IEC Registration (Import Export Code)
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code issued by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) that is mandatory for any business involved in importing or exporting goods and services from/to India.
An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a ten-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade that businesses generally need to import or export goods and services from India. Startup India Experts, a private consultancy, prepares and files the application; the fees below are for our professional service.
- Professional fee from
- ₹1,999
- Typical timeline
- 1–3 Days
Complete DGFT portal e-filing and ANF 2A profile setup
Fast-track processing directly on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade portal
Permanent 10-digit code with zero annual renewal fees
Central identifier recognized by Indian Customs (ICEGATE) and RBI
Who Needs an Import Export Code (IEC)?
Under DGFT Foreign Trade Policy, no business or individual can legally import or export commercial shipments without a valid 10-digit IEC code.
Global E-Commerce Sellers
Amazon Global, Etsy, eBay & Shopify International merchants
Required for receiving foreign customer remittances through PayPal, Stripe, and authorized bank payment gateways.
Goods Importers & Wholesalers
Businesses importing electronics, machinery, raw materials, or consumer goods
Mandatory for customs clearance at Indian seaports and airports via the ICEGATE portal.
Physical Goods Exporters
Manufacturers, agricultural traders, textile, and handicraft exporters
Required to file shipping bills, claim RoDTEP export duty incentives, and clear container freight.
Software & Service Exporters
IT consultancies, SaaS providers, digital agencies, and high-volume freelancers
Needed to claim zero-rated GST export benefits (LUT) and receive compliant foreign inward remittances (FIRC).
Ready to start your cross-border trade journey?
Get your 10-digit IEC registered on the DGFT portal within 1–3 business days.
Mandatory Central Identifier for International Commerce
10-Digit Lifetime Code Required for Customs & International Remittances
Import Export Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit business identification number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. IEC is mandatory for every person or business that wishes to import goods into India or export goods from India. Without IEC, customs cannot process import/export shipments and banks cannot process foreign currency transactions.
- ✓Issued by DGFT — Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- ✓No annual return or compliance filing required after obtaining IEC
- ✓Required for foreign currency payments and SWIFT transfers
- ✓Exporters must update IEC details on DGFT portal annually (activation, not renewal)
From IEC Issuance to Port Customs Clearance
Holding an IEC is step one. To clear international shipping cargo through Indian customs, your IEC must be linked with an Authorized Dealer (AD) Code at ICEGATE.
Obtain DGFT IEC Code
10-digit PAN-linked identifier issued online via the DGFT portal in 1–3 business days.
Bank AD Code Letter
Get an Authorized Dealer (AD) code authorization letter issued by your commercial bank.
Port Customs Registration (ICEGATE)
Register your AD Code at your chosen airport or seaport customs EDI system for clearance.
Key Advantages of Holding an Import Export Code
Permanent validity, seamless foreign bank transfers, and global market expansion.
Legal International Trade
IEC is the first step to legally import or export goods from/to India. Customs will not process any international shipment without a valid IEC.
Foreign Remittances
Banks require IEC for processing foreign currency payments (export proceeds) or releasing foreign currency for import payments.
Global E-Commerce Selling
Amazon Global, Etsy, eBay, Alibaba and other international platforms require IEC for Indian sellers to receive international payments.
Export Incentives & Benefits
Registered exporters can avail DGFT schemes like RoDTEP, MEIS benefits, Advance Authorization, EPCG and export credit guarantees from ECGC.
No Compliance After Registration
Unlike GST or ROC filings, IEC has no periodic compliance filing requirement. It is a one-time registration with lifelong validity (with annual portal activation).
Business Expansion
IEC opens up the global market for your products/services, enabling access to international buyers and procurement opportunities.
Step-by-Step DGFT Portal Registration Process
From PAN & bank statement validation to permanent 10-digit certificate generation.
DGFT Portal Registration
We register your entity on the DGFT portal and set up the applicant profile with PAN linkage.
Application Filing (ANF 2A)
Form ANF 2A is filed on the DGFT portal with business details, bank details and digital signature.
Fee Payment
Govt fee of ₹500 is paid online. Immediate IEC generation in most cases.
IEC Certificate Issued
IEC certificate with the 10-digit IEC number is issued and available for download from DGFT portal.
Documents Required for DGFT IEC Application
Simple digital copies — our team handles e-KYC and portal profile linking.
Mandatory Entity PAN, Bank & Address KYC
Company PAN or individual PAN (DGFT links IEC to PAN)
Format: PDF/JPG
Of the proprietor/director/authorized signatory
Format: PDF/JPG
Bank certificate or cancelled cheque of business current account
Format: PDF/JPG
Utility bill or property document of business premises
Format: PDF
Registration certificate of company/LLP
Format: PDF
Class-3 DSC of authorized signatory for DGFT portal
Format: PDF
Transparent IEC Registration Package
Fixed professional fee with zero hidden charges. Permanent validity with no annual renewal.
Standard IEC Registration
Complete DGFT registration for individuals, proprietorships, LLPs & companies
What's Included
- DGFT portal account creation & e-KYC
- Form ANF 2A drafting & submission
- PAN & bank statement verification
- 10-Digit official IEC certificate issuance
- AD Code registration guidance included
Government fees are statutory charges paid directly on ministry portals and subject to government updates.
Why Cross-Border Traders Choose Our Legal Team
- Licensed DGFT Foreign Trade Practitioners handling ANF 2A submission
- 100% digital e-KYC and commercial bank certificate verification
- Official 10-digit permanent IEC Certificate issued in 1–3 business days
- Port registration, AD code documentation, and export LUT advice included
Apply for Your Import Export Code (IEC)
Connect with our DGFT export specialists within 15 minutes. 100% hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on validity, DGFT annual update requirements, bank linking, and customs AD Code.
Learn more about IEC Registration
Explore step-by-step regulatory walkthroughs, interactive decision tools, and head-to-head structural comparisons to make informed business decisions.
IEC Registration Guide for Importers & Exporters 2026
Everything you need to know about Import Export Code (IEC) registration — who needs it, how to apply, documents required and what to do after getting your IEC.
Related services
Part of Business Licenses. See our fee schedule.
Terms explained: IEC.
Last updated . Official sources: DGFT. Startup India Experts is a private consultancy. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or part of the Government of India, and professional fees shown are separate from government fees.
Ready to Take Your Business Global with a Valid IEC Code?
Get your DGFT registration completed by foreign trade specialists in just 1–3 business days.
