Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Process Online in India

Online IEC Certificate within an hour

Transparent Pricing - No Hidden Fees
Fast and Smooth Registration Process
India's first company dedicated to exporters and importers
Apply now with Make Merchant

Get Expert Consultation

Your information is 100% secure and encrypted

Importer and Exporter Code (IEC): An Introduction

If you are planning to start an export or import business in India, then Import Export Code (IEC) registration is your very first step to begin the incredible journey.

It is mandatory for every exporter and importer to be registered and get an exporter and importer identification number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Without an Import and Export Code (IEC), No individual or company can legally export or import their products and services.

While its process seems simple on YouTube or other social platforms, businesses often face delays due to document errors, compliance gaps, filing accurate information, or DGFT queries.

That is where Make Merchant comes in—we are India’s first company that is dedicated to exporters and importers, and we simplify the entire process, ensuring quick and rapid approvals.

In this article, we will cover everything that should be expected to be known by an exporter and importer about IEC registration, including document requirements, fees, processes, and timelines in India, and why hiring an IEC consultant saves your time and effort.

What is Import Export Code (IEC) Registration?

The IEC registration is a 10- digit alphanumeric code issued by DGFT. It acts as your permanent license to export and import goods and services.

IEC is also required to get the benefits of the government schemes, subsidies, and benefits related to international trade and to avoid penalties from the customs authority. Unlike other registrations, the IEC comes with lifetime validity and does not require return filing, although if you want changes to submitted and approved details, you can make modifications.

Key Topic Index

Importer and Exporter Code (IEC): An Introduction
What is Import Export Code (IEC) Registration?
Who Needs IEC Registration?
Benefits of IEC Registration
Additional Benefits of IEC registration for Exporters and Importers
Documents Required for IEC Registration
IEC Registration Fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Choose IEC Registration Through Make Merchant?

Who Needs IEC Registration?

Individuals (Sole proprietorship firms) who are starting import-export businesses
Partnership firms
Limited liablity partnership
Private Limited Companies
Trusts ,HUFs, and Societies involved in foreign trade

Benefits of IEC Registration

Mandatory for Import/Export
- Without an IEC, no business or individual can legally import or export goods or services from India.
- Customs authorities require IEC for shipping bills, bills of entry, and clearance of goods.
Required for Bank Transactions
- Banks require IEC to process foreign trade payments, including export proceeds or import payments.
- It is linked with your AD Code, which ensures compliance with RBI regulations.
Eligibility for Export Incentives
- Only businesses with a valid IEC can claim government export incentives, such as RoDTEP, duty drawback, or EPCG schemes.
- It is also necessary to register with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) for sector-specific benefits.
Legal Recognition of Business
- IEC acts as proof of a legitimate exporter/importer and is often required to open a current account for international trade.
Ease of Customs Clearance
- IEC is mandatory for customs clearance of imported or exported goods, enabling smoother processing at ports and airports.
No Renewal Needed
- IEC is lifetime valid, making it a one-time investment for your trade operations.
Business Expansion and Credibility
- Having an IEC enhances credibility with suppliers, buyers, and financial institutions.
- It allows a business to explore global trade opportunities legally and efficiently.

Additional Benefits of IEC registration for Exporters and Importers

Benefits	Description
Business expansion	It enables participation in the global market
Trust and credibility	It is tough to get foreign buyers without IEC registration.
Government schemes	Eligibility for export incentives, drawbacks, and subsidies.
No Return filing	Once issued, no recurring filings are required.
Lifetime Validity	IEC never expires, unless voluntarily surrendered
Banking & Customs Clearance	Required for foreign remittances and customs documentation and easy shipment.

Documents Required for IEC Registration

For a smooth process, the following IEC registration documents are generally required:

PAN card of the authorised signatory
Aadhaar card/identity proof (voter ID card or driving license)
Email ID and contact number of the authorised signatory
PAN card of the business (if available)
Proof of business address (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
MSME Certificate (if available)
Bank account details with a cancelled cheque of company
Passport-size photographs (for individuals)
Nature of business (Orally required)

Make Merchant Team ensures your documents are formatted and submitted correctly, avoiding rejection by DGFT.

IEC Registration Fees

The official IEC registration fees charged by DGFT are relatively nominal. However, businesses often incur hidden costs when they face re-application due to errors. With Make Merchant, you get a transparent fee structure that includes the following:

Government fee for fresh IEC registration - Rs. 500
Government fee for modifying IEC registration - Rs. 200
Professional fee for fresh IEC registration - Rs. 1500
Professional fee for modifying IEC registration - Rs. 1000

The above rates are excluding GST.
This ensures you get your IEC in the fastest possible time without repeated filings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All businesses or individuals involved in the import or export of goods/services from India must have an IEC.

Typically, IEC is issued within 3 to 7 business days upon submission of the complete application.

PAN card, proof of address, business registration documents, bank certificate/cancelled cheque, photograph, and digital signature.

Yes, sole proprietors as well as companies, LLPs, and partnerships can apply.

Yes, IEC is valid for the lifetime of the entity, provided annual profile updates are maintained.

Why Choose IEC Registration Through Make Merchant?

While it is possible to apply for an IEC online, many businesses face delays due to incomplete documentation, technical errors, or misinterpretations of DGFT guidelines. At Make Merchant, we provide:

End-to-end guidance and support on the application

Error-free document preparation with filing

Faster approval with compliance check

Assistance with DGFT queries and reverts.

Support for allied registrations (FSSAI, APEDA, EPCs, etc.)

By choosing Make Merchant, you avoid costly mistakes and focus on your core business while we handle compliance. Sometimes mistakes take a lot of time to figure out.

Contact