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Import Export Licence

  • ✔ Mandatory registration to start import or export business
  • ✔ Enables international trade legally from India
  • ✔ Required for customs clearance and foreign remittances
  • ✔ Lifetime validity with minimal compliance
  • ✔ Enhances credibility with global buyers and suppliers
  • ✔ Provides mandatory legal authorization to import or export goods and services from India.
  • ✔ Enables clearance of shipments through customs and DGFT systems.
  • ✔ Required to receive foreign remittances for export transactions.

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7 Years

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Experience Icon

7 Years

Of Experience

Cases Solved Icon

3622 +

Cases Solved

Awards Gained Icon

10 +

Awards Gained

Trusted Clients Icon

144 k +

Trusted Clients

Queries Solved Icon

36 k+

Queries Solved

Experience Icon

7 Years

Of Experience

Cases Solved Icon

3622 +

Cases Solved

Awards Gained Icon

10 +

Awards Gained

Trusted Clients Icon

144 k +

Trusted Clients

Queries Solved Icon

36 k+

Queries Solved

Introduction

Import Export Licence, commonly known as IEC (Import Export Code) Registration, is a mandatory business identification number required for any person or entity engaged in import or export of goods or services from India. It is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
No importer or exporter can legally undertake cross-border trade without obtaining an IEC. The IEC is required at multiple stages such as customs clearance, shipping documentation, foreign currency remittance, and availing export incentives. Without IEC, goods cannot be cleared by customs, and banks will not process foreign trade transactions.
IEC Registration does not create a business, but it is compulsory once a business intends to deal in international trade. The registration is entity-based and remains valid for a lifetime, making it one of the most essential and straightforward registrations for exporters and importers.

Legal Framework / Governing Authority

IEC Registration is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy. It is issued and regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Importance of the Registration

IEC is required to legally import or export goods and services, receive foreign payments, and claim export incentives. It also serves as a primary identification for exporters and importers with customs authorities and banks.

Businesses Require This Registration

  • Importers of goods or services
  • Exporters of goods or services
  • Merchant exporters and manufacturers
  • Service exporters receiving foreign currency
  • Online sellers exporting through e-commerce platforms

Objective of Compliance

The objective is to regulate foreign trade, monitor import-export activities, ensure compliance with trade policies, and facilitate smooth international business transactions.

Related Guides

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Documents Required

Documents
  • 1 PAN of proprietor
  • 2 Aadhaar of proprietor
  • 3 Address proof of business
  • 4 Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
  • 5 Passport-size photograph
  • 1 PAN of partnership firm
  • 2 Partnership Deed
  • 3 Aadhaar of authorized partner
  • 4 Address proof of business
  • 5 Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
  • 1 Certificate of Incorporation
  • 2 PAN of company/LLP
  • 3 MOA & AOA / LLP Agreement
  • 4 Aadhaar of authorized signatory
  • 5 Address proof of registered office
  • 6 Cancelled cheque or bank certificate

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Eligibility

Applicability

Applicable to all importers and exporters
Applicable to goods as well as service exports
Applicable to one-time or regular trade activities
Applicable irrespective of turnover limits

Eligibility

Applicant must have a valid PAN
Applicant must be a legally registered entity
Business must be engaged in import or export
Bank account in the name of business is required

Validity

IEC Registration is valid for a lifetime
No renewal is required once issued
Annual updation on DGFT portal is mandatory
IEC may be deactivated if not updated

Non-Compliance

Non-Compliance

Inability to clear goods through customs
Rejection of foreign remittances by banks
Loss of export incentives and benefits
Suspension or cancellation of IEC for non-updation
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FAQs

Is Import Export Licence mandatory for service exporters?

Yes, IEC is mandatory for exporters of services receiving foreign currency.

Is IEC required for one-time export or import?
Is GST mandatory for IEC Registration?
Can an individual apply for IEC?
Can IEC be cancelled or suspended?
What is an Import Export Licence (IEC)?
Is IEC mandatory for all importers and exporters?
Does IEC require renewal?
Can service exporters apply for IEC?
What happens if import or export is done without IEC?

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What Our Clients Say

Discover what our satisfied clients have to say about their experience working with us

Sandeep Reddy
Founder, Retail Trading Business
" ARK Advisors made our audit process smooth and stress-free. Clear checklist, timely follow-ups, and very practical guidance. "
Anusha Sharma
Partner, Professional Services Firm
" Their team quickly identified compliance gaps and suggested actionable fixes. Reporting was crisp and easy for management to understand. "
Rohit Kulkarni
CFO, Manufacturing Unit
" We got strong process recommendations and control improvements. The audit insights genuinely helped us reduce leakage and improve discipline. "
Meghana Rao
Director, Startup
" Professional, responsive, and very transparent. They explained everything in simple terms and kept the entire process on schedule. "
Imran Khan
Owner, Hospitality Business
" The team ensured our documentation was audit-ready and supported us throughout. Great experience and strong attention to detail. "

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