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IMPORT EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION
IMPORT EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION

IMPORT EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION


The Import Export Code (IEC) is a key business identification number which is mandatory for Exports or Imports. No person should make any import or export transactions except under an IEC Number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). In case of import or export of services or technology, the IEC should be needed only when the service or technology provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or is dealing with specified services or technologies.

The nature of the entity obtaining an IEC may be any of the follows- "Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Limited Company, Trust, HUF and Society." subsequent upon introduction of GST, IEC number is the same as the PAN of the entity. The IEC would be separately issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

IE Code application must be made to the DGFT along with the necessary supporting documents. Once, the application is submitted, DGFT will issue the IE Code for the entity within 15 to 20 working days or less.

TIME PERIOD VALIDITY OF IMPORT EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION


IE Code registration is permanent which is valid for a lifetime. Hence, there will be no need for updating, filing and renewal of IE Code registration. It is valid until the existence of business or the registration is revoked or surrendered. Further, unlike other tax registrations like GST registration or PF registration, the importer or exporter does not need to file any filings or follow any other compliance requirement like annual filing.

As import export code registration is a one-time process and requires no additional compliance, it is recommended for all companies and LLPs to obtain IE code after incorporation.

IMPORT EXPORT CODE EXEMPTION

An Import Export Code is required for import and export of any type of goods by a business. However, the following categories of persons are exempted from obtaining an IE Code:

  • Importer and exporter by central Government

  • Agencies or undertakings for defence purpose or any other specified lists under Foreign Trade (exemption from the application of Rules in certain cases) Order, 1993.

  • Import and Export of Goods for personal use

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR IMPORT EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION

Applicant need to submit the following documents for IE code registration:

  1. Pan Card of the individual applicant or Entity

  2. Passport Size Photo

  3. Copy of Aadhar Card, Passport (first and last page) Driving License, or Voter ID Card (any one of these)

  4. Certificate of Incorporation of the Entity

  5. Address proof of registered office of business (sale deed)

  6. Rent Agreement (in case office is rented)

  7. No objection certificate from owner

  8. Bank Certificate

  9. Cancelled Cheque with preprinted name and account number of the individual applicant or entity

APPLY FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT CODE REGISTRATION


The applicant need to file an online application in form ANF 2A at DGFT’s official website.

    The applicant is required to submit only two documents with his application that is:

  • 1. Address proof of registered office-

      Sale deed, in case the business office is self-owned, or

      Rental agreement in case the office is rented, or

      Latest electricity/landline/ mobile bill in the name of the individual applicant or entity, or

      GST registration certificate, or

  • In case of a proprietorship, the following proof is valid –

      Aadhar card

      Voters ID

      Passport

  • 2. Pre-printed cheque or bank certificate.

      Once the online application is submitted, along with the prescribed fees and required documents, IEC will be auto-generated. Even so the import-export code is auto-generated; the Regional Authority would conduct a post-verification of the online IEC as per the guidelines. In case there is any wrong or incomplete information being provided, the applicant would be liable for criminal action and in such case; IEC would be either suspended or cancelled.

      If the application were correct and authenticated the Intimation regarding allotment of IEC will be sent to the applicant through SMS and E-mail along with a link through which the e-IEC can be downloaded and printed. The IE Code certificate will be provided digitally only and can be downloaded from the link provided. An e-IEC holder needs to update his profile immediately after issuance of e-IEC. Further, in case of any change in the details mentioned in the IEC, applicant need to update his profile at least once in a year as per the guidelines provided by DGFT.