Step 03 / 07
Get your Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
The IEC is the 10-character code every Indian exporter and importer needs. It is issued online by DGFT for a fee of ₹500 and must be updated every April–June.
- 1Choose your business form and get a PAN
- 2Open a current account with a bank that handles foreign exchange
- 3Get your Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
- 4Register for GST and file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT)
- 5Get an RCMC from the right Export Promotion Council or Board
- 6Get the licences your product needs
- 7Make your first shipment
- Official fee
- ₹500 for a new IEC (Appendix 2K, DGFT). Annual update in April–June: Nil.
- Time
- Generated online on submission (auto-generated by the DGFT system).
Apply on dgft.gov.in in form ANF-2A. Log in with your mobile number and email, link the PAN, fill in the business and bank details, upload the documents and pay the fee online. The IEC is generated automatically and sent by email and SMS; you can download the e-IEC from your DGFT dashboard.
An IEC is valid for life, but the policy requires you to update (or simply confirm) its details online every year between April and June, even if nothing has changed. If you miss this window the IEC is de-activated, and Customs will not clear your goods until you update it. The annual update is free.
One PAN gets only one IEC. If you open a branch, add it to the same IEC; do not apply again. The IEC covers all branches and factories of the entity.
DGFT may flag an IEC for scrutiny. Watch your dashboard and email, and answer any flag quickly — an unanswered flag can also lead to de-activation.