Apply For Your Import Export Code
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Must Know Facts about Import Export Code
- Every Indian import/export business needs a 10-digit import-export code.
- The Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, issues the IEC code without filing or renewal. Importers need IEC Numbers to clear customs, ship, and transfer money to foreign banks.
- Exporters need their IEC Code to ship and receive foreign bank funds.
Benefits of IEC Code
- The IEC registration online helps traders, including e-commerce operators, open the doors to venture into the global market.
- Businesses can avail of government schemes like the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), the Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS), and others from customs and export promotion.
- There are no compliance requirements post import export code registration, so maintaining the business is relatively simple.
- The process of obtaining an IEC Code online is simple and can be obtained with minimal, basic documents.
Validity of Import Export Code
The validity of an IEC certificate is for a lifetime. This means that once an IEC code is obtained, it is valid for all entity import or export transactions. There is no need to renew or update the IEC code after a certain period.
Nature of the Firm Obtaining an IEC Code
IEC certificate can be obtained by any individual, company, partnership firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or any other entity engaged in import or export activities. Whether you are an exporter or importer, having an IEC certificate is mandatory for all such transactions. Even if a business is not actively engaged in import or export activities but plans to do so, it still needs to obtain an IEC beforehand.
Prerequisites for Applying for IEC Code
To apply IEC code online, the following prerequisites are required:
- A valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department of India is mandatory.
- The applicant must have a bank account in the firm’s or individual’s name, as an IEC certificate is issued in the applicant’s name.
- The business entity should be registered under the Registrar of Companies (ROC)
- The applicant must submit the relevant documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and business entity details, to the DGFT office.
Documents Required for Import Export Code (IEC) Registration
The documents required for an IEC registration are listed below.
- PAN card of the company (not applicable in the case of the proprietor)
- Applicant’s PAN and Aadhaar card (driving license/Aadhaar/voter ID)
- Incorporation certificate/partnership deed.
- Address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement/Sale Deed of the office location)
- Copy of cancelled cheque leaf/banker certificate of the current account in the company’s name.

Exemption of Import Export Code
- Persons undertaking Import and Export in India for personal reasons and not connected to trade, agriculture and manufacture.
- The parties/individuals who import/export goods to/from Nepal and Myanmar with a single consignment must not exceed the value of ₹25,000 through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (via Namgaya Shipkila, Gunji, and Nathula ports)
- As listed in the Appendix – 3, schedule 2 of ITC, exemption from obtaining the IEC Code shall not be applicable for the export of materials, organisms, special chemicals, equipment & technologies (SCOMET)
- Ministries/departments of central and state governments.
- The following permanent IEC numbers shall be used by non-commercial PSUs and categories of importers/exporters mentioned against them for import/export purposes.
Code Number
Categories of Importers / Exporters
100000011
All Ministries / Departments of Central Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
100000029
All Ministries / Departments of any State Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
100000037
Diplomatic personnel, Counselor officers in India and officials of UNO and its specialised agencies.
100000045
Indians returning from / going abroad and claiming benefits under Baggage Rules.
100000053
Persons / Institutions / Hospitals importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
100000061
Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal
100000070
Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas
100000088
Ford Foundation
100000096
Importers importing goods for display or use in fairs/exhibitions or similar events under provisions of ATA Carnet. This IEC number can also be used by importers importing for exhibitions/fairs as per Para 2.29 of HBPv1.
100000100
Director, National Blood Group Reference Laboratory, Bombay or their authorised offices.
100000126
Individuals / Charitable Institution / Registered NGOs importing goods, which have been exempted from Customs duty under Notification issued by the Ministry of Finance for bonafide use by victims affected by natural calamity.
100000134
Persons importing/exporting permissible goods as notified from time to time, from/to China through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports, subject to value ceilings of single consignment as given in Para 2.8(iv) above.
100000169
Non-commercial imports and exports by entities who have been authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
However, commercial public sector undertakings (PSUs) that have obtained PAN will be required to obtain the import-export code number. The permanent IEC number, as mentioned above, shall be used by non-commercial PSUs.
Online Registration Process

Select the package that suits you.
a. list of services purchased
b. documents to be submitted or next action.

Make a payment, and you will receive your personalised dashboard login and password.

Once documentation is complete, you will be informed about the next steps through email and sms, and you can also check the current status of your request in your personalised dashboard.

If you have any questions, you can use the Helpdesk system on your dashboard to ask us, and we’ll be pleased to call you if needed.

Our Compliance Manager will check your submitted documents and contact you for any inconsistencies.

Our team will provide the necessary information at each step to ensure a seamless experience.
Registration Process of Subsidiary of a Foreign Company
Step 1:
Obtaining DSC
Step 2:
Apply for the DIN
Step 3:
Application for the name availability
Step 4:
Submission of MOA and AOA to register a private limited company
Step 5:
Apply for the PAN and TAN of the company
Step 6:
ROC issues a certificate of incorporation with a PAN and TAN
Step 7:
Appoint nominee director
Entire process will take 2 to 3 weeks (Approx)
Key Registration Services: Tailored to Your Needs
Each Pvt Ltd has different functions and operations. Thus, registrations are needed.
MSME Registration
MSME or Udyog Aadhaar registration is to be obtained in the business’s name to establish that Pvt Ltd is registered with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Import Export Code
Import Export Code or IE code is obtained from the DGFT in case the Pvt Ltd business does export /import from India.
TAN Registration
TAN registration must be obtained for Pvt Ltd from the income tax department if the partnership firm is required to deduct any TDS while making any payments as per Income Tax Act 1961.
FSSAI Registration
In case Pvt Ltd is involved in the selling of food products or handling of food products, FSSAI registration must be obtained from the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India in the name of the Pvt Ltd firm.
GST Registration
GST registration must be obtained if Pvt Ltd sells goods or services that cross the GST turnover threshold limit for registration. In most states, GST registration is required for service providers having annual revenue of more than Rs 20 lakhs and in the case of traders-annual revenue of more than Rs. 40 lakhs.
Current Account
A current account can be opened for Pvt Ltd in any bank in India. We offer exclusive partnerships through which zero-balance current accounts can be opened.
Shop & Establishment License
We will register for Shop & Establishment license if needed as per the criteria.
Applicable Taxes and Annual Compliance
Statutory Auditor Appointment
Within 30 days of incorporation.
Annual Return
Companies registered in India must file MCA annual returns annually in forms AOC-4 and MGT-7 by 31st October.
Commencement of Business
The capital mentioned in the MOA [Memorandum of Association] must be deposited in a bank, and a commencement certificate must be obtained from MCA within 180 days of Incorporation.
DIN KYC
The DIN KYC procedure must be completed each year by the company’s directors by 30th April.
Income Tax Filing
Companies registered in India must file income tax returns each year in Form ITR-6 by 30th September.
GST Filing
Financial Statement Preparation
Entire process will take 2 to 3 weeks (Approx)
Frequently Asked Questions