IEC (Import Export Code) – How to Apply for It, Benefits

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.

Situations where IEC is required

• When an importer has to clear his shipments from the customs then it’s needed by the customs authorities.
• When an importer sends money abroad through banks then it’s needed by the bank.
• When an exporter has to send his shipments then it’s needed by the customs port.
• When an exporter receives money in foreign currency directly into his bank account then it’s required by the bank.

Steps involved in IEC (Import/Export Code) registration

• Visit the DGFT website.
• Click on the ‘Services’ tab on the homepage.
• Select the ‘IEC Profile Management’ option from the drop-down list.
• A new page will open. Click on the ‘Apply for IEC’ option on the page.
• Click on the ‘Register’ option. Enter the required details and click on the ‘Sent OTP’ button.
• Enter the OTP and click on the ‘Register’ button.
• Upon successful validation of the OTP, you will receive a notification containing the temporary password which you can change after logging into the DGFT website.
• After registering on the DGFT website, login to the website by entering the user name and password.
• Click on the ‘Apply for IEC’ option on the DGFT website dashboard.
• Click on the ‘Start Fresh Application’ button.
• Enter the general information, details of proprietor/partner/director/Karta/managing trustee, bank information, other details, attach Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and make the payment.
• After successful payment, it will be redirected to the DGFT website. The receipt will be displayed. Download the receipt for future reference.
• The IEC Certificate will be sent in the email. It can be downloaded after logging in to the DGFT website and clicking the ‘Print IEC’ option under the ‘IEC Profile Management'.

Documents required for IEC (Import Export Code) registration

For IEC Code Registration, the following documents are required:

• Individual’s, firm’s or company’s copy of PAN Card.
• Proprietor’s voter ID, Aadhaar card or passport copy.
• Proof of establishment, incorporation or registration of the partnership, society, proprietorship firm, company, HUF, etc. 
• Proof of address of business premise, such as sale deed, lease deed, rent agreement or utility bills (electricity bill, telephone bill or mobile bill).
• Individual’s or company’s or firm’s cancel cheque copies of current bank accounts.
• A self-addressed envelope for delivery of IEC certificate by registered post.

Benefits of IEC registration

Expansion of business

IEC assists you in taking your services or product to the global market and growing your businesses.

Availing several benefits

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.

No return filing

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.

Easy processing

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.

No need for renewal

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.

Cases where Import-Export Code (IEC) is not mandatory

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.

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