Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Online India — DGFT Portal Guide

Governing Act: Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 & Foreign Trade Policy 2023

Relevant Sections: Section 7; Para 2.05 of Foreign Trade Policy

Official Portal: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (dgft.gov.in)

Statutory Fee: Official government fee: ₹500 paid directly on Bharatkosh/DGFT

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit primary business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP 2023).

An IEC is legally mandatory for any commercial entity in India seeking to import goods or export goods and cross-border services. Custom authorities (ICEGATE) and commercial banks require a valid IEC to clear international shipments, process foreign inward remittances, and claim export incentive benefits such as Duty Drawback and RoDTEP.

Pricing details

₹999 / Fixed

Key Advantages & Statutory Benefits

  • Mandatory Statutory Clearance for Customs Port Handling on ICEGATE
  • Enables Smooth Processing of Inward Foreign Remittances via Commercial Banks
  • Unlocks Export Promotion Incentives (Duty Drawback, RoDTEP, RoSCTL Schemes)
  • Lifetime Validity Subject to Simple Annual Online Confirmation on DGFT Portal

Documents Required

  • PAN Card of the Business Entity / Sole Proprietor (The 10-digit IEC is identical to entity PAN)
  • Proof of Legal Constitution: Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or Trust Deed (not required for proprietorships)
  • Proof of Business Address: Commercial Rent Agreement + Landlord NOC + Electricity Bill (< 2 months old) or Sale Deed
  • Bank Account Verification: Active Current Account Cancelled Cheque or Bank Certificate with account name and IFSC
  • Digital Signature Certificate (Class-3 DSC) or Aadhaar of Authorized Signatory for DGFT portal e-signing

Filing Process & Roadmap

  1. DGFT Portal User Profile Setup: Creating an authorized corporate user account on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in).
  2. Form ANF-2A Compilation: Completing electronic application Form ANF-2A with entity details, bank credentials, and partner/director information.
  3. Document Attachment & Verification: Uploading bank proof, address verification, and constitution paperwork.
  4. Statutory Fee Payment: Remitting the official government fee of ₹500 directly to the DGFT through Bharatkosh gateway.
  5. Electronic DSC/Aadhaar Signing: Signing the application using Class-3 DSC or Aadhaar OTP authentication.
  6. Electronic Certificate Issuance: Processing of ANF-2A and bank credentials by DGFT followed by digital issuance of the 10-digit IEC e-Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the official government fee for Import Export Code (IEC) registration?

A: The official statutory application fee levied by the DGFT is ₹500, paid directly through the government payment gateway. FilingBy charges a transparent service fee for document verification, form compilation, and query handling.

Q: Is there an annual renewal or confirmation requirement for an IEC?

A: Yes. Under Para 2.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, every IEC holder must confirm or update their IEC details electronically on the DGFT portal annually between April and June. Even if there are no changes, electronic confirmation is mandatory to prevent the IEC from being deactivated.

Q: Is an IEC required for service exporters or software companies?

A: An IEC is mandatory for service exporters if the service provider intends to claim export incentives, benefits, or concessions under Foreign Trade Policy schemes. If no export benefits are claimed, an IEC is not strictly necessary for service exports, though banks typically mandate it for foreign currency remittance clearance.

Q: Can an individual obtain an IEC in personal name?

A: Yes. Any individual holding a valid PAN card can apply for an Import Export Code in their individual capacity for commercial export or import operations.