• Easy registration process as no previous proof of import/ export is required for application.
• Expansion and growth of services and products all over the globe.
• Renewal is not required to continue the business, as it has lifelong validity and once allotted it can be used against all export and import transactions of the entity.
• Permission for Import/ Export from Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Export Promotion Organisations, custom department and other concerned authority under a single code.

Import export code number is required by importers and exporters in following situations:

• It is a mandate for custom clearance process
• It is a requirement for sending money abroad directly from the bank account of importer
• It is also necessary for receiving foreign currency directly into the bank account of exporter.

In the following cases, registration of IEC import export code is not mandatory:

• Import/Export of goods for non-commercial purposes
• Import/Export by the departments and ministries of Government of India
• Import/Export by the notified charitable institutions

STEP 1: The online form is filed with a Digital Signature filling all details such as PAN, Bank A/c, and date of company’s incorporation.

STEP 2: The digital copy of required documents is uploaded and govt. fees is paid.

STEP 3: The specific DGFT regional office receives the application and may ask for further documents on scrutiny of the same.

STEP 4: After approval DGFT will allot a ten-digit IEC in three to seven working days.

In case, if an IEC holder does not wish to operate the allotted IEC number, he may surrender the same by informing the issuing authority. On receipt of such intimation, the issuing authority shall immediately cancel the same and electronically transmit it to DGFT for onward transmission to the Customs and Regional Authorities.