IEC Code Registration

An import export code is a unique 10-digit code that is required for every import/export business owner in India. The IEC code is issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, and needs no filing or renewal. IEC Number is required by importers to clear customs and shipment, and to transfer money to foreign banks. Exporters require their IEC Code to send shipments and receive money from foreign banks. In short, no importer/exporter can operate in India without getting the IEC Number.

Benefits of IEC Code

• The IEC registration helps traders including online e-commerce operators open the doors to venture into the global market
• Businesses can avail government schemes like the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), the Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS), and others from customs and export promotion
• No compliance requirements post registration and hence maintaining the business is relatively simple
• The process of obtaining IEC Code is not tedious and can be obtained with minimal, basic documents.

Validity of Import Export Code

The validity of an IEC is for a lifetime. This means that once an IEC is obtained, it is valid for all import or export transactions of the entity. There is no need to renew or update the IEC after a certain period.

Nature of the Firm Obtaining an IEC

IEC can be obtained by any individual, company, partnership firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or any other type of entity engaged in import or export activities. Whether you are an exporter or importer, having an IEC is mandatory for all such transactions. Even if a business is not actively engaged in import or export activities, but it plans to do so in the future, it still needs to obtain an IEC beforehand.

Prerequisites for Applying for IEC

To apply for IEC, the following prerequisites are required:

• A valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department of India is mandatory
• The applicant must have a bank account in the name of the firm or individual, as IEC is issued in the name of the applicant
• The business entity should be registered under the Registrar of Companies (ROC)
• The applicant needs to submit the relevant documents such as identity proof, address proof, and details of the business entity to the DGFT office.

How to Register for an IEC License Online?

The process for registering an IEC license online in India is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps. Here’s how to register for an IEC license online in India:

• Visit the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website, which is the official website for IEC registration in India
• If you are a new user, click on the ‘Register’ button and create a new account by providing your basic details such as name, email address, and phone number
• Once you have registered, log in to the DGFT website using your registered email ID and password
• Click on ‘Online IEC Application’ On the homepage of the DGFT website, click on the ‘Online IEC Application’ button, which will redirect you to the IEC application form
• Fill in the online IEC application form with all the required details such as the name and address of the firm or individual, PAN number, bank account details, and contact information and the required documentation
• Pay the IEC application fee online through internet banking, debit card, or credit card
• Once you have filled in the application form, uploaded the necessary documents, and paid the application fee, review the application and click on the ‘Submit’ button
• After submitting the IEC application, you can track the status of your application online. Once the IEC is issued, you will receive an IEC certificate on your registered email ID.

Documents Required for Import Export Code Registration

The documents required for an IEC License registration are listed below.

• PAN card of the company (not applicable in case of the proprietor)
• Applicant’s PAN and Aadhaar card (driving license/Aadhaar/voter ID)
• Incorporation certificate/partnership deed
• Address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement/Sale Deed of the office location)
• Copy of cancelled cheque leaf/banker certificate of the current account in the name of the company.

Eligibility to Get IEC Code

Any type of business registration: sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited companies, charitable organizations dealing with import and exports in India can register for import export code, irrespective of the size. However, an IEC Number is not required for import/export of goods for personal use, which are not connected with trade, manufacture, or agriculture. There is no need for a business set up.

Exemption of Import Export Code

• Persons undertaking Import and Export in India for personal reasons and not connected to trade, agriculture and manufacture
• The parties/individuals who import/export goods to/from Nepal and Myanmar with single consignment must not exceed the value of ₹25,000 through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (via Namgaya Shipkila, Gunji, and Nathula ports)
• As listed in appendix – 3, schedule 2 of ITC, exemption from obtaining IEC Code shall not be applicable for export of materials, organisms, special chemicals, equipments & technologies (SCOMET)
• Ministries/departments of central and state governments.

The following permanent IEC numbers shall be used by non-commercial PSUs and categories of importers/exporters mentioned against them for import/export purposes.

Commercial public sector undertakings (PSU) who have obtained PAN will, however, be required to obtain the import export code number. The permanent IEC number as mentioned above shall be used by non-commercial PSUs.