An Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is needed to import or export goods. We apply for it, and remind you of the yearly update that keeps it active.
Who this is for
- Businesses starting to import or export goods
- Service exporters who want to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits
- Exporters whose IEC was deactivated after a missed yearly update
What we do
- Apply for your IEC on the DGFT portal
- Fill in your business, bank and branch details correctly
- Complete the yearly update between April and June
- Reactivate a deactivated IEC by completing the update
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | DGFT, online |
| Your IEC number | Your PAN is your IEC |
| Government fee | ₹500 for a new IEC; the yearly update has no fee |
| Yearly update | Every April to June, even if nothing has changed |
| If not updated | The IEC is deactivated until you complete the update |
The fee shown is the government fee. Source: DGFT, Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN of the business
- ID and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Proof of the business address
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- A mobile number and email for OTP verification
How it works
- Share documentsSend them on WhatsApp or email. We tell you if anything is missing.
- We prepareWe check the figures and draft the filing.
- You approveNothing is filed until you say yes.
- FiledYou get the acknowledgement and a reminder before the next due date.
Questions people ask
Does an IEC expire?
It does not expire, but it must be updated every April to June. If you miss the update, it is deactivated until you complete it.
Can I get an IEC as a proprietor?
Yes. For a proprietorship, the IEC is issued on the proprietor’s PAN.
I only export services. Do I need an IEC?
Usually only if you want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. We check your case.
Related
Request a callback
Tell us a little about what you need. We call back during office hours, 10 am to 6 pm.