How to Get Import Export Code
Starting or scaling an import/export operation requires more than just a great product—it demands legal compliance on the global stage, and the Import Export Code (IEC) is the foundational document that makes cross-border trade possible. Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, the IEC is mandatory for any entity—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company—wishing to legally import goods into India or export goods and services abroad, and it is also required to clear shipments through customs and to receive foreign currency payments through authorised banking channels. At PNPC Global, we have guided founders and trading firms through DGFT compliance since 1986, and we have seen how a single mismatched detail between PAN, Aadhaar, and bank records can stall an otherwise straightforward application. Obtaining your IEC correctly the first time ensures you are fully compliant with Indian customs and RBI regulations, letting you source raw materials globally or sell finished goods to overseas markets without regulatory roadblocks or shipment delays at the port. This guide walks through the 2026 online application process on the DGFT portal, the documents examiners actually check, and the recurring annual update requirement that many first-time exporters overlook.
Before you start
- Valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) card in the name of the applicant entity or proprietor
- Aadhaar Card linked with an active mobile number for the proprietor, partner, or authorised director signing the application
- Proof of business address such as a rent/lease agreement, latest electricity or utility bill, or property ownership document
- A current bank account in the entity's name along with a cancelled cheque or bank certificate for pre-verification
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-sign access for the authorised signatory, where required by the portal
- A valid, active email ID and mobile number for OTP-based DGFT portal registration
- Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or applicable constitution document for non-proprietorship entities
- A passport-sized photograph of the proprietor or authorised signatory in the specified digital format
Step-by-step
Verify Eligibility and Gather Documents
Confirm your entity type—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited, or any other legal structure recognised under Indian law—is properly constituted before you begin. Collect scanned copies of the PAN card for the entity and all promoters or directors, and confirm that each Aadhaar number is actively linked to a working mobile number, since DGFT relies on OTP verification at multiple stages of the application.
- Keep a soft copy of your bank account details or a cancelled cheque ready
- Note the exact legal name as it appears on your PAN card, since a mismatch is one of the most common reasons for rejection
Create a DGFT Portal Account
Visit the official DGFT website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number to receive OTPs. Complete the initial KYC step by entering PAN details, which the system cross-verifies against Income Tax records to generate your unique DGFT User ID and login credentials for the application.
Initiate the IEC Profile and Business Details
Log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to 'Services' and select 'IEC Profile Management', then choose 'Apply for IEC'. Enter your business constitution, registered address, nature of business activity, and the industrial/business classification that best matches your trade activity.
Fill the Online Application (ANF-2A / IEC Form)
Complete the online application form with accurate business address, contact details of the authorised signatory, and bank account information. Double-check every field against your source documents before proceeding, as the portal does not always allow post-submission edits without a separate modification request.
Complete Aadhaar/PAN e-KYC Verification
Authenticate the applicant's identity through Aadhaar-based OTP verification or a registered Digital Signature Certificate, depending on the entity type and the option available on the portal at the time of filing. This step confirms that the person signing the application is legally authorised to represent the business.
Upload Supporting Documents
Attach scanned copies of the PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of business address, bank certificate or cancelled cheque, and a passport-sized photograph. Ensure every file meets the DGFT portal's format and size requirements—typically PDF or JPEG within a specified size limit—since oversized or unclear scans are a frequent cause of processing delays.
Pay the Application Fee
DGFT currently charges a government application fee of ₹500 for issuing a fresh IEC, payable online via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card through the DGFT payment gateway (Bharatkosh). This fee schedule is set by DGFT and can be revised, so confirm the current amount on the portal before submitting, and retain the transaction receipt after payment.
Review and Submit the Application
Carefully review every section of the form for spelling errors, address mismatches, or incorrect bank details before final submission, since corrections after submission usually require a separate amendment application. Once satisfied, submit the form electronically using your e-sign or DSC.
Track Application Status and Receive the IEC Certificate
Note the application reference number generated after submission and use it to track status on the DGFT dashboard. On approval, the system typically auto-generates the IEC certificate as a downloadable PDF, and confirmation is usually sent by email or SMS to the registered contact details.
Download and Verify the IEC Certificate
Log back into the DGFT portal to download your official IEC certificate once issued, and verify that your name, PAN, and address on the certificate exactly match your other business records. Any discrepancy at this stage should be corrected through a formal modification request before you begin using the IEC for shipments or bank transactions.
