An IEC Code is a 10-digit code Importer Exporter Code, issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which is mandatory for every organisation who does or intends to do the business of Import-Export.

It is only applicable when goods are imported or exported for business purposes and not when goods are imported for personal use.

Eligibility to apply for IEC

Every importer and exporter has to mandatorily apply for the IEC code.

You can find the Exemption rules here.

How to apply for IEC Code?

You can apply for an IEC Code, by applying to the DGFT, either online or offline. The IEC code is valid for all the branches of an organization. Only one IEC code is issued against one PAN number.

The IEC Code can be applied by following these steps:-

Step 1: Enter the following address in your browser- http://dgft.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the ‘Online Application’ tab on the left side of the screen and from the drop down menu select ‘IEC’.

Step 3: Then choose ‘Online IEC Application’

Step 4: Enter your PAN number to login and click Next.

Step 5: Go to File and choose ‘New IEC Application details’

Step 6: Then a form will appear. Fill all the details and click ‘Upload Documents’

Step 7: Upload the relevant documents. Here are the documents that you will need:

  1. PANC to upload PAN Copy
  2. FOTO to upload Photograph of Applicant
  3. BKYC to upload Bank Certificate Copy
  4. MOAS to upload the Memorandum of association
  5. EBRA to upload Extract of Board Resolution
  6. FM32 to upload Form 32 in case of change of Directors
  7. FM18 to upload Form 18 in case of change of Registered office-wherever applicable.
  8. AOTH to upload any other relevant document , if required.
  9. ANFP will remain disabled always.
  10. NRID to upload the RBI approval letter . (Applicable in case of NRI)

PAN Card , Photograph and Bank Certificate is mandatory for all the applicants.

Step 8: After uploading the documents and filling the form, click on ‘Branch’ to add any branch details

Step 9: Then click on ‘Director’ to add the details of the directors in case of company

Step 10: Then click ‘EFT’ to make online payment

Step 11: Fill the amount details, which is Rs. 250 and choose your bank.

Step 12: Then a draft invoice will appear. Check the details and click on ‘Pay now’.

Step 13: Make the payment by using your internet banking details

Once the application is complete in all respect, you can take the printout of IEC application by pressing PRINT button.

IEC Online Application Status Query

After submitting IEC Application successfully you can see the current status of IEC application at regional office using Query option and by selecting ecomRef Number/File Number. You can view the Application and attachment details using the Print Application and Attachment Details tab. It will show the Online status of IEC application.

Offline Application procedure for application of IEC Code

If you want to opt for physical forms then you can follow the steps given below,

Step 1: An application should be made by filling the form ANF 2A. You can find the form here.

Step 2: Download the form and fill all the details in the part A, B and D.

Step 3: Sign on every page of the form.

Step 4: Attach a self attested copy of your PAN number, Bank account, and 2 photographs

Step 5: Attach a demand draft of Rs. 250 payable to the DGFT Regional Office.

Step 6: Attach a self addressed envelope with Rs. 30 inside.

Step 7: Post the filled out form, the envelope, and all the documents to the regional office of DGFT.

After making a successful application, you will receive your IEC allotment letter in the self-addressed envelope that you had attached.