How to Register IEC Code Online
Prepare the right entity, bank and address details, complete ANF-2A on the DGFT portal, pay the government fee and verify the issued IEC before your first import or export transaction.
One PAN, one IEC, one online application
IEC is a 10-character PAN-based identifier. DGFT can generate it after successful submission, but bank, identity, document or risk checks may still need attention.
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What is IEC code and what does it actually do?
IEC full form is Importer Exporter Code. It is the PAN-based business identification used for covered imports and exports from India and is issued electronically by DGFT.
The Foreign Trade Policy requires IEC for importing or exporting goods unless a stated exemption applies. For services or technology, IEC is required when the exporter is taking benefits under the Policy or dealing with specified services or technologies. Banks, logistics providers, marketplaces and counterparties may also ask for it according to the transaction.
What IEC establishes
The identity of the importer or exporter in DGFT-linked trade records. The same IEC covers the entity and its branches, divisions, units and factories.
What IEC does not establish
It is not blanket permission for every product. Restricted goods, food, drugs, electronics, plants, chemicals and other regulated items can require separate licences or clearances.
DGFT follows one PAN, one IEC. Add or update branch details under the same entity profile instead of creating duplicate applications.
Who needs IEC registration in India?
The answer depends on what crosses the border, why it is moved and whether a trade-policy benefit or controlled category is involved.
| Situation | IEC position | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial import of goods | Generally required | Also check product policy, customs classification, BIS, FSSAI or sector approval. |
| Commercial export of goods | Generally required | Review shipping bill, bank AD code, GST/LUT, RCMC and product rules. |
| Export of ordinary services | Fact-dependent | IEC is needed for FTP benefits or specified services/technology; the bank or platform may request it. |
| Import for personal use | May be exempt | The goods must not be connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture and other rules still apply. |
| Restricted or prohibited item | IEC alone is insufficient | Check DGFT policy condition and obtain the specific authorisation before shipment. |
| Government and listed exempt categories | Specific exemptions apply | Confirm the current exemption and prescribed permanent IEC/category code. |
Who can apply?
ANF-2A accommodates common entity types including proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company, HUF, trust, society and other eligible organisations. The applicant should have a valid PAN, active email and mobile number, a bank account in the applicant's name and a verifiable business address.
Documents required for IEC code registration
A short, consistent document set is more useful than a large upload. Names and addresses should match the legal and bank records before filing.
- Valid PAN and entity details capable of electronic validation.
- Address proof for the registered, head-office or business premises.
- Cancelled cheque bearing the pre-printed entity name, or the prescribed bank certificate.
- Active email address and mobile number for DGFT registration and OTP verification.
- Aadhaar details for eSign or a valid digital signature certificate, as applicable.
- Owner, partner, director, Karta or authorised-signatory details relevant to the entity.
- Branch details where the entity operates from more than one location.
Do not assume every applicant must first obtain GST registration. GST liability depends on supply, turnover and compulsory-registration rules. Where GST is held, keep the legal name, PAN and principal address aligned across records.
Common address proofs
DGFT guidance accepts the prescribed ownership, tenancy, lease, utility or supporting premises records depending on the applicant's circumstances. If the proof is not in the entity's name, keep the owner consent or related supporting evidence ready and use the exact address consistently.
IEC code login: create and secure the DGFT account
A new applicant first registers on the DGFT portal as an importer or exporter. Existing IEC holders should link the IEC to a controlled user account instead of opening an unrelated profile.
Open the official portal
Use dgft.gov.in and choose registration.
Select the user role
Register as Importer/Exporter and enter PAN-linked applicant details.
Verify both contacts
Complete email and mobile OTP checks and replace the temporary password.
Control future access
Store login, registered contact, DSC and authorised-user records with the business.
Existing IEC not visible after login?
Use the portal's Link IEC function and authenticate with Aadhaar eSign or DSC. Check the PAN, firm name and authorised-signatory details before retrying. Do not file a fresh IEC merely because an older code is not yet linked to the new user profile.
How to apply for IEC code online step by step
The IEC code apply process is completed online in ANF-2A. Keep one source sheet for the final legal name, PAN, address, activity, owner details and bank information.
Reconcile the records
Compare PAN, constitution, address and bank-account spelling before opening the form.
Open Apply for IEC
Login, open My Dashboard, choose Importer Exporter Code and then Apply for IEC.
Complete ANF-2A
Enter entity, office, branch, owner or director, activity and bank details.
Upload clear evidence
Add the address proof and cancelled cheque or bank certificate in legible files.
Review every preview
Check legal name, PAN, mobile, email, IFSC, account number and pin code.
Sign electronically
Use Aadhaar eSign or DSC according to the authorised person's setup.
