India’s Premium Compliance Stack
India’s Premium Compliance StackImport Export Code (IEC) Registration in India
An Import Export Code (IEC) is the key registration for businesses and eligible persons carrying out import or export activity from India, subject to applicable exemptions. BookmyCA supports proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, companies, and other eligible entities through the DGFT application process, from document preparation to tracking.
IEC is a registration, not a complete import-export licence. It doesn't replace customs procedures, product-specific licences, or other authorisations your specific goods and transactions may need.
IEC Registration
at a Glance
IEC is the identification and registration requirement for import or export activity from India, applied for through the DGFT portal, subject to applicable exemptions under the foreign trade framework. It's an important part of your import-export setup, not a substitute for other licences, customs procedures, or product-specific permissions that may separately apply to your goods.
1
Time registration, Lifetime validity
2
Core Activities
4
Entity types supported
Who Needs IEC Registration?
Consider it when:
- You're a manufacturer or trader
- You're a wholesaler, exporter, or importer
- You run an e-commerce business trading internationally
- You're a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company engaged in import-export activity
It may not suit you when:
- You have no import or export activity from India
- Your specific activity falls under an applicable IEC exemption
- You need customs, product-specific licensing, or other trade authorisations rather than IEC itself
Does your trade activity require approvals beyond IEC? Not sure what applies to you?
Talk to usWhat You Need to Know
Eligible business structure.
IEC applies across proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, companies, and other eligible entities engaged in import-export activity.
Consistent entity information.
PAN, legal name, and address details need to match across your application and supporting documents, mismatches are the most common cause of processing delays.
IEC is a registration, not a licence.
It doesn't replace customs procedures, product-specific licences, or other authorisations your specific goods and transactions may need.
Documents & Information Required
Entity & Applicant Details
PAN and entity details
Applicant or authorised person's details
Business/registered address
Mobile number and email
Financial
Bank account information
Additional
Branch details - applicable
Declarations or authorisation documents - as required by DGFT
IEC Registration Process
Business & applicant assessment
Entity structure, PAN, address, and proposed activity reviewed
DGFT profile setup
DGFT user profile created or accessed
Information & document preparation
Entity, address, and bank-related information prepared
IEC application
Application completed through the DGFT portal
Estimated Timeline
D0-D2
Business assessment and DGFT profile setup
D1-D3
Information and document preparation
D3-D4
IEC application and fee payment
D4-D6
Submission, verification and tracking
D5-D6
Final handover - After IEC Issuance
Benefits of Structured IEC Support
Consistent application details
Getting entity, address, and bank details consistent avoids most of the deficiency notices we see
DGFT profile handled correctly
Profile-related issues often only surface once you're mid-application
Application tracked to issuance
Status monitored and deficiencies addressed as they come up, not after the fact
Modification support afterward
Business, address, or bank changes go through the DGFT modification process when needed
IEC Application Checklist
Confirm Your Entity Structure
Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company, IEC applies across all eligible entity types
Confirm Your Entity Structure
Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company, IEC applies across all eligible entity types
Match PAN, Name & Address Everywhere
Keep submitted information consistent with your PAN and legal records
Match PAN, Name & Address Everywhere
Keep submitted information consistent with your PAN and legal records
Set Up Your DGFT Profile Correctly
Profile-related issues often surface only once you're mid-application
Set Up Your DGFT Profile Correctly
Profile-related issues often surface only once you're mid-application
Verify Bank Details Before Submission
Incorrect bank details are a common, easily avoidable cause of deficiency notices
Verify Bank Details Before Submission
Incorrect bank details are a common, easily avoidable cause of deficiency notices
Track Application Status
Monitor status and respond to deficiency queries promptly
Track Application Status
Monitor status and respond to deficiency queries promptly
Update IEC on Business Changes
Changes to business, address, or bank details need the DGFT modification process
Update IEC on Business Changes
Changes to business, address, or bank details need the DGFT modification process
Common IEC Application Issues
Inconsistent entity information.
Details not matching your PAN or legal name create processing friction
Incorrect bank details.
A common, easily avoidable cause of deficiency notices
Incomplete documentation.
Missing required documents delays approval more than almost anything else
Address discrepancies.
Registered address not matching supporting documents
Profile-related issues.
DGFT profile setup problems that surface only once you're mid-application
Post-approval updates missed.
Changes to business or bank details are not updated on the DGFT profile.
IEC Registration vs Licence
What it covers
Identification and registration for import/export activity
Issued by
DGFT
Is it enough on its own?
No, a key requirement, not the complete picture
Update process
DGFT modification process for eligible changes
Why Choose BookmyCA?
Transparent pricing
Full cost breakup before you commit. No surprises at the payment screen.
Right professional
CA, CS, or lawyer matched to your situation, not a one-size advisory.
Long-term support
Available after incorporation for accounting, tax, and ROC compliance.
Informed decisions
Decisions that affect ownership, taxation, fundraising, and compliance, done right from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes, subject to applicable exemptions under the foreign trade framework. Additional requirements may also apply depending on your specific goods and transaction.
Yes, through the DGFT online portal.
PAN, applicant details, address information, bank account details, and other documents specified in the DGFT application.
Yes, relevant IEC information can be updated through the applicable DGFT modification process whenever your business or profile details change.
No, IEC is an identification and registration requirement, it doesn't replace other licences, authorisations, customs procedures, or product-specific permissions that may apply.
Varies depending on the application, information submitted, and whether any deficiency or verification requirement comes up, trackable through the DGFT process.
IEC is a key requirement, but separately check customs procedures, product-specific licences, and other regulatory requirements applicable to your specific goods and transactions before you start.
Start Your IEC Registration
Planning to import or export from India needs the right IEC setup, plus attention to whatever else applies to your specific goods and transactions. Share your business structure and import-export activity to get started.