Overview
Foreign Trade PolicyImport Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identifier issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992. It is mandatory for any person or entity importing/exporting goods or services from India. IEC is lifetime valid with no renewal requirement, linked to PAN, and mandatory for customs clearance, foreign payment receipt, and export benefits. Applications are filed via the DGFT portal using Form ANF 2A. We handle end-to-end IEC registration including document preparation, portal filing, and certificate delivery.
Lifetime Validity
No renewal required; IEC valid for lifetime of business
PAN-Based Registration
Single IEC per PAN; valid across all business locations
DGFT Portal Expertise
Accurate ANF 2A filing to avoid rejection or queries
Eligibility Criteria
IEC for Proprietorship
Individual proprietor importing/exporting goods/services
Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
IEC for Partnership/LLP
Partnership firms or LLPs engaged in import/export
Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
IEC for Company
Private/Public Limited Companies with international trade
Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
IEC for Trust/Society
Trusts, societies, or NGOs involved in import/export
Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
Unsure if you need IEC? Get free import/export eligibility check.
Required Documents
PAN Card
Of business/entity; mandatory and linked to IEC permanently
Aadhaar Card
Of proprietor/partner/director for identity verification
Cancelled Cheque
Current account bank details for foreign payment processing
Business Address Proof
Electricity bill, rent agreement + NOC, or property tax receipt
Photograph
Passport-size photo of proprietor/partner/director
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Class 2/3 DSC for DGFT portal authentication (recommended)
Pro tip: Ensure PAN name matches Aadhaar exactly — name mismatches are the most common IEC rejection reason.
IEC Registration Process
~3-7 daysEligibility & PAN Verification
1 dayVerify PAN validity, business type & authorized signatory details
Document Preparation & Application Drafting
2-3 daysPrepare required documents & draft ANF 2A application form
DGFT Portal Submission
1 daySubmit application on DGFT portal with DSC authentication
IEC Certificate Issuance
3-7 daysReceive IEC certificate digitally from DGFT office
Why Get IEC?
Legally import/export while accessing global markets and export benefits.
Legal Import/Export
Mandatory for customs clearance; avoid shipment seizure & penalties
Foreign Payment Receipt
Banks require IEC for FIRC issuance & foreign inward remittance
Export Benefits
Access MEIS/SEIS schemes, duty drawbacks & tax exemptions
Global Credibility
IEC enhances trust with international buyers & suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Import Export Code
Zero hidden fees. EXIM expert support. DGFT portal filing & certificate delivery included.
Free IEC eligibility check included
Download IEC Registration Guide
Get our 11-page handbook: ANF 2A filling guide, export benefit overview & FIRC process tips.