Do you want to take your business global from India, or are you gearing up for an international venture that involves cross-border transactions of goods? Having an import export license (IEC code) is a must. Issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC code is a 10-digit identification number. Not having IEC registration can lead to various legal penalties, including non-approval of consignment at port. That said, here is the correct and updated legal guide on how to apply for an Import Export License in India.
Prerequisites Before You Know How to Apply for an Import-Export License
Here is what you must know before ascertaining how to apply for an Import-Export License
- Entity Details: Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the individual, Firm, Private Limited Company, LLP, or Society.
- Proof of Entity/Identity: Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or Aadhaar Card (for proprietorships).
- Address Proof: Electricity bill, rent agreement, or property ownership document for the business location.
- Bank Details: Active bank account details and a cancelled cheque or bank certificate showing the account holder’s name and account number.
- Verification Media: Aadhaar-linked mobile number/email for OTP verification, or an active Class-3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
How to Apply for Import Export License?
Here is how to apply for an Import Export license:
- Register on the Official DGFT Portal. Navigate to the official DGFT website[1] and click Register. Select your user profile as “Importer/Exporter” and fill in basic contact details. Confirm registration via the OTP sent to your registered mobile and email.
- Navigate to the Application Form. Log in to your account, select Services from the top menu, navigate to IEC Profile Management, and click Apply for IEC.
- Complete Form ANF-2A. Enter required business details:
- General Details: Entity name, date of birth/incorporation, and nature of concern (Proprietorship, Private Limited, etc.).
- Branch Details: Add any branch offices operating under the same PAN.
- Director/Partner Details: Names, PANs, residential addresses, and contact details of directors or partners.
- Bank Account Details: Bank name, branch code, IFSC, and account number.
- Upload Required Supporting Documents: Upload clear, legible PDF or JPEG copies of your cancelled cheque/bank certificate and proof of business address.
- Pay the Official Government Fee: Pay the official application fee of ₹500 through the Bharatkosh integrated payment gateway using UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Cards.
- E-Sign and Submit: Complete the submission using either Aadhaar e-Sign (via OTP sent to the UIDAI-linked mobile number) or a Class-3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Download Your Certificate: Upon successful validation, the system automatically generates your IEC. You can download the certificate instantly from your portal dashboard and receive a copy via email.
Key Annual Compliance Requirement
Having an IEC requires an annual mandatory update between April 1 and June 30 every year via the DGFT portal—even if there are no changes to your business details. Failure to update results in the IEC being deactivated automatically until the update is submitted.
Also Read: MCA Indian Accounting Standards Amendment Rules 2026
FAQs
1. Is an IEC required if I am exporting digital services or software online?
No, an IEC is not mandatory for exporting services or digital goods unless you intend to claim export incentives and benefits under schemes like the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) or duty credit scrips.
2. Can a single individual or company hold more than one IEC?
No. IEC allotment is strictly mapped to a single PAN. Only one IEC is granted per PAN, regardless of how many business verticals, trade names, or branch offices operate under that same PAN.
3. Does an IEC expire if it is not used for international transactions?
An IEC does not have a formal expiration date and remains valid indefinitely, provided you complete the mandatory annual online update between April and June each year. Un-updated IECs are marked inactive by the DGFT.
4. What happens if my IEC application is rejected or marked for deficiency?
If the DGFT system or officer flags a deficiency (e.g., mismatched bank details or illegible address proof), you will receive a notification via email and SMS. You can log into your DGFT portal account, respond to the deficiency notice, re-upload the corrected documents, and resubmit without paying the application fee again.
5. Is GSTIN compulsory to get an Import Export Code?
GSTIN is not strictly mandatory at the time of applying for an IEC (for instance, if your turnover is below the GST registration threshold or you deal solely in GST-exempt goods). However, if your business is registered under GST, your GSTIN must be linked to your IEC profile during registration for seamless customs clearance.
