Import Export Code (IEC)

Overview

One registration, lifetime validity

The Import Export Code is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and it's mandatory for any business involved in cross-border trade. It's a one-time registration with no expiry, though an annual updation on the DGFT portal is required to keep it active.

Mandatory for cross-border trade

Customs authorities, banks, and shipping partners will not clear an import or export shipment without a valid IEC.

Lifetime validity, minimal upkeep

Register once and it never expires — just confirm your details on the DGFT portal every year between April and June.

Access to export incentive schemes

IEC holders can apply for schemes like RoDTEP and other DGFT export incentives that directly improve margins.

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See your estimated tax in seconds

A quick estimate to get you started — for a precise timeline tailored to your trade activity, book a consultation

Tax regime

Annual income (₹)

₹

₹0₹25L₹50L+

Estimated tax payable

₹ 97,500

Effective rate 6.5% · new regime on ₹15,00,000

Taxable income₹ 14,25,000

Tax as per slabs₹ 93,750

Health & education cess (4%)+₹ 3,750

The New Regime saves you ₹ 1,59,900 compared to the Old Regime.

Illustrative estimate for FY 2025-26 — assumes salaried income eligible for the standard deduction, and includes the Section 87A rebate and 4% cess. Surcharge is applied at a flat rate without its own marginal relief. Does not account for other deductions or individual circumstances. Book a consultation for an exact figure.

Simple, from start to finish

How it works

Book a consultation

Tell us about your import/export activity so we can prepare the right application.

Share your documents

Securely upload PAN, bank, and address details, guided step by step.

We file with DGFT

Your application is submitted online through the DGFT portal with all supporting details.

IEC issued

Your Import Export Code certificate is generated and shared with you, ready to use with customs and banks.

Typically 2–5 working days

Questions

Frequently asked

01Is IEC mandatory for every importer or exporter?

Yes. Barring a few exempted categories (like personal use imports/exports and certain government departments), you cannot clear customs for a commercial shipment without a valid IEC.

02What happens if I trade without one?

Customs will not clear your shipment, and banks generally won't process related foreign remittances — meaning your goods (or payment) simply get stuck at the border or bank.

03Does IEC need to be renewed every year?

It doesn't expire, but DGFT requires an annual updation of your IEC details between April and June each year. Skip it and your IEC gets deactivated until you update it.

04Can I have more than one IEC?

No — only one IEC is issued per PAN. If your business has multiple branches, they all operate under the same IEC linked to that PAN.

05Why book a consultation instead of registering myself?

A mismatch between your PAN details, bank records, and DGFT application is the most common cause of rejection or delay. We make sure the application is filed clean the first time, and that you understand the annual updation requirement so it never lapses.

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