Import/ Export Code (IEC)

IMPORT EXPORT CODE or IEC refers to a 10-digit identification number that is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India to the applicant who is involved in any kind of import or export of goods or services from India.

Is IE Code imperative? Who needs it?

Yes IE Code is imperative for importer and exporter in India. The individuals or business organisations who are engaged in importing or exporting goods and services from India, need IEC. Individuals who are proprietors of a business can obtain IE Code in their name.

Validity of Import Export Code

IEC is valid to be used by the entity throughout the tenure and does not require any renewal or filing. The validity of IEC issued is the same for all the branches or factories that an importer/exporter owns, whatever the case is or can be. Therefore, it is recommended for most organizations to obtain the IE Code, irrespective of whether they need it at the moment or not.

What is the purpose of IEC?

All the exporters who are engaged in the export of goods or services from India need an import export code registration to quote during the shipments of goods or services.

IE Code can be used by that entity for all its import or export transactions without any further hassles. Without the IEC, you cannot participate in the international market.

The banks also need the IE Code of the exporters for receiving payments from abroad.

Application for IEC

Application for IEC is an application that is submitted by the respective Importer/Exporter to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade along with the relevant supporting documents, to obtain the 10-digit identification code.

Upon the application submission, DGFT issues an IEC to the entity in the period of 1-2 working days.

Details and Documents (Required to apply for IEC)

• Copy of Entity’s PAN Card
• Business Address Proof
• Photograph and KYC of Directors or
• Partners or Proprietor
• Valid Indian Mobile no. of Director or Partners or Proprietor
• Charter documents of Entities
• Letter of Authorized Signatory/Board Resolution
• Director or Partners or Proprietor e-mail ID
• Cancelled Cheque or Pass Book or Bank Statement

You can also avail the IE registration services for the import-export code registration, to save your time for other productive actions you are good at. In such a case, you just need to share the above-mentioned documents & details, either physically or online by using the scanned copies of the same, the rest of the job is carried by the respective service provider.