The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is the 10-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that every Indian business needs before it can import or export goods. Import Export Advisor prepares and files your IEC application for a flat ₹999 professional fee, and with complete documents the code is usually issued in 1 to 3 working days.
IEC Registration: key facts
- Issued by
- DGFT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Our fee
- ₹999 flat professional fee
- Government fee
- ₹500 payable to DGFT for a new IEC
- Typical time
- 1 to 3 working days
- Validity
- No expiry, but must be updated every year between 1 April and 30 June
- Format
- 10 characters, the same as the business PAN
Who is IEC Registration for?
Right for you if
- Proprietors, partnerships, LLPs and companies shipping their first consignment
- Manufacturers who want to import machinery or raw material
- Service exporters who want to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits
- Businesses whose IEC was deactivated after a missed annual update
Not what you need if
- Individuals importing goods only for personal use, which does not need an IEC
- Businesses that already hold an active IEC: you need the annual update, not a new code
What documents are needed for IEC Registration?
We send an exact checklist for your business type before filing. Typically you will need:
- PAN of the business (the IEC is issued against it)
- Aadhaar or other ID of the proprietor, partner or director
- Proof of business address: electricity bill, rent agreement or ownership document
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the business name
- Active email and mobile number for OTP verification
What is an IEC and why do you need it?
An IEC is the identification number DGFT and Customs use to track every import and export by your business. Without it, Customs will not clear your shipment and banks will not process foreign trade remittances in the business name.
How does IEC registration work with us?
We check eligibility on a free call, send a checklist, file the application on the DGFT portal and deliver the IEC certificate. You verify with an OTP or a digital signature; you do not need to visit any office.
- 01Free consultation to confirm the business type and the right PAN
- 02Document checklist shared on WhatsApp or email
- 03Application prepared and filed on dgft.gov.in, with the ₹500 government fee paid online
- 04IEC certificate issued and sent to you, with a reminder set for the annual update
The full do-it-yourself steps are in our IEC registration guide.
Does an IEC need to be renewed?
An IEC does not expire, but DGFT requires every holder to update or confirm the IEC details between 1 April and 30 June each year. If the update is missed, the IEC is deactivated until it is updated.
A deactivated IEC blocks shipping bills and scheme claims, so we add every client to an update reminder. Read more in IEC annual update: deadline and steps.
What delays an IEC application?
Most delays come from a name mismatch between the PAN, bank document and address proof, or an address proof that is not in the business name. We check these three documents against each other before filing.
What the ₹999 fee includes
- Eligibility check and document checklist
- Application preparation and filing on DGFT
- IEC certificate delivered on WhatsApp and email
- Annual update reminder
Government and council fees, where they apply, are stated before filing. Compare every fee on the pricing page.
IEC Registration: frequently asked questions
How much does IEC registration cost?
The DGFT government fee for a new IEC is ₹500. Our professional fee for preparing and filing the application is ₹999 flat. See all fees on the pricing page.
How long does it take to get an IEC?
With complete documents, an IEC is usually issued within 1 to 3 working days of filing.
Is GST registration required for IEC?
No. An IEC is issued against PAN, and GST registration is a separate tax registration. Most exporters need both. See IEC vs GST registration.
Can an individual get an IEC?
Yes. A proprietor can get an IEC against their own PAN. Individuals importing goods only for personal use do not need one.
What happens if I miss the IEC annual update?
DGFT deactivates the IEC. You can reactivate it by completing the update online, but shipments and claims are blocked until you do.
Do I need an IEC to export services?
Service exporters generally need an IEC to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Check your case on a free consultation.
Guides for this service
Other export services
Sources and official portals
Import Export Advisor is a private consultancy, not a government body. Approval decisions rest with DGFT, Customs and the relevant councils.