DGFT IEC: Benefits, Applicability, Documents & Status Check

In the world of international trade, every business aspiring to import or export goods and services from India must obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC). Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC is a vital document that acts as a key to enter the global market. This article provides an in-depth understanding of DGFT IEC, its importance, application process, benefits, and more.

What is DGFT IEC?

DGFT IEC refers to the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)—a key regulatory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The IEC is a 10-digit unique identification number that is mandatory for any individual or business entity engaged in import or export of goods and services from India. It acts as a license allowing companies to operate in the international trade space and is essential for:

• Customs clearance of shipments.
• International financial transactions through banks.
• Claiming benefits under various export promotion schemes.

Importance of DGFT IEC (Importer Exporter Code)

In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses have vast opportunities to expand beyond domestic markets and enter the international arena. Engaging in the import and export of goods or services can significantly accelerate business growth, open new revenue streams, and enhance brand visibility. One of the foundational requirements to begin this journey is obtaining the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The DGFT IEC plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to scale globally. Here's why it is essential:

1. Unlocks Access to International Markets

The IEC is a mandatory legal prerequisite for any entity wishing to import or export goods and services from India. It acts as a business passport to the global market. With an IEC in hand 

• Businesses can legally ship products internationally.
• It facilitates smoother customs clearance.
• Companies can partner with global vendors and clients with greater credibility.
• In essence, it opens the door to global growth and expansion.

2. Simple and Online Registration Process

The DGFT has streamlined the IEC application process to be fully online, making it convenient, transparent, and accessible:

• Applications are submitted via the DGFT portal: www.dgft.gov.in
• Verification is done digitally through Aadhaar, PAN, or DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
• The process is quick, and in most cases, the IEC is issued within 1–2 business days.

3. Minimal Documentation

Unlike many other business registrations that require extensive paperwork, obtaining an IEC involves very few documents:

• PAN of the entity or individual
• Address proof of the business
• Bank details (like a cancelled cheque or bank certificate)

This makes it efficient and hassle-free, especially for startups and small businesses.

4. Lifetime Validity

One of the most attractive features of the DGFT IEC is its lifetime validity:

• Once issued, it remains valid as long as the business exists.
• No periodic renewal or revalidation is required.

This helps reduce administrative burden and ensures continuity in international operations.

Note: Although IEC is valid for life, businesses must update the details annually between April and June to keep the code active and compliant.

5. Helps Prevent Illegal Trade

To obtain an IEC, the applicant must submit authentic business and identity information. This regulatory requirement ensures:

• Greater transparency in international trade.
• Prevention of smuggling or movement of prohibited goods.
• Traceability of transactions, enhancing national and global security.

Thus, IEC acts as a gatekeeping mechanism against illegal or unethical trade practices 

6. Eligibility for Government Incentives and Tax Benefits

With an IEC, businesses can avail of various benefits and incentives offered by the government:

• Duty drawback schemes
• Subsidies from Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
• Access to RoDTEP, SEIS, MEIS, and other export incentives

GST-related benefits like:

•  LUT filing (Letter of Undertaking) to export without paying IGST.
• Tax refunds on paid GST for exports.

These benefits can significantly improve profitability and make Indian products more competitive globally.

7. No Compliance Burden

Unlike other registrations (like GST, ROC, or income tax), the IEC does not require frequent compliance:

• No annual return filing
• No regular renewals
• No separate audits

This makes it one of the most business-friendly registrations in India.

8. Enhances Business Credibility

Holding an IEC boosts the credibility and trustworthiness of a business in the eyes of international customers and regulatory authorities. It shows:

• The business is legally authorised to engage in global trade.
• It meets all required standards and regulations.
• It can be trusted for cross-border partnerships and contracts.

Validity of DGFT IEC

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT comes with lifetime validity, making it one of the most convenient registrations for businesses engaged in international trade. Once obtained, the IEC does not require renewal or periodic filing.

It remains valid as long as the business continues operations and the registration is not voluntarily surrendered or revoked by the authorities.

DGFT IEC Applicability

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is applicable to all entities involved in import or export activities, regardless of the type or size of the business.  Whether it's an individual, a small firm, or a large corporation, obtaining an IEC is mandatory to legally import or export goods and services from India.

