Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
Start your global trade journey with IEC — mandatory for all importers and exporters in India. Get registered in 2–3 working days with expert DGFT filing.
What is Import Export Code (IEC)?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
IEC is mandatory for all businesses and individuals who wish to import goods into India or export goods from India. Without IEC, customs authorities will not clear any commercial shipment at the border.
Whether you are a small business owner sourcing products from China, a manufacturer exporting to the Middle East, or an entrepreneur building an e-commerce export brand — IEC is your gateway to global trade.
Who Needs IEC Registration?
IEC is mandatory for any business entity involved in cross-border trade of physical goods
Manufacturers & Exporters
Companies manufacturing goods in India and selling to international buyers need IEC for customs clearance and DGFT benefits.
Importers & Traders
Businesses importing raw materials, finished goods, machinery, or electronics from overseas need IEC for customs clearance.
E-Commerce Exporters
Entrepreneurs selling Indian products on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or their own website to international customers need IEC.
Textile & Handicraft Sellers
Artisans, weavers, and handicraft businesses exporting sarees, jewellery, or traditional goods internationally need IEC.
Agricultural Exporters
Farmers, agri-businesses, and food processing units exporting spices, grains, fruits, and processed foods need IEC.
Service Export Businesses
While services don't need IEC typically, IT companies, consultants, and agencies dealing in software/service exports benefit from IEC for SEIS scheme.
Benefits of Having IEC Registration
Beyond just legal compliance, IEC unlocks multiple government incentives and trade benefits
Access Global Markets
Import from China, USA, UAE, or any country. Export to 200+ countries. IEC is your gateway to unlimited global trade.
Duty Drawback Claims
Get refund of customs duties paid on imported goods used in manufacturing export products. Claim back thousands of rupees.
Export Promotion Schemes
Access MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, EPCG, and other government export incentive schemes that provide duty credits and cash incentives.
Export Finance & Credit
Banks offer preferential interest rates and pre/post-shipment credit to IEC holders for financing international trade.
No Annual Renewal
IEC is a one-time registration with lifetime validity. Pay once, use forever — just update your details annually on DGFT portal.
Customs Clearance
Smoothly clear your import/export shipments through Indian customs. Required for all commercial consignments at ports/airports.
International Buyer Credibility
Having IEC signals to international buyers and suppliers that you are a legitimate, government-registered trading entity.
SEZ & Export Zone Benefits
Required to set up units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or Export Oriented Units (EOU) for additional tax exemptions.
With IEC vs Without IEC
See the difference IEC registration makes for your business
| Scenario | With IEC ✓ | Without IEC ✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Customs clearance | Instant clearance at ports | Shipment detained / rejected |
| Import from overseas | Fully legal and compliant | Illegal — not permitted |
| Export to global buyers | Accepted worldwide | No customs documentation |
| Government incentives | Access to MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP | No incentives available |
| Bank trade finance | Pre/post-shipment credit at low rates | No trade finance available |
| Amazon Global Selling | Compliant seller on all markets | Account suspension risk |
| Duty drawback claims | Can claim refund on duties paid | Cannot claim refunds |
Documents Required for IEC
Simple documents — we guide you through every step
👤 Individual / Proprietorship
- ✓PAN card of proprietor (mandatory)
- ✓Aadhaar card of proprietor
- ✓Passport-size photograph
- ✓Cancelled cheque (business/personal current account)
- ✓Bank certificate (if cancelled cheque not available)
- ✓Shop & Establishment licence or GST certificate (if available)
- ✓Mobile number & email ID linked to Aadhaar
🏢 Company / LLP / Partnership
- ✓PAN card of the company/LLP/firm
- ✓Certificate of Incorporation or Registration
- ✓MOA & AOA (for companies) / LLP Agreement
- ✓PAN & Aadhaar of all directors/partners
- ✓Company bank account cancelled cheque
- ✓Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of authorised signatory
- ✓Board Resolution authorising IEC application
- ✓GST registration certificate (if registered)
Not sure about documents? WhatsApp us — our expert will guide you on exactly what you need based on your business type.
