Foreign Trade
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
Your PAN-based licence to trade across borders — applied for on the DGFT portal, linked correctly to your bank and business details, and supported by the GST, LUT and customs steps that actually make the first shipment happen.
- Applicability reviewed before you apply
- DGFT application with digital signature or Aadhaar
- Bank and AD-code coordination guidance
- Mandatory annual updation tracked
- Foreign Trade Policy
- DGFT portal
- PAN-based code
- Annual updation
Registration engagement
IEC Registration
On quotescope-based
- Authority
- DGFT
- Basis
- One IEC per PAN
- Validity
- Permanent, annual updation
- Outcome
- IEC certificate
- Applicability review
- Document vetting
- DGFT profile creation
- Application filing
- DSC or Aadhaar validation
- IEC certificate handover
- AD-code and LUT guidance
- Annual updation reminder
*A prescribed application fee is payable to DGFT. Professional fee depends on the constitution of the entity and whether related steps such as LUT filing or AD-code registration are included.
Step 1
Applicability review
Filing
DGFT portal
Linked
PAN + bank + GST
Every year
Mandatory updation
Professionally reviewed by CA Suraj SoniLast reviewed
Do you need an IEC?
Should you apply for an Import Export Code now?
You generally need one if you
- intend to import goods into India for business
- intend to export goods out of India
- need to clear a consignment through customs in the name of your business
- receive or remit foreign currency through a bank for import or export of goods
- sell physical products to overseas customers through a cross-border marketplace
- want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy where eligible
You may not need one yet if you
- only export services and are covered by the exemptions notified for service exports
- import goods purely for personal use and not for trade
- fall within a category specifically exempted from IEC under the Foreign Trade Policy
- have not commenced any cross-border activity and have no bank or customs requirement
Exemptions exist for certain categories and for specified service exports, and their scope is governed by the Foreign Trade Policy in force. Whether your particular model needs an IEC is confirmed after we review the transaction and the banking arrangement.
What an IEC actually is
An Import Export Code is a PAN-based identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Customs uses it to clear consignments and banks use it to process foreign-currency remittances relating to trade in goods. One IEC is issued per PAN, it does not expire, and it applies across all branches and divisions of the entity — but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every year, and failure to update can result in the code being deactivated.
One IEC per PAN
The code attaches to the PAN of the entity and covers all its branches, divisions and units.
Customs and banking key
Shipping bills, bills of entry and trade remittances are all processed against the IEC.
No return filing
There is no periodic IEC return — but there is a mandatory annual updation on the DGFT portal.
Gateway, not a permission
It does not by itself authorise restricted goods or replace product-specific licences and clearances.
Why founders choose this structure
Lawful cross-border trade
Customs clearance and trade remittances for goods generally require an IEC in the name of the business.
Bank and remittance readiness
Authorised dealer banks process inward and outward trade remittances against the IEC and the registered AD code.
Access to policy benefits
Schemes and benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy are available to IEC holders, subject to the eligibility conditions of each scheme.
Marketplace exports
Cross-border marketplaces and courier export channels require the exporter to be identified with an IEC.
Permanent code
Once allotted, the IEC does not require renewal — only the prescribed annual updation.
Credibility with counterparties
Overseas buyers and suppliers treat a registered IEC and bank AD-code linkage as a basic indicator of a genuine trading entity.
Who needs an IEC
Importers of goods
Any person or entity importing goods into India for business generally requires an IEC for customs clearance.
Exporters of goods
Exporters of goods require an IEC for filing shipping bills and receiving export proceeds through the banking channel.
One code per PAN
Only one IEC is issued against a PAN. It covers all branches, divisions, factories and units of the entity.
Service exporters
Service exporters may be exempt in specified cases, but an IEC is generally required where benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy are claimed. The position depends on the notified exemptions.
Exempt categories
Certain categories, including specified Government departments and imports or exports for personal use not connected with trade, are exempt under the Foreign Trade Policy.
E-commerce and courier exports
Exports through courier and cross-border marketplaces are made against the exporter's IEC, subject to the procedure for the channel used.
Restricted and prohibited goods
An IEC does not authorise trade in restricted or prohibited goods. Separate authorisation from DGFT or the relevant authority is required.
Mandatory annual updation
Every IEC holder must update the IEC details on the DGFT portal annually, even where no change has occurred. Failure to do so can result in deactivation.
Readiness check
Are you ready to trade across borders?
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Getting started
Let's get the basics in place.
- 01
Do you know the goods you will import or export and their classification?
- 02
Is there a current account with an authorised dealer bank in the business name?
