IEC Registration/import export code registration

IEC (Import Export Code) Registration Online in India

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Kickstart your international trade journey with Taza financial Consultancy Private Limited’s hassle-free IEC Registration services. Whether you’re an exporter or importer, we ensure a smooth and fully digital process—quick, reliable, and compliant with DGFT regulations.

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Serving Businesses Across India

What is IEC Registration?

IEC (Import Export Code) is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that legally authorizes businesses and individuals in India to import and export goods or services. It acts as a license to engage in cross-border trade and is mandatory for customs clearance, international payments, and claiming government incentives.

Types of IEC Registration in India

Depending on your business structure, IEC can be registered under the following categories:

Business Type	Key Requirements
Sole Proprietor	PAN, address proof
Partnership Firm	Partnership deed, firm’s PAN, address proof
LLP (Limited Liability)	LLP registration certificate, PAN, address proof
Private Ltd. Company	Incorporation certificate, PAN, registered office proof
Public Ltd. Company	Incorporation certificate, PAN, registered office proof
Trusts	Trust deed, PAN, address proof
Societies	Registration certificate, PAN, address proof
HUF (Hindu Undivided Fam.)	HUF PAN, Karta details, address proof

Objectives of IEC Registration

Authorize legal import/export activity
Ensure customs and regulatory compliance
Enable access to export incentives (MEIS, RoDTEP)
Prevent smuggling and unauthorized trade
Maintain trade statistics for policymaking
Support foreign currency monitoring under FEMA

Laws & Authorities Governing IEC

Legal Framework:

Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
Foreign Trade Policy (DGFT)

Regulatory Authorities:

DGFT (Central & Regional Offices)
Customs Department
SEZ Authorities

Key Characteristics of IEC Registration

✅ Lifetime Validity (with annual updation required from April–June)
✅ Pan-India Coverage – valid across all ports and customs points
✅ No Renewal Needed – but failure to update can deactivate the code
✅ Permits Global Trade in all goods/services (not prohibited by law)

Benefits of IEC Registration

Benefit	Description
✅ Legal Authorization	Operate internationally without legal hindrance
✅ Banking Benefits	Open foreign currency accounts & secure trade financing
✅ Tax Incentives	Eligible for MEIS, RoDTEP, and other export benefits
✅ Faster Customs Clearance	IEC speeds up shipments at ports and reduces paperwork
✅ Global Credibility	Builds trust with foreign buyers and international vendors

When is IEC Mandatory (and When Not)?

IEC is Mandatory For:

Starting an import/export business
Customs clearance of shipments
Sending/receiving international payments
Availing export promotion schemes

IEC is Not Required When:

Goods imported/exported for personal use
By government departments
By non-commercial charitable or educational institutions
By GST-registered entities using PAN as IEC (in some cases)

Eligibility Criteria for IEC

You are eligible if you:

Are an Indian resident or registered business entity
Hold a valid PAN and Indian bank account
Have a verifiable business address
Provide correct contact details and documents

Documents Required

Document Type	Required For
PAN Card	All applicants
Identity & Address Proof	Aadhaar, Voter ID, utility bill, etc.
Business Registration Proof	COI, Partnership Deed, Trust Deed, etc.
Bank Proof	Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Passport-sized Photograph	Applicant or Authorized Director
DSC (Optional)	For signing online application

IEC Registration Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Choose the right entity type
Ensure all PAN and address details are accurate
Scan all documents in PDF/JPEG format

Step 2: Apply Online at DGFT Portal

Register as a user (email and mobile verification)
Fill IEC application form (ANF-2A)
Upload documents & pay ₹500 application fee

Step 3: DGFT Review & Approval

DGFT verifies documents and may request clarification
Once approved, IEC is generated instantly (in most cases)

Step 4: Download IEC Certificate

Log in to DGFT > My IEC > Download Certificate
Save and print your IEC for customs, banks, and documentation

IEC Fees & Penalties

Item	Cost (INR)
Government IEC Fee	₹500 (non-refundable)
Digital Signature (Optional)	₹1,500 – ₹3,000
Professional Assistance	₹1,000 – ₹5,000 (optional)
Update/Modification Fee	₹200 per change

