Apply for Import Export Code DGFT Registration for Global Trade
Import Export Code (IEC) is the key registration issued by DGFT for businesses and individuals engaged in commercial import or export activities. It is an essential business identification number for international trade and is generally required before goods can be imported into India or exported from India, unless a specific exemption applies.
What is IEC?
IEC, or Import Export Code, is the registration issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade for persons or entities involved in import and export activities. It acts as the principal trade identification number for commercial cross-border goods movement and is an important requirement for customs clearance, banking, and trade-related compliance.
IEC is generally mandatory for commercial import into India and export from India unless the applicant falls under a specific exemption. Individuals, proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, companies, trusts, and other eligible entities can apply depending on the nature of the business and trade activity.
The IEC process is fully online through DGFT and is commonly completed quickly once PAN, Aadhaar-linked details, bank proof, and address records are in order. Although IEC is commonly described as having lifetime validity, businesses must still comply with annual profile updation requirements on the DGFT portal to keep the code active.
Key Benefits of IEC Registration
IEC is a foundational requirement for businesses planning to enter international trade and maintain DGFT-linked compliance.
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Required for International Trade IEC is generally required for commercial import and export transactions and is a key trade identifier for customs and foreign trade purposes.
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Enables Global Business It allows businesses to participate in international markets, deal with overseas customers and suppliers, and expand cross-border commercial operations.
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No Periodic Renewal as a License IEC is commonly treated as lifetime-valid once issued, although annual profile updation on the DGFT portal is still required to keep the code active and updated.
Documents Required
The exact document list depends on the type of applicant, but these are the commonly required records for IEC registration.
PAN
PAN is the core tax identity used for IEC registration and is central to DGFT verification and trade identification.
Aadhaar
Aadhaar-linked identity details of the applicant or authorised person are commonly required for verification and OTP-based filing.
Bank Certificate / Cancelled Cheque
Bank proof such as a bank certificate or cancelled cheque is generally required to validate the applicant’s bank account details.
Address Proof
Business or applicant address proof such as electricity bill, rent agreement, or ownership-related document is commonly required for registration.
Timeline & Process
IEC registration is fully online and is often completed within around 1–3 working days where documents and applicant details are correctly submitted.
Create / Access DGFT Account
Register or log in on the DGFT portal using the applicant’s details and complete the required user verification steps.
Prepare Required Documents
Keep PAN, Aadhaar-linked details, bank proof, address proof, and entity documents ready before beginning the application.
Fill IEC Application Online
Enter applicant details, business information, address details, and bank details in the prescribed DGFT online application format.
Upload Documents & Submit
Upload the required supporting records, complete verification, and submit the application with the applicable online fee.
Receive IEC Certificate
After successful processing, the IEC is generated online and can be downloaded from the DGFT system for trade use and record purposes.
Get Started — Apply Now
Fill in the form below and one of our trade compliance specialists will get in touch to help you apply for IEC quickly and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, IEC is generally mandatory for commercial import into India or export from India unless the applicant falls within a specific exemption.
IEC is commonly treated as lifetime-valid once issued, subject to continued compliance with DGFT profile updation requirements.
No periodic renewal is generally required as a separate licence renewal process, but annual IEC profile updation on the DGFT portal is required to avoid deactivation.
Yes, IEC registration is generally completed online through the DGFT portal.
Yes, failure to obtain IEC where required or failure to keep the IEC profile updated can lead to trade compliance issues, including deactivation or difficulty in carrying out transactions.
IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, commonly known as DGFT.
Yes, individuals can apply for IEC if they are engaged in eligible import or export trade activity.
GST is not always mandatory solely for obtaining IEC, but it is often recommended or practically relevant depending on the business model, turnover, and tax compliance requirements.
Yes, IEC details can be modified or updated through the DGFT portal when business information changes.
The process is generally fast and, in many cases, IEC can be obtained within around 1–3 working days when the application is properly filed.