IEC Code Registration: Step-by-Step Process, Fees & Documents
TL;DR - Summary
- What is IEC registration? - A one-time DGFT registration that gives your business a 10-digit Importer-Exporter Code, required to legally export goods or services and receive foreign payments.
- What documents do you need? - PAN, proof of identity, proof of business address, current-account bank details, a photograph, and entity-specific papers based on your business structure.
- How do you apply? - Fully online on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in, in six steps from registration to submission, signed with an Aadhaar OTP or DSC.
- What are the fees and timeline? - ₹500 if you file yourself, issued in 1 to 3 working days. Consultancies charge around ₹3,499.
- What keeps your IEC active? - A free annual update on the DGFT portal between April and June. Skip it, and DGFT deactivates the code.
What Is an IEC Code and Why to Register for it?
An IEC, or Importer-Exporter Code, is a 10-digit business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). You need it to legally import or export goods and services across India's borders.
After GST, your IEC uses the same number as your PAN. But it doesn't appear automatically when you get a PAN. It's a separate certificate you apply for through DGFT, and you only ever get one IEC per PAN. Once issued, it stays valid for the life of your business, with no renewal fee or expiry date. The only catch is a mandatory annual update on the DGFT portal, which we'll cover later.
So why does it matter? An IEC does a few specific jobs:
- Legal compliance. Commercial imports or exports without one go against India's foreign trade laws.
- Customs clearance. Customs won't move your cargo without an active IEC.
- Bank remittances. Banks ask for it before releasing incoming foreign payments.
- Government benefits. Foreign Trade Policy schemes, such as duty drawbacks and GST refunds, require it.
💡 QUICK INSIGHT
Service exporters need an IEC too. IT firms, designers, and consultants receiving foreign remittances all qualify.
What Documents Are Required for IEC Registration?
You need five core documents at the time of applying for an IEC code online:
- PAN card. Individual or entity PAN. This becomes your IEC number after GST.
- Proof of identity. Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport of the applicant. This matters most for proprietors applying as individuals.
- Proof of business address. A recent electricity or telephone bill, rent agreement, or sale/lease deed. If the place isn't in your name, you'll also need an NOC from the owner.
- Bank details. A canceled cheque from your current account showing the entity's pre-printed name, or a bank certificate in form ANF-2A(i).
- Photograph. A digital passport-sized photo of the applicant.
Then there are the entity-specific documents. Companies and partnerships need the Director's or Partner's PAN plus a registration document: the Certificate of Incorporation with MoA/AoA for companies, an LLP Agreement for LLPs, or a Partnership Deed for firms. Trusts and societies submit their trust deed or society registration certificate.
At the time of filing, you'll authenticate with an Aadhaar OTP or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
⚠️ WATCH OUT
Make sure your name matches exactly across your PAN, bank account, and registration papers. Name mismatches are the single most common reason IEC applications get delayed or rejected.
How to Apply for IEC Code Online: Step-by-Step DGFT Process
The whole process is online, done on the official DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. No office visit, no physical paperwork. Proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, private limited companies, trusts, and societies can all apply the same way.
Step 1: Visit the DGFT portal
Go to dgft.gov.in.
Step 2: Register as a new user
On the homepage, open the 'Services' tab and select 'IEC Profile Management.' Register as a new user (importer/exporter) using your PAN, email, and mobile number. Verify with the OTP to get a temporary password. Log in and change it right away.
Step 3: Start a fresh IEC application (Form ANF 2A)
From your dashboard, click "Apply for IEC" and begin a new application. Pick the entity type that matches your business. Enter your legal business name exactly as it reads on your PAN and GST records, then add proprietor, director, or partner details along with your bank information.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload scanned copies of your PAN, proof of identity, proof of business address, canceled cheque or bank certificate, and any entity-specific documents like an incorporation certificate, partnership deed, or LLP agreement.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
The government fee is ₹500, paid through the Bharatkosh gateway. It accepts net banking, debit or credit card, and UPI. Download the receipt once payment goes through.
Step 6: Sign and submit
Sign using either an Aadhaar OTP or your DSC, then submit. DGFT issues the IEC electronically and sends it to your registered email. If your details and documents are correct, this usually takes 1 to 3 working days. You can also download the certificate from the portal any time after it's issued.
✅ PRO TIP
Double-check that your business name is identical across your PAN, GST, and bank records before you submit. A mismatch at Step 3 is what sends most applications back for correction.
Further Read: IEC code verification online → https://www.skydo.com/blog/iec-code-verification-online
What Are the Fees and Processing Time for IEC Registration?
The government fee is ₹500, and that's the only mandatory cost if you apply yourself on the DGFT portal. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 working days once you've submitted a complete, error-free application. DGFT issues the certificate electronically and emails it to you, and you can download it from the portal whenever you need it.
There are no recurring fees after that. Your IEC is a one-time registration valid for the life of your business, and the only ongoing requirement is the free annual update on the DGFT portal.
Costs go up if you hand the job to a consultancy instead of filing directly. One common market example: a Digital Signature Certificate costs around ₹999, and professional fees add roughly ₹2,000, bringing the total to about ₹3,499 through a third party. Filing yourself on the portal skips all of that.
✅ PRO TIP
A DSC isn't compulsory. You can sign the application with an Aadhaar OTP for free, which is what keeps the direct route at just ₹500.
How Does Skydo Help Once Your IEC Code is Ready?
Your IEC clears you to export. But you still need a way to actually receive the money your foreign clients send, and that's where banks quietly eat into your earnings, charging up to 8% in hidden fees on incoming payments.
Skydo is a cross-border payment platform designed for Indian exporters, freelancers, and service businesses that receive international payments. You get free virtual accounts in six currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD) to share with clients like local bank details. Setup takes 10 to 15 minutes, fully online.
Pricing is flat, with no monthly charge: $19 for $0– $2,000, $29 for $2,000 to $10,000, and 0.3% above $10,000. Every transaction generates a free FIRA automatically, and you can link your DGFT account to bulk-generate eBRC in a single click. Settlements land within one working day.
Can I get IEC registration without GST?
Yes. GST isn't required for IEC, and the two are independent. You just need a valid PAN and a current bank account in the applicant's name.
Is IEC code mandatory for freelancers and IT service exporters?
How much does IEC code registration cost on the DGFT portal?
What happens if I don't do the annual IEC update by June 30?
Can an individual apply for IEC, or does it require a registered company?
How long does it take to get an IEC code after applying online?
What bank account do I need for IEC registration?
How do I receive the IEC certificate after approval?
