Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
IEC is a registration required for persons / entity / organization / companies importing or exporting goods and services from India.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DGFT) of India issues a 10 digit number called the IE Code.
An online application is submitted on the DGFT web site http://dgft.gov.in were the individual/company has to apply in their respective zonal office. The necessary supporting documents as per the Para 2.9 of Handbook of Procedures of Vol I 2009-14 and fees should be made along with the application. The timeline for obtaining the IE Code is 15 – 20 working days post submissions. You might also like to read about CDSCO Portal For Import License And Registration Certificate.
Use of IEC
An Exporter/Importer is recognized by its IE Code Number by the Government of India. Regulating bodies such as DGFT, Customs and Export Promotion Council requires this unique number to conduct operations with companies in India.
IE Code is required in only limited circumstances, when import/export in international trade is in ‘specified services’ or ‘specified technologies’ is restricted by the Government of India that may relate to national security.
The following are the circumstances IEC are not required
Import/export by government departments and ministries.
Import/export by certain notified charitable organizations.
Import/export of goods for personal use.
Procedure for Application of IEC Code Number:
Application procedure
In the link http://dgft.gov.in an application has to be submitted online at (DGFT) duly filled in along with documents. Refer the Para 2.9 of Handbook of Procedures of Vol I 2009-14 and fees.
The following are the Essential Requirements to apply for IEC Code Number:
IEC Code Number (in case of re-application)
Bankers Certificate
PAN Number
Current Bank Account
Application Fee
After online submission within 15 days the application containing required documents should reach DGFT RLA
If E-mail is provided it will facilitate faster communication but it is not mandatory.
Check List of Documents to apply for IE Code
Self-certified copy of PAN (Permanent Account Number) Issuing letter or Card issued by Income Tax Authority.
Two copies of passport size photos of the applicant duly attested by the Banker of the applicant.
Registered post or challan/DD of Rs.100/- for speed post.
Scanned copy of Bank Certificate. This should be in .gif format
Scanned copy of applicant Photograph. This should be in .gif format
For other mandatory documents format refer 2.9 of Vol I 2009-14 in Handbook of Procedures of. These documents must be in pdf format only.
Submitting online document must be in gif /pdf format should not exceed 300 KB size.
Exporter must have an account for Net banking with one of the following designated banks
CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA
PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
IDBI
UTI/AXIS BANK
UNION BANK OF INDIA
HDFC BANK
ICICI BANK
BANK OF INDIA
STATE BANK OF INDIA
All date should be entered in this DD.MM.YYYY format.
The scanned copy of RBI approval letter must be submitted if an applicant is Nonresident Indian (NRI) and there is NRI interest in the Firm/company and NRI investment with repatriation benefits in the firm
Before online submission applicant must ensure that the documents attached are properly visible and complete otherwise application is likely to be treated as incomplete.
| Sl.No | Documents | For Govt. Undertaking | For Public Limited | For Pvt. Limited | Proprietorship | Partnership | None | Others |
| 1. | Valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| 2. | Photograph of applicant | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| 3. | Bank Certificate | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| 4. | Memorandum of association along with Certificate of Incorporation. | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | – | – | – | – |
| 5. | Extract of Board Resolution | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | – | – | – | – |
| 6. | Form 32 in case of change of Directors | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | – | – | – | – |
| 7. | Form 18 in case of change of registered office-wherever applicableRBI approval letter. (Applicable in case of NRI) | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | – | – | – | – |
| 8. | RBI Approval Order Copy [applicable in case of NRI only] | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory |
Duplicate Copy of IEC Number:
Where an IE Code Number is lost or misplaced, the issuing authority may consider requests for issue of a duplicate copy of IEC number, if accompanied by a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation.