ndsavla
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration | Savlana Init
Registrations · IEC

Import Export Code — The First Step Into Cross-Border Trade.

No import or export shipment can clear customs without a valid Import Export Code. We handle the DGFT application, PAN-linked issuance, and ongoing profile updates.

Contact Us

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), mandatory for any business or individual undertaking import or export of goods, and for certain categories of service and technology exports where foreign exchange is remitted. Since 2021, the IEC is linked directly to PAN — meaning a business effectively already has an IEC-eligible identity through its PAN, but still needs to complete the formal DGFT application to activate and receive the code.

IEC is a one-time registration with no expiry, though DGFT requires annual online confirmation/updation of IEC details between April and June each year — failure to update can result in the IEC being deactivated, which halts import/export activity until it's reactivated. Certain categories are exempt from needing an IEC, such as import/export for personal use not connected with trade or manufacturing.

We handle the DGFT application including document preparation, bank certificate/cancelled cheque submission, and the mandatory annual updation, so the code stays active and cross-border transactions aren't held up at customs.

Our IEC Services

IEC Application & Issuance

DGFT application filing with PAN, business proof, and bank details to obtain a new Import Export Code.

IEC Annual Updation (April-June)

Mandatory yearly online confirmation of IEC details to keep the code active and avoid deactivation.

IEC Modification

Updating IEC details on changes to business address, bank account, directors/partners, or business name.

IEC Reactivation

Reactivating a deactivated IEC where the annual updation window was missed.

IEC Surrender/Cancellation

Filing surrender of an IEC where the business has ceased cross-border trade permanently.

Bank Certificate/AD Code Documentation

Preparing the bank certificate or cancelled cheque documentation DGFT requires for IEC issuance.

Export Incentive Scheme Eligibility Advisory

Guidance on schemes like RoDTEP and duty drawback that become accessible once an active IEC is in place.

IEC-ICEGATE-GST Linkage Advisory

Ensuring the IEC, ICEGATE registration and GST profile are consistently linked for smooth customs clearance.

Our Process

1

Eligibility & Document Check

We confirm PAN, business constitution proof, and bank account details are in order for the DGFT application.

2

Application Filing on DGFT Portal

The IEC application is filed online with the required declarations and bank certificate/cancelled cheque.

3

Verification & Query Response

Any clarification queries raised by DGFT during processing are responded to promptly.

4

Code Issuance

The 10-digit IEC is issued electronically and linked to the entity's PAN.

5

Annual Updation Tracking

We track the April-June annual updation window each year to prevent deactivation.

Why It Matters

Mandatory prerequisite unlocked for any import or export transaction
One-time registration with no renewal fee, only annual online confirmation
PAN-linked issuance means faster processing with fewer duplicate documents
Annual updation tracked proactively to prevent deactivation
Unlocks eligibility for RoDTEP, duty drawback, and other export incentives
Smooth linkage maintained with ICEGATE and GST for customs clearance
Fast reactivation support if the code has lapsed
Modification handled promptly on business or bank detail changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with limited exceptions such as import/export for personal use unconnected with trade, manufacture, or agriculture, and specified categories exempted by government notification. For virtually all commercial cross-border trade, a valid IEC is mandatory before customs will process the shipment.
The IEC itself doesn't expire, but DGFT requires an online confirmation/updation of IEC details every year between April and June, even if there's no change to report. Failing to do this results in the IEC being automatically deactivated.
A deactivated IEC blocks customs clearance for import or export shipments until it's reactivated. Reactivation is done by completing the pending annual updation on the DGFT portal, after which the code becomes active again, though this can cause delays to in-transit shipments.
No — since IEC is now linked to PAN, one IEC covers the entire legal entity across all its branches and locations; a single business does not need multiple IECs for different offices.
Certain service exports require an IEC, particularly where foreign exchange remittance and specific export incentive schemes are involved, even though the export isn't a physical shipment. We assess this based on the nature of the service and the incentive schemes being claimed.
Yes, proprietorship businesses and individuals engaged in trade can apply for an IEC using their personal PAN, following the same DGFT application process as companies and LLPs.

Ready to get your Import Export Code?

We'll file your DGFT application, prepare the bank documentation, and keep your IEC active with the mandatory annual updation.