The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is mandatory for any individual or business involved in the import or export of goods or services from India.
IEC is a one-time registration with lifetime validity and is required at the time of customs clearance, foreign transactions, and registering as an exporter or importer on platforms like Amazon Global, Flipkart, Alibaba, etc. It also enables you to avail benefits under schemes such as MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, and more.
Whether you’re a startup, trader, manufacturer, or e-commerce seller, obtaining an IEC is the first step toward global expansion.
IEC opens your business to international trade opportunities. It allows seamless customs clearance, access to export incentives, and enhances your global business credibility.
Mandatory for importing or exporting goods/services
Enables customs clearance and foreign remittance
Lifetime validity – no renewal required
Required to register as a global seller (Amazon, eBay, Alibaba)
Eligible for DGFT’s export promotion schemes
Adds professional credibility for global clients and partners
Simple process with minimal documentation
Required by banks for processing foreign transactions
Any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private limited company, or trust planning to import or export goods/services must obtain an IEC. There are no restrictions on turnover or product type.
Individuals or freelancers importing/exporting goods or services
Proprietorship or Partnership Firms
Private Limited or LLP Companies
Trusts, NGOs, and Societies exporting services or goods
Amazon / Flipkart / Shopify global sellers
Manufacturers expanding into exports
Service exporters receiving payments in foreign currency
Obtaining an IEC involves submitting identity, address, and bank-related documents along with business proof. All documents must be valid and properly scanned for successful application.
PAN Card of the business or individual
Aadhaar Card or Passport (for individuals)
Passport-size photo (for individuals)
Business address proof (electricity bill or rent agreement)
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Email ID and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Entity incorporation certificate (for companies/LLPs)
Partnership deed or MOA & AOA (as applicable)
Digital Signature Certificate (Class 2 or 3)
GST Certificate (optional but preferred)
We handle the complete registration process digitally, ensuring swift approvals from DGFT. Here’s how it works:
Consultation and document collection
Verification and digital signature (DSC) generation if required
Creation of DGFT profile and login credentials
Online IEC application filing via DGFT portal
Upload of supporting documents and payment of government fee
Real-time tracking and follow-up on application status
Issuance of IEC Certificate (typically within 1–3 working days)
Delivery of IEC via email and online download
IEC is linked to your PAN, making it unique to each business. Ensure documents are updated and correctly scanned. There is no renewal required, but any business detail change (address, ownership, etc.) must be updated on the DGFT portal.
IEC is PAN-based; one IEC per PAN
Lifetime validity – no renewal needed
Amendments must be filed if business details change
DSC is required for companies/LLPs during filing
Individuals can apply using Aadhaar e-sign
IEC is mandatory for customs clearance and foreign bank transfers
Even service exporters must obtain IEC for foreign remittance
Application usually gets approved within 1–3 working days
IEC is not a tax registration – no return filing is required
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is mandatory for any individual or business involved in the import or export of goods or services from India.
IEC is a one-time registration with lifetime validity and is required at the time of customs clearance, foreign transactions, and registering as an exporter or importer on platforms like Amazon Global, Flipkart, Alibaba, etc. It also enables you to avail benefits under schemes such as MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, and more.
Whether you’re a startup, trader, manufacturer, or e-commerce seller, obtaining an IEC is the first step toward global expansion.
IEC opens your business to international trade opportunities. It allows seamless customs clearance, access to export incentives, and enhances your global business credibility.
Mandatory for importing or exporting goods/services
Enables customs clearance and foreign remittance
Lifetime validity – no renewal required
Required to register as a global seller (Amazon, eBay, Alibaba)
Eligible for DGFT’s export promotion schemes
Adds professional credibility for global clients and partners
Simple process with minimal documentation
Required by banks for processing foreign transactions
Any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private limited company, or trust planning to import or export goods/services must obtain an IEC. There are no restrictions on turnover or product type.
Individuals or freelancers importing/exporting goods or services
Proprietorship or Partnership Firms
Private Limited or LLP Companies
Trusts, NGOs, and Societies exporting services or goods
Amazon / Flipkart / Shopify global sellers
Manufacturers expanding into exports
Service exporters receiving payments in foreign currency
Obtaining an IEC involves submitting identity, address, and bank-related documents along with business proof. All documents must be valid and properly scanned for successful application.
PAN Card of the business or individual
Aadhaar Card or Passport (for individuals)
Passport-size photo (for individuals)
Business address proof (electricity bill or rent agreement)
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Email ID and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Entity incorporation certificate (for companies/LLPs)
Partnership deed or MOA & AOA (as applicable)
Digital Signature Certificate (Class 2 or 3)
GST Certificate (optional but preferred)
We handle the complete registration process digitally, ensuring swift approvals from DGFT. Here’s how it works:
Consultation and document collection
Verification and digital signature (DSC) generation if required
Creation of DGFT profile and login credentials
Online IEC application filing via DGFT portal
Upload of supporting documents and payment of government fee
Real-time tracking and follow-up on application status
Issuance of IEC Certificate (typically within 1–3 working days)
Delivery of IEC via email and online download
IEC is linked to your PAN, making it unique to each business. Ensure documents are updated and correctly scanned. There is no renewal required, but any business detail change (address, ownership, etc.) must be updated on the DGFT portal.
IEC is PAN-based; one IEC per PAN
Lifetime validity – no renewal needed
Amendments must be filed if business details change
DSC is required for companies/LLPs during filing
Individuals can apply using Aadhaar e-sign
IEC is mandatory for customs clearance and foreign bank transfers
Even service exporters must obtain IEC for foreign remittance
Application usually gets approved within 1–3 working days
IEC is not a tax registration – no return filing is required
Q: Is IEC registration mandatory for all exporters/importers?
A: Yes, it is mandatory unless specifically exempted (e.g., government departments, diplomatic bodies).
Q: How long does it take to get an IEC?
A: Typically, within 1–3 working days from the date of application.
Q: Do I need to file returns after getting an IEC?
A: No, IEC does not require any returns or renewals.
Q: Can an individual apply for an IEC?
A: Yes, individuals can apply using Aadhaar and PAN.
Q: Is IEC valid for both import and export?
A: Yes, the same code is used for both import and export.
Q: What is the government fee for IEC?
A: ₹500 (as of latest DGFT guidelines).
Q: Can IEC details be modified later?
A: Yes, changes can be made online via DGFT portal.
Q: Is DSC mandatory for IEC registration?
A: DSC is mandatory for companies/LLPs but not for individuals using Aadhaar OTP.
Q: Can IEC be used for e-commerce exports?
A: Yes, it’s essential for onboarding as a seller on international platforms.
Q: What support does UrbanDox offer?
A: We handle end-to-end IEC application, DSC assistance, DGFT portal access, and post-approval support.