- 03
Do you know the ports or courier channels you will ship through?
- 04
Have you checked whether the goods are freely importable or exportable, or restricted?
- 05
Is your GST position — registration, LUT or payment of IGST — decided?
- 06
Do you have a customs broker or logistics partner identified?
Your score is only a starting point. A short consultation can confirm your proposed structure, name strategy and documentation before filing begins.
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Getting started
Let's get the basics in place.
- Company name
- Directors
- Shareholders
- Office address
- Business activity
Documents you'll need
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor
- Photograph of the proprietor
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the name of the business
- Active mobile number and email for DGFT OTP validation
From application to trade-ready.
The code is quick. Being ready to ship takes a few more steps.
- 01Day 1
Applicability and model review
We understand what you will import or export, from and to where, how you will be paid, and whether an exemption applies.
- 02Day 1–2
Document assembly
PAN, constitution proof, address proof, bank certificate or cancelled cheque, and authorised-signatory details are collected and vetted.
- 03Day 2–3
DGFT profile and filing
The entity profile is created on the DGFT portal, the application is completed and the prescribed fee is paid.
- 04Day 3
Validation and submission
The application is signed using DSC or Aadhaar authentication and submitted for processing.
- 05Usually quick
IEC allotment
Where the application is complete, the IEC is generated and the certificate can be downloaded. Data mismatches or queries can extend this.
- 06Varies
Banking and port setup
AD-code registration at the port of export through your bank and customs broker, and LUT filing where you export without payment of IGST.
- 07On completion
First shipment readiness
Invoice and packing-list format, shipping-bill inputs, incoterms and the accounting treatment of export receipts are explained.
Planning your first import or export?
Get the IEC, GST and banking sequence right before you ship.
Your IEC engagement
From applicability check to first-shipment readiness.
- 01
Applicability review
IncludedWe confirm whether an IEC is required for your model, or whether an exemption applies to your service export or transaction type.
- 02
Entity and document vetting
IncludedPAN, constitution documents, address proof and bank details checked for consistency before the application is filed.
- 03
DGFT profile creation
IncludedRegistration of the entity on the DGFT portal with the correct class of applicant and authorised person.
- 04
Application filing
IncludedThe IEC application is completed with business, branch, director or partner and bank details, and the prescribed fee is paid.
- 05
DSC or Aadhaar validation
IncludedSubmission validated through the digital signature of the authorised signatory or Aadhaar-based authentication as applicable.
- 06
Certificate handover
IncludedThe IEC certificate is downloaded and handed over with an explanation of what it does and does not permit.
- 07
Next-step briefing
IncludedGST position, LUT eligibility, AD-code registration at the port and documentation flow explained for your first shipment.
- 08
LUT filing
On requestLetter of Undertaking for export of goods or services without payment of IGST, where you qualify.
- 09
AD-code registration support
On requestCoordination with your bank and customs broker for AD-code registration at the port of export.
- 10
Annual updation
On requestThe mandatory yearly updation of IEC details on the DGFT portal, tracked and filed.
- 11
Modification
On requestChange of address, bank, directors, partners or branch details on the IEC.
- 12
Export accounting and GST refunds
On requestBooks, export invoicing and refund claims handled by the same team.
Product-specific licences, restricted-goods authorisations and quality or regulatory clearances are separate from the IEC and are advised on case by case.
What IEC registration costs.
A prescribed application fee is payable to DGFT. Our professional fee depends on your constitution and whether you also need LUT filing, AD-code coordination or export accounting set up.
Professional fee
On quotescope-based
Fees are quoted in writing after a scope review. Government / statutory fees at actuals.
Professional services
MYFINTAX feeApplicability review, document vetting, DGFT profile, application filing and next-step briefing.
Government fee
StatutoryThe application fee prescribed by DGFT, payable online at the time of filing.
Digital Signature Certificate
VariesClass 3 DSC for the authorised signatory where Aadhaar authentication is not used; charged by the certifying authority.
LUT filing
VariesLetter of Undertaking for export without payment of IGST, filed separately for each financial year.
AD code and port registration
VariesBank charges and customs-broker coordination, where applicable.
Annual updation
VariesYearly updation of the IEC on the DGFT portal.
We quote the professional fee in writing and show the Government fee separately, so you can see exactly what is statutory.
The export journey
From business setup to your first shipment and beyond.
