DGFT IEC: Benefits, Eligibility, Documents & Status

Introduction

In international trade, any business aiming to import or export goods and services from India must obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC). Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC serves as a mandatory gateway to global markets. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the DGFT IEC—its significance, benefits, application process, and more.

What is DGFT IEC?

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is a mandatory requirement for individuals or businesses involved in importing or exporting goods and services from India.

The IEC acts as a license to participate in international trade and is essential for:

Customs clearance of import/export shipments
Receiving international payments via banks
Accessing government export incentive schemes

Importance of DGFT IEC

In today’s global economy, expanding into international markets can be a major growth driver. The DGFT IEC is one of the foundational requirements to start this journey. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Gateway to Global Trade

The IEC enables businesses to:

Legally export and import goods/services
Clear shipments through customs
Establish trust with global partners

It essentially serves as a business passport to international markets.

2. Easy and Fully Online Application

The DGFT has simplified the process:

Apply through www.dgft.gov.in
Authenticate using Aadhaar, PAN, or Digital Signature (DSC)
IEC is usually issued within 1–2 working days

3. Minimal Documentation Required

Only a few documents are needed:

PAN card (individual or business)
Address proof
Bank details (cancelled cheque or bank certificate)

Ideal for startups and MSMEs due to its ease and low barrier to entry.

4. Lifetime Validity

Once issued, the IEC is valid for life:

No renewals or revalidations required
Only annual updates (April–June) are needed to keep it active

This reduces compliance hassle and ensures business continuity.

5. Prevents Unlawful Trade

The mandatory identity and business verification helps:

Prevent smuggling and illegal trade
Ensure transparency and traceability in cross-border transactions
Enhance national and international trade security

6. Access to Government Incentives

With a valid IEC, exporters can benefit from:

Duty drawback and subsidy schemes
Export incentives like RoDTEP, SEIS, MEIS
GST-related benefits (e.g., LUT filing, tax refunds on exports)

These benefits can improve margins and global competitiveness.

7. No Ongoing Compliance Burden

IEC is a low-maintenance registration:

No annual filings or audits
No periodic renewals
Minimal ongoing obligations

It’s one of the most straightforward business registrations in India.

8. Boosts Business Credibility

Having an IEC adds legitimacy:

Shows the business is authorized for international trade
Builds trust with overseas clients, banks, and customs authorities
Enhances opportunities for global partnerships

Validity of DGFT IEC

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) comes with lifetime validity. Once obtained, the IEC does not require renewal or regular filings, making it one of the most hassle-free registrations for businesses involved in international trade.

It remains valid as long as the business continues to operate and is not voluntarily surrendered or revoked by the authorities.

Applicability of DGFT IEC

The DGFT IEC is mandatory for all individuals and entities engaged in import or export activities, regardless of the size or structure of the business. Whether you are a sole proprietor, a small business, or a large corporation, you must obtain an IEC to legally conduct international trade.

Entities eligible to apply for IEC include:

Proprietorship Firms
Partnership Firms
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
Private or Public Limited Companies
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
Trusts
Societies and Cooperative Societies

Pre-requisites for IEC Application

Before applying for an IEC through the DGFT portal, the following conditions must be met:

DGFT Portal Registration: The applicant must create an account and log in on www.dgft.gov.in.
Eligible Entity: The application must be made on behalf of a valid business entity listed above.
Valid PAN: The entity must possess an active Permanent Account Number (PAN). Details must match PAN records exactly (name, DOB/incorporation date).
Bank Account: A current bank account in the business’s name is required.
Registered Business Address: A valid and verifiable address must be provided.

Note: All information, especially PAN details, will be digitally verified with the Income Tax Department during the application

Documents Required for DGFT IEC Registration

Applicants must upload the following scanned documents during the online application process:

1. Proof of Establishment / Incorporation

Depending on entity type:

Partnership Firm: Partnership deed or registration certificate
Society: Society registration certificate
Trust: Trust deed
HUF: Declaration or other relevant proof
Company/LLP: Certificate of incorporation

2. Proof of Business Address

Acceptable documents include:

Sale deed / Rent agreement / Lease deed
Utility bills (electricity, landline, or post-paid mobile)
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Partnership deed
For Proprietors: Aadhaar card, Passport, or Voter ID

Note: If the document is not in the firm’s name, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner along with their address proof must be uploaded in a single PDF file.

3. Bank Account Proof

Provide one of the following:

Cancelled cheque with the firm’s name
Bank certificate confirming account details

This is used for account verification and fee payments.

