Compliance Pack

Import Export Code (IEC) and annual update

An IEC is the 10-digit code (your PAN) that customs needs before you can import or export goods.
Deadline: Before the first commercial import or export; annual update every year between April and June
Done in 1 working day after documents (IEC is auto-generated on submission)
Prepared by your Savvy, checked by a CA

PAN of the entity
Are you trading goods
Register on the DGFT portal and link the PAN
e-IEC certificate

The law and the steps Pay and start · ₹1,499One time, then yearly update (April to June), + 18% GST

Sample caseTS-REG-EXI-01

Import Export Code (IEC) and annual…

Before the first commercial…

IWhat we need from you7 documents
DQuestions for you5 questions
FForms6 steps
DWhat you gete-IEC certificate

Fixed fee₹1,499+ 18% GST

Answer in brief

An IEC is the 10-digit code (your PAN) that customs needs before you can import or export goods. We apply for it on the DGFT portal, then confirm or update it every April to June so it is never deactivated.

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From the official sources

What the law says, and what trips people up

From the official portal's manuals and FAQs, with the source for each point.

The law

Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992, Sec 7
No import or export except under an Importer-exporter Code Number; for services or technology only when taking FTP benefits or dealing in specified servicesSource
Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 2.07
IEC is compulsory for imports and exports; exemptions include government departments, personal non-trade imports and exports, and small border trade with Nepal, Bhutan and MyanmarSource
Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 2.08
Apply online in ANF-2A on the DGFT portal with fee; IEC is auto-generated; upload cancelled cheque or bank certificate and address proofSource
Handbook of Procedures 2023, Paras 2.10 and 2.12
IEC has permanent validity unless suspended or cancelled, covers all branches; only one IEC per PANSource
Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 2.14
Changes in constitution, address, bank or other primary details must be updated online within 30 days; new PAN after merger or conversion needs a new IEC within 30 daysSource
Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Para 2.05(d) and (e)
IEC holders must update details electronically every year in April to June; non-updated IECs are deactivatedSource
Government fee
₹500 for issue of IEC (Appendix 2K, Sl. No. 1). Annual updation in April to June: nil (Appendix 2K, Sl. No. 6(A)). Amendments: ₹200 under the general amendment entry (Sl. No. 6). Source: https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/62923d1c-9384-4416-abab-7d9cf488c156/2K_Updated.pdf
Late fee or penalty
No late fee found. A missed annual update leads to deactivation under FTP Para 2.05(e); the IEC is reactivated once the online update succeeds. Source: https://texprocil.org/circular/1757054033-Eserve-154_of_2025.pdf and https://www.simpliance.in/India/FCC/govt_notification/Central/trade-notice-on-de-activation-of-iecs-not-updated-at-dgft-dated-14012022

On the portal

Open dgft.gov.in and register as a new user with mobile and email OTP
Services > IEC > Apply for IEC; enter PAN and fill ANF-2A sections (entity, address, bank, proprietor, partners or directors, branches)
Upload cancelled cheque or bank certificate and address proof
Sign with Class 3 DSC or Aadhaar e-sign and pay ₹500 online
Download the e-IEC from the dashboard
Every April to June: Services > IEC Profile Management > Update IEC, review all sections, sign and submit

What trips people up

IEC deactivated after missing the April to June update
File the update online; the IEC is reactivated automatically and sent to customsSource
DGFT reminders going to an old email
Keep profile email and mobile currentSource
Old bank account still on IEC
Update bank details online within 30 days of changeSource
Status Active on DGFT but customs shows inactive
Allow 24 to 48 hours for ICEGATE sync before booking shipmentsSource
Trying to get a second IEC for a branch
Branches are added inside the same IEC; one IEC per PANSource

People ask

Is IEC needed for software or service exports?

Only if you claim FTP benefits or deal in specified services; otherwise not under Sec 7.Source

Do I need to renew IEC?

No renewal; it is permanent, but must be updated or confirmed every April to June.Source

What if nothing changed this year?

You must still submit an online confirmation.Source

What does IEC cost?

₹500 for issue; annual update is free.Source

My IEC was deactivated. Do I visit DGFT?

No. Update online and it is reactivated automatically.Source

IDFD

How we solve it: 4 steps

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Step 1 of 4 · What we need from you

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PAN of the entity
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Address proof of the entity
Constitution document, if not proprietorOptional
Class 3 DSC or Aadhaar e-sign
Mobile and email of signatory
Partners or directors details

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₹1,499

₹1,499 + ₹269.82 GST = ₹1,768.82

One time, then yearly update (April to June). Delivered in 1 working day after documents (IEC is auto-generated on submission). Due: Before the first commercial import or export; annual update every year between April and June

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