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Refusal of customs clearance
Fines up to 5x goods value
Suspension or cancellation of IEC
Criminal prosecution under FTDR Act

Validity and Deactivation

✅ IEC is valid for life
❗ Must be updated online every year (April–June), even if no changes
❌ Non-updated IECs will be deactivated by DGFT
📝 IECs can be surrendered if trade operations cease

Reasons for IEC Suspension

Failure to update business details
Submission of incorrect/forged documents
Violation of foreign trade policy
Involvement in banned/restricted item trade
Non-compliance with foreign exchange rules

How to Download Your IEC Certificate

Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in
Log in with your credentials
Navigate to “My IEC” > “Download IEC”
Enter PAN, File Number, and Date
Download and save the PDF certificate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your questions, answered clearly by Taza Financial Consultancy Private Limited.

1. How long does the IEC Registration process take?

The IEC (Import Export Code) registration process usually takes between 2 to 7 working days, provided all the required documents are correctly submitted on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal.

2. Is IEC Registration mandatory for all businesses?

No. There’s no minimum capital requirement. You can start with any capital as per your business needs.

3. What distinguishes merchant exporters from manufacturer exporters regarding IEC?

There is no difference in the IEC for merchant and manufacturer exporters. Both categories require the same type of IEC, and the same code can be used irrespective of your exporter category.

4. Do I need to notify authorities if I change my business address?

Yes, you must update your address with the DGFT through an IEC modification application. Failing to do so may lead to discrepancies in documentation and cause delays in future transactions.

5. What happens if I don’t apply for IEC Registration?

Without IEC, you cannot legally import or export goods and services from India. It can result in penalties, confiscation of goods, or shipment delays at customs.

6. Can I use my IEC for international trade without a physical office in India?

Yes, as long as your business is registered in India, you can trade internationally using your IEC, even if you don’t have a physical office location.

7. Can a foreign national or NRI apply for IEC Registration in India?

Yes, foreign nationals and NRIs can apply for IEC if they have a registered business in India and a valid PAN card. However, they must comply with FEMA and RBI guidelines.

8. Can I use the same IEC code for multiple businesses?

No, IEC is unique to one PAN-based entity. If you operate multiple businesses under the same PAN, you can use the same IEC. But if your businesses have different PANs, you’ll need separate IECs.

9. What information appears on my IEC certificate?

Your IEC certificate includes your IEC number, applicant/business name, address, PAN, branch details, and other contact information provided during registration.

10. How do I track my IEC application status?

You can track the status of your IEC application on the DGFT portal using your application reference number and login credentials.

11. Can my IEC be transferred to another business?

No, IEC is non-transferable. It is tied to the PAN of the business or individual and cannot be shifted to another entity.

12. Can I appeal if my IEC Registration is rejected?

Yes, you can reapply with the corrected documents or file a grievance through the DGFT portal if you believe the rejection was unfair or incorrect.

13. Can a company with an existing IEC apply for another one?

No, only one IEC is issued per PAN. If a company already has one, it cannot apply for another. Any attempt to do so can result in cancellation of the existing IEC.

14. Do I need an IEC if I’m only importing or exporting services?

Yes, if you're exporting or importing services and receiving foreign currency through bank channels, IEC registration is required.

Why Choose Taza financial Consultancy Private Limited for IEC Registration?

Taza financial Consultancy Private Limited offers a hassle-free and streamlined approach to obtaining your Import Export Code (IEC), ensuring your business is ready for global trade with confidence.

✅ Expert DGFT Advisory
Our specialists guide you through complex Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) regulations, ensuring clarity and compliance every step of the way.

✅ Accurate & Complete Documentation
We handle all the paperwork — from drafting to submission — to eliminate errors and speed up the approval process.

✅ Digital Signature (DSC) Assistance
Need a Digital Signature Certificate? We help you procure and integrate your DSC seamlessly for IEC filing.

✅ Error-Free Filing
Our experienced team ensures that your IEC application is filed in full compliance with the latest legal standards — reducing delays or rejections.

✅ Post-Registration Support
As your business expands, we assist with any necessary IEC updates or modifications to keep your trade operations smooth and compliant.

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