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Get Your IEC Certificate
Apply for your IEC Certificate hassle-free and unlock global trade opportunities. Trusted service, fast processing, and full compliance support. Start your import-export business with a valid IEC Certificate now. Boost your business growth with our expert assistance. Apply online easily!
Apply For IEC Code
(Professional Fee Rs. 1499+ Govt fee Rs.500)
₹
1999/-
- Documents Preparation
- Application Filing with DGFT
- Issuance of IEC Certificate
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What Is an IEC Certificate?
An IEC certificate, or Import Export Code certificate, is the official document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It carries your unique 10-digit Import Export Code (IEC) — the legal identity of any business or individual engaged in cross-border trade from India.
Without a valid IEC certificate, you cannot:
- Clear goods through Indian customs
- Receive or send foreign currency through banks
- Access government export incentive schemes such as RoDTEP and duty exemptions
- Legally import or export goods or services
Under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, every importer and exporter in India is required to hold a valid IEC. There are no exceptions for size — whether you’re a first-time e-commerce seller or a large manufacturing firm, the IEC certificate is your gateway to international trade.
An IEC certificate is a 10-digit code issued by DGFT that legally authorises Indian businesses and individuals to import or export. It costs ₹500, is processed in 1–2 working days, and is valid for a lifetime.
Who Needs an IEC Certificate?
Any person or entity in India that intends to engage in international trade must obtain an IEC certificate. This includes:
- Sole proprietors and individuals acting as importers or exporters
- Partnership firms engaged in cross-border trade
- Private limited and public limited companies
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Trusts, societies, and HUFs involved in trade for commercial or charitable purposes
- E-commerce sellers exporting goods through global platforms (Amazon Global, Etsy, etc.)
- IT and service exporters wishing to claim DGFT export promotion benefits
You need an IEC certificate if you import or export goods or services from India, receive foreign currency for exports, or want to benefit from government export schemes.
IEC Code Registration Fees
(Professional Fee Rs. 1499+ Govt fee Rs.500)
₹
1999/-
- Get IEC Certificate within 1 day.
Documents Required for IEC Code
- PAN card , Adhaar card, photograph of Applicant/Partners/Directors/Proprietor
- Proof of business address (e.g., rent agreement, utility bills)
- Bank account details (bank statement or cancelled cheque)
- Certificate of Incorporation - If Applicable
- PAN Card of Firm - If Applicable
- Partnership Deed/ MOA/ LLP Agreement - if any
- GST Registration Certificate (if applicable)
Key Benefits of Getting Your IEC Certificate
1. Legal Authorisation for International Trade
The IEC certificate is the foundational legal requirement for any import or export transaction. No shipment can be cleared at Indian customs without a valid IEC on file.
2. Access to Government Export Incentives
IEC holders can claim benefits under schemes like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products), duty drawback, and EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) licenses — potentially saving significant costs on exports.
3. Lifetime Validity — No Renewal
Once issued, the iec code is valid for the lifetime of the entity. There is no requirement to renew it, though annual online confirmation through the DGFT portal is mandatory (see compliance section below).
4. Enables Foreign Currency Transactions
Banks require a valid IEC for processing inward and outward foreign remittances related to trade. Without it, your business cannot legally transact in foreign currency for import-export purposes.
5. Single Code, Multiple Branches
A business with multiple branches, factories, or divisions requires only one IEC — it covers all operations under the same PAN.
6. Paperless, Digital Process
The IEC certificate is issued electronically and delivered directly to your registered email. No physical certificate or visits to DGFT offices are required. As of 2025, the process is entirely paperless and integrated with government databases for real-time PAN and bank verification.
How to Get Your IEC Certificate: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Visit the DGFT Portal
Go to the official DGFT website: dgft.gov.in. This is the only authorised platform for IEC registration.
Step 2 — Create Your DGFT Account
Click “Register” on the homepage. Enter your PAN, email address, and mobile number. Set a password and verify your account using OTPs sent to both your email and mobile.
