The IEC code registration fees in India is just ₹500 — paid directly to the government through the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal. There are no hidden charges for a new registration. The entire process is online and most businesses receive their Import Export Code within 1–2 working days after successful payment. If you apply through a consultant or professional service provider, additional service charges apply on top of the base government fee. This guide covers everything — exact fees, documents, step-by-step payment process, modification charges, refund rules, and benefits of getting an IEC code.
What Is an IEC Code?
An IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the DGFT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary licence that allows any individual or business entity to legally import or export goods and services from India.
Think of it as your business’s passport for international trade. Whether you are shipping handmade products abroad or importing raw materials for your factory, you cannot do it without an active IEC code.
Key facts about IEC:
- Issued by DGFT (dgft.gov.in)
- Valid for the lifetime of the business — no renewal needed
- Linked to your PAN card
- Mandatory for customs clearance and foreign remittance
- One business entity gets one IEC — you cannot have two
Who Needs an IEC Code?
You need an IEC code if you are:
- A manufacturer exporting goods directly or through an agent
- A trader buying goods from India and selling abroad
- A service provider earning revenue from foreign clients (software, consulting, design, etc.)
- An e-commerce seller shipping products internationally through platforms like Amazon Global, eBay, or Etsy
- A company importing machinery, raw materials, or finished goods into India
- A startup receiving foreign investment or dealing in cross-border services
You do NOT need an IEC if:
- You are importing or exporting goods strictly for personal use (not for trade or commercial purpose)
- You are a government department or ministry
- You deal in goods completely exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy (such as certain categories under Schedule 2 of ITC-HS codes)
IEC Code Registration Fees — Complete Fee Structure
The import export license fees are set by DGFT and apply uniformly across India. There is no state-wise variation.
| Application Type | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| New IEC Registration | ₹500 |
| Modification of existing IEC | ₹200 |
| Addition of new branch/unit | ₹200 |
| Duplicate IEC certificate | ₹200 |
| Surrender / cancellation of IEC | ₹0 (Free) |
| Annual update (mandatory) | ₹0 (Free) |
Payment Modes Accepted on DGFT Portal
- Net banking (all major banks)
- Credit card / Debit card (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay)
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)
There is no offline payment option — demand drafts and cash payments are not accepted for IEC registration.
Documents Required for IEC Code Registration
Having the right documents ready before you start saves time and prevents rejection. Here is a complete list based on your business type.
For Proprietorship / Individual
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN card of proprietor | Primary identity proof |
| Aadhaar card | Address and identity verification |
| Passport-size photograph | Applicant photo |
| Cancelled cheque or bank certificate | Bank account verification |
| Utility bill / rent agreement | Business address proof |
For Partnership Firm
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN card of the firm | Entity identification |
| Partnership deed | Legal structure proof |
| PAN and Aadhaar of managing partner | Authorised signatory proof |
| Cancelled cheque of firm account | Bank account verification |
| Business address proof | Registered office address |
For Private Limited / OPC / LLP
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN card of the company | Entity identification |
| Certificate of incorporation | Proof of legal existence |
| MOA / AOA (for Pvt Ltd) or LLP agreement | Structural document |
| PAN and Aadhaar of director/designated partner | Authorised signatory |
| Cancelled cheque of company account | Bank details |
| Registered office address proof | Business address |
For HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN card of HUF | Entity PAN |
| PAN and Aadhaar of Karta | Authorised person identity |
| HUF deed (if available) | Structure proof |
| Bank account proof | Cancelled cheque of HUF account |
| Address proof | Any utility bill in HUF name |
Document format requirements:
- File format: JPG, JPEG, PDF, or PNG only
- File size: Generally under 5 MB per document
- Image should be clear, readable, and not blurry
How to Apply for IEC Code Online — Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the DGFT Portal
Go to gft.gov.in — the official government portal for IEC registration. Avoid third-party websites that claim to be the official site.
