1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
An IEC is a 10-digit number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/ import activities. e.g or
Facility for IEC in electronic form or e-IEC has also been operationalized.
No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC number unless specifically exempted.
Individual or a Company who wants to do international business can get an IEC. Individuals can use either the name of their proprietorship firm or their name directly to apply for IEC.
Only one IEC is permitted against on Permanent Account Number (PAN). If any PAN card holder has more than one IEC, the extra IECs shall be disabled.

2. Exemption Categories Exempted from obtaining IEC :
Ministries /Departments of Central or State Govt.
Agencies/undertakings owned & controlled by Central Govt. for Defence purposes.
Import of any goods which are in transit through India by post or otherwise.
By persons, as passenger baggage, to the extent permissible under baggage rules
Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal; Myanmar (through Indo-Myanmar border areas); and China (through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports), provided CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000. In case of Nathula port, applicable value is Rs. 1,00,000/-
Exempt categories and corresponding permanent IEC numbers are given in Para 2.07 of Handbook of Procedures.

3. Application for IEC
Application for obtaining IEC can be filed manually by submitting the form (ANF 2A ) in the office of Regional Authority (RA) of DGFT, alongwith requisite documents.
Alternatively, an application for e-IEC may be filed online ( on payment of application fee of Rs. 500/-, to be paid online through net banking or credit/debit card.
Information on online application for e-IEC is at
Detailed instructions on e-filing of Application can be accessed on or at
Documents/ details required to be uploaded/ submitted along with the application form are at (
Online e-IEC is available
FAQ on IEC is at

4. What after an application is filed?
When an e-IEC is approved by the competent authority, applicant is informed through 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
( ).
When an application is rejected, deficiency in the application form can be removed by re-loging onto “Online IEC application” on DGFT website ( ) and filling the form again and by paying the requisite application processing charges
DGFT also provides for viewing the IEC status at customs icegate (

5. Application for IEC
Exporters / Importers shall file an application in ANF 2A format for grant of e-IEC.
Those who have digital signatures can sign and submit the application online along with the requisite documents.
Others may take a printout of the application, sign the undertaking/declaration, upload the same with other requisite documents and thereafter submit the signed copy of the online application form to concerned jurisdictional Regional Authorities (RA) either through post or by hand.

6. Miscellaneous Information
IEC Format : IEC will be issued in prescribed format (ANF 2(A) (II)).
Copy of such IEC shall be endorsed to concerned banker.
Validity of IEC : An IEC allotted to an applicant shall have permanent validity unless cancelled by the competent authority. The IEC will cover all branches / divisions / units / factories of the applicant
Surrender of IEC : If an IEC holder does not wish to operate allotted IEC, he may surrender the same to the issuing authority. On receipt, the issuing authority shall immediately cancel the IEC and electronically transmit it to DGFT and Customs authorities.

7. Validity of IEC for EOUs / SEZs
An IEC will remain valid irrespective of a firm’s status as a DTA unit or an EOU or a SEZ/ EHTP/STP/BTP unit and the procedure to be followed in case a firm/unit is de-bonded and converted to DTA is as under:
(a) An unit which is an EOU or in SEZ/EHTP/STP/BTP after de-bonding will not surrender the IEC obtained from its jurisdictional DC, SEZ.
(b) The jurisdictional DC, SEZ will send the original IEC file to concerned RA of DGFT after de-bonding.
(c) RA becomes the custodian of such file and will allow de-bonded unit to make necessary modification in IEC.
(d) The de-bonded unit to be eligible for benefits from the RA as per FTP.

8. Modification in IEC
Modification in IEC can only be done online (
Application for modification shall be filed with the concerned jurisdictional RA from where IEC was originally issued.
An application for modification may be made for change in details like name, address, constitution, ownership in Proprietorship firms. Change in constitution however, does not include change in Directors of Public Limited Company
Further, change in IEC not possible when there is change in the number as in PAN.
Applicant has the option to choose his RA, in case of change in his Branch/Head/ Registered Office address, while seeking modification in IEC ( ).

9. Profile of Importer / Exporter
ANF-1 of Handbook of Procedure ( ) contains the profile of the importer/exporter. IEC Holder shall be responsible for updating the same as and when a change takes place immediately or in any case at least once in a year ( )
Documents which are uploaded in the Importer-Exporter Profile are not required to be filed each time the importer/exporter applies for authorisations /scrips under different schemes of Foreign Trade Policy ( ).