Complete the Mandatory Annual IEC Update
DGFT requires IEC holders to electronically confirm or update their IEC details annually within the window running from 1 April to 30 June of each financial year, even when there is no change to report—missing the 30 June deadline results in automatic deactivation of the IEC from 1 July. Set a recurring reminder to log in and complete this confirmation each year, and verify the current update window and process on the DGFT portal since procedural details can change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a PAN card without confirming Aadhaar linkage and OTP access for the signatory
- Providing a business address that does not exactly match the rent agreement or utility bill on record
- Using an outdated or low-resolution photograph that does not match current ID proofs
- Entering a legal entity name that differs even slightly from the name on the PAN card
- Ignoring the mandatory annual IEC update window and letting the code lapse into deactivation
- Uploading bank details for an account not yet fully operational or not in the entity's name
- Assuming government fees are nil without checking the current DGFT fee notification (a ₹500 application fee currently applies)
- Delaying correction of portal-flagged discrepancies, which can extend the approval timeline well beyond the typical window
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for IEC registration?
Yes—DGFT currently charges a government application fee of ₹500 for issuing a fresh IEC, payable online through the portal's payment gateway. This fee schedule is set by DGFT and can be revised, so it is worth confirming the current notification on the portal before you apply. Professional service charges may separately apply if you engage a consultant such as PNPC Global to manage documentation and filing on your behalf.
Can minors or foreign nationals get an IEC in India?
Minors cannot be listed as proprietors or authorised signatories; an adult guardian typically needs to represent the business on their behalf where permitted. Foreign nationals without the relevant residency or business registration status in India generally need additional approvals or a locally registered entity before they can obtain an IEC—this is worth confirming with a professional given how case-specific the requirements can be.
How long does the IEC approval process take?
In our experience, the process typically takes anywhere from a few working days to about two weeks when documents are accurate and Aadhaar/PAN verification goes through smoothly. Delays usually stem from document mismatches, incomplete KYC, or manual review flags rather than the portal itself.
Is the IEC valid for life?
Yes, once issued, the Import Export Code does not expire and does not require periodic renewal in the traditional sense. However, DGFT has introduced a mandatory annual online confirmation requirement, and failing to complete it can lead to the IEC being deactivated, so ongoing compliance still matters even though the code itself has no expiry date.
Can I apply if my Aadhaar is not linked to my mobile number?
The DGFT portal relies on OTP-based verification for identity confirmation, so an active Aadhaar-mobile linkage significantly smooths the process. If your Aadhaar is not linked, you will generally need to update this with UIDAI first, or use an alternative verification route such as a Digital Signature Certificate where the portal permits it.
Do I need a separate IEC for each business location or branch?
No, a single IEC is issued against the PAN of the entity and is generally valid for all branches and business locations under that same legal entity across India. You would only need a fresh IEC if you register a distinct legal entity with its own PAN.
What happens if my IEC gets deactivated?
An IEC can be deactivated for reasons such as missing the mandatory annual update, incorrect KYC details, or non-compliance flagged by DGFT or customs authorities. Reactivation is usually possible by logging into the portal, updating the required details, and completing the pending confirmation, though the exact steps can vary by case.
Can a single proprietorship business obtain an IEC?
Yes, sole proprietorships are eligible and commonly apply for an IEC using the proprietor's PAN, Aadhaar, and business address proof. The application process is broadly the same as for partnerships or companies, with proprietor details substituting for director or partner information.
Is IEC the same as GST registration?
No, IEC and GST registration serve different purposes—IEC authorises cross-border import/export activity with DGFT and customs, while GST registration governs domestic indirect tax compliance. Most trading businesses need both, and IEC applications sometimes reference GST details for verification, but holding one does not substitute for the other.
Do I need an IEC for export of services, not just goods?
Generally yes—an IEC is required for most cross-border trade in goods and is also commonly needed to receive foreign remittances for exported services through banking channels, subject to RBI and DGFT rules in force at the time. Certain categories of trade and government departments have specific exemptions, so it is worth confirming applicability for your exact business activity.
Can I modify my IEC details after issuance?
Yes, DGFT allows IEC holders to update details such as address, bank account, or director information through the portal's modification workflow, typically supported by fresh documentary proof. It is good practice to keep your IEC details current, since mismatches with customs or banking records can hold up shipments or payment realisation.
How does PNPC Global help with IEC applications?
We review your documents for consistency before filing, handle the DGFT portal submission and KYC verification steps, track the application through to certificate issuance, and set reminders for your mandatory annual IEC update so the code stays active. This end-to-end support is particularly useful for first-time exporters navigating the portal for the first time.
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