How to Check IEC Code Application Status Online on DGFT Portal

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Reviewed by Pundreek Pandey Co-Founder & Compliance Expert, SetupFiling.in
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Quick Answer

To check your IEC code application status online, visit the official DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in, open Services > Track Application Status, select IEC, and enter your file number or IEC number with OTP verification. Your status will show as Submitted, Under Process, Query Raised, Approved, or Rejected within seconds.

Why Tracking Your IEC Application Status Matters

An Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for any business or individual involved in importing or exporting goods and services from India. Once you submit your IEC application on the DGFT portal, it moves through several stages before final approval. Checking the status regularly helps you catch queries early, avoid unnecessary rejections, and start your import-export operations without delay.

Many applicants get stuck at the “Query Raised” stage simply because they never checked their status or missed a document requirement. This guide walks you through the exact steps to check your IEC application status on the DGFT portal, explains what each status means, and shows how RegisterKaro can help you resolve issues quickly.

Step-by-Step: Check IEC Application Status on DGFT Portal

1. Visit the official DGFT portal

Open your browser and go to the official DGFT website at dgft.gov.in. Avoid third-party sites that claim to check IEC status.

2. Go to Track Application Status

On the homepage, click on “Services” and select “Track Application Status” from the dropdown menu.

3. Select IEC as the application type

Choose “IEC” from the list of available application types shown on the tracking page.

4. Enter your file number or IEC number

Enter the file number you received at the time of application submission, or your IEC Number if it has already been allotted.

5. Verify using OTP

Enter your registered mobile number or email ID and verify with the OTP sent to you instantly.

6. View your current application status

Your live status will be displayed as Submitted, Under Process, Query Raised, Approved, or Rejected.

7. Download your IEC certificate

Once approved, log in to the “My IEC” section on the DGFT portal and download your IEC Certificate as a PDF instantly.

What Each IEC Application Status Means

Status Shown What It Means Action Required

Submitted

Application received by DGFT successfully.

No action; wait for processing.

Under Process

Application is being reviewed by the Regional Authority.

No action needed unless a query appears.

Query Raised

Officer needs additional documents or clarification.

Respond with corrected documents immediately.

Approved / IEC Issued

IEC has been allotted successfully.

Download your IEC certificate from “My IEC”.

Rejected

Application rejected due to unresolved issues.

Review rejection remarks and file a fresh application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my IEC application status online?

You can check your Import Export Code application status directly on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. Go to "Services" and select "IEC Profile Management," then choose the option to check application status.

Enter your Application Number and the Captcha Code shown on screen, then click Search. The portal will display your current status, such as "Under Process," "Approved," or "Rejected."

If your IEC has already been approved, you can also download the e-IEC certificate from the same portal once the status shows as active. If you're still applying for a new code, review the full IEC code registration process to make sure your application has been submitted correctly.

What is the difference between checking IEC status on DGFT and ICEGATE?

The DGFT portal confirms whether your IEC has been issued and registered against your PAN. The ICEGATE portal, on the other hand, confirms whether that IEC data has been successfully transmitted to customs for use in shipment and clearance.

To check on ICEGATE, log in, go to "Services," select the IEC/BIN Status option, and enter your IEC number along with the port location and captcha code. Your IEC can only be used for actual import or export transactions once it shows as accepted on both DGFT and ICEGATE.

What do the different IEC status messages mean?

Under Process: Your application has been received and DGFT officers are still reviewing it.

Approved / Active: Your IEC has been issued and is valid for import, export, customs clearance, and receiving foreign currency payments.

Inactive: The IEC was not updated during the mandatory April–June annual update window, so it has been temporarily deactivated.

Suspended: Trading activity has been paused due to a compliance issue or a legal matter flagged by the authorities.

Under Scrutiny: A mismatch was found in your PAN or GSTIN details, and trade activity stays restricted until this is resolved.

Rejected: The application was declined, usually due to incomplete or incorrect documentation.

What details do I need to check my IEC status?

For a PAN-based check on the DGFT portal, you need your PAN number and the first three letters of your firm's name, along with the captcha code shown on screen.

For an IEC-based check on ICEGATE, you need your 10-digit IEC number and the relevant port location. Always keep your Application Reference Number handy from the time of filing, since it is required to track status before the IEC is actually issued.

How long does it take for an IEC application to be approved?

An IEC application is typically processed within 3 to 7 working days once all documents are submitted correctly and verified by the DGFT. Delays usually happen when there are mismatches between PAN, GSTIN, or bank details, or when supporting documents are incomplete.

After approval, allow a further 2 to 3 days for the data to reflect correctly on the ICEGATE customs system before relying on it for shipments.

Why is my IEC showing as inactive, and how do I fix it?

An IEC turns inactive mainly when the mandatory annual update on the DGFT portal, required every April to June, is missed. Even if no business details have changed, this confirmation still needs to be filed each year for the IEC to stay active.

To reactivate it, log in to the DGFT portal, open your IEC profile, review or update your firm details, and resubmit the annual confirmation. You can find the complete process for renewing and reactivating your code in our guide on IEC code renewal.

How do I check if my IEC has been transmitted to customs (ICEGATE)?

After DGFT issues an IEC, the data is automatically sent to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) so it can be recognised at ports for clearance. You can confirm this transmission under the "IEC Status" section of your DGFT profile, or directly on the ICEGATE portal using the IEC/BIN Status check.

If the transmission has failed due to a technical mismatch, customs clearance can get delayed even though your IEC is approved on DGFT. In that case, raise the issue with the DGFT helpdesk for resolution. Businesses handling export shipments should also confirm their AD code registration is active, since both the IEC and AD code are checked together during customs clearance.

What should I do if my IEC application status shows rejected?

If your status shows "Rejected," open the application on the DGFT portal to view the specific remarks or reason given by the officer, such as a document mismatch, incorrect PAN details, or an incomplete form.

Correct the flagged issue and resubmit the application with the updated documents. Businesses that also plan to export agricultural or processed food products should check the requirements for APEDA registration alongside their IEC, since both are often needed together for that category of exports.

Can I check the IEC status of another company before doing business with them?

Yes. The DGFT portal offers a public "View Any IEC" feature that lets you verify basic details and the active status of any IEC number, without needing to log in.

Simply enter the IEC number and at least the first three characters of the firm name, complete the captcha, and submit. This is a useful step before entering a large import or export contract, as it confirms the other party's registration is genuine and active. Since GST details are often cross-checked alongside IEC during trade verification, reviewing your own GST registration requirements can help keep both records consistent.