Import Export Code

An import export code is a unique 10-digit code that is required for every import/export business owner in India. The code is issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, and needs no filing or renewal. IEC is required by importers to clear customs and shipment, and to transfer money to foreign banks. Exporters require their IEC to send shipments and receive money from foreign banks. In short, no importer/exporter can operate in India without getting the IEC.

Benefits of Importer Exporter Code

Global Markets at Fingertips

Unless the entity holds IEC, it is not allowed to import or export goods/services into the foreign market. It is a key to enter the international market and widening the scope of business. With IEC, one can take their products or services to the global market and expand business with ease.

Simple Processing

The complete process of applying for importer exporter code is simple and hassle-free with the online Import-Export license application. It merely takes 3-4 working days for obtaining the importer exporter code. The applicant can immediately download the e-IEC through the link provided in the mail after uploading documents and payment of the fee.

Compliance-free

Once the import-export code is obtained, there is no adaptational formalities. Unlike other tax registrations, the IE code holder also does not need to comply with any kind of annual filing or return filing. Also, the code is valid for a lifetime so there is no need for renewal.

Government benefits

The importers and exporters are eligible to benefit from many Government schemes. The entities are eligible for the schemes under DGFT on their import/export. They can avail the subsidies from Customs and Export Promotion Council or similar government organizations.

Documents Required

The documents required for an IEC registration are relatively easy to get together. Only a few documents are required, which are listed below.

PAN card of the company (not applicable in case of the proprietor)
Applicant’s PAN and Aadhaar card (driving license/Aadhaar/voter ID)
Incorporation certificate/partnership deed
Address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement/sale deed of the office location)
Copy of cancelled cheque leaf/banker certificate of the current account in the name of the company.

Eligibility

Any type of business registration: sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited companies, charitable organizations dealing with import and exports of goods can register for import-export code, irrespective of the size. However, an IEC is not required for import/export of goods for personal use, which are not connected with trade, manufacture, or agriculture. There is no need for a business set up.

Exemption of IEC

Persons undertaking import and export of goods for personal reasons and not connected to trade, agriculture and manufacture
Through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (via NamgayaShipkila, Gunji, and Nathula ports), the parties/individuals who import/export goods to/from Nepal and Myanmar with single consignment must not exceed the value of ₹25,000
As listed in appendix – 3, schedule 2 of ITC, exemption from obtaining IEC shall not be applicable for export of materials, organisms, special chemicals, equipments & technologies (SCOMET)
Ministries/departments of central and state governments.

Following permanent IEC numbers shall be used by non-commercial PSUs and categories of importers/exporters mentioned against them for import/export purposes

S.No	Code Number	From
1	0100000011	All Ministries / Departments of Central Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
2	0100000029	All Ministries / Departments of any State Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
3	0100000037	Diplomatic personnel, Counselor officers in India and officials of UNO and its specialised agencies
4	0100000045	Indians returning from / going abroad and claiming benefit under Baggage Rules.
5	0100000053	Persons / Institutions / Hospitals importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
6	0100000061	Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal
7	0100000070	Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas
8	0100000088	Ford Foundation
9	0100000096	Importers importing goods for display or use in fairs/exhibitions or similar events under provisions of ATA Carnet. This IEC number can also be used by importers importing for exhibitions/fairs as per Para 2.29 of HBPv1.
10	0100000100	Director, National Blood Group Reference Laboratory, Bombay or their authorized offices.
11	0100000126	Individuals / Charitable Institution / Registered NGOs importing goods, which have been exempted from Customs duty under Notification issued by Ministry of Finance for bonafide use by victims affected by natural calamity.
12	0100000134	Persons importing/exporting permissible goods as notified from time to time, from/to China through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports, subject to value ceilings of single consignment as given in Para 2.8(iv) above.
13	0100000169	Non-commercial imports and exports by entities who have been authorized by Reserve Bank of India.

Commercial public sector undertakings (PSU) who have obtained PAN will, however, be required to obtain the import export code number. The permanent IEC number as mentioned above shall be used by non-commercial PSUs.

Compare and know which Registration is necessary for successful Business!

Parameters	Importer Exporter Code	GST Registration	Professional Tax Registration	Shop & Establishments Registration	Proprietorship Firm
Applicable To	All importers and exporters	Businesses exceeding prescribed threshold for turnover	Applicability defers based on State Act	Applicability defers based on State Act	All Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Registration Criteria	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory	Voluntary
Regulatory body	Central Government	State and Central Government	State Government	Municipal Corporation	Municipal Corporation
Return Filings	No	Yes	Yes	No	No