How to Get an IEC Code in 2026: Fee, Documents and the Annual Update Rule (Official DGFT Process)

If you want to import goods from China into India as a business, one registration you need is an Importer Exporter Code, usually called an IEC. The application is completely online, the fee is ₹500, and the IEC has permanent validity as long as it is not suspended or cancelled and you complete the yearly update.

Everything below is taken from the official rules: the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (FTP), the Handbook of Procedures 2023 (HBP) and Appendix 2K of the FTP, all published by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The paragraph numbers are given so you can check each point yourself.

What is an IEC?

An IEC is a 10-character alpha-numeric number allotted to an entity, such as a firm, company or LLP, and it is mandatory for undertaking any export or import activity (FTP para 2.05). Since the introduction of GST, the IEC is the same as the entity's PAN, but it is still issued separately by the DGFT on an online application.

The rule itself is simple: no export or import of goods shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC, unless specifically exempted (FTP para 2.05(a)).

Who needs an IEC, and who is exempt?

Any business importing goods into India needs an IEC. The DGFT lists Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Limited Company, Trust, HUF and Society as the types of entity that can apply.

The Handbook of Procedures (para 2.07) lists the categories that are exempt from obtaining an IEC. The ones most relevant to readers of this site are:

• Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture.
• Ministries and departments of the Central or State Government.
• Small border trade with China through the Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports, where the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed ₹1,00,000 through Gunji and Namgaya Shipkila, or ₹2,00,000 through Nathula.

If you are buying from Chinese suppliers to resell, use in your business or manufacture, and the goods come by sea, air or courier, you need your own IEC.

What you need before you apply

The DGFT asks that the firm has a PAN, a bank account in the name of the firm and a valid address before applying. With the online application you upload scanned copies of (HBP para 2.08):

• A cancelled cheque bearing the entity's pre-printed name, or a bank certificate in the prescribed format.
• Address proof of the applicant entity, as detailed in the application.

The DGFT may physically verify the address after the IEC is issued, and Regional Authorities carry out post-verification of online IECs (HBP para 2.08(d)).

The fee: ₹500

The application fee for an Importer Exporter Code is ₹500 (Five Hundred rupees), as listed in the scale of fees in Appendix 2K of the FTP. The fee is paid online when you submit the application on the DGFT website.

How to apply online

1. Go to the DGFT website, dgft.gov.in, and sign in (register first if you do not have an account).
2. Choose the option to apply for an IEC and fill in the online application, which is form ANF-2A (HBP para 2.08(a)).
3. Enter your firm's PAN, address and bank details, and upload the cancelled cheque or bank certificate and the address proof.
4. Pay the ₹500 fee online and submit.
5. The IEC is generated automatically, and you are informed by e-mail and SMS. You can view and download the e-IEC from your dashboard on the DGFT website (HBP para 2.08(b) and 2.09).

How long is an IEC valid?

An IEC has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled by the competent authority, and it covers all branches, divisions, units and factories of the business (HBP para 2.10). Only one IEC is issued against a single PAN (HBP para 2.12).

The annual update: do not skip it

Every IEC holder must update the details of its IEC electronically every year, during the April to June period. If nothing has changed, you still need to confirm the details online (FTP para 2.05(d)).

• The annual update during April to June has no fee: Appendix 2K lists it as Nil.
• An IEC that is not updated within this period is de-activated. It can be activated again once it is successfully updated (FTP para 2.05(e)).
• An IEC may also be flagged for scrutiny by the system. The holder must deal with any risks flagged in time, or the IEC is de-activated (FTP para 2.05(f)).

To avoid de-activation, set a reminder for April every year.

Changes to your business details

If your firm's constitution, address, bank details or any other primary details change, you must update the IEC online within 30 days of the change (HBP para 2.14(b)). Modifications are made online with the applicable fee and documents (HBP para 2.14(a)).

If the business changes in a way that gives it a new PAN, for example through a merger, acquisition or business transfer, an IEC must be obtained against the new PAN within 30 days of the change, if one does not already exist (HBP para 2.14(e)).

Checking any IEC

The details of any IEC can be verified on the DGFT website under Services, "View IEC Related Details" (HBP para 2.09). This is also a useful check when you deal with an Indian importer, agent or partner who quotes an IEC.

After the IEC: next steps

The IEC is the first step, not the last. Before your first order from China you also need to understand duty, product rules such as BIS, shipping and the documents customs will ask for. Our complete guide to importing from China to India covers each of these, and our guide on how to verify a Chinese supplier explains the checks to do before you pay anyone.

When you are ready to source, browse verified Chinese suppliers or post your requirement and let suppliers send you quotations.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change; check the current position on the DGFT website, or with your chartered accountant or customs broker, before you apply.