Pay INR 500
Complete online payment and preserve the receipt, acknowledgement and file number.
Download and verify
Use Manage IEC to print the certificate, then check the public IEC record.
Need the application reviewed before payment?
CompanyJi can check the entity, bank and address records and assist with the DGFT filing sequence.
IEC registration fee and processing time
The government filing fee for a new IEC is INR 500. Professional support, document correction, DSC or other trade registrations are separate costs when applicable.
| Stage | Normal portal outcome | What can delay it |
|---|---|---|
| DGFT user registration | After successful OTP verification | Email/mobile mismatch, blocked OTP or incorrect role selection. |
| IEC submission | Acknowledgement and file number after payment | Failed payment, unsigned form or incomplete mandatory field. |
| IEC issue | Often system-generated immediately after successful submission | PAN, Aadhaar, bank, document or risk-management validation. |
| Bank validation | Processed through the linked validation system | Name/account mismatch or a bank response requiring manual evidence. |
| Portal/ecosystem reflection | Can update quickly after issue | Downstream system sync, bank flag or unresolved DGFT action. |
A clean filing may be issued quickly, but the useful completion point is an accurate, active and verifiable IEC. Resolve any portal flag instead of using the certificate alone as proof that every linked check has passed.
IEC code check, search, verification and status
These searches answer different questions. Use the right route for an issued IEC, a pending application or your downloadable certificate.
| Need | DGFT route | Information required | Expected result |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC code check or search | Public View Any IEC service | IEC plus at least first 3 characters of firm name | Basic entity details and current status/DEL information. |
| IEC application status | Track Status or logged-in dashboard | Application or file number and portal details | Submission, payment or action status. |
| IEC certificate download | Services > IEC > Manage IEC > Print IEC | Linked DGFT account | Downloadable IEC certificate. |
| Existing IEC linking | Services > Link IEC | IEC, PAN-linked details and Aadhaar eSign/DSC | IEC becomes manageable in the user's dashboard. |
| IEC modification | Services > IEC > Manage IEC | Changed details and supporting records | Updated IEC profile after validation. |
Verify a supplier or customer
Match legal name, IEC, status and address with the commercial documents. Public verification is a point-in-time identity check, not proof that a party may trade every product.
Check your own application
Use the file number from the payment acknowledgement. Preserve screenshots and receipts if payment succeeded but the dashboard did not update.
Use the DGFT public IEC verification service for an issued code and the logged-in DGFT dashboard for application-level tracking.
IEC documents and data by business structure
The core filing is common, but the applicant name, signatory and constitution details change by entity. Use the entity's legal record as the controlling source.
| Applicant type | PAN and name | People/details to prepare | Bank and address point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietorship | Proprietor's PAN; trade name should be consistently recorded | Proprietor and authorised contact | Account and proof should support the applicant/trade identity. |
| Partnership firm | Firm PAN and partnership legal name | Partners and authorised partner/signatory | Firm bank account, office proof and partnership records must align. |
| LLP | LLP PAN and MCA-registered name | LLPIN, designated partners and authorised signatory | Use the LLP account and registered/head-office evidence. |
| Private/public company | Company PAN and MCA-registered name | CIN, directors and authorised signatory | Use company bank and premises records, not a director's personal account. |
| HUF | HUF PAN and legal particulars | Karta and relevant member/authorisation details | Bank and address should support the HUF applicant. |
| Trust or society | Applicant PAN and registered name | Trustee, governing member or authorised signatory | Constitution, bank and premises records should identify the same applicant. |
Portal fields and validations can change. Use the live ANF-2A and DGFT instructions at the time of filing.
A clean IEC registration workflow
Treat the application as four controlled hand-offs. Most avoidable problems begin before the form is opened.
Prepare
Confirm PAN, legal name, constitution, address, bank account, mobile, email and signatory.
File
Register on DGFT, complete ANF-2A, upload evidence, sign and pay INR 500.
Verify
Download the certificate, search the public record and review bank or portal flags.
Operate
Complete customs, GST, bank, product and recurring updates relevant to the trade.