4. Digital Signature or Aadhaar

An active Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar of any authorized individual from the entity is required to sign and submit the application online

How to Get a DGFT IEC: Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is a simple and fully online process. Follow these steps to apply for your IEC certificate:

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Official Website

Go to www.dgft.gov.in
Click on the ‘Services’ tab on the homepage
Select ‘IEC Profile Management’ from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Start Your IEC Application

On the IEC page, click ‘Apply for IEC’
You will be redirected to the application portal

Step 3: Register as a New User

Click ‘Register’ to create your DGFT account
Fill in basic details like your name, email, and mobile number
Click ‘Send OTP’ to verify your mobile
Enter the OTP and click ‘Register’ to complete the signup

Step 4: Log In to DGFT Portal

Use your registered credentials to log in
After logging in, access your dashboard

Step 5: Apply for IEC

Click ‘Apply for IEC’ on the dashboard
Choose ‘Start Fresh Application’ for a new application
Or click ‘Proceed with Existing Application’ to continue a saved draft
Complete the ANF-2A application form

Step 6: Fill in Application Details

General Information
- Select your business type (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, etc.)
- Enter PAN, CIN (if applicable), GSTIN, and contact details
- Provide the full business address and upload address proof
Key Personnel Information
- Enter details of Proprietor/Partner/Director/Karta/Managing Trustee
Bank Details
- Enter bank account number and IFSC code
- Upload a cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Business Activity
- Specify the nature of business and export sectors
Declaration
- Read and accept the declaration by checking the relevant box

Step 7: Sign the Application

Review all entered information carefully
Sign using:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), or
- Aadhaar-based e-sign
PAN and business details will be auto-verified with the Income Tax database

Step 8: Make the Payment

Proceed to pay the prescribed IEC application fee online
After payment, you will be redirected back to the portal

Step 9: Download Receipt and Track Status

Download the payment receipt or application ticket
Track your application status anytime under the ‘My IEC’ section

Step 10: Receive and Download IEC Certificate

Once approved, your IEC certificate will be emailed to your registered ID
Alternatively, log in to the portal → ‘Manage IEC’ → ‘Print Certificate’ to download
IEC details will also be transmitted to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
Check the transmission status under ‘IEC Status’ on the DGFT portal

How to View DGFT IEC Details

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) offers an easy-to-use online feature to verify any Importer Exporter Code (IEC) through its official portal. The ‘View Any IEC’ tool allows users to access key details of an IEC, including the DEL (Denial of Export License) status, for authentication and compliance checks.

Steps to View IEC Details Online

Visit the DGFT Website
Go to the official DGFT portal: www.dgft.gov.in
Access the ‘View Any IEC’ Tool
From the homepage, navigate to:
Services → IEC Profile Management → View IEC Details
Enter IEC Information
- IEC Number: Enter the 10-digit Importer Exporter Code you wish to verify
- Firm Name: Type at least the first three characters of the firm’s name associated with the IEC
- CAPTCHA Code: Complete the CAPTCHA verification as shown on the screen
Submit and View Details
- Click the ‘Search’ or ‘Submit’ button
- The system will display the basic IEC details, including:
  - IEC holder’s name
  - Address
  - IEC status (Active/Inactive)
  - DEL status (if any restrictions or denials are in place)

How to Check DGFT IEC Status

The IEC Status reflects the current validity and operational condition of an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Checking this status helps ensure that an IEC is eligible for use in import/export activities.

An IEC can have one of the following statuses:

Active – The IEC is valid and authorized for international trade.
Inactive / Cancelled / Revoked – The IEC is no longer valid for use.
Under Process – The application is still under review by DGFT.

Procedure to Check DGFT IEC Status

Follow the steps below to verify the status of your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) on the official DGFT portal:

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Official Website

Go to www.dgft.gov.in

Step 2: Navigate to the IEC Section

Click on the ‘Services’ tab
Select ‘IEC Profile Management’
Then click on ‘View Any IEC’

Step 3: Enter Required Details

Enter the 10-digit IEC number
Provide at least the first three characters of the firm’s name associated with the IEC
Complete the CAPTCHA verification as shown

Step 4: Submit the Form

Click ‘Submit’ or ‘Search’ to view:

IEC status (Active/Inactive/Under Process)
Basic firm details
DEL (Denial of Export License) status, if applicable

Pro Tip

To check if your IEC data has been successfully transmitted to CBIC (Customs):

Log in to your DGFT account
Go to ‘My IEC’ section
View the CBIC Transmission Status

Easily Obtain Your DGFT IEC Code with IndiaFilings

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About the Author

Vinod

Vinod is an experienced legal content specialist who excels at translating complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. He empowers entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey—from startup formation to compliance management and growth—providing practical guidance to navigate regulatory challenges with confidence and clarity.

June 26, 2025