Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)/(e-IEC)
2.05
Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
(I) An IEC is a 10-character alpha-numeric number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. With a view to maintain the unique identity of an entity (firm/company/LLP etc.), consequent upon introduction / implementation of GST, IEC will be equal to PAN and will be separately issued by DGFT based on an application.
(a) No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC number unless specifically exempted. For services exports, IEC shall be necessary as per the provisions in Chapter 3 only when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
(b) Exempt categories and corresponding permanent IEC numbers are given in Para 2.07 of Handbook of Procedures.
(c) Application process for IEC and updation in IEC is completely online and IEC can be generated by the applicant as per the procedure detailed in the Handbook of Procedure
(Abvoe sub para (c) amended vide NOTIFICATION NO. 58/2020, DT. 12/02/2021)
[OLD- (c) Application process for IEC is completely online and IEC can be generated by the applicant as per the procedure detailed in the Handbook of Procedure.]
(Abvoe para revised vide NOTIFICATION NO. 24/2018, DT. 08/08/2018 )
(d) An IEC holder has to ensure that details in its IEC is updated electronically every year, during April-June period. However, for the current year only, this period is extended by another month i.e till 31st August, 2021. In cases where there are no changes in IEC details same also needs to be confirmed online.
(Above (d) has been revised vide NOTIFICATION NO. 16/2021, DT. 09/08/2021)
[OLD- (d) An IEC holder has to ensure that details in its IEC is updated electronically every year, during April-June period. In cases where there are no changes in IEC details same also needs to be confirmed online.]
(e) An IEC shall be de-activated, if it is not updated within the prescribed time. IEC so de-activated may be activated, on its successful updation. This would however be without prejudice to any other action taken for violation of any other provisions of the FTP.
(f) An IEC may be also be flagged for scrutiny. IEC holder(s) are required to that any risks flagged by the system is timely addressed; failing which the IEC shall be deactivated.
(Abvoe sub para (d) to (f) added vide NOTIFICATION NO. 58/2020, DT. 12/02/2021)
[OLD-
(a) Application for obtaining IEC may be filed online in ANF 2A with applicable fees and submitted with digital signature.
(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) The applicant may submit online application with the following details /documents (scanned copies to be submitted/ uploaded) along with the IEC application:
(i) Digital photograph of the signatory applicant;
(ii) Copy of the PAN card of the business entity in whose name Import/Export would be done (Applicant individual in case of Proprietorship firms);
(iii) Cancelled cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank certificate in prescribed format ANF-2A(I)
(d) For modification in IEC, applicants may submit online application through digital signature (Class-II or Class-III), by paying applicable fees and uploading requisite documents, corresponding to the changes sought.
(e) Detailed guidelines for applying for e-IEC is available at http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/iec_anf/iecanf.htm
(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.]