Step 2: Register / Log In
- Click on “Login” at the top right
- If you are new, register using your mobile number and email ID
- An OTP will be sent for verification
Step 3: Start IEC Application
- After login, go to Services → IEC → Apply for IEC
- The application form (ANF 2A) will open
Step 4: Fill Business Details
Enter the following:
- Business name and type (proprietorship, company, etc.)
- PAN number (auto-verified by DGFT)
- GSTIN (if registered)
- Business address
- Nature of business (import/export/both)
- Bank account number and IFSC code
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload all required documents as per your entity type. Ensure each file is clear and within the size limit.
Step 6: Pay the IEC Code Fees
- Click on “Pay Fee”
- Select your payment mode (UPI, net banking, or card)
- Pay the government fee of ₹500
- Save the payment receipt
Step 7: Submit and Track
- Review all details and submit the application
- You will receive an application reference number
- Track status at dgft.gov.in under “Track IEC Application”
Step 8: Download IEC Certificate
Once approved (usually 1–2 working days), download your IEC certificate directly from the portal. It is a digital certificate — no physical copy is issued.
How to Modify an Existing IEC Code
If your business details change — such as a new address, updated bank account, change in directors, or addition of a new branch — you must update your IEC records on the DGFT portal.
Modification fee: ₹200
Common reasons for IEC modification:
- Change of business address
- Change of bank account details
- Addition or removal of a partner/director
- Change in business name (after legal name change)
- Adding a new export/import unit or branch
- Change in contact details (email, mobile)
How to modify:
- Log in to dgft.gov.in
- Go to Services → IEC → Update/Modify IEC
- Make the required changes
- Upload supporting documents (e.g., new bank proof, new address proof)
- Pay ₹200 modification fee
- Submit — approval is usually instant or within 1 working day
Annual IEC Update — Mandatory and Free
DGFT made it mandatory for all IEC holders to update their IEC details on the portal between April 1 and June 30 every year. This is an annual compliance requirement.
Important points:
- The update is completely free of cost (₹0)
- You must do it even if nothing has changed
- Failure to update may result in deactivation of your IEC
- A deactivated IEC cannot be used for imports, exports, or customs clearance
- Reactivation requires submitting an update — the IEC is restored after that
This is one area many businesses miss, leading to problems during shipment clearance. Set a reminder every April.
IEC Code Fees Refund Policy
The ₹500 government fee is strictly non-refundable in the following situations:
- Application rejected due to incorrect or incomplete information
- Wrong PAN number submitted
- Documents found invalid or mismatched
- Application withdrawn by the applicant after submission
- Technical error on applicant’s end during form filling
What to do if payment is deducted but application did not submit?
In cases where the fee is deducted but the application is not recorded, DGFT has a refund mechanism through the payment gateway. You must raise a grievance at the DGFT helpdesk (1800-111-550) or email at helpdesk-dgft@nic.in with your transaction ID and screenshot of the deduction.
Pro tip: Always take a screenshot of the payment confirmation and the application submission page before closing the browser.
Total Cost of IEC Registration — DIY vs. Professional Help
| Cost Component | Self-Apply (DIY) | With Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| DGFT Government Fee | ₹500 | ₹500 |
| Professional Service Fee | ₹0 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Document preparation support | Self | Included |
| Error correction support | Self | Included |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹500 | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 |
Applying yourself saves money but requires careful attention to detail. Even one wrong document or mismatched name can lead to rejection — and the ₹500 fee is not refunded.
At JS Certification, we handle the complete application process — document verification, form filling, fee payment, and follow-up — so your IEC is approved without back-and-forth.
Key Benefits of IEC Code Registration
Getting an IEC code is a one-time investment with lifetime value. Here is what it unlocks for your business:
1. Legal Permission to Import and Export
Without an IEC, you cannot legally ship goods across Indian borders. Customs will not clear your shipment. Banks will not process your foreign payment. IEC is the foundation of any international trade operation.
2. Lifetime Validity — No Renewal
Unlike GST registration (which has compliance requirements) or FSSAI licence (which needs renewal), an IEC code is valid for the entire life of the business. You pay once and it stays active as long as you update it annually on the DGFT portal.
