What is the IEC registration fee?

₹500, paid online on the DGFT portal. There is no renewal fee.

How long does it take to get an IEC?

Usually the same day, as long as the PAN and bank details validate.

Is an IEC needed to export services?

Not always. Service exporters mainly need it to claim foreign trade policy benefits. Exporting goods almost always needs one.

Do I need GST registration to get an IEC?

No — IEC is based on PAN. But most importers and exporters also need GST registration, for example to export under LUT or claim refunds.

Business Portals5 min readUpdated 2026-09-27

IEC Code Apply Online on DGFT: Import Export Code Step by Step (2026)

An IEC is the first registration any importer or exporter needs. It is issued online the same day on the DGFT portal — and deactivated if you skip the annual update. Here is the full process.

Official portal: DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)

Indus Tax is a private CA firm, not affiliated with the Government of India. This guide explains the official process; we never ask for your portal password.

Who needs an IEC

An Import Export Code is needed to import or export goods and to claim foreign trade policy benefits. It is issued by the DGFT, linked to your PAN, and is a 10-character code identical to the PAN. There is one IEC per PAN; branches are added to it. Service exporters generally need an IEC only when claiming trade policy benefits, and goods imported for personal use do not need one.

Documents needed

The application is fully online:

PAN of the business or individual
Aadhaar of the proprietor, partner or director for e-sign, or a DSC
Address proof of the business premises
Bank details — a cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Mobile number and email

How to apply for IEC

Most applications are approved the same day:

1Register on dgft.gov.in with your mobile number and email, and log in.
2Go to Services > IEC > Apply for IEC.
3Fill in entity details, addresses, proprietor, partner or director details, bank details and preferred sectors.
4Upload documents and pay the ₹500 fee online.
5Sign with Aadhaar e-sign or a DSC and submit.
6The IEC is generated online — download the e-IEC certificate from your dashboard.

Annual IEC update — do not miss it

Every IEC holder must update or confirm their IEC details on the DGFT portal each year between April and June, even if nothing has changed. If you skip it, the IEC is deactivated and customs clearance can stop. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated by completing the update.