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Importer-Exporter Code

All businesses engaged in importing and exporting goods must have an Importer Exporter Code

  • Data Check

    We do a thorough check of the files you send in

  • Online Application

    Our team will process your application online. We will also follow up with the department regularly till your code is issued

  • Receipt of License

    The TIN will be issued within 15 days of the application

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Import Export Code Registration - An overview.

An Importer Exporter Code is a unique 10-digit code, which is requisite for every import/export business owner in India. The code is issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and needs no filing or renewal. IEC is required by importers to clear customs and shipment, and to transfer money to foreign banks. Exporters require IEC to send shipments and receive money from foreign banks. In short, no importer/exporter can operate in India without getting the IEC.

Why register for IEC? Benefits

1. The IEC registration helps traders open the doors to venture into the global market, including registration in online e-commerce operators.

2. Businesses can avail government schemes like Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS) and others from Customs and Export Promotion

3. No compliance requirements pos registration and hence maintaining the business is relatively simple

4. The process of obtaining IEC is not tedious and can be obtained with minimal, basic documents.

How to register for IEC? - A detailed IEC procedure

The following is the simple online IEC registration procedure.

Step 1: The online IEC application form in the format Aayaat Niryaat Form no. 2A is filed with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Alternatively, it could also be done offline at the Regional office of DGFT.

Step 2: All the required documents, including bank details and DSC, have to be submitted

Step 3: Next, the Import Export code will be allotted and the application will be processed further

Step 4: Once the documents and application are verified by the authorities, the import export license will be granted as a soft copy to the entity.

Documents required for Import Export Code registration

The documents required are relatively less for IEC registration. Only a few documents are required which are listed below for a better scope.

  • PAN card of the individual or company
  • Copy of the entity’s government ID (Driving license/Aadhar/Voter ID)
  • Incorporation certificate/Partnership deed
  • Personal or company’s current bank account statement
  • Address proof (Electricity bill/rent agreement/sale deed of the office location
  • Copy of cancelled cheque leaf of the current account

Eligibility

Any type of business registration: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Private Limited and Charitable organization dealing with the export and import of goods should register for Importer Exporter Goods.

Any type of business registration: sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited companies, charitable organizations dealing with import and exports of goods can register for import-export code, irrespective of the size. However, IE code is not required for Import/export of goods for personal use, which is not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture. There is no need for a business set up.

Exemption of IEC

  • Persons undertaking import and export of goods for personal reasons and not connected to trade, agriculture and manufacture.
  • Individuals who export/import goods to/from Nepal and Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (through Gunji, NamgayaShipkila and Nathula ports) with single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000.
  • Exemption from obtaining IEC shall not be applicable for export of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipments and Technologies (SCOMET) as listed in Appendix - 3, Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) except in case of exports by category (ii) above.
  • Ministries/Departments of Central and State governments

Following permanent IEC numbers shall be used by non-commercial PSUs and categories of importers/exporters mentioned against them for import/export purposes.

S.No Code Number Categories of Importers / Exporters
1 0100000011 All Ministries / Departments of Central Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
2 0100000029 All Ministries / Departments of any State Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
3 0100000037 Diplomatic personnel, Counselor officers in India and officials of UNO and its specialised agencies.
4 0100000045 Indians returning from / going abroad and claiming benefit under Baggage Rules.
5 0100000053 Persons / Institutions / Hospitals importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
6 0100000061 Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal
7 0100000070 Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas
8 0100000088 Ford Foundation
9 0100000096 Importers importing goods for display or use in fairs/exhibitions or similar events under provisions of ATA Carnet. This IEC number can also be used by importers importing for exhibitions/fairs as per Para 2.29 of HBPv1.
10 0100000100 Director, National Blood Group Reference Laboratory, Bombay or their authorized offices.
11 0100000126 Individuals / Charitable Institution / Registered NGOs importing goods, which have been exempted from Customs duty under Notification issued by Ministry of Finance for bonafide use
by victims affected by natural calamity.
12 0100000134 Persons importing/exporting permissible goods as notified from time to time, from/to China through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports, subject to value ceilings of single consignment as given in Para 2.8(iv) above.
13 0100000169 Non-commercial imports and exports by entities who have been authorized by Reserve Bank of India.

Commercial Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) who have obtained PAN will, however, be required to obtain the Import Export Code number. The permanent IEC number as mentioned above shall be used by non-commercial PSUs.

Validity of IE Code

Once registered the Import Export Code is permanent and becomes valid for lifetime. Hence, there is absolutely no need for renewal or update. It lasts until the business ceases to exist or the registration is surrendered. Also, the business does not have to do any monthly or annual filings like GST, PF, etc.

RCMC Registration

RCMC is Registration-cum-Membership Certificate issued by the Export Promotion Council body under the Govt of India. RCMC is required for businesses that deal with the export of restricted products, and those seeking concessions under Foreign Trade Policy like duty withdraw.

Why Vakilsearch

Our professionals will execute the Import Export code registration process smoothly online at best rates. The whole process will take about ten days.


FAQs on Import Export Code

IEC stands for Import Export code which is a 10 digit number issued by Director General of Foreign Trade, Department of Commerce, Government of India. It is a registration required for traders importing or exporting goods and services to or from India.
Under the MEIS Scheme, numerous rewards and incentives are provided to exporters. Such incentives are given to exporters at a prescribed rate which varies from product to product.
Any person/company dealing in international trade of export and import of goods and Services need to register for IE code.
IE Code is not a tax registration. However, certain customs duty may be levied depending on the product.
No. IEC is a mandatory document for recognition by Govt. of India as Exporter / Importer of goods and services. However, if the value of goods is too low, the customs authorities may permit first export by imposing nominal charges which is highly unlikely to happen.
Anyone who is acting as sole proprietor of a business can obtain IE code Registration.
To obtain IE code registration, a copy of PAN Card, proof of address of business and constitution of the business [Partnership deed, Incorporation Certificate, etc.,] and a cancelled cheque of the current account is required.
With Vakilsearch IEC Registration can be obtained from the DGFT in 7-10 working days after submission of all required documents and application form.
As trade is not possible without a valid IEC, the penalty levied may be the pay duty depending upon the quantum of the goods.
No. IEC is a mandatory document for recognition by Govt. of India as exporter/importer. However, if the value of goods is very low, the concerned customs officer may permit the first export (only one time) by imposing penal charges.
Yes, IEC number is reflected in all customs documents related to exports and imports.
A single business owner can get only one License.
Yes. In order to make changes, you need to raise a request with the DGFT and produce the relevant documents to make the modifications. Some government fee may be charged for the same.
IE code can be cancelled by initiating a formal request to the DGFT online. On receipt of such intimation, the authorities will cancel it electronically.
No, there is no need for a customer to start a company to apply for IEC Certificate.

Types of Government Registrations

Importer-Exporter Code Shops & Establishments Act Professional Tax Registration
Who It's For
 Importers & exporters All businesses All employers
When You Need It
 For any imports or exports Within 30 days of operations Within 30 days of operations
Returns to be Filed
 No No Yes
Issuing Authority
 Directorate General of Foreign Trade Municipal Corporation State Government
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