Pre-submission reconciliation table
| Field | Primary source | Check before signing |
|---|---|---|
| Legal name | PAN and incorporation/constitution record | Spelling, punctuation and suffix match. |
| Constitution | MCA, deed or registration record | Correct applicant type and corresponding identifier. |
| Address | Accepted premises evidence | Building, locality, pin code, State and ownership/occupancy support. |
| Bank details | Cancelled cheque or bank certificate | Account holder, account number, bank, branch and IFSC. |
| Signatory | Entity authority and PAN/Aadhaar/DSC | Person is authorised and authentication details are usable. |
| Contact details | Business-controlled email and mobile | Both can receive OTPs and remain accessible after filing. |
IEC application mismatch and rejection help
A failed validation is usually a data-alignment problem. Correct the controlling record or the DGFT entry instead of repeatedly submitting changed spellings.
| Problem | Likely reason | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| PAN validation fails | Name, date, constitution or PAN entry differs | Compare the exact PAN record and entity constitution before retrying. |
| Aadhaar eSign fails | Signer identity, mobile or PAN/Aadhaar details do not align | Confirm the authorised signer and use DSC where valid and appropriate. |
| Bank validation fails | Account holder, number, IFSC or bank response mismatch | Recheck the entry and provide the prescribed cancelled cheque/bank certificate when requested. |
| Address proof rejected | Old, illegible or unsupported occupancy evidence | Upload a clear accepted proof with consent/relationship evidence where needed. |
| Payment deducted, status pending | Gateway response has not reconciled | Do not pay repeatedly; retain the transaction reference and use payment/status support. |
| IEC issued but flagged | Post-verification or risk-management query | Open the DGFT action, answer within time and upload the specific evidence requested. |
| Old IEC cannot be managed | IEC is not linked to the current login | Use Link IEC with authorised Aadhaar eSign or DSC. |
| Details changed after issue | Bank, address, constitution or primary record changed | Modify IEC online promptly; material changes should be updated within 30 days. |
IEC annual update, deactivation and reactivation
Every IEC holder must confirm or update the IEC electronically during April to June each year. A no-change IEC still needs online confirmation.
Annual confirmation
Review entity, branch, contact and bank data in the DGFT profile. Complete the annual action even when all information remains correct.
Event-based modification
Update changes to constitution, address, bank or primary details online within 30 days rather than waiting for the annual window.
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Active | IEC is available for use, subject to product and transaction rules. | Keep profile accurate and complete the next April-June confirmation. |
| Deactivated for non-update | Annual confirmation/update was not completed in the prescribed period. | Submit the pending update online; successful completion can reactivate the IEC. |
| Flagged | DGFT risk management or post-verification requires a response. | Review the portal communication and submit documents or clarification. |
| Suspended/cancelled | A formal action affects IEC use. | Read the order and use the available compliance, representation or appeal route. |
| Surrendered | Holder has requested closure of the IEC. | Resolve pending trade, bank, incentive and customs records before surrender. |
This is separate from the INR 500 government fee for a new IEC application. Always check the live portal payment page before authorising a transaction.
IEC vs GSTIN, RCMC, AD code and ICEGATE
Export setup is a chain, not a single certificate. Each identifier answers a different authority or operational need.
| Registration/setup | Purpose | Issued or managed by | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC | Identifies the importer/exporter | DGFT | Covered goods trade and specified service/technology cases or FTP benefits. |
| GSTIN | Identifies a GST-registered person | GST authorities | Taxable supplies, invoicing, input credit, LUT/refund and other GST obligations. |
| RCMC | Registers the exporter with the relevant council/authority | Export Promotion Council or commodity board | Policy benefits, authorisations or sector/export-promotion needs. |
| AD code | Connects the export bank branch for customs processing | Authorised dealer bank; registered for customs use | Commonly required for export shipping-bill and port processing. |
| ICEGATE registration | Accesses customs electronic services | Indian Customs/ICEGATE | Customs filing, messages, payments and trade-system access as applicable. |
| Product licence | Controls a restricted or regulated category | DGFT or sector regulator | Before importing/exporting goods subject to policy conditions. |
For domestic counterparty checks, read CompanyJi's GST number search guide and verify the GSTIN on the official portal before using it in invoices or vendor records.
What to do after receiving the IEC certificate
An IEC creates the trade identity. The first shipment or service export still needs a transaction-ready document, tax, bank and product setup.
| Workstream | Goods exporter/importer | Service exporter |
|---|---|---|
| Banking | Map authorised dealer bank, payment terms, currency and AD code/port needs. | Agree invoice, purpose code, remittance evidence and export realisation route. |
| GST | Check registration, invoice, LUT/bond, IGST, refund and input-credit treatment. | Determine place of supply, export-of-service conditions, LUT and foreign-currency/INR rules. |
| Customs/product | Confirm HS code, policy status, valuation, origin, labels, standards and licences. | Usually no goods customs filing, but software/technology restrictions can still apply. |
| Commercial records | Purchase order, contract, invoice, packing list, transport and insurance documents. | Contract, statement of work, invoice, delivery/acceptance and remittance records. |
| Benefits/sector | Evaluate RCMC, schemes and commodity-board requirements. | Evaluate IEC/RCMC where claiming FTP benefit and any sector/platform onboarding. |
| Recurring control | IEC update, GST, customs reconciliation, books and trade-document retention. | IEC update where held, GST, FEMA/bank reconciliation, books and contract records. |
Setting up a new export company?
