PAN card
of Individual, or business entity according to the enterprise nature.
PAN Card of the Entity
Certificate of Incorporation, MoA & AoA / LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed, if applicable
KYC of Directors / Partners / Proprietor
Cancelled Cheque of the Bank Account of the entity
Passport Size photograph of the Authorized Person / Proprietor
Digital Signature (Class 2)
Nature of items to be exported
Email Id and Phone Number of the Authorized Person / Proprietor
IMPORTER EXPORTER CODE (IE Code) is a ten digit number granted by Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to any bonafide individual or an entity for carrying out import/export. As per Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 no person shall make any import or export except a person obtained an Importer-exporter Code Number granted by the Director General or the officer authorized by the Director General in this behalf, in accordance with the procedure specified in this behalf by the Director General. Without IEC a person cannot make any kind of import or export of goods or services to or from any country outside India. IEC forms the primary document for recognition by the Government of India as an Exporter/Importer. On the basis of IE Code, companies can obtain various benefits on their exports/imports from DGFT, Customs, Export Promotion Council etc.
Any eligible person falling under any of the three categories mandatorily requires IEC:
A Person who physically exports goods includes products, items, or merchandise outside India.
A Person who physically imports goods includes products, items, or merchandise inside India.
Any digital service provider or Freelancer who is claiming FTP benefits provided by the government, receiving any direct SWIFT transfers, or if specifically requested by their banks.
Sellers selling their products through online platforms such as Amazon Global, Shopify, etc. require IEC for custom tracking and onboarding the products.
Any individual or business enterprise engaged in importing and exporting Goods or services or both must obtain IEC registration. Below is the list of persons eligible for applying for IEC Registration:
Sole proprietorships
Partnership Firms
Private limited Companies
Hindu Undivided Families
Co-operative Societies
Self-Help Groups
Societies and Trusts
The Government has notified certain categories of persons from obtaining IEC registration even if they are engaged in international transactions. We have discussed the categories of persons exempt from obtaining IEC Registration as under:
Any Individual, hospital, or institution importing & exporting goods specifically for personal use i.e. not related to business activity, are exempt from obtaining IEC.
All government departments, ministries, and agencies which are owned by the government wholly or partially do not require IEC registration.
A service provider exporting services where there is no involvement of physical transfer of goods doesn’t require IEC registration.
For filing the application form for IEC registration applicants should save all required documents at one place for a smooth registration process. We have made list of documents required for reference as under:
of Individual, or business entity according to the enterprise nature.
of the applicant/ authorised signatory linked to the active mobile number for OTP.
Electricity bill/ rent agreement/ lease agreement.
copy of cancelled cheque
Visit the official website of the government. Link https://www.dgft.gov.in
Click on the “services” tab, select IEC profile management, click on “apply for IEC”
Login (if already created the login credentials) or register as user by selecting the correct option & other details. OTP will receive your email id & mobile number entered.
Upload documents in scanned pdf format.
Pay fee of Rs. 500/- via online mode (net banking/ debit/credit card/ or UPI).
Submit the form by using a digital signature certificate (DSC).
In the process of registration for Importer Exporter Code you may face several technical challenges. For smooth registration and no difficulty we have prepared a list that the applicant must keep in mind:
Mismatch in the data automatically fetched by the system and data provided by you.
Unclear image provided in the scanned PDF.
Uploaded utility bills are older than the prescribed time limit (not older than three months).
Mismatch in the information of PAN & Aadhaar card leads to failure to receive OPT.
Old digital signature certificate class (DSC) i.e. DSC class should be class-3.
Failure to submit address details of all branches.
Selection of incorrect business categories.
Easethebiz is a leading platform for providing services related to the IEC registration process. We helped numerous clients to obtain their IEC registration certificate without any rejection. We believe in accuracy and transparency, our professionals with expertise in their field complete each assigned work with the same level of dedication.
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Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the DGFT to businesses and individuals involved in import or export activities in India.
Yes, IEC is mandatory for businesses and individuals who import goods into India or export goods from India. Without IEC, international trade transactions cannot be carried out legally.
Sole Proprietorships, Partnership Firms, LLPs, Private Limited Companies, OPCs, HUFs, Trusts, Societies, Self-Help Groups, and Cooperative Societies can apply for IEC Registration.
Yes, freelancers and service providers receiving foreign payments and claiming benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy may require IEC registration.
The required documents include:
The government fee for IEC Registration is ₹500, payable online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
Generally, IEC Registration can be completed within 1-3 working days, subject to successful document verification.
IEC Registration has lifetime validity. However, holders must update or confirm their IEC details annually between April and June.
Yes, sellers exporting products through international marketplaces such as Amazon Global, Shopify, and other e-commerce platforms require an IEC Code.
Individuals importing or exporting goods for personal use, government departments, and service providers without physical movement of goods are generally exempt from IEC registration.
Yes, IEC can be surrendered or cancelled by the registration holder through the DGFT portal if business operations are discontinued.
Easethebiz offers expert guidance, accurate documentation, quick processing, transparent pricing, and dedicated support throughout the IEC Registration process.