3. Access to Government Export Incentives
IEC holders can claim benefits under:
- RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) — refund of embedded taxes on exports
- Duty Drawback Scheme — refund of customs duty paid on imported inputs used in export production
- Advance Authorisation Scheme — duty-free import of raw materials for export production
- Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) — import capital goods at reduced or zero customs duty
These schemes can result in significant savings, especially for manufacturing exporters.
4. Foreign Payment Processing
Banks require your IEC code to process inward foreign remittance (money received from abroad). Whether you are a freelancer, a software company, or a product exporter, your bank will ask for your IEC when you receive foreign payments above a certain threshold.
5. No Return Filing Required
Unlike GST returns (monthly/quarterly) or income tax (annual), there is no periodic return filing required for IEC. The only obligation is the free annual update on the DGFT portal — and that takes less than 5 minutes.
6. Multiple Business Units on One IEC
You can add multiple branches, warehouses, or export units to a single IEC code. This makes it easy for businesses with multiple locations to operate under one registration.
7. Boosts Business Credibility
Having an IEC code signals to foreign buyers and Indian banks that you are a legitimate, government-registered trader. It makes it easier to open export credit accounts and apply for export finance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During IEC Registration
Many applications get rejected or delayed due to avoidable errors. Watch out for these:
- PAN name mismatch — The name on the application must exactly match the name on your PAN card. Even a spelling difference causes rejection.
- Wrong bank details — IFSC code or account number errors delay approval. Verify your cancelled cheque before uploading.
- Blurry documents — Low-quality scans or photos are rejected. Use a scanner or a good camera app.
- Wrong entity type selected — Selecting “proprietorship” when you are a private limited company leads to mismatch in documents.
- Using a personal bank account for a company — Company IEC must be linked to the company’s bank account, not the director’s personal account.
- Uploading wrong file format — Only JPG, PDF, and PNG are accepted. Word documents or screenshots in HEIC format are not supported.
IEC Code vs. Import Export Licence — Are They the Same?
| Feature | IEC Code | Specific Import/Export Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Importer Exporter Code | Licence for restricted goods |
| Issued by | DGFT | DGFT (different application) |
| Required for | All importers/exporters | Only for restricted/prohibited items |
| Fee | ₹500 (one-time) | Varies by licence type |
| Validity | Lifetime | Usually 1–3 years |
The import export license fees for specific licences (like for chemicals, arms, or dual-use goods) are much higher and follow a different process. For most standard goods and services, the ₹500 IEC code is the only registration you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
The government fee for a new IEC code registration is ₹500, paid online through the DGFT portal. There are no other mandatory government charges.
No. The minimum government fee is ₹500. There is no waiver available, even for small businesses or startups. However, if you are a government department, you are exempt from IEC altogether.
Professional service fees typically range from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 depending on the service provider. This is over and above the ₹500 government fee.
In most cases, the IEC is approved within 1–2 working days after the application is submitted and the fee is paid. If documents are incorrect, it can take longer due to queries raised by DGFT.
Yes, registration is one-time with a one-time fee of ₹500. However, you must do a free annual update on the DGFT portal between April and June every year to keep your IEC active.
The modification fee is ₹200. This applies to changes like address update, new bank account, addition of branch, or change in partners/directors.
No, the government fee is non-refundable. If your application is rejected due to wrong documents or incorrect information, you need to re-apply and pay the fee again.
Yes. Any individual — whether salaried, self-employed, or a business owner — can apply for an IEC code in their personal name. This is useful for freelancers exporting services or individuals selling products abroad.
GST is not mandatory for IEC registration. However, if your business is GST registered, your GSTIN should ideally be linked to your IEC for seamless compliance.
our IEC gets deactivated. A deactivated IEC cannot be used for customs clearance, foreign payments, or any import-export activity. Reactivating it requires logging in and completing the annual update — after which it is restored automatically.
