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 under 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 IE Code 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 person whether an individual or an entity making any kind of Import / Export of Goods or services has to obtain an IE Code from Directorate General of Foreign Trade before making such Import / Export.