Entities Eligible to Apply for DGFT IEC:

• Proprietorship Firm
• Partnership Firm
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Private or Public Limited Company
• Trust
• Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
• Society or Cooperative Society

Pre-Requisites for Applying for IEC

Before applying for an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) through the DGFT portal, the following conditions must be met:

• Valid DGFT Portal Login: The applicant must first register on the DGFT portal and obtain valid login credentials.
• Eligible Business Entity: The IEC can be applied for on behalf of any of the above-mentioned eligible entities.
• Active PAN: The firm or entity must possess a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN). Key details such as name, date of birth, or date of incorporation (as applicable) must exactly match the PAN records.
• Bank Account: A valid bank account in the name of the firm or entity must be in place prior to applying.
• Registered Address: The firm must have a valid and verifiable business address.

Note: All provided information, including PAN details, will be electronically verified with the Income Tax Department’s database during the application process.

Documents Required for DGFT IEC Registration

When applying for an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), the following scanned documents must be submitted as part of the online application process:

1. Proof of Establishment / Incorporation / Registration

Depending on the type of business entity, the relevant certificate must be provided:

• Partnership Firm: Partnership deed or registration certificate
• Registered Society: Society registration certificate
• Trust: Trust deed
• Hindu Undivided Family (HUF): Declaration or relevant proof
• Other entities: Certificate of incorporation or registration issued by the relevant authority 

2. Proof of Address

Any one of the following documents can be submitted as valid proof of business address:

• Sale deed
• Rent agreement
• Lease deed
• Electricity bill
• Telephone (landline) bill
• Mobile post-paid bill
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• Partnership deed

For Proprietorship firms, the following documents are also acceptable: 

• Aadhaar card
• Passport
• Voter ID

Note:

If the address proof is not in the name of the applicant firm, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner of the premises, along with their address proof, must be submitted together as a single PDF file.

3. Proof of Firm’s Bank Account

The firm must provide proof of an active bank account, such as:

• Canceled cheque
• Bank certificate

The bank account details will be used for verification and online payment of application fees.

4. Digital Signature or Aadhaar

The applicant should have an active Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar of any authorised member of the firm for signing and submitting the application online.

How to Get DGFT IEC: Step-by-Step Procedure

Obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps to apply for your IEC certificate:

1. Visit the Official DGFT Website

• Go to the DGFT website
• Click on the ‘Services’ tab on the homepage.
• From the dropdown, select ‘IEC Profile Management’.

2. Start IEC Application

• On the IEC page, click on ‘Apply for IEC’.
• You will be redirected to a new page to begin your application.

3. Register as a New User

• Click the ‘Register’ button to create a new DGFT account.
• Fill in the required details like name, email, and phone number.
• Click ‘Send OTP’ to verify your mobile number.
• Enter the OTP received and click ‘Register’. 

After successful registration, you will receive a temporary password via email or SMS. You can change this password after your first login.

4. Proceed with DGFT IEC Login

• Use your registered username and password to log in to DGthe FT portal.
• After logging in, go to the dashboard.

5. Apply for IEC

• Click on ‘Apply for IEC’ on the dashboard.
• Choose ‘Start Fresh Application’ if applying for the first time or ‘Proceed with Existing Application’ if you have a saved draft.
• Fill out the application form (ANF 2A format) with the required details.

6. Fill in Application Details

General Information:

• Select the nature of the firm (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, etc.)
• Enter firm name, PAN details, CIN (if applicable), and GSTIN number
• Provide the firm’s mobile number, email ID, and complete address
• Attach proof of the firm’s address
• Details of Proprietor/Partner/Director/Karta/Managing Trustee: Fill in relevant personal and contact details.
• Bank Account Details: Enter the firm’s bank account number, IFSC code, and upload a cancelled cheque or bank certificate. 
• Other Details: Specify preferred export sectors and activities.
• Declaration: Accept the terms and conditions by checking the declaration box. 

7. Sign the Application

• Review the application summary carefully.
• Sign the application using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-signature.

Note: Details like PAN and firm information will be verified in real-time against the Income Tax Department database.

8. Make the Payment

• Proceed to pay the prescribed application fee online.
• Payment confirmation will redirect you back to the DGFT portal.

9. Download the Receipt and Track Application

• After successful payment, download the payment receipt or application ticket.
• You can track the status of your IEC application via the ‘My IEC’ section on the DGFT portal.