Step 1
Business setup
- Choose and register the right entity for cross-border trade
- Open a current account with an authorised dealer bank
- Complete PAN, constitution and address documentation
Step 2
IEC allotment
- Applicability review and DGFT profile
- Application filing and validation
- IEC certificate in the name of the entity
Step 3
GST and LUT position
- GST registration where applicable to your supplies
- LUT filing to export without payment of IGST, where eligible
- Decide between LUT and export with payment and refund
Step 4
Banking and AD code
- Obtain the AD code letter from your bank
- Register the AD code at each port of export
- Set up the inward remittance and e-BRC process
Step 5
Customs documentation
- Commercial invoice, packing list and shipping bill inputs
- Classification, incoterms and valuation basics
- Engage a customs broker for filing
Step 6
Accounting and compliance
- Export invoicing and revenue recognition in the books
- GST refund claims where applicable
- Annual IEC updation and income-tax compliance
Not every step applies to every business. Product-specific licences, restricted-goods authorisation and quality clearances may apply in addition, depending on what you trade.
The code is the easy part.
Export invoicing, LUT, refunds, remittance documentation and books that a bank will accept — the same team can run all of it.
- Company Registration
- Accounting
- GST
- GST Returns
- TDS
- Income Tax
- ROC Compliance
- Trademark
- Startup India
- Virtual CFO
Avoid these IEC mistakes.
Missing the mandatory annual updation
IEC details must be updated on the DGFT portal every year even when nothing has changed. A deactivated IEC stops shipments and remittances until it is reactivated.
Applying for a second IEC
Only one IEC is issued per PAN. Applying again instead of modifying the existing one creates avoidable complications.
Leaving the AD code to the last day
The AD code must be registered at the port before the shipping bill can be filed. Discovering this at the dock delays the consignment.
Ignoring the LUT decision
Exporting without a valid LUT where you intended to export without payment of IGST forces payment and a refund cycle instead.
Stale bank or address details
Remittances and customs data are matched against IEC details. Old bank or address particulars cause rejections at the worst time.
Assuming the IEC covers restricted goods
Restricted or prohibited items need separate authorisation. The IEC is not a substitute for a product licence or regulatory clearance.
No export documentation discipline
Invoice, packing list, shipping bill and remittance records must reconcile for GST refunds and bank realisation. Weak records cost money later.
Why MYFINTAX
CA-led judgement
Your position is reviewed by a Chartered Accountant, not simply pushed through a portal form.
End-to-end responsibility
One team from documentation and filing to the notices and compliance that can follow.
Transparent scope
You know what is professional fee, what is statutory and what varies before you commit.
Business-first advice
Advice is given against your actual operations, not as a generic default.
Continuity
Accounting, GST, TDS, payroll, ROC and CFO support sit in the same ecosystem when you need them.
“MYFINTAX has been a true partner in our compliance journey. From GST filings and ROC annual returns to trademark registration, everything is handled professionally and on time. Their proactive approach has helped our creative brand stay protected and compliant.”
Snehal Tripathi
Director, Roboto Studio Pvt Ltd
“Our export compliance, IEC, and legal structuring were managed end-to-end by MYFINTAX. Their expert guidance on Startup India registration and tax exemption eligibility was particularly valuable for our global trade operations.”
Shweta SK Tirkey
Director, ArchAngel Exim Private Limited
“As a financial services business, MYFINTAX's assistance with DPIIT recognition, income tax filings, and trademark protection gave us the right support for our growth journey. Their team understands the nuances of regulatory compliance and startup taxation and provides practical guidance whenever required.”
Nitin Nashine
Director, GISA Insurance Brokers Limited
Exporting without payment of IGST?
A Letter of Undertaking has to be filed for each financial year, and your GST registration and invoicing need to line up with it.
Explore GST registration & LUTExport books that a bank will accept.
Remittance tracking, refund-ready records and MIS built for a business with foreign-currency receipts.
Explore accounting & bookkeepingFAQs
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration — questions founders ask
Still unsure? A short call with a Chartered Accountant is usually faster than reading one more page.
Let's build together
Ready to trade across borders?
Obtain your IEC, set up the GST, LUT and banking steps that follow, and ship with documentation that holds up.
CA Suraj Soni · Chartered Accountant · Founder, MYFINTAX
Content reviewed for current regulatory and procedural relevance on .
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 read with the Foreign Trade Policy and the IEC application and updation workflow on the DGFT portal.
Content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute case-specific professional advice. Requirements, fees and processing depend on your facts and current Government procedure.
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- Startup India / DPIIT RecognitionRecognition benefits for eligible startups.
- Trademark RegistrationProtect your brand in the markets you sell to.
- Private Limited Company RegistrationA structure overseas buyers recognise.
- FSSAI RegistrationRequired to import or export food articles.
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- Virtual CFO ServicesWorking capital and forex-aware finance support.