Bhargav Rajurkar & Co.Practising Company Secretaries
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What this filing does

IEC Registration

The Import-Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. It is mandatory for any business that imports goods, exports goods, or — for many service categories — exports services.

Delivery3–5 working daysFormsIEC online application (DGFT)
Overview

What this filing does

The Import-Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. It is mandatory for any business that imports goods, exports goods, or — for many service categories — exports services. Without it, banks will not release foreign exchange and customs will not clear shipments.

The online application is filed on the DGFT portal, signed with the digital signature, and the IEC is typically issued within 3–5 working days. Once issued, the code has lifetime validity but must be confirmed on the DGFT portal each year.

When you need this

Common reasons founders engage this

  • You are about to send your first export invoice abroad.
  • You are placing your first import order from a foreign supplier.
  • Your bank has asked for an IEC before crediting an inward remittance from a foreign client.
  • You are claiming export benefits like LUT, RoDTEP, or duty drawback.
From your side

Documents you will need to send

Most of these can be scanned or photographed from your phone. Everything required is listed in the checklist sent the same day, so nothing is collected later as a surprise.

  • PAN of the business.
  • PAN, Aadhaar, and recent photo of the person who'll sign for the business.
  • Address proof for the registered office — utility bill, lease, or property document.
  • Cancelled cheque or bank certificate from the business's bank account.
  • Class-3 USB-token digital signature of the signatory (can be arranged if not already in hand).
Step by step

How it works

  1. 01.

    Briefing and engagement

    Day 1

    The business's PAN and bank details are confirmed. The document checklist arrives the same day.

  2. 02.

    Application filed on the DGFT portal

    Day 2

    The IEC application is completed and submitted on the DGFT portal with the supporting documents and the digital signature of the person signing for the business.

  3. 03.

    DGFT processing

    Day 3–5

    DGFT reviews and issues the IEC, usually within 3–5 working days. Any clarification raised by the officer is handled within 24 hours.

What it costs

Our fee

Professional fee

₹2,500

The cost of a fresh digital signature is extra (around ₹1,500) if the signatory does not already have one.

At the end

What you receive

  • The 10-digit IEC.
  • IEC certificate downloadable from the DGFT portal.
  • Reminder on the annual update requirement.
Start IEC Registration
  1. i.

    Fill the online form

    Save and resume anytime. No pressure to finish in one sitting.

  2. ii.

    Review the scope and fee

    The exact all-in fee, the timeline, and what's included appear together before any payment.

  3. iii.

    Filing begins

    Your dashboard tracks every step. Every form is signed and certified by a Practising Company Secretary.