Import Export Code (IEC) Registration in India: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick take

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). It’s mandatory for any business importing or exporting goods/services from India. Apply online at dgft.gov.in. It’s a one-time registration valid for life (annual update required). OpenBiz handles the complete IEC application with verified trade compliance experts.

India’s export market is booming — over $776 billion in merchandise exports in FY 2024-25. Whether you’re a manufacturer exporting goods, a software company billing international clients, or an entrepreneur importing products to sell in India, you need an IEC before your first international transaction. Without it, customs won’t clear your shipments and banks won’t process foreign trade payments.

Who needs an IEC?

✅ Businesses importing goods into India
✅ Businesses exporting goods from India
✅ IT/software companies billing foreign clients (service exports)
✅ Amazon, eBay, Etsy sellers shipping internationally
✅ Freelancers receiving payments from abroad above basic thresholds
✅ D2C brands expanding to global markets
❌ Not needed for personal imports or exports below ₹25,000 in value

Documents required

💳 PAN card of the business entity or proprietor
🆔 Aadhaar card of the applicant
🏦 Cancelled cheque or bank certificate with entity name
🏠 Address proof of the business (electricity bill, rent agreement, or sale deed)
📸 Passport-sized photo of the applicant
📝 Digital signature (DSC) for online filing
🏢 Certificate of incorporation (for companies/LLPs)

How to apply

Step 1 — Register on the DGFT portal

Visit dgft.gov.in and register using your PAN and Aadhaar. You’ll get a login to the DGFT online portal.

Step 2 — Fill the IEC application (ANF 2A)

Fill in business details, upload documents (PAN, Aadhaar, bank proof, address proof, photo), and pay the government fee. Sign with your digital signature certificate (DSC).

Step 3 — Receive your IEC certificate

IEC is typically issued within 1–3 working days after submission. The certificate is emailed and downloadable from the DGFT portal. It’s valid for life but requires an annual update (April-June each year) — even if nothing changes.

💡 Important: Getting the IEC is just step one. You also need GST registration (mandatory for importers), an AD Code from your bank (for customs), and proper HS code classification for your products. OpenBiz’s trade compliance experts handle the full setup so you can start trading immediately.

Stack your registrations for maximum benefit

✅ IEC — for importing/exporting (this guide)
✅ GST Registration — mandatory for importers, needed for input tax credit
✅ MSME Registration — access export subsidies and trade fair support
✅ DPIIT Recognition — IPR fast-tracking and tax benefits for tech exporters
✅ Trademark — protect your brand before going international

Frequently asked questions

Can a sole proprietor get an IEC?

Yes. Any business entity — proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company — can apply for an IEC. Individual freelancers billing international clients also need one.

What happens if I don’t update my IEC annually?

Your IEC can be deactivated by DGFT. This blocks all import/export transactions until you update it. The update is a simple online process — OpenBiz sends you reminders and handles the update.

Do I need IEC to sell on Amazon Global/eBay?

Yes. Shipping products internationally from India requires IEC, GST, and AD Code registration. All of these are handled by OpenBiz’s trade experts.

Start importing or exporting with OpenBiz

Our trade compliance experts handle IEC registration, GST setup, AD Code, HS code classification, and annual updates. Get your complete trade setup done from one platform so you can focus on finding international customers.

Get IEC registration with OpenBiz →

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Last updated: March 2026. Based on DGFT Foreign Trade Policy and IEC registration portal guidelines.