IEC Registration
Import Export Code from DGFT. Your gateway to international food trade.
IEC Registration (Import Export Code) is the mandatory 10-digit PAN-based registration from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) required for every import and export transaction in India. For food businesses, IEC unlocks import of specialty ingredients, packaging materials, and machinery not available domestically, and enables export of processed foods, spices, organic products, and beverages to global markets. IEC is linked to your AD Category-I bank account and must be updated annually on the DGFT portal. Combined with FSSAI Central licence (for imports/exports), APEDA registration (for scheduled commodities), and correct HS classification, IEC forms the foundation of international trade compliance. Complianceer handles DGFT portal filing, bank certificate coordination, and post-registration AD code setup with customs.
At a glance
- Timeline: 3–7 working days
- Government fee: ₹500 (one-time; free annual update)
- Professional fee: Starting from ₹2,499
Who needs this
- Food exporters shipping products to international buyers
- Manufacturers importing raw materials, ingredients, or packaging
- Spice and commodity traders entering export markets
- Organic and specialty food brands targeting global e-commerce
- Startups planning export from inception alongside domestic operations
Benefits
- Mandatory for all commercial import and export customs clearance
- Enables foreign currency receipt and AD category bank account operations
- Required for availing DGFT export promotion schemes (RoDTEP, SEIS successor)
- Single registration covers all products. No product-wise IEC needed
- Lifetime validity with free annual update on DGFT portal
Eligibility
- Any person or entity intending to import or export goods/services
- No minimum turnover. Even a single shipment requires IEC
- One IEC per PAN. Proprietors, companies, LLPs, and partnerships are eligible
- Bank account must be with AD Category-I authorised dealer bank
Documents
- PAN of business entity or individual
- Aadhaar of applicant/authorised signatory
- Bank certificate in DGFT-prescribed format from AD Category-I bank
- Cancelled cheque of current bank account
- Business registration proof (COI, GST certificate, partnership deed)
- Address proof of business premises
- Digital photograph of applicant
FAQs
Is IEC different from the Import Export Code in Start Your Business category?
Same registration. IEC is listed in both Start Your Business (as part of initial setup) and Go Global (as export-focused service). One IEC per PAN covers all trade activities.
Can I export food without FSSAI if I have IEC?
No. IEC enables customs clearance; FSSAI Central licence is separately mandatory for food export. Both are required alongside correct HS code and export documentation.
What is AD code registration?
AD (Authorised Dealer) code links your IEC to a specific customs port for import/export transactions. Required after IEC issuance before first shipment.