Step 3 — Log In and Navigate to IEC Application
After logging in, go to Services → IEC → Apply for IEC. This opens the ANF-2A (Aayat Niryat Form) — the official IEC application form.
Step 4 — Fill in Your Business Details
Select your entity type (Individual, Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Private Limited, etc.) and enter:
- Legal name of the firm (as per PAN)
- PAN number
- Date of incorporation or establishment
- Registered business address
- Nature of business
- Proprietor / partner / director details
Step 5 — Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies (JPG or PDF format) of all required documents. Use high-resolution scans and double-check that all spelling and numbers match across documents.
Step 6 — Pay the Application Fee
A Payment screen will appear. Pay the ₹500 government fee through BharatKosh. Keep your payment reference number safe.
Step 7 — Authenticate and Submit
Authenticate your application using Aadhaar e-sign OTP (for individuals and proprietors) or a Digital Signature Certificate (for companies, LLPs, and partnership firms). Review your application thoroughly, then submit.
Step 8 — Receive Your IEC Certificate
Upon successful submission and DGFT verification, your IEC certificate will be delivered to your registered email within 1–2 working days. You can also download it anytime by logging into the DGFT portal and using the “Print IEC” feature under Services → IEC Portfolio Management.
IEC Certificate and Annual Compliance
While the IEC code itself has lifetime validity, the DGFT mandates an annual online update:
- Window: April 1 to June 30 every year
- Process: Log into the DGFT portal → IEC Portfolio Management → Update/Modify IEC → Confirm or update details → Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP or DSC → Submit
- Consequence of non-compliance: Your IEC will be automatically deactivated if not updated within this window. A deactivated IEC is reflected immediately in ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI Gateway), which can halt your shipments
Even if no details have changed, you must log in and confirm your existing information. This annual confirmation is mandatory.
Yes, IEC holders must update their IEC online every year between April 1 and June 30 on the DGFT portal. Failure to do so results in automatic deactivation
IEC Certificate for E-Commerce and Service Exporters
With the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce and B2B digital services, the IEC certificate has become essential beyond traditional goods trade:
- E-commerce sellers exporting via platforms like Amazon Global Selling, eBay, or Etsy must hold a valid IEC for customs clearance
- IT and software service exporters should obtain an IEC to access government incentives and claim foreign remittance benefits
- Freelancers and consultants receiving foreign payments for services may need an IEC to avail DGFT scheme benefits
Yes, service exporters — including IT companies and freelancers — need an IEC to claim government export promotion scheme benefits.
Get your IEC Code Registration Today
Apply for your IEC Code today on the official DGFT portal. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes and costs just ₹1500.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get an IEC certificate?
Once your application is submitted correctly with all required documents and the ₹500 fee is paid, the IEC certificate is typically issued within 1–2 working days via email.
Is the IEC certificate the same as the IEC code?
Yes. The IEC certificate is the official document issued by DGFT containing your 10-digit Import Export Code (IEC). The terms are often used interchangeably.
Does the IEC certificate expire?
The IEC code itself has lifetime validity. However, you must complete an annual online update between April 1 and June 30 each year on the DGFT portal to keep it active.
Can an individual (not a company) get an IEC certificate?
Yes. Any individual, including sole proprietors and freelancers, can apply for an IEC certificate using their personal PAN.
Can I download my IEC certificate online?
Yes. After issuance, you can log into the DGFT portal at any time and download your IEC certificate by navigating to Services → IEC → Print Certificate.
Is a physical IEC card or certificate issued?
No. The IEC certificate is entirely digital. It is sent to your registered email and can be downloaded from the DGFT portal at any time.
What happens if my IEC is deactivated?
A deactivated IEC is immediately reflected in customs systems (ICEGATE), which can block your shipments. You can reactivate it by completing the pending annual update on the DGFT portal.
Do I need a separate IEC for each branch of my business?
No. A single IEC covers all branches, factories, and divisions of a business operating under the same PAN.
Is GST registration mandatory for IEC?
GST Registration is not mandatory for IEC, but linking your GSTIN to your IEC profile is strongly recommended as DGFT has integrated IEC with the GST database.