Every Import Export Code must be confirmed or updated online with DGFT every year, and the window closes on 30th June. Miss it, and your IEC gets deactivated — blocking customs clearance until it’s reactivated. Renew now to keep your trade activity running without interruption.
Annual Deadline
Online Process
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DGFT requires every Import Export Code holder to electronically confirm their IEC details once every financial year, within the window of April to June. This isn’t a full re-registration — it’s a mandatory online confirmation (or update, if anything has changed) that keeps the IEC active in the DGFT system. The deadline for this annual exercise falls on 30th June each year.
Key date: 30th June
If the annual update isn’t completed by 30th June, DGFT can deactivate the IEC automatically — even if the business is otherwise fully compliant and the code was never physically invalid.
A deactivated IEC can mean:
The good news: reactivation is usually straightforward once the overdue update is filed — but it still means avoidable downtime for an exporter or importer mid-shipment.
Any business or individual currently holding a valid IEC must complete the annual confirmation, even with no changes to report.
If your address, bank account, or business details have changed, the update must reflect this before 30th June.
Even businesses not actively importing or exporting this year still need to confirm their IEC to avoid deactivation.
Businesses reactivating a lapsed IEC should complete this year's update at the same time to avoid repeating the issue.
Here’s how we handle your annual IEC update before the 30th June deadline.
The mandatory annual renewal policy was introduced to achieve several important regulatory objectives. DGFT wanted to build a clean, accurate, and live database of all active importers and exporters in India. Thousands of IEC codes had been issued to entities that were either defunct, had changed their address, bank details, or directors, or were no longer engaged in international trade.
By requiring annual confirmation, the government achieves a self-cleansing database — entities that do not renew are automatically flagged and deactivated, while those that do renew confirm the accuracy of their information.
Customs won't clear imports or exports with a deactivated IEC
Foreign trade remittances get blocked by banks for lapsed codes.
You become ineligible for MEIS, RoDTEP, and other export incentives
Operating with a deactivated IEC is a violation of FTDR Act 1992
The DGFT’s approach to non-renewal is straightforward: if you do not renew within the prescribed window, your IEC code is automatically deactivated. There is no monetary fine imposed directly by DGFT — but the consequences of deactivation are far more expensive than any penalty.
If your IEC code has already been deactivated due to non-renewal in a previous year, do not panic. The DGFT provides a reactivation process. Here is what you need to know:
Log in to DGFT portal → Manage IEC. Status will show as "Deactivated" if renewal was missed.
Select "Update/Modify IEC" and complete all information. Pay the ₹200 reactivation fee via online payment gateway.
Reactivation typically takes 3–7 working days from DGFT. You will receive SMS and email confirmation.
Once reactivated, download the fresh IEC Certificate and share with all trade partners and your bank immediately.
In India, an IEC (Import Export Code) does not need renewal, because it is valid for a lifetime.
However, you must update/confirm IEC details online every year on the DGFT portal to keep it active.
If you don’t update it annually, the IEC may be deactivated until reactivated online. If You need Professional Assistance then you can call us on +91 9818209246.
The annual renewal window for 2025-26 opens on April 1, 2026 and the DGFT typically allows renewal through June 30, 2026. IEC codes that are not updated/confirmed during this period get automatically deactivated. Exact deadline circulars are published on the DGFT website — always check the latest notification for any extensions.
Yes. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated through the DGFT portal. Log in, go to “Update/Modify IEC,” complete your information, and pay the ₹200 reactivation fee. The process takes 3–7 working days. Once reactivated, ensure you renew every year going forward before the deadline.
Absolutely yes. The annual renewal is mandatory regardless of whether you conducted any actual import or export activity during the year. Even if your business has been dormant on the trade front, you must log in and confirm your IEC details every year, or it will be deactivated. The only exception is if you proactively surrender/cancel your IEC, in which case renewal is no longer required.
Yes. Any authorized signatory of the company can log in and renew the IEC. The login credentials used should be those registered with DGFT for that IEC code — typically linked to the mobile number or email of the primary applicant or authorized director. If the contact details have changed, update them first through the same portal.
If you no longer engage in international trade and wish to close your IEC, you can apply for voluntary surrender on the DGFT portal under Services → IEC → Surrender IEC. Once surrendered, you will no longer need to renew annually. This is a good practice for companies that have wound up their trading activities to maintain a clean compliance record.
Log in to the DGFT portal with your registered credentials and navigate to “Manage IEC.” The status will clearly display as “Active” or “Deactivated.” Alternatively, customs brokers and banks can also check IEC status through their integrated systems. If you find it deactivated, initiate reactivation immediately before any shipment is planned.
IEC renewal itself does not directly affect your GST registration, which is maintained separately by the GST network (GSTN). However, for foreign trade transactions, banks and customs require both a valid IEC and a valid GSTIN. Keeping your IEC active ensures smooth integration across customs (ICEGATE), banking (RBI reporting), and GST reconciliation systems that are interconnected for export transactions.
If your IEC (Import Export Code) is deactivated, you can reactivate it online through the DGFT portal.
Once submitted, your IEC is usually reactivated immediately or after DGFT verification. Make sure your details are accurate and up to date.
To activate a deactivated IEC code, you need to complete the annual confirmation on the DGFT portal.
After submission, the IEC is usually reactivated automatically once the system or DGFT verifies it.
An IEC (Import Export Code) certificate does not require renewal because it is valid for a lifetime.
However, you must do annual IEC confirmation/update online on the DGFT portal to keep it active.
If you don’t complete this yearly update, the IEC may get deactivated until you confirm it again.
If your IEC (Import Export Code) is inactive or deactivated, you can reactivate it online through the DGFT portal.
Once submitted successfully, your IEC is usually reactivated immediately or after DGFT verification.
To update your IEC (Import Export Code) in India, you need to make changes through the DGFT portal.
After submission, DGFT updates your IEC details online, usually within a short time after verification.
Review of Existing Details + Annual Update Filing with DGFT + Confirmation of Active Status