10. Receive IEC Certificate

Once approved, the IEC certificate will be sent to the registered email address. You can also log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to ‘Manage IEC’, and use the ‘Print Certificate’ option to download your IEC certificate anytime.

The IEC details will also be transmitted to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and you can check the transmission status under ‘IEC Status’.

How to View DGFT IEC Details?

Users can easily view the details of any Importer Exporter Code (IEC) through the official DGFT website using the View DGFT IEC (View Any IEC) feature. This tool allows verification of basic IEC details and the DEL (Denial of Export License) status for validation purposes.

Steps to View IEC Details

• Visit the official DGFT portal and navigate to the ‘View Any IEC’ section.

• Enter the Importer/Exporter Code (IEC): Input the 10-digit IEC number you want to verify.
• Enter the Firm Name: Provide at least the first three characters of the firm name associated with the IEC
• Complete the CAPTCHA: Type the CAPTCHA code exactly as displayed to verify you are a genuine user.

• Submit the details: Once the information is entered correctly, submit the form to view the basic IEC details, including the status of the IEC and DEL status if applicable.

How to Check DGFT IEC Status?

The DGFT IEC Status refers to the current standing or condition of an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This status indicates whether the IEC is:

• Active (valid and usable for import/export activities),
• Inactive/Cancelled/Revoked, or
• Under Process (if the application is still being reviewed).

Checking the IEC status helps businesses and regulatory authorities confirm the legitimacy and usability of the IEC for trade transactions.

Procedure to Check DGFT IEC Status

• Visit the Official DGFT Website
• Navigate to the IEC Section
• Click on the ‘Services’ tab, then select ‘IEC Profile Management’ or directly visit the ‘View Any IEC’ page.
• Enter Required Details: Enter the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) number.
• Enter at least the first three characters of the Firm Name associated with the IEC.
• Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
• Submit the Form: Click on the submit or search button to view the IEC status and basic details.

Additional Tip

You can also track the CBIC transmission status of your IEC by logging into the DGFT portal under ‘My IEC’. This confirms if your IEC data has been successfully shared with customs authorities.

Conclusion

The DGFT IEC is a crucial document for any Indian business looking to engage in import or export activities. Its simple application process, lifetime validity, and the gateway it provides to international trade make it indispensable for exporters and importers. Whether you are a startup or an established company, obtaining an IEC from DGFT is your first step towards expanding your business globally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DGFT IEC?

DGFT IEC stands for the Importer Exporter Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is a mandatory 10-digit code required for businesses to import or export goods and services from India.

2. How do I apply for the DGFT IEC?

You can apply for DGFT IEC online by registering on the DGFT portal, submitting required documents like PAN, address proof, and bank details, and filling out the IEC application form.

3. Is DGFT IEC registration valid for a limited period?

No, DGFT IEC registration is valid for a lifetime unless it is surrendered or cancelled by the applicant or revoked by the DGFT.

4. Can I check my DGFT IEC status online?

Yes, you can check your DGFT IEC status by visiting the DGFT website and entering your IEC number along with the firm name in the ‘View Any IEC’ section.

5. What documents are needed for DGFT IEC registration?

Documents required for DGFT IEC registration include PAN card of the firm, address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.), bank account proof (canceled cheque or bank certificate), and firm registration/incorporation proof.

6. Can I update my details after getting the DGFT IEC?

Yes, the DGFT IEC can be updated online through the DGFT portal by submitting a modification request for details such as address, contact info, or bank details.

7. Do I need a DGFT IEC to import goods into India?

Yes, an IEC issued by DGFT is mandatory for importing goods into India. Without an IEC, customs clearance of goods will not be possible.

8. How to Print DGFT IEC Certificate

To print your IEC certificate, log in to your account on the DGFT portal using your username and password. After logging in, go to the ‘Manage IEC’ section and select the option to ‘Print IEC Certificate’. Your certificate, containing all relevant firm details and a unique QR code for verification, will be available for download and printing, which you can keep for official use or customs clearance.

9. How to Update DGFT IEC Details

If you need to update your IEC details, log in to your DGFT account and access the ‘Modify IEC’ or ‘Update IEC’ section. Make the necessary changes such as updating your firm address, contact info, or bank details. Submit the update request online. Many changes are auto-approved, allowing quick updates without lengthy approval processes, ensuring your IEC information remains accurate and compliant.

RENU SURESH Expert

Updated on: May 30th, 2025