Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for export/import from/to India. No person or entity can make any import or export without IEC number. DGFT has recently introduced the facility of issuing Importer Exporter Code in electronic form (e-IEC).
If there is any change in the particulars of a company, changes in directors, change of address, an application has to be made to the Director General of Foreign Trade to effect such changes in the IEC Records/Certificate. Processing of would be done online and a digitally signed e-IEC would normally be issued/ e-mailed to the applicant within 2 working days on submission of all required particulars and documents.
Application for IEC
The following are the requisite details /documents (scanned copies) to be submitted/ along with the application for IEC:
A. Details of the entity seeking the IEC:
- PAN of the business entity in whose name Import/Export would be done (Applicant individual in case of Proprietorship firms).
- Address Proof of the applicant entity.
- LLPIN /CIN/ Registration Certification Number
- Bank account details of the entity. Cancelled Cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank certificate in prescribed format
B. Details of the Proprietor/ Partners/ Directors/ Secretary of the entity
- PAN (for all categories)
- DIN/DPIN (in case of Company /LLP firm)
C. Details of the signatory applicant
- Identity proof
- PAN
- Digital photograph
In case the applicant has digital signature, the application can also be submitted online and no physical application or document is required. In case the applicant does not possess digital signature, a print out of the application filed online duly signed by the applicant has to be submitted to the concerned jurisdictional Registration Authority, in person or by post.
No Export/Import without IEC:
No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC number unless specifically exempted.
Only one IEC will be issued against one Permanent Account Number (PAN). If any PAN card holder has more than one IEC, the extra IECs shall be disabled.