Every importer or exporter in India must obtain a 10-digit Import Export Code from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before their first consignment can clear customs. The DGFT clearly takes three essentials: a PAN registered in the firm’s name, a bank account in the firm’s name, and a valid business address in the firm’s name.
In reality, most applications are not rejected due to eligibility, but are delayed by paperwork issues, mismatched names, or unclear address documentation. Submitting the correct documents required for IEC code on the first attempt is often the difference between receiving approval in two days or entering a two-week query process.
What Are the Documents Required for IEC Code?
The IEC code documents list isn’t long, but DGFT adheres to it fiercely, as the same ID is used across three systems: income tax, banking, and the DGFT portal. The business name on the PAN, bank account, and address proof need to match.
If the trader has a trading name that doesn’t match the PAN name, or the address has changed since the electricity bill was received, the application can be delayed in verification.
How Many Documents Required for IEC Code Registration in India?
- PAN card of the firm or business — Proprietorships use proprietor PAN and companies, LLPs, and partnership firms the entity PAN. The name should be the same as the applicant name entered on DGFT portal.
- Proof of bank account in the company’s name — A cancelled cheque, bank letter or bank statement confirming account holder name. Personal savings account proof in a company’s name will not be accepted.
- Proof of business address — provide a rent agreement, the most recent electricity bill, or sale deed. If the premises are rented, include a no-objection certificate from the landlord.
- Credentials of the person signing the IEC application—Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving licence or PAN of the authorised signatory.
- Constitution of the entity—Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or LLP agreement, as the case may be.
- a passport size photograph of the applicant/signer.
Documents Required for IEC Code for Proprietorship, Partnership Firm and LLP
The business structure governs the required paperwork, but does not change the basic logic. While an arm with a separate legal entity will always require proof of registration, a proprietorship is wholly dependent upon the personal documents of the proprietor.
Documents Required for IEC Code for Proprietorship
The proprietor’s PAN, Aadhaar, or other identity proof, a photograph, address proof of the business premises, and the cancelled cheque of the current account are required. As there is no separate incorporation certificate, the PAN and address documents work as the primary means of verification.
Documents Required for IEC Code for Partnership Firm
The firm’s PAN, an attested partnership deed including the managing partner’s details, identity proof of the managing partner who signs the application, business address proof, and a cancelled cheque from the firm’s account are required. The signatory listed in the deed must be the one authorising the application.
Documents Required for IEC Code for LLP
LLP’s PAN, incorporation certificate/LLP agreement, ID proof of the designated partner filing this form, address proof of registered office, and bank proof on LLP’s name. If any change in the registered office, update the new address in address proof documents before filing.
Is Current Account Mandatory for IEC Code?
Yes. A bank account in the name of the firm is compulsory and it has to be in the name of the applicant entity. DGFT connects the IEC to the entity’s bank account details, so a proprietorship can maintain the business current account while the company should maintain the account in the name of the company — the proprietor’s personal savings account will not be considered. Provide either a cancelled cheque or bank certificate with the account holder’s name.
How to Register for IEC Code Online
- DGFT portal registration — DGFT portal registration can be done by the use of a firm’s PAN, basic profile, mobile & E-mail verification.
- Select IEC under Services — Applying for the Importer-Exporter Code; the Aayat Niryat Form (ANF-2A) for new applicants will appear.
- Fill entity and address details — Enter name of business as per PAN, business registered address and signatory.
- Upload all document sets — all necessary documents with the acceptable file formats like PAN, address proof, bank proof, identity proof and constitution documents are uploaded.
- Pay and submit — Pay online, sign digitally and submit the application; e-IEC is generally issued within a few working days if the application is flawless.
Foxtax helps first-time exporters complete and cross-verify these IEC code registration documents before submission, so mismatches are corrected before DGFT raises a query.
How Much Fees for IEC Code and What Does IEC Registration Cost?
The fee payable to the government on the DGFT portal is Rs 500 for an IEC registration application. Fees for experts are in addition, so your IEC registration cost is Rs 500 if you do your application yourself and can go up to a few thousand rupees when a consulting agency files your documents.
IEC has lifetime validity but you need to renew it online every year between April and June to keep the code active — otherwise, the registration gets suspended despite having paid the government fee only once.
Can I Get IEC Without GST?
Yes. GST registration is not necessary for an IEC and DGFT doesn’t require GSTIN at the time of application. It is not necessary for a proprietorship or partnership below the GST threshold to obtain an IEC. GST matters come up later when an exporter applies for input tax refund or submits a shipping bill under a letter of undertaking.
Documents Required for IEC Code Registration in India: Quick Checklist
- PAN of the firm or proprietor
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate in the name of the firm.
- Proof of business address plus NOC (if rented)
- Authorised signatory’s identity proof and photograph
- Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or LLP agreement.
- Signature to be obtained via digital signature / signing through aadhaar for submission.
Regardless of volume, your IEC application will pass or fail on document consistency. Crosscheck names, bank, and address across PAN, bank, and address accounts, maintain scanned copies of documents in the exact format required, and always upload them to the DGFT website with time to spare. Foxtax supports exporters and importers all over India to examine IEC documentation and complete timely filed forms the first time.
FAQ
Is an IEC required for service exports?
No. An IEC is required for the export and import of goods. Service exporters usually do not need one, though it may be advisable if the business also deals in physical goods.
How long does IEC registration take?
Typically, about one to three working days from receipt of the online application and fee payment if all documents are received, are complete and names match.
Does an IEC have to be renewed?
The IEC code does not require renewal anymore but has to be updated online each year in the period between April and June. If not done within the period it often means deactivation of IEC.