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IEC code (import export license): fee, documents and steps
Apply for an IEC code (Importer Exporter Code) on the DGFT portal: official fee ₹500, documents, steps, validity and how to update it. Needed to export from or import into India.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
Apply for an IEC code (Importer Exporter Code) on the DGFT portal: official fee ₹500, documents, steps, validity and how to update it. Needed to export from or import into India. Key facts: Issued by: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce; Validity: Permanent; Time: Code is generated automatically after you submit and pay.
Source: content.dgft.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
What it is
The Importer Exporter Code, called the IEC, is a 10-digit code that DGFT issues against your PAN. It is the basic import export license number for a business. Customs asks for it to clear goods, banks ask for it when you send or receive foreign currency for trade, and DGFT schemes are linked to it.
The IEC has permanent validity. It stays with you until DGFT suspends or cancels it, and one code covers all your branches, units and factories. Only one IEC is given against one PAN.
Who needs it
Anyone who imports or exports goods or services: proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, companies, trusts and HUFs. A few cases, such as personal use, are exempt. The exemptions are listed in paragraph 2.07 of DGFT's Handbook of Procedures.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| New IEC, application fee | ₹500Checked on 2 Oct 2026 SourceItem 1 of DGFT's scale of application fees. DGFT's practical guide says the fee is payable with applicable taxes, so check the final amount at payment. |
| Annual updation of IEC in April to June | NilChecked on 2 Oct 2026 SourceListed in the same scale of fees. |
| Changes to IEC details (address, bank, constitution) | See DGFT portalNot officially verified SourceThe fee for each type of change is not shown in the pages we checked. Details must be updated within 30 days of the change. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN of the firm or company (DGFT checks it against Income Tax records)
- Proof of establishment: incorporation certificate, partnership deed, society registration, trust deed or HUF details, as it applies to you
- Proof of address: sale deed, rent or lease agreement, electricity or phone bill, MoU or partnership deed. A proprietor can use Aadhaar, passport or voter ID
- No objection letter from the owner of the premises, if the address proof is not in the firm's name
- Bank proof: a cancelled cheque with the firm's name pre-printed, or a bank certificate
- A digital signature token or Aadhaar e-sign of a member of the firm
- Mobile number and email ID for OTPs
- Files must be PDF and not more than 5 MB each
Steps to apply
- Register on the DGFT portal as an Importer or Exporter. dgft.gov.in
- Open your dashboard, choose IEC and select Apply for IEC.
- Fill in the PAN details, address, bank account and partner or director details. Upload the documents.
- Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway. Fee: ₹500
- Sign the application with your digital signature token or Aadhaar e-sign.
- Download your e-IEC from the dashboard. DGFT also informs you by email and SMS.
Where to apply
- DGFT portal: Apply, update and download the IEC
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Keep your IEC up to date
If your constitution, name, address or bank details change, update the IEC on the DGFT portal within 30 days. DGFT's fee scale also lists an annual updation window in April to June. Your IEC can be deactivated if details are not kept current, so diarise it every April.
What comes after the IEC
The IEC alone does not allow you to ship. Most exporters also need an AD code at the port, an RCMC from the council for their product, and GST registration with an LUT. Importers may need product approvals such as FSSAI, BIS or CDSCO.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Code is generated automatically after you submit and pay
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
If you operate without it
Import or export without a valid IEC is not allowed. Importing or exporting against the rules can bring a penalty of at least ₹10,000 and up to five times the value of the goods, whichever is more. Under the Customs Act the goods can also be confiscated.
Law: Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992 sections 7 and 11; Customs Act 1962 sections 111 and 112
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Firm name and bank account name do not match | Remove extra spaces in the name and upload a bank proof such as a cancelled cheque or bank certificate. |
| Mandatory details of partners, trustees or directors are missing | Fill in every member's details; directors of companies are fetched from MCA using the CIN. |
| Application is incomplete or unauthorised | Fix the gaps shown in the rejection reason and reopen the application; if not fixed in 90 days it is treated as withdrawn. |
| Payment shows as pending or booked | Wait 30 minutes and check the payment status on BharatKosh before paying again. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Free formats you may need
Printable samples you can copy, fill in and print. Each is only a sample, so check it with the issuing office.