Is IEC Registration mandatory for all businesses importing or exporting goods from India?

Yes, IEC Registration is mandatory under the FTDR Act, 1992. Any individual or entity engaged in import-export activities must obtain a valid IEC code before filing customs declarations. Operating without IEC attracts penalties up to ₹50,000 or imprisonment under FTDR provisions.

How long does IEC Registration take, and what is the typical timeline in {city}?

Standard IEC Registration is processed within 48 hours to 2 weeks from application submission. The timeline is consistent across all jurisdictions, including {city}. Applications are auto-approved by the DGFT system in most cases; verification is required only if documents contain discrepancies. Expedited processing is not available.

Do I need separate IEC codes for imports and exports, or is one IEC sufficient?

One IEC code is sufficient for both import and export operations. The 10-digit IEC serves as the universal identifier for all EXIM activities under a single business entity. You do not need multiple codes unless you have separate legal entities registered with different PAN numbers.

Can an individual proprietor apply for IEC, or is it only for registered companies?

Both individual proprietors and registered companies can apply for IEC. Individuals must have a valid PAN and be permanent residents of India. There is no minimum turnover or investment requirement. Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, and private/public companies are all eligible for IEC Registration.

What happens if my IEC is suspended or cancelled due to violations, and can I reapply?

IEC suspension is temporary and can be lifted upon correcting violations. Cancellation is permanent, and DGFT blacklists the applicant for 3-7 years depending on violation severity. During blacklist periods, no new IEC can be issued. Serious violations include duty evasion, false documentation, and repeated customs breaches.

IEC Registration

Get IEC Registration from DGFT. Free Importer Exporter Code application for import-export businesses. Apply online in 48 hours. Valid for life.

Register on DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) with email and mobile number, verify via OTP
Gather PAN certificate, business registration proof (GST/Udyog Aadhar/Company MOA), and address verification documents
Complete online IEC application form with business and applicant details; system auto-populates PAN data
Upload scanned documents (PDF/JPG format, max 2MB each) through the secure portal
Submit application and receive acknowledgment number; DGFT processes and issues 10-digit IEC code within 48 hours to 2 weeks

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What is IEC Registration?

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This code is mandatory for any person or entity engaged in import or export activities in India. The IEC serves as the primary identity document for conducting international trade and is required for customs clearance, applying for trade incentive schemes, and filing shipping bills or bills of entry.

The IEC Registration system is governed by the FTDR (Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act), 1992 and operates under the FTP 2023-28 (Foreign Trade Policy 2023-2028). The code is issued in a standardized format and is valid indefinitely unless suspended or cancelled due to non-compliance or violation of trade regulations.

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
IEC Registration	₹4,999	Including document prep
IEC Amendment	₹2,499	Change in details

Process

📋
Register on DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) with email and mobile number, verify via OTP
🔍
Gather PAN certificate, business registration proof (GST/Udyog Aadhar/Company MOA), and address verification documents
📝
Complete online IEC application form with business and applicant details; system auto-populates PAN data
✅
Upload scanned documents (PDF/JPG format, max 2MB each) through the secure portal
📤
Submit application and receive acknowledgment number; DGFT processes and issues 10-digit IEC code within 48 hours to 2 weeks

Documents Required

PAN Card (copy) and PAN acknowledgment letter from Income Tax Department
Business registration proof: GST Certificate, Udyog Aadhar MSME Registration, or Company MOA/AOA from ROC
Address proof of business premises: Lease deed, utility bill, or municipal property tax receipt dated within 3 months
Identity and address proof of proprietor/authorized signatory: Passport, Driving License, or Aadhaar
Bank account details and cancelled cheque for trade account (optional but recommended for verification)
Board resolution or partnership deed authorizing EXIM operations (required for companies and partnerships)

Frequently Asked Questions

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IEC Registration

Get IEC Registration from DGFT. Free Importer Exporter Code application for import-export businesses. Apply online in 48 hours. Valid for life.

Gather PAN certificate, business registration proof (GST/Udyog Aadhar/Company MOA), and address verification documents

Complete online IEC application form with business and applicant details; system auto-populates PAN data

Upload scanned documents (PDF/JPG format, max 2MB each) through the secure portal

Submit application and receive acknowledgment number; DGFT processes and issues 10-digit IEC code within 48 hours to 2 weeks

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is IEC Registration?

Package

Price

Details

IEC Registration

₹4,999

Including document prep

IEC Amendment

₹2,499

Change in details

Process

📋

🔍

Gather PAN certificate, business registration proof (GST/Udyog Aadhar/Company MOA), and address verification documents

📝

Complete online IEC application form with business and applicant details; system auto-populates PAN data

✅

Upload scanned documents (PDF/JPG format, max 2MB each) through the secure portal

📤

Submit application and receive acknowledgment number; DGFT processes and issues 10-digit IEC code within 48 hours to 2 weeks

Documents Required

PAN Card (copy) and PAN acknowledgment letter from Income Tax Department

Business registration proof: GST Certificate, Udyog Aadhar MSME Registration, or Company MOA/AOA from ROC

Address proof of business premises: Lease deed, utility bill, or municipal property tax receipt dated within 3 months

Identity and address proof of proprietor/authorized signatory: Passport, Driving License, or Aadhaar

Bank account details and cancelled cheque for trade account (optional but recommended for verification)

Board resolution or partnership deed authorizing EXIM operations (required for companies and partnerships)

Frequently Asked Questions

IEC Registration

What is IEC Registration?

Pricing

Process

Documents Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IEC Registration mandatory for all businesses importing or exporting goods from India?

How long does IEC Registration take, and what is the typical timeline in India?

Do I need separate IEC codes for imports and exports, or is one IEC sufficient?

Can an individual proprietor apply for IEC, or is it only for registered companies?

What happens if my IEC is suspended or cancelled due to violations, and can I reapply?

Related Services

By category

Ready to get started?

IEC Registration

What is IEC Registration?

Pricing

Process

Documents Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IEC Registration mandatory for all businesses importing or exporting goods from India?

How long does IEC Registration take, and what is the typical timeline in India?

Do I need separate IEC codes for imports and exports, or is one IEC sufficient?

Can an individual proprietor apply for IEC, or is it only for registered companies?

What happens if my IEC is suspended or cancelled due to violations, and can I reapply?

Related Services

By category

Ready to get started?