Import Export Code2023-08-21T10:59:12+05:30

IEC Registration

Import Export Code (IEC) is obtained by every person and business entity who intends to start Import and Export business in India.

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    What is IEC?

    Import-Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number that is mandatory for all business entity that wants to do Import or export activities. Therefore, a person/entity shall not be eligible to make any import or export of goods if he does not possess a valid IEC Number.

    However, for the import or export of services or technology, the IEC will only be necessary if the service or technology provider intends to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or engage with specified services or technologies. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India grants it.

    Importers must quote the IEC when clearing customs; without quoting it, they are not allowed to proceed. Also, the banks demand the IEC of importers while sending money abroad. Exporters must quote the IEC while sending shipments, and banks require the exporter’s IEC Code when receiving money from abroad.

    Further, exporters can’t take benefit of exports from DGFT, Customs Departments, and Export Promotion Council, if they don’t have this code.

    After the introduction of the new system, the Import Export number is the same as the PAN of the entity or individual but it would be separately issued by DGFT. IEC registration is a completely online process and can be completed within 4-5 days, once issued it shall be valid for a lifetime.

    Eligibility to apply for Import Export License in India

    • Proprietorship Firm
    • Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
    • Partnership Firm
    • Limited Liability Partnership
    • Private and Public Limited Company
    • One Person Company (OPC)
    • Trust
    • Society
    • Government Undertaking
    • Others

    Benefits of Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

    • Access to International Market

      Once the business entity obtains Import Export Code (IEC), it gets access to the international markets and can easily sell goods and services beyond the national boundaries. It helps businesses expand globally and make their mark in the international market.

    • Avail Benefits under various schemes

      The government provides various incentives and benefits to importers and exporters under different schemes and policies. Generally, Importer and Exporter having valid IEC can avail of benefits under these schemes and policies.

    • Necessary for Clearance of Goods

      Importers must have an IEC number to obtain clearance for any shipment received from a foreign country. Additionally, after the shipment is cleared, the importer must pay the applicable customs duty on goods to the Customs Department, and once again, they need to furnish the IEC.

    • Non-requirement of filing Annual returns

      Import Export Code (IEC) once issued to a person/entity is valid for a lifetime and does not require filing any type of returns or forms to DGFT. However, every IEC holder has to update the details of the IEC every year during the month of April to June.

    Minimum Requirements For Import Export Code Registration

    • PAN of the Applicant

    • Cancelled cheque or Bank Certificate of the Applicant

    • Address Proof of the Applicant

    • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar based E-sign

    What Is Included In our IEC Registration Online Package?

    • Consultation on Import Export Code Registration Process

    • Verification of Documents

    • Submission of Application through Digital Signature/Aadhaar based E-Sign

    • Import Export Code Certificate

    Procedure to obtain Import Export License in India

    • Collection of required documents

      In the very first step, the applicant has to send us the required documents as per the checklist. We will then verify the documents and if the documents are fine, then we would proceed with the application process.

    • Preparation of Application for Import Export Code (IEC)

      Once we receive all the required documents, we shall prepare the profile of the business entity on the DGFT portal and prepare the application for Import Export Code (IEC).

    • Submission of Application with required fees

      Once the application for IEC is completed, we shall submit the same with DGFT with the help of DSC/Aadhaar-based E-sign and make the payment of applicable government fees. A temporary acknowledgment will be provided after successful submission.

    • Get Import Export Code within 4-5 days

      On successful submission of the IEC, you shall receive an IEC Number and a Certificate of Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT.

    Documents Required for IEC Code Registration

    • For Individuals and Proprietorship Firm

      • Aadhar Card of Proprietor.
      • Pan Card of Proprietor.
      • Canceled Cheque bearing pre-printed name of the Enterprise or Bank Certificate.
      • Address proof of the Enterprise (Rental Agreement/ Sale or Lease Deed/ Electricity bill/ Post-paid Telephone Bill / Aadhar card / Passport / Voter card)

      In case the address proof is not in the name of the applicant firm, a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the firm premises owner in favor of the firm along with the address proof may be submitted.

      • Mobile Number and Email id Proprietor
      • GSTN (optional)
      • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar based E-Sign Verification
    • Other than Individuals and Proprietorship Firm

      • Certificate of Incorporation/registration/establishment
      • Copy of PAN card of the Organisation
      • Copy of PAN card of Directors / Partners / Trustee
      • Copy of Aadhaar Card of Directors / Partners / Trustee
      • Canceled Cheque bearing pre-printed name of the Organisation / Bank Certificate
      • Address proof of the Entity (Partnership Deed/ Rental Agreement/ Sale or Lease Deed/ Electricity bill/ Post-paid Telephone Bill).

      In case the address proof is not in the name of the applicant firm, a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the firm premises owner in favor of the firm along with the address proof may be submitted.

      • Mobile number and Email id of directors.
      • GSTN (optional)
      • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based E-Sign Verification.

    FAQ

    What is Import Export Code?2021-09-17T20:57:34+05:30

    An IEC is a PAN-based number allotted to a person or entity that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities.

    Who can apply for Import Export Code?2021-09-17T20:57:12+05:30

    All classes of enterprises, whether Proprietorship, Partnership firm, Association of persons, Hindu undivided family, Company or Undertaking, Cooperative society by whatever name called can apply for Import Export Code.

    How much time is needed for getting an Import Export Code (IEC) in India?2021-09-17T20:56:36+05:30

    On average it takes 4-7 days for completion of Import Export Code (IEC) registration. However, this is also dependent on the approval by Government authorities.

