources
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which DSC is required for the IEC code?
To make the issuance and registration process of the IEC code more secure, the DGFT introduced the DSC (digital signature certificate). It should be Class-3 only issued by CCA-approved certifying agencies in India.10
2. Is the IEC code valid throughout India?
Yes, IEC code is a unique identification number for your import-export business that remains applicable throughout India.
3. How many days does it take to get an IEC online?
After submitting all the necessary documents, IEC is usually issued by DGFT within two working days. However, timelines may vary depending on the accuracy and completeness of your application and documents.
4. Who is exempted from obtaining IEC?
Certain importers/exporters are exempted from obtaining an IEC. This includes government departments, personal exports/imports for non-commercial use, small-value exports/imports from Nepal and Myanmar, and specific categories like diplomats, UN officials, and importers importing goods for fairs and exhibitions.11
5. Why do you need an IEC?
An IEC is mandatory for Indian traders engaged in the export and import of goods. No person can make an import or export without an IEC number unless it is specifically exempted.
6. What is the validity of the IEC code?
An IEC allocated to the applicant shall have lifetime validity, but it is mandatory to update the IEC annually so that it is not deactivated.12
7. Is the IEC code enough for doing export from India?
IEC is one of the important documents required to export from India. However, along with IEC, there are other mandatory export documents and licenses that need to be obtained depending on your product category, mode of shipping, destination country, etc.
8. Who can apply for IEC code?
Any individual or legal entity planning to engage in import or export activities in India can apply for IEC. This includes proprietors, companies, LLPs, HUFs, and trusts.
Sources:
1. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,55,276
2. https://cleartax.in/s/import-export-code
3. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
4. https://charteredhelp.com/iec-registration/#:~:text=Eligibility%20for%20IEC%20Registration,partnerships%2C%20companies%2C%20and%20HUFs.
5. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
6. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/how-to-download-and-print-iec-certificate
7. https://www.legalwiz.in/blog/iec-code-renewal-process-to-update-iec
8. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
9. https://taxguru.in/dgft/surrender-import-export-code.html
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14. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
15. https://vakilsearch.com/blog/which-digital-signature-do-we-require-for-iec-certificate/#
16. https://jdgfthyd.ap.nic.in/faqs.html
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3. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
4. https://charteredhelp.com/iec-registration/#:~:text=Eligibility%20for%20IEC%20Registration,partnerships%2C%20companies%2C%20and%20HUFs.
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6. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/how-to-download-and-print-iec-certificate
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14. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20-%20Profile%20Management%20(IEC)%20FAQs%20v1.0.pdf
15. https://vakilsearch.com/blog/which-digital-signature-do-we-require-for-iec-certificate/#
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19. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?id=0,55,276
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