Import Export Code (IEC)
Required before you can import or export.
Reviewed by CA Hitendra Pal Singh· company law, tax and complianceLast reviewed
An IEC is issued by the DGFT and is a one-time registration, though it must be updated annually to stay active. No consignment clears customs without one.
What is included
- IEC application
- Digital signature coordination
- IEC certificate
What comes after
Next, most people need
AD Code and ICEGATE Registration
An IEC on its own clears nothing at the port. The AD code and ICEGATE registrations are what let your first shipment out, and most exporters do them in the same week.
from ₹1,999 · No government fee. A Class 3 DSC is required for ICEGATE.
See AD Code and ICEGATE RegistrationWhat we will need from you
- PAN of the business
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- Proof of the business address
How long it takes
Typically 3–5 working days.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed. Government processing times vary, and a query from the officer adds to them. We will tell you where yours stands.
Common questions
Does an IEC expire?
It does not expire, but it must be confirmed or updated every year between April and June. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated.