Overview
The Import Export Code is a business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Any person or entity importing goods into or exporting goods from India needs one, and banks require it before they will process trade remittances.
It is issued against a PAN, one code per entity, and it does not expire. It does, however, need to be updated every year — even when nothing has changed — or it is deactivated, usually discovered at the worst possible moment.
We prepare and file the application, deliver the certificate, and set a reminder for the annual update so the code stays live.
Who this is for
- Businesses starting to import or export goods
- Manufacturers sourcing raw material from abroad
- Exporters needing the code before their first shipment or remittance
- Companies whose existing IEC has been deactivated for want of an update
What the engagement includes
- Eligibility check and application preparation
- DGFT portal filing with digital signature or Aadhaar authentication
- Bank and address documentation support
- Certificate delivery and record guidance
- Annual IEC update reminder and assistance
Documents you will need
- PAN of the entity or individual
- Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or equivalent
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for the current account
- Aadhaar and photograph of the proprietor, partner or director
How it works
- Document check — Entity details verified against PAN and bank records to avoid mismatch.
- Application — Filed on the DGFT portal with the required authentication.
- Issue — Certificate delivered, usually within a few working days.
- Annual update — We remind you and file the yearly update that keeps the code active.
Typical timeline. Often issued within one to three working days where the PAN and bank details match cleanly.
Questions about Import Export Code (IEC)
Does an IEC expire?
The code itself does not expire, but it must be updated electronically every year between April and June, even if none of the details have changed. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated and cannot be used until it is reactivated.
Do I need an IEC to export services?
For most service exports an IEC is not mandatory, though it is required if you intend to claim benefits under the foreign trade policy. For goods, it is required.
Can an individual obtain an IEC?
Yes. A proprietor can hold an IEC against their own PAN. The code is linked to the PAN, so one entity holds one code.
What if my bank details change later?
The IEC record must be amended on the DGFT portal. It is a simple modification, but leaving it stale can hold up remittances, so it is worth doing promptly.
Professional fee
Starting at ₹999
Government fees and third-party charges billed separately, at actuals.
● Often issued within one to three working days where the PAN and bank details match cleanly.
● First consultation is free, with no obligation to proceed.
● Written scope and fee estimate before any work begins.
Related services
Often needed alongside this
GST Registration
Starting at ₹999
Get your GSTIN without the back-and-forth that comes from an application filed carelessly.
Private Limited Company Registration
Starting at ₹7,999
The default structure for Indian founders raising capital or selling to larger customers.
Foreign Company Registration in India
Starting From ₹49,999
End-to-end assistance for registering a foreign company in India — from the first document checklist to your first compliant filing.
Ready to Start Your Business Journey in India?
Get expert consultation today. Share your requirement and a senior consultant will respond within one working day.