What an IEC is and when you need it
The Import Export Code is a ten-character identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is the same as your PAN. Customs uses it for bills of entry and shipping bills, and banks use it for foreign remittances and export proceeds.
| Situation | Is IEC needed? |
|---|---|
| Importing goods for business | Yes |
| Exporting goods | Yes |
| Exporting services and receiving foreign payment | Commonly asked by banks; needed for scheme benefits |
| Selling on international marketplaces | Usually yes, along with GST |
| Imports or exports for personal use | Generally no |
| Certain government departments and notified exempt categories | Exempt as notified |
Documents required
| Applicant | Documents |
|---|---|
| Proprietorship | Proprietor’s PAN and Aadhaar, photograph, address proof of the business, cancelled cheque or bank certificate |
| Partnership firm / LLP | Firm PAN, partnership deed or LLP certificate, partner details, address proof, bank proof |
| Private limited company | Company PAN, incorporation certificate, director details, address proof, bank proof |
| Trust or society | PAN, registration certificate, trustee or member details, address proof, bank proof |
Bank details must be in the name of the applicant entity. Scanned documents should be clear PDFs within the size limit allowed by the portal.
IEC application process on the DGFT portal
- Portal registration. A user account is created on the DGFT portal using the applicant’s mobile number and email.
- Application form. Entity details, address, bank account, partners or directors and the nature of business are filled in.
- Documents. Address proof and bank proof are uploaded.
- Fee payment. The government fee of Rs 500 is paid online.
- Signing. The application is signed with Aadhaar-based e-sign or a Digital Signature Certificate.
- IEC issued. The IEC certificate is usually generated online soon after a complete application. We share the certificate and a note on next steps on WhatsApp.
Annual update: April to June every year
Every IEC holder must update or confirm the IEC details on the DGFT portal each year between April and June, even if nothing has changed. If the update is not done, the IEC is deactivated.
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Window | 1 April to 30 June every year |
| If no change | Confirm existing details; no fee |
| If details changed | Modify and submit with supporting documents |
| If missed | IEC is de-activated |
| Reactivation | Complete the pending update on the DGFT portal |
We keep a reminder for every IEC client and complete the update in April or May, well before the deadline.
Modification, deactivation and surrender
- Modification: change of address, partners, directors, bank account or business name is done through a modification application on the portal.
- Deactivation: besides a missed annual update, an IEC can be deactivated by DGFT for other reasons such as a mismatch with PAN or GST data. Reactivation needs the reason to be addressed.
- Surrender: if you stop import-export business, the IEC can be surrendered on the portal.
After the IEC: first shipment checklist
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| GST registration and LUT | Zero-rated exports without paying IGST; see LUT and refund |
| AD code registration at port or ICD | Links export proceeds to your bank |
| ICEGATE registration | Customs filing and tracking |
| HSN classification of goods | Correct customs duty, GST and incentive rates |
| Export documentation | Invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading or airway bill |
| Bank realisation tracking | FEMA timelines for receiving export proceeds |
Our import-export and FEMA compliance service covers these steps, including FIRC, EDPMS follow-up and GST refunds.
Common IEC problems we fix
| Problem | Usual cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Application rejected | Name or address not matching PAN or bank records | Correct the details and refile with matching proof |
| IEC shows de-activated | Annual update missed | Complete the update and confirm reactivation on the portal |
| Bank refuses export credit | IEC not linked to the account, or AD code not registered | Update bank details on IEC and complete AD code registration |
| Shipping bill error at customs | IEC details differ from GST or ICEGATE records | Align IEC, GSTIN and ICEGATE profile |
| Duplicate IEC concern | Separate application tried for the same PAN | Use the existing IEC and modify it instead |
| Old IEC of a closed firm | Firm closed but IEC never surrendered | Surrender the IEC and close linked records |
Most of these come from small mismatches between PAN, GST, bank and DGFT data. We check all four before filing anything, which saves repeated corrections later.
IEC for different types of businesses
- Proprietors: the IEC is issued on the proprietor’s PAN, so it continues even if the trade name changes. Update the name through modification.
- Partnership firms and LLPs: the IEC is on the firm’s PAN. A change in partners must be updated on the DGFT portal.
- Companies: directors and the registered office must match MCA records. Foreign-owned Indian subsidiaries also need FEMA reporting; see our foreign company setup service.
- New businesses: if you are yet to form an entity, choosing the right structure first avoids having to apply again. See company incorporation.
Why exporters in Gurugram work with KSV
We work with garment exporters in Udyog Vihar and IMT Manesar, auto-component suppliers, marketplace sellers going international and IT service companies in Gurgaon’s Cyber City. One team handles IEC, GST, LUT, refunds and income tax, so your export data matches across DGFT, GST and bank records. See pricing or contact us on WhatsApp at +91 88606 30505.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs an IEC?
Any business or individual importing or exporting goods needs an IEC, which customs and banks ask for. Service exporters receiving foreign payments are also commonly asked for an IEC by banks and need it to claim benefits under foreign trade schemes. Imports or exports for personal use, not for trade, generally do not need one.
What is the government fee for IEC?
The DGFT fee for a new IEC is Rs 500, paid online on the DGFT portal. Confirming the annual update without changes does not attract a fee. Our professional fee is separate and is shown on the pricing page.
How long is an IEC valid?
IEC has lifetime validity and there is no renewal. However, it must be updated or confirmed on the DGFT portal every year between April and June. If not, it is deactivated.
What happens if I miss the annual update?
The IEC is marked as de-activated, and shipments, bank remittances and scheme benefits linked to it can be held up. It can be reactivated by completing the pending update on the DGFT portal. We can do this quickly once you share the latest details.
Is IEC linked to PAN?
Yes. The IEC number is the same as the PAN of the business, and only one IEC can be issued against a PAN. A proprietor's IEC is issued on the proprietor's personal PAN.
Do I need GST registration before IEC?
IEC can be issued without a GSTIN, but in practice most exporters and importers need GST registration as well, for IGST payment on imports, zero-rated exports under LUT and refunds. We usually do both together.
Can I export services without IEC?
Many banks ask for an IEC before processing export proceeds, and it is needed for scheme benefits. Getting one avoids delays at the bank. We help software, consulting and design exporters in Gurugram set up IEC, LUT and FIRC tracking together.
Kya IEC ke liye office address zaroori hai?
Haan, the application needs an address of the business with proof, such as an electricity bill, rent agreement or GST certificate. It can be a home address if that is your registered business address.
Can I change the address or bank account on my IEC later?
Yes. Changes in address, bank account, partners, directors or business name are made through a modification application on the DGFT portal with supporting documents, and the details should also match your GST and bank records. You can make these changes at any time, and also confirm them during the annual update between April and June.
What is AD code registration?
The Authorised Dealer code is a code issued by your bank for your current account. For exports of goods, the AD code must be registered at each port or ICD on ICEGATE so that export proceeds can be tracked to your bank. We guide you through this before the first shipment.