The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification
number issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in
India to businesses or individuals engaged in the import or export
of goods and services. It is a mandatory requirement for
conducting import or export activities and serves as a unique
identifier for customs clearance and international trade
transactions. The IEC is issued once and remains valid for a
lifetime unless it is cancelled or voluntarily surrendered by the
holder.
The Import Export (IE) Code, a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier,
is mandated for individuals engaged in the import or export of
goods and services to or from India. It is issued by the
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industries, Government of India. Without an IE Code,
importers cannot proceed with imports nor can exporters benefit
from various favourable schemes offered by the DGFT, export
promotion councils, and customs authorities.
An IE Code is essential in the following scenarios:
1. Clearing shipments through customs.
2. Remitting money abroad by importers.
3. Sending shipments by exporters.
4. Receiving export proceeds in the exporter's bank account.
However, IE Code is not mandatory for:
1. Traders registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
2. Import or export of goods for personal use.
3. Departments and ministries of the Government of India.
4. Designated charitable institutions as notified.
Compliance with IE Code requirements ensure lawful import-export
activities and facilitates participation in relevant governmental
and promotional frameworks.
Procedure for Registration
IEC Code Registration:
Authorized MyDearLaw Providers facilitate the acquisition of the
Import Export Code (IE Code) within 15 to 20 working days,
contingent upon governmental processing timelines.
Application Preparation:
Our expert professionals at MyDearLaw Providers meticulously
prepare your IE Code Application in the prescribed format,
ensuring all requisite supporting documents are accurately
compiled and obtaining your authorized signature.
Application Processing:
Upon preparation, MyDearLaw Providers promptly submit the IE Code
Application in Aayaat Niryaat Form 2A (ANF 2A) format to the
Regional Authority of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT) in the jurisdiction of the company's registered office.
Alternatively, the IEC Application can be submitted electronically
through the official DGFT website.
IE Code Allotment:
Following thorough verification of the application and attached
documentation, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade will issue
the IE Code for your business entity.
Documents Required for Import Export Code Registration
Passport-size photograph
Copy of PAN Card
Identity Proof (Election ID, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or
Driving License)
Bank Certificate (if canceled cheque is unavailable)
Copy of Partnership Deed (for Partnerships)
Board Resolution or Self-declaration (for Companies)
List of partners or directors, including their residential
addresses, ID proofs, passport-size photographs, and PAN
cards, as applicable to partnership firms, Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP) firms, or Companies.
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Import Export Code (IEC) Registration FAQ's
What is an Import Export Code (IEC)?
The IEC is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India. It is mandatory for businesses engaged in the import or export of goods and services.
Is IEC registration mandatory for all imports and exports?
Yes, IEC registration is mandatory for conducting import and export transactions in India. However, certain exemptions apply, such as personal use items or transactions under specific government schemes.
Can an individual apply for IEC registration?
Yes, individuals who wish to engage in import-export activities can apply for IEC registration. There is no requirement to have a registered business or company for obtaining an IEC.
Does IEC have an expiry date?
No, once issued, the IEC is valid for a lifetime. However, businesses are required to update their IEC details annually on the DGFT portal to ensure compliance.
Can the same IEC be used for multiple branches of a company?
Yes, a single IEC is sufficient for a company, irrespective of the number of branches or offices. The IEC is issued based on the entity's PAN and applies to all its branches or locations.
Is GST mandatory for obtaining IEC?
While GST registration is not mandatory to obtain an IEC, businesses involved in import-export are typically required to comply with GST regulations for claiming tax benefits or exemptions on their transactions.
Does IEC allow the export of all types of goods and services?
IEC enables the export of goods and services, except for restricted or prohibited items listed by the DGFT. Exporters dealing in such items need additional clearances or licenses.
Are there any compliance requirements after obtaining IEC?
Yes, apart from annual updates on the DGFT portal, businesses must comply with regulations related to foreign exchange, customs, and GST. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or suspension of the IEC.
Can an IEC be transferred to another person or entity?
No, an IEC is non-transferable as it is linked to the PAN of the entity or individual. However, in the case of a business merger or acquisition, the IEC may need to be modified or updated with the new details.
What are the benefits of obtaining an IEC?
IEC registration enables businesses to participate in global trade, access government export incentives, and establish credibility with international buyers. It is a fundamental requirement for expanding business operations internationally.
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