Planning to expand your business to international markets? To import or export goods and services from India, you need a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This unique 10-digit IEC number is your gateway to global trade. Without it, customs clearance, foreign transactions, and export benefits are not possible.
At Accountrepreneur, we simplify the process of obtaining your IEC. From documents to online application and approval, our experts ensure you get your code quickly, accurately, and stress-free.
An IEC, or Importer Exporter Code, is a 10-digit unique identification number that anyone involved in importing or exporting goods from India must have. It’s issued by the DGFT under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and acts as an official recognition for your trading activities. Without it, you cannot legally engage in international trade.
Key points:
Required for customs clearance – essential for moving goods across borders.
Needed for international payments – mandatory for sending or receiving money related to imports/exports.
Proof of importer/exporter status – establishes your legal identity in international trade.
IEC registration is necessary for anyone importing goods or services into India or exporting them abroad. It applies to all business types—sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, private/public limited companies, trusts, and more. Personal imports or exports not linked to trade are exempt.
IEC is mandatory for customs clearance and international banking—without it, shipments won’t move and foreign transactions won’t process. It also opens doors to global trade opportunities and comes with lifetime validity, though an annual online update between April and June is required.
We simplify IEC registration in a few easy steps: check if your business needs it, prepare required documents like PAN and bank details, file Form ANF 2A on the DGFT portal, upload scanned documents, pay the government fee online, and receive your e-IEC certificate directly from DGFT.
We handle the entire IEC registration process from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or online formalities. From checking your eligibility and guiding you on the required documents, to accurately filing the application on the DGFT portal, uploading documents, managing the government fee, and following up until your e-IEC certificate is delivered we take care of every step with precision and care, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on your business.
Frequently asked questions to address your queries about IEC registration with Accountrepreneur
Yes. Individuals can apply using their PAN, even as sole proprietors, without a business entity.
No. IEC is mandatory for commercial imports/exports. Without it, customs and banks will block your transactions.
Yes. Even though IEC has lifetime validity, it must be updated electronically on the DGFT portal every year between April–June.
No. A single PAN can have only one IEC. Multiple branches of the same business will operate under the same IEC.
Get your Importer-Exporter Code quickly and start trading internationally with expert support.