    Do I need to be physically present during this process?2021-09-17T20:56:17+05:30

    No, Import Export Code (IEC) registration is a completely online process. All the required documents are filed electronically, so you would not need to be physically present at all. You would just need to send us scanned copies of all the required documents & forms.

    After submission of application for Import Export Code (IEC) registration, how many days it takes to generate a certificate?2021-09-17T20:55:57+05:30

    It generally takes 3-5 working days for generating the Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Certificate.

    Is Aadhaar Number mandatory for Import Export Code (IEC) registration?2021-09-17T20:55:34+05:30

    Aadhaar Number is not mandatory for Import Export Code (IEC) registration, but if you want to submit the IEC application through the Aadhaar based E-Sign option then Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID Number shall be required.

    Is PAN card mandatory for Import Export Code (IEC) registration?2021-09-17T20:55:10+05:30

    Yes, a PAN card is mandatory for Import Export Code (IEC) registration. In case of individuals or proprietorship firm, the proprietor shall use his/her PAN for registration and for all other types of enterprises PAN of the business entity as well as of PAN of Indian Directors/Authorised person shall be required.

    Is GSTN mandatory for Import Export Code (IEC) registration?2021-09-17T20:54:49+05:30

    GSTN is not mandatory for a business entity for Import Export Code (IEC) registration.

    Is the PAN and IEC Number same?2021-09-17T20:54:28+05:30

    Yes, the IEC number is associated with PAN. Under the new system, only PAN-based IEC is issued to the Applicant by DGFT.

    Is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required for getting IEC issued from DGFT?2021-09-17T20:54:06+05:30

    DSC  is required for applying for GST Registration. An alternative option of Aadhaar based e-Sign is also provided to applicants.

    What type of DSC is allowed for IEC Application?2021-09-17T20:53:26+05:30

    For IEC Application Class-2 and Class-3 tokens can be used. Both Individual and Organisation based tokens are accepted.

    Who all can use the Aadhaar e-Sign facility to link or apply for IEC?2021-09-17T20:52:59+05:30

    Proprietor / Karta / Partners / Trustee’s/ members of firm and Directors, whose details are validated from MCA (Only after doing Modification of IEC in the new DGFT system) can use Aadhaar e-Sign.

    I already have IEC issued by DGFT under the old system, do I need to link my IEC again in the new portal?2021-09-17T20:52:40+05:30

    Yes, all existing IECs which have been issued under the old system, will have to link their IEC using OTP validation or DSC under the new system. Failure to link IEC may cause a delay in services such as Advance Authorization, DFIA, Norms Fixation, and EPCG.

    Is it required to update the IEC details periodically or annually?2021-09-17T20:52:20+05:30

    Yes, as per DGFT notification No. 58, dated 12.02.2021, every business entity that has obtained IEC shall update its information online every year during the month of April to June. In a case where there is no change, the same has to be confirmed by the applicant. Failure to update IEC may lead to deactivation of IEC and thereafter, would be activated after updating of details.

    Can I view or verify the details of IEC?2021-09-17T20:51:57+05:30

    Yes, you can view details of IEC with the Import Export Code number and the name of an entity on the DGFT portal

    Who all are exempted from obtaining Import Export Code (IEC)?2021-09-17T20:50:38+05:30

    Following persons are exempted from obtaining Import Export Code (IEC):

    • Ministries or Departments of Central or State Government.
    • Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
    • Persons importing or exporting goods from or to Nepal, Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila, and Nathula ports) provided CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Rs.25000. In case of Nathula port, the applicable exemption ceiling is Rs. 1 lakh.
    • Further, Exemption from obtaining IEC is not applicable in case of export of special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment’s and technologies listed in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of ITC HS
    Is Import Export Code and Import-Export License the same?2021-09-17T20:50:16+05:30

    Yes, Import Export Code and Import-Export License are the same.

    Are there any government fees to be paid for Import Export Code (IEC)?2021-09-17T20:49:44+05:30

    Yes, there is a government fee of Rs. 500/- to be paid for Import Export Code (IEC)

    Can an individual apply for the import export code?2021-09-17T20:49:14+05:30

    Yes, an individual who possesses the required documents can apply for the import export code.

    Can a business enterprise have more than one Import Export Code (IEC)?2021-09-17T20:48:54+05:30

    No, a business enterprise shall not have or file for more than one Import Export Code (IEC) as it is PAN based and every entity/person is allotted a single PAN.

    Is there any renewal of IEC registration?2021-09-17T20:46:23+05:30

    No, there will be no renewal of IEC, however, the applicant has to update the details of IEC every year during the month of April to June.

    Is there any physical copy of the Registration Certificate issued?2021-09-17T20:44:59+05:30

    No, there will no physical copy of certificate, the Import Export Code certificate will be issued in Soft copy only. The applicant may take print out of the same.

    Can I make any corrections or changes to the Import Export Code data?2021-09-17T20:44:09+05:30

    Yes, you can make corrections or changes to the Import Export Code data through IEC Modification.

    I have multiple branches of my business across the country, do I need to register IEC for all the branches?2021-09-17T20:42:43+05:30

    No, you have to register only one IEC, while applying for IEC you have an option to add multiple branches of business under the same IEC.

    I have lost my Import Export Code certificate and number, can I get a duplicate Import Export Code Certificate?2021-09-17T20:41:49+05:30

    Yes, you can get a duplicate copy of the Import Export Code certificate.

    Can I get IEC if my business is registered at my home address?2021-09-17T20:41:27+05:30

    Yes, you can get IEC at your residential address. One requires to submit the utility bill copy of the same along with NOC from the owner

    Who shall approve the Import Export Code (IEC) certificate?2021-09-17T20:22:45+05:30

    The authority to approve and govern the rules for Import Export Code (IEC) is the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

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