DGFT IEC Registration Process
How the official government process works — and how we simplify it for you
DGFT Portal Login
Create/login to DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) with Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP. We handle this for you.
PAN Validation
PAN is validated with Income Tax database in real-time. Business name and type are fetched automatically.
Application Form Filling
Complete IEC application with business details, bank account info, and upload required documents.
Fee Payment
Pay ₹500 government fee online via net banking, UPI, or credit/debit card on DGFT portal.
Application Processing
DGFT processes your application digitally. No physical documents required. 100% online.
IEC Certificate Issued
IEC certificate issued digitally and sent to registered email. Download and start trading globally!
How It Works
4 simple steps — start on WhatsApp, get results from home
Send a WhatsApp Message
Click the button below — connect directly with an IndiaBizStation expert with a pre-filled message.
Our Expert Understands Your Need
Our trained expert will listen to your requirements, provide a documents checklist and suggest the best option — completely free.
A Specialist Gets to Work
Your task is assigned to a verified specialist — document processing, filing or design — everything handled professionally.
Get Results From Home
Certificate, document, report or deliverable — everything sent via WhatsApp/email. Pay only after the work is delivered.
What You Get with IndiaBizStation
Complete IEC registration support — from document prep to final certificate
IEC Registration Pricing
Transparent pricing — government fee + our professional service fee
IEC — Basic
For proprietors & individuals
- ✓ DGFT portal registration
- ✓ IEC application filing
- ✓ Document checklist
- ✓ Status tracking
- ✓ IEC certificate delivery
- ✓ Processing: 2–3 days
IEC + Business Setup
For LLPs, companies & firms
- ✓ Everything in Basic
- ✓ Company / LLP IEC filing
- ✓ DSC arrangement (if needed)
- ✓ Board resolution drafting
- ✓ DGFT profile setup
- ✓ IEC linked to GST (if applicable)
- ✓ Export scheme eligibility check
- ✓ Processing: 2–3 days
IEC + Export Starter
For new exporters going global
- ✓ Everything in Business Setup
- ✓ Export incentive scheme guidance
- ✓ RoDTEP & duty drawback brief
- ✓ RCMC registration guidance
- ✓ Export documentation checklist
- ✓ Amazon Global Selling setup help
- ✓ AD Code registration guidance
- ✓ 1 month post-IEC support
* Government fee of ₹500 is paid directly to DGFT — separate from our service fee
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). It is mandatory for any business or individual who wants to import goods into India or export goods from India commercially.
Any individual, proprietor, partnership firm, LLP, company, or trust that wants to import or export goods from India needs an IEC. IEC is NOT required for import/export of services, or for government departments and personal use imports.
Required documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card of proprietor/directors, cancelled cheque or bank certificate, business proof (GST/incorporation/MSME certificate), current bank account details, passport-size photograph, and digital signature for companies/LLPs.
IEC registration typically takes 2–3 working days after all documents are submitted correctly. In some cases, it can be issued within 24 hours if DGFT portal processing is smooth.
The government fee is ₹500 paid online on the DGFT portal. IndiaBizStation charges a professional fee on top of this for document preparation, application filing, and follow-up support.
Yes, IEC is a lifetime registration — it never expires. However, you must update your IEC details annually on the DGFT portal (address, bank, email changes) to keep it active. The annual update is free.
Yes. A single IEC covers both import and export. There is no separate code for importers and exporters. Once you have an IEC, you can use it for both importing and exporting goods.
GST registration is not mandatory for IEC registration. However, for most businesses commercially importing or exporting goods, GST registration is required separately for tax compliance. We can assist with both.
Yes, an individual can get IEC registration using their personal PAN and bank account. However, for commercial scale trading, registering a business entity (proprietorship or company) is recommended.
Importing or exporting without IEC is illegal. Customs authorities will not clear your shipments without a valid IEC. You may also face penalties and legal action from DGFT.
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