What’s included, and what’s not

Import Export Code Registration at a glance

Confirm the requirement, scope and external charges before preparation begins.

Starting professional fee

₹2500

For the agreed review and preparation scope.

Eligibility, and IEC category review
Document preparation
Online IEC Application
Post registration Advisory

Review my requirement

Confirm before starting

Digital signature for IE code registration are separate

Digital signature is required when it is not possible to submit the IEC code application using Aadhaar Authentication, in that case DSC certificate needs to be applied separately.

No surprise work: inclusions, exclusions and any additional charges are agreed with you before we proceed.

First decision

Confirm that this is the right service

Check whether you need to apply new IE code of want to update exiting IE code, or want to file the periodical IE code renewal or update application.

Timing note

Processing time can vary

Time required for digital signature processing and other registrations are separate. Time required for IE code registration may vary depending on the availability of Aadhaar authentication system.

Documents to keep ready

Documents required for Import Export Code registration

Choose your business type for the relevant IEC checklist. PAN, bank and address details should match before the DGFT application is submitted.

01

Proprietorship

Documents required for Sole proprietorship IE code registration.

PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor

Business name and activity details

Business address proof

Cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the firm’s name

Active email address and mobile number

Aadhaar authentication or DSC readiness

Address proof: accepted records can include a sale deed, rent or lease agreement, electricity or other permitted utility bill. If the proof is not in the firm’s name, keep the owner’s NOC with the address proof in one PDF.

DGFT verification: the portal may validate PAN, CIN or LLPIN and authorized-person details electronically.

A quick check to find your route

Which of these sounds like you?

Choose the option closest to your situation for a starting route and the next step. We��ll confirm the details with you.

QUICK ROUTE CHECK

Start with the right service route

The application process is same however the selection of category of the importer or exporter matters.

Focuses on the immediate requirement

Shows the likely starting route

Explains the next action

Select the situation that best matches your requirement.

Suggested starting route

Confirm with a consultant

Your situation	Initial fit	Route	Why or next step
Goods will be imported or exported	✓ Usually required	IEC	DGFT states that IEC is required unless a specific exemption applies.
Services are exported without FTP benefits	? Check first	IEC may depend on use	Confirm whether IEC is needed for the transaction or benefit claimed.
An IEC already exists	- Do not reapply	Modify or update IEC	Use the DGFT profile to maintain or confirm existing details.

Compare before proceeding

The two most common routes, compared

Use the closest route as a starting point; the final scope depends on the underlying records.

Route 1

IEC

Goods will be imported or exported
DGFT states that IEC is required unless a specific exemption applies.
Confirm the supporting records before preparation

Route 2

IEC may depend on use

Services are exported without Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) benefits
Confirm whether IEC is needed for the transaction or benefit claimed.

Decision checkpoint: The right route depends on your specific facts — the applicant, purpose, period and any deadline — not just the service name.

Why this is worth doing properly

Benefits of an organised Import Export Code Registration process

Done properly, you’re left with the right outcome and clean records you can use for the next step.

Confirm the correct registration or certificate

Whether an IEC is actually required — goods, or services claiming FTP benefits — or already exists under the PAN is checked before applying.

Organise identity and authority records

PAN, business documents , a bank certificate or cancelled cheque and authorization letter are prepared to match the DGFT profile exactly so DGFT auto validation passes..

Match the application to the intended activity

Right category of the exporter or importer is selected so that the purpose of IE code registration will be acheived.

Reduce avoidable document mismatches

Signatory details and the DSC/Aadhaar are verified against entity records before the ANF-2A is filed.

Track application and verification steps

The DGFT application, fee and errors in IE code application are followed, and the mandatory April–June annual IEC update is calendared.

Five clear stages

How the IE code Registration is applied — five clear stages

You’ll know which stage you’re at, from the first call through to a checked submission and a clear outcome.

1

Confirm the applicant PAN and exporter activity

PAN validation, business activity, products, or services will be reviewed.

2

Align DGFT profile, bank and address records

Use complete and consistent records across all the linked registrations.

3

Prepare ANF-2A and supporting documents

Fill IE code registration application, business name, owner name is validated, and all the errors are rectified.

4

Sign and submit through the DGFT portal

Submit the application through Aadhaar authentication or IE code Digital signature.

5

Save IEC and complete future annual update

Preserve the import export code registration certificate and note the next obligation such as Annual update on of before 30 th June every year.

Keep the process smooth

Before you start, and after you finish

A short checklist to help avoid delays now and keep the records you’ll need later.

Before starting

Confirm category, business address and other documents are accurate
Check digital signature validity.
Communicate any other issues which needed to be communicated.
Keep your mobile and E- Mail id ready for OTP verification.

After completion

Check the certificate details.
Apply IE code modification when required.
File Annual IEC profile update application.
Maintain the e mail Id and mobile number used for verification.

Questions people ask us most

Import Export Code Registration FAQs

Is IEC required for every service exporter?

Service exporters may need IEC when the transaction, benefit, bank or foreign-trade procedure requires it. it is not required when service is only provided to the persons in India.

How many IECs can one PAN hold?

IEC is PAN-based; Only one IEC can be applied, if your have import export code certificate applied before 01 st of July 2017 then the old IEC should be linked and PAN based new IEC certificate will be issued.

Does IEC require an annual update?

Review and update any change in IEC particulars on the DGFT portal before 30 th June of every year after IEC is approved. Update is required even if there is no changes in the IEC details.

Is IEC Registration available through an online application?

The DGFT has enabled complete Online IE code application submission through upload of properly scanned supporting documents, OTP or DSC authentication etc.

Does the starting price include government fees?

The starting fees includes government fees of Rs.500.

Can any business use the same category?

No. Selection of category depends on the activity of the exporter or importer and purpose, wrong category may complicate export or import procedures as all the import export activities are linked to the IEC profile and data provided during registration or IEC update or modification.

Official references: DGFT IEC FAQ · DGFT portal. Rules, forms, fees and authority procedures can change; confirm the current position before submission.

Content reviewed: August 2026.

Import Export Code (IEC) registration in Chennai