# IEC Annual Update & Modification

> Every Importer-Exporter Code holder must update or confirm its IEC details on the DGFT portal once a year between April and June, even if nothing has changed. If it isn't updated, the IEC is deactivated and imports and exports stop until it is updated again. Changes such as a new address, partner or director, or bank account are made through the IEC modification facility at any time.

Practice: Business Licences & Registrations — https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/

A deactivated IEC blocks shipments at customs, often discovered only when goods are held. The annual update is quick, but it must be done with a DSC or Aadhaar-based verification by the authorised person.

We file the annual update, process modifications, and reactivate deactivated codes by completing the pending update.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Annual update window | April to June each year |
| If missed | IEC deactivated until updated |
| Modifications | Any time on the DGFT portal |
| Verification | DSC or Aadhaar OTP |

## Who needs this

- Every IEC holder, including those not currently trading
- Businesses that changed address, partners or directors
- Importers whose IEC was deactivated

## What's included

- Annual update
- Modification of details
- Reactivation

## Documents

- IEC number
- Updated address or entity documents
- Bank details

## Process

1. **Review** — Current IEC details checked.
2. **Update** — Annual update or modification filed.
3. **Confirm** — Updated IEC certificate downloaded.

## FAQs

### Is the IEC annual update required if there's no change?

Yes. Even if all details are the same, the IEC must be confirmed every year during the April–June window to remain active.

### Is there a fee for the IEC update?

No government fee is charged for the annual update; modification of IEC details is also done online on the DGFT portal.

### How fast is a deactivated IEC restored?

Usually immediately after the pending update is submitted successfully, since deactivation is automatic for non-updation.

## Official sources

- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): https://www.dgft.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/iec-update-modification
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.