Importer-Exporter Code / e-IEC

2.05

Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

(I) An IEC is a 10-digit number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. Now the facility for IEC in electronic form or e-IEC has also been operationalised.

(a) Application for IEC/e-IEC:

Application for obtaining IEC can be filed manually and submitting the form in the office of Regional Authority (RA) of DGFT. Alternatively, an application for e-IEC may be filed online in ANF 2A, in accordance with Para 2.08 of Handbook of Procedure on payment of application fee of Rs. 500/-, to be paid online through net banking or credit/debit card (to be operationalised shortly). Documents/ details required to be uploaded/ submitted along with the application form are listed in the Application Form (ANF 2A).

(b) When an e-IEC is approved by the competent authority, applicant is informed through e-mail that a computer generated e-IEC is available on the DGFT website. By clicking on "Application Status" after having filled and submitted the requisite details in "Online IEC Application" webpage, applicant can view and print his e-IEC.

(c) Only the following are required to be uploaded along with the application for IEC with immediate effect:

(1) Digital photograph of the signatory applicant;

(2) Copy of the PAN card of the business entity in whose name Import/Export would be done (Applicant individual in case of Proprietorship firms);

(3) Cancelled cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank certificate in prescribed format ANF-2A(I)

(Abvoe (c) has been amended vide NOTIFICATION NO. 34/2015, DT. 29/01/2016)

[OLD- (c) Briefly, following are the requisite details /documents (scanned copies) to be submitted/ uploaded along with the application for IEC:

(i) Details of the entity seeking the IEC:

(1) PAN of the business entity in whose name Import/Export would be done (Applicant individual in case of Proprietorship firms).

(2) Address Proof of the applicant entity.

(3) LLPIN /CIN/ Registration Certification Number (whichever is applicable).

(4) Bank account details of the entity. Cancelled Cheque bearing entity's pre- printed name or Bank certificate in prescribed format ANF2A(I).

(ii) Details of the Proprietor/ Partners/ Directors/ Secretary or Chief Executive of the Society/ Managing Trustee of the entity:

(1) PAN (for all categories)

(2) DIN/DPIN (in case of Company /LLP firm)

(iii) Details of the signatory applicant:

(1) Identity proof

(2) PAN

(3) Digital photograph]

(d) In case the applicant has digital signature, the application can also be submitted online and no physical application or document is required. In case the applicant does not possess digital signature, a print out of the application filed online duly signed by the applicant has to be submitted to the concerned jurisdictional RA, in person or by post.

(d) Only online application for IEC /modification in IEC can be made by applicants through digital signature (Class-II or Class-III) with effect from 1.4.2016.

(Abvoe (d) has been inserted vide NOTIFICATION NO. 34/2015, DT. 29/01/2016)

(e) Detailed guidelines for applying for e-IEC are available at .

(II) No Export/Import without IEC:

(i) No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC number unless specifically exempted.

(ii) Exempt categories and corresponding permanent IEC numbers are given in Para 2.07 of Handbook of Procedures.

(III) Only one IEC against one Permanent Account Number (PAN)

Only one IEC is permitted against on Permanent Account Number (PAN). If any PAN card holder has more than one IEC, the extra IECs shall be disabled.