In this age of cut-throat competition, everyone wants to grow their business beyond the limits of the domestic market. Doing business globally is more easy now-a-days due to the advent of internet and technology. However, before going business globally, you need to follow several procedures and laws and get various registration and license. IEC (Import Export Code) license is one of such prerequisites when you’re thinking of importing into or exporting from India. It is also known as Importer- Exporter Code.
IEC (Import Export Code) is required by anyone who is looking to kick-start his/her import/export business in the country. It is issued by the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade). IEC is a 10-digit code that has lifetime validity. Predominantly importer merchants cannot import goods without the Import Export Code and similarly, the exporter merchant cannot avail benefits from DGFT for the export scheme, etc., without IEC.
For IEC Code Registration, the following documents are required:
IEC assists you in taking your services or product to the global market and growing your businesses.
The Companies could avail several benefits of their imports/ exports from the DGFT, Export Promotion Council, Customs, etc., on the basis of their IEC registration.
IEC does not require the filing of any returns. Once allotted, there isn’t any requirement to follow any sort of process for sustaining its validity. Even for export transactions, there isn’t any requirement for filing any returns with DGFT.
It is fairly easy to obtain IEC code from the DGFT within a period of 10 to 15 days after submitting the application. There isn’t any need to provide proof of any export or import for getting IEC code.
IEC code is effective for the lifetime of an entity and requires no renewal. After it is obtained, it could be used by an entity against all export and import transactions.
According to the latest circular issued by the government, IEC is not mandatory for all traders registered under GST. In all such cases, the PAN of the trader shall be construed as a new IEC code for the purpose of import and export. Import Export Code (IEC) isn’t required to be taken in case the goods exported or imported is for personal purposes and isn’t used for any commercial purpose. Export/ Import done by the Government of India Departments and Ministries and Notified Charitable institutions need not require getting Import Export Code.
Yes. An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for import to India or export from India. It is a significant business identification number for an import/export business. A person/entity cannot export or import without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted. However, IEC is not necessary for services exports, except when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Once the online application is submitted by paying the appropriate fees and requisite documents, IEC will be auto-generated. The DGFT will send the IEC Certificate to an applicant through the e-mail.
Yes, individuals acting as proprietors of a business can obtain IEC registration. Individuals can use either the name or the name of their company to apply for IEC registration.
You can take print out of your IEC certificate by the below process:
Yes. It is mandatory to update the IEC profile every year. In case of non-updation of the IEC profile, it will be deactivated. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated upon its successful updation. However, reactivation is subject to the condition that any other action should not be taken for violation of any provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not compulsory to apply for an IEC. The IEC application can be signed through Aadhaar authentication. DSC has been introduced in IEC to strengthen the IEC issuance and modification processes.
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IEC license allows individuals to trade globally. Application process, requirements, and benefits of IEC registration discussed.