IEC (Import Export Code) Registration
Importer Exporter Code from the DGFT for businesses in Delhi that import or export: the application, the Rs 500 fee, the annual April to June update, and the GST and FEMA steps that follow.
Last updated · Page maintained by SKAG and Associates · Editorial policy
Quick answers
What is the government fee for IEC?
<strong>Rs 500</strong>, paid online on the DGFT portal with the application (Appendix 2K of the Foreign Trade Policy). The same IEC then stays valid, subject to the annual update.
Does an IEC need renewal?
There is no renewal, but the holder must update the IEC details on the DGFT portal every year between <strong>April and June</strong>, even if there is no change. An IEC not updated in time is deactivated until the update is done.
Who needs an IEC?
Any business that imports or exports goods needs an IEC; customs and banks ask for it on shipping documents and foreign remittances. Service exporters need it to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
What our IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Registration service covers
How the engagement works
How to start
Send these three things first:
- PAN and name of the business, its constitution and address
- Bank account details in the name of the business (cancelled cheque or bank certificate)
- Details of the proprietor, partners or directors, and whether goods, services or both will be traded
What you provide
- Correct business and bank details
- Digital signature or Aadhaar e-sign of the authorised person
- Telling the office about changes during the year
What the firm does
- IEC application and fee payment on the DGFT portal
- Annual update between April and June, as agreed
- GST LUT and export records, as agreed
What happens next: The office confirms the documents still needed and the steps for GST and banking. Work starts after the scope is agreed in an engagement letter.
Documents required
- → PAN of the business (and of the proprietor for a proprietorship)
- → Proof of address of the business premises (sale deed, rent agreement or utility bill)
- → Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for an account in the name of the business
- → Aadhaar, PAN and contact details of the proprietor, partners or directors
- → Constitution document: partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation
- → Digital signature certificate, or Aadhaar-linked mobile number for e-sign
For a specific IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Registration matter, you may send the details through the contact form, call +91 88022 54567 or write on WhatsApp (Mon–Sat, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM). Please do not send passwords or OTPs.
Government fee
| Item | Government fee / duty | Basis and notes |
|---|---|---|
| IEC application | Rs 500 | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Appendix 2K; paid online on the DGFT portal |
| Annual update (April to June) | Nil | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, para 2.05 |
Government fees and duties only. The firm’s professional fees are not published on this website; they depend on the scope of work and are agreed in an engagement letter.
IEC: the rules
What the IEC is used for
- Customs: the IEC is quoted on the bill of entry for imports and the shipping bill for exports.
- Banks: authorised dealer banks ask for it when receiving export proceeds and making import payments.
- Foreign Trade Policy: schemes and benefits under the policy are claimed against the IEC, including for exports of services.
One business has one IEC, linked to its PAN. Branches are added to the same IEC.
The annual April–June update
Under para 2.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, every IEC holder must confirm or update its IEC details electronically on the DGFT portal each year between April and June, even where nothing has changed. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated, and imports and exports under it are held up until the holder updates it and it is reactivated. Changes during the year, such as a new address, partner, director or bank account, are made by modifying the IEC on the portal.
GST on exports and imports
- Exports are zero-rated under GST. A registered exporter either supplies under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) without paying IGST, or pays IGST and claims a refund. The LUT is filed online for each financial year; see the GST LUT template.
- Imports of goods bear IGST at customs, which is available as input tax credit to a registered importer. Import of services is taxed under reverse charge.
- A business making inter-State supplies of goods, including exports, usually needs GST registration; see GST registration in Delhi.
FEMA: realising export proceeds
Export proceeds must be realised and repatriated within the period set by the RBI. For exports from 1 October 2026 it is 9 months from the date of shipment (from the date of invoice for services) (12 months where the export is invoiced or settled in Indian rupees). The export proceeds tracker works out the dates. For foreign investment and other FEMA reporting, see FEMA compliance.
Common mistakes
- Missing the April–June update. The IEC is deactivated even if nothing has changed.
- Bank details that do not match. The bank account in the IEC should be the one used for export proceeds and import payments.
- Exporting without an LUT. Without a valid LUT, IGST has to be paid on exports and then claimed as a refund.
- Losing track of export proceeds. Proceeds not realised within the RBI period need an extension or write-off through the bank.
IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Registration for clients in New Delhi & Delhi NCR
SKAG and Associates is a firm of Chartered Accountants based at Kh.No-84, Plot No -RZ-I-1, F/Floor, 12/2, Main Rd, opposite Yammaha Showroom, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi – 110045. The firm handles IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Registration work and allied compliance for individuals, professionals, firms and companies across New Delhi, South West Delhi and the wider Delhi NCR region, as well as clients elsewhere in India who engage it remotely.
Engagements are conducted strictly in accordance with the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the ICAI Code of Ethics. To discuss your requirement, you are welcome to contact the office or call +91 88022 54567 during working hours (Mon–Sat, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an IEC? +
When the PAN, bank and address details match and the application is signed, the IEC is usually generated online soon after submission. Mismatches in the PAN or bank details are the usual cause of delay.
Is GST registration required to get an IEC? +
No. The IEC is linked to the PAN, not the GSTIN. But most businesses that import or export goods need GST registration for other reasons, such as inter-State supply.
My IEC has been deactivated. What should I do? +
Log in to the DGFT portal and complete the update of the IEC details. Once the update is done, the IEC is reactivated.
Can an individual get an IEC? +
Yes. A proprietor gets the IEC in the name of the proprietorship, linked to the proprietor’s PAN. Imports and exports of goods for personal use not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture do not need an IEC (para 2.07 of the Handbook of Procedures).
Do I need an IEC to export services? +
Customs does not deal with services, so the IEC is not needed to raise an invoice for a service export. It is needed to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, and some banks ask for it.
Questions about IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Registration?
You may contact CA Gaurav Singh to discuss your specific facts and requirements.
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