Build the entity, GST, bank and annual compliance records together so the first transaction does not expose mismatched details.
Common IEC registration mistakes
Applying with a trade nickname
The applicant identity must reconcile with PAN and legal constitution records.
Using a personal bank account
For a separate entity, use the entity's bank account and supporting evidence.
Uploading an unclear cheque
Account holder, number, bank and IFSC must be legible and consistent.
Creating a duplicate IEC
One PAN receives one IEC; link or modify the existing record instead.
Treating IEC as product permission
Restricted and regulated goods need their own policy and licence checks.
Losing the DGFT login
Keep portal email, mobile, DSC and authorised-user access with the business.
Ignoring portal flags
An issued certificate can still require bank validation or post-verification action.
Missing the annual update
Confirm the IEC every April-June, even when no detail has changed.
Frequently asked questions about IEC code registration
What is IEC code?
IEC means Importer Exporter Code. It is a 10-character PAN-based identification issued by DGFT for covered import and export activity.
What is the full form of IEC?
IEC stands for Importer Exporter Code.
Who issues IEC in India?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issues and manages IEC online.
How much is the IEC code registration fee?
The government fee for a new IEC application is INR 500. Any professional assistance fee is separate.
How long does IEC registration take?
DGFT describes IEC as system-generated after successful submission. A clean application can be issued immediately; validation or risk issues can require review.
What documents are required for IEC code?
Generally PAN-linked entity data, address proof, active email and mobile, and a cancelled cheque with the entity name or prescribed bank certificate. Aadhaar eSign or DSC supports authentication.
Can I apply for IEC without GST registration?
GST registration is not listed as a universal core document for every IEC application. GST obligations depend on the applicant's supplies and registration triggers.
Can an individual apply for IEC?
Yes, a proprietorship can apply using the proprietor's PAN and business details. Personal-use imports unrelated to trade, manufacture or agriculture may be exempt.
Can a freelancer apply for IEC?
A freelancer or service provider can apply through the appropriate legal identity where the transaction, bank, platform or FTP benefit requires IEC.
Do service exporters always need IEC?
Not always under the Foreign Trade Policy. It is required for FTP benefits or specified services/technology, while a bank, platform or customer process may also request it.
Is IEC valid for a lifetime?
IEC has permanent validity unless suspended, cancelled or deactivated, but it must be confirmed or updated online every April-June.
Does IEC need renewal?
There is no ordinary expiry-based renewal. The holder must complete annual online confirmation/update and promptly modify changed primary details.
How do I check an IEC code?
Use DGFT's public View Any IEC service with the IEC and at least the first three characters of the firm name.
How do I check IEC application status?
Use DGFT Track Status or the logged-in dashboard with the application/file number generated after payment.
How do I download the IEC certificate?
Login to DGFT and go to Services, IEC, Manage IEC, then use the Print IEC option.
Can one PAN have two IEC codes?
No. DGFT follows one PAN, one IEC. The same IEC covers the applicant's branches, divisions, units and factories.
Can I modify my IEC?
Yes. Use Manage IEC on the DGFT portal. Changes to constitution, address, bank or primary details should be updated online within 30 days.
Why is my IEC deactivated?
A common reason is failure to complete the annual April-June confirmation. Risk-management or compliance action can also affect status; read the dashboard notice.
Can a deactivated IEC be reactivated?
Yes. Complete the required online update and address any pending flag or document request. Successful updating can restore an IEC deactivated for non-update.
Is IEC the same as GSTIN?
No. IEC is the DGFT importer/exporter identity; GSTIN is the tax registration identity under GST.
Is IEC the same as an AD code?
No. IEC identifies the trader. An AD code identifies the authorised dealer bank branch used for customs-linked export processing.
Does IEC allow import or export of every item?
No. Restricted or regulated goods may need a licence, certificate, standard, labelling rule or sector clearance in addition to IEC.
Can I use an IEC at every port?
The IEC belongs to the entity, not one port. However, customs, AD code and operational registrations may need port or location-specific action.
When should professional help be considered?
Consider review when PAN, bank and address records differ, an old IEC must be linked or reactivated, goods are restricted, or customs, GST and banking setup must be coordinated.
Official material used for this IEC guide
The application, validity, update and verification points were checked against DGFT policy, procedure and portal guidance current to 30 July 2026. Always use the live DGFT form and payment screen for filing.
Prepare and file the IEC with consistent records
Share your entity type, PAN, bank and business-address position. CompanyJi can help review the application file, complete the DGFT sequence and resolve update or linking issues.