PAN
of the business / proprietor
Import Export Code (IEC)
Quick Reference for Your Business
Documents · Process · Annual Update — everything you need to know about IEC
Registration.
01
Documents Required
Business address proof
Electricity bill / rent agreement + NOC
Cancelled cheque / bank certificate
in the business name
Aadhaar of the authorised signatory
for e-sign or DSC
Passport-size photograph
of proprietor / partners / directors
Certificate of incorporation / Partnership Deed
kept handy
02
Key Facts & Timelines
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | 10-digit code issued by DGFT — your business passport for import/export |
| Form / portal | Filed online on dgft.gov.in (ANF-2A); fee paid via BharatKosh |
| Cost | ₹500 (one-time, non-refundable) |
| Validity | Lifetime — but a mandatory annual update is required |
| Annual update window | 1 April — 30 June every year (free if no change; ₹200 for modifications) |
| Processing time | 1–3 working days |
Don't miss the annual update. Even with lifetime validity, every IEC must be confirmed/updated on the DGFT portal between 1 April and 30 June. Miss it and the IEC is automatically deactivated — shipments get stuck and refunds/incentives are blocked until you reactivate.
03
What Goes Wrong Without It
Shipments stuck
Customs will not clear any import/export without a valid IEC — demurrage piles up.
Payments blocked
Banks cannot process international trade payments without IEC.
No export benefits
RoDTEP, duty drawback and GST refunds on exports need an active IEC.
Deactivation
Missing the April–June update auto-deactivates the IEC from 1 July.
06
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