An Import Export Code (IEC) is the 10-character code DGFT issues to a business that imports or exports goods, and since GST it is the same as the business PAN. It is applied for online on Form ANF-2A with a ₹500 government fee and never expires, but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every April to June or it is deactivated. Our professional fee starts at ₹1,299.
The process below is the same across India. These are the parts that are set by Ahmedabad and its state, and they are the parts that decide where your paperwork goes.
IEC registration is online, costs ₹500 in government fee and does not expire. What catches businesses out is the annual update every April to June, which is free but compulsory.
| Point | Current position |
|---|---|
| What it is | 10-character code issued by DGFT; the same as the entity PAN |
| Who needs it | Anyone importing or exporting goods, unless exempt (FTP 2023 para 2.05) |
| Application | Form ANF-2A, online at dgft.gov.in |
| Government fee | ₹500 for a new IEC |
| Validity | No expiry |
| Annual update | Every year between April and June; free; deactivation if missed |
| Changes to details | Update online within 30 days of the change (HBP para 2.14) |
Sources: Foreign Trade Policy 2023 para 2.05; Handbook of Procedures chapter 2 (paras 2.07, 2.08, 2.14); Appendix 2K fee schedule, all on dgft.gov.in.
| Charge | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| New IEC (ANF-2A) | ₹500 | DGFT, online |
| Annual update, April to June | Nil | Not applicable |
| Modification of IEC details | As shown on the DGFT portal at filing | DGFT, online |
| CorporateWalla professional fee | From ₹1,299 plus GST | CorporateWalla |
Worked example: a proprietor in Surat exporting textiles applies for a new IEC. DGFT fee ₹500, our fee ₹1,299, GST at 18% on our fee ₹233.82. Total about ₹2,033, once. There is no yearly charge, only the free April to June update.
| Situation | IEC needed? |
|---|---|
| Company, LLP, firm, proprietor, trust, HUF or society importing or exporting goods for business | Yes |
| Seller shipping goods abroad by courier or through a cross-border marketplace programme | Yes, this is an export of goods |
| Exporter of services only (software, consulting, design, freelancing) | Generally no, unless claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits |
| Import or export for personal use, not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture | No. Exempt, covered by a permanent IEC |
| Central or State Government departments | No. Exempt, covered by a permanent IEC |
The exempt categories and their permanent IECs are listed in para 2.07 of the Handbook of Procedures. The services position is from the IEC page on dgft.gov.in.
People search for IEC renewal because most registrations expire. An IEC does not. Instead, paragraph 2.05(d) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 requires every IEC holder to update its details electronically every year between April and June, and to confirm them online even when nothing has changed.
| Event | Deadline | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual update | 1 April to 30 June every year | Log in and update or confirm the IEC details; no fee |
| Change of address, bank, constitution or partners/directors | Within 30 days of the change | File a modification online |
| IEC flagged for scrutiny by the system | Within the time allowed | Resolve the flagged risks or the IEC is deactivated |
| IEC deactivated for a missed update | As soon as possible | Complete the update; the IEC is reactivated |
| Applicant | Keep ready |
|---|---|
| Proprietor | PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor, photo, business address proof, cancelled cheque in the business or proprietor name |
| Partnership firm or LLP | PAN of the firm or LLP, partnership deed or LLP incorporation certificate, partner details, address proof, cancelled cheque |
| Private limited company | Company PAN, certificate of incorporation, director details, registered office proof, cancelled cheque with the company name |
| Trust, society or HUF | PAN, registration certificate or deed, address proof, cancelled cheque |
DGFT asks for only two scanned uploads: the address proof and the cancelled cheque or bank certificate. Everything else is entered from your records, so it must match PAN exactly.
An IEC alone does not get a consignment out. Most goods exporters also need GST registration, an annual LUT to export without paying IGST, and an AD code registered at each port. We also run import-export accounting for businesses tracking foreign receipts and duty drawback. Businesses in Gujarat can see our IEC registration page for Ahmedabad.
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Government fee — paid by you at actuals
DGFT charges ₹500 for a new IEC (Appendix 2K, Foreign Trade Policy 2023). The annual update between April and June is free. Paid by you online at actuals.
Every price above is a professional fee, excluding GST and government charges. 50% upfront, 50% on delivery.
PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof of the business premises, and a cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the business name.
CA files the application on the DGFT portal and the ₹500 government fee is paid online.
DGFT validates PAN, bank and address details. Mismatches between the cheque, PAN and address are the usual cause of delay.
You receive the e-IEC. It has no expiry, but it must be updated online every April to June.
Tell us your requirement, a CA will call you in 30 minutes.
Required for any import or export of goods unless an exemption applies. Service exporters need one only to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
An IEC does not expire. It must still be updated online every April to June, or it is deactivated until updated.
Customs asks for the IEC on every shipping bill and bill of entry.
Banks ask for the IEC on import payments and export receipts in foreign currency.
Needed to claim RoDTEP, Advance Authorisation, EPCG and other Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
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