IEC (Import And Export Code) Certificate

An IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is one of the important and crucial business identification number that is mandatory for all the Indian companies or an individual to practice importing and exporting of goods and services. IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is issued by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. For the international trade operations in India, it is prerequisite to have a IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate. This guide will give you a walkthrough about the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate, its importance benefits, etc.

IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is a unique 10-digit code issued to the Indian companies and individuals by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. To legally import or export the goods and services in India IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is required. Without the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate, all the importers cannot clear their shipments and all the exporters cannot claim various export schemes that are provided by the Indian government.

IMPORTANCE OF IEC (IMPORT AND EXPORT CODE) CERTIFICATE

There is a certain importance of the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate for the importers and exporters and some are explained as under:

  • Legal Requirement : IEC (Import and Export Code) is a mandatory certificate which is required by the importers and exporters for a legal trading of all the goods and services from India.
  • Business Expansion IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps the business to expand there reach tom the international market with the help of IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate they can market their goods in the international market without any restriction from the government.
  • Government Benefits IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps various impot-export businesses to have the access to the government policies that can help them to grow
  • Financial Transactions For any international financial transactions and remittances IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is required by the importers and exporters.

Who Needs An IEC (Import And Export Code) Certificate

Any company or an individual who is involved in any of the following activities must apply for the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate

  • IMPORTING GOODS INTO INDIA.
  • EXPORTING GOODS FROM INDIA.
  • RECEIVING SERVICES FROM OUTSIDE INDIA.
  • PROVIDING SERVICES TO CLIENTS OUTSIDE INDIA.

Documents Required For IEC (Import And Export Code) Certificate

To apply for the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate the import-export businesses must provide the following documents to the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and the documents are defined below:

  • Digital Signature : Digital signature is required of the individual or the business entity for the registration for IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate
  • PAN Permanent Account Number of the individual or the business entity is essential for registration
  • Aadhaar Card Adhaar card is to be provided with the matching detail as of the PAN card for the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate
  • Address Details For any international financial transactions and remittances IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is required by the importers and exporters.
  • Address Details An address detail of the branch office is required (via. Electricity bill) for IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate registration
  • Bank Details Of The IEC Holder A cancelled cheque and the bank statement is of the business entity or individual.

Application Process For IEC (Import And Export Code) Certificate

The process to obtain an IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate is very easy and straightforward and involves few steps:

  • Preparation : As discussed before companies must gather all the documents such as PAN card, Bank Details, Address Proof for the submission
  • Legal Requirement IEC (Import and Export Code) is a mandatory certificate which is required by the importers and exporters for a legal trading of all the goods and services from India.
  • Registration On Website The next step is to register on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) website and create a user profile for the individual or the entity.
  • Application Form After successful registration then the next thing to do is fill out the online application form (ANF 2A) on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal.
  • Document Upload As per the format specified at the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal upload all the required documents for processing
  • Payment Of Fees After all the documents are uploaded than pay the required application fees online through the portal.
  • Verification And Approval After all the process is done the application reaches the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) verifies the documents and the application. To make sure that everything is in order and after that DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) issues the IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate electronically.

Benefits Of IEC (Import And Export Code) Certificate

Obtaining an IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate has various benefits and are discussed:

  • Global Market Reach : IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps the business to expand their reach to the international market with the help of IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate they can market their goods in the international market without any restriction from the government.
  • Government Schemes IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps various impot-export businesses to have the access to the government policies that can help them to grow and improve the trade between the domestic and international markets.
  • No Renewal Required IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate provided by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) does not requires a renewal this certificate is provided to the individuals and business entities for a lifetime operation.
  • Simplified Compliance IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps in smoothing the trade between the domestic and international market it helps in facilitating the smooth regulatory compliance and easier custom clearance so that the business runs smoothly
  • Increased Credibility IEC (Import and Export Code) certificate helps the companies and individual entities to enhance their credibility of the business in the eyes of foreign clients and financial institutions so that they can invest in the company.

Frequently Ask Questions

An IEC (Import Export Code) Certificate is a mandatory license issued by the DGFT for businesses engaged in importing or exporting goods and services from India. Without it, no import or export activity can be carried out legally.

With Silvereye Certifications, the IEC process is quick and hassle-free. Typically, it takes 2–5 working days once all required documents are submitted.

The key documents required include:

  • PAN Card of the business or individual
  • Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID (for identity proof)
  • Address proof of the business
  • Bank account details with cancelled cheque

Our expert team ensures a smooth and stress-free process, from documentation to final certification. We provide timely delivery, transparent pricing, and reliable guidance to help your business grow globally without delays.

IEC registration is mandatory for any individual or company involved in import or export activities in India. However, it is not required for goods or services meant for personal use, not connected with trade or business.

No, the IEC Certificate is a lifetime registration and does not require renewal. Once issued, it remains valid unless it is voluntarily surrendered or cancelled by the authority.

No, each business entity must obtain a separate IEC Certificate. A single IEC cannot be used across multiple firms or companies.

An IEC Certificate allows businesses to:

  • Legally import and export goods/services
  • Avail benefits from government export promotion schemes
  • Expand business globally without restrictions
  • Build credibility in international trade