If you’re planning to import goods into India or export goods or services from India, getting an IEC is one of the first compliance steps that unlocks everything else. Vendors ask for it, customs processes expect it, and many export incentives and DGFT schemes revolve around your IEC identity.
What makes IEC “easy” is that the DGFT process is now fully online and paperless. What makes it “hard” is small mismatches—PAN details not matching the firm name, bank account not in the firm name, address proof issues, or login/profile not set correctly.
This guide keeps it practical and clean so it reads well on desktop (no unnecessary bullet clutter). It covers the exact DGFT flow, the ₹500 government fee, the documents you should keep ready, what happens after issuance, and the most common rejection triggers.
If you want BizSetups to handle it end-to-end, we support IEC registration for clients across India.
📍 For faster coordination, you can also connect with our BizSetups teams in Noida and Gurugram.
What is IEC and who needs it
IEC means Importer Exporter Code. It is a business identification number issued by DGFT for importers and exporters, and DGFT’s own IEC section highlights that you register for your IEC on their portal.
In practical terms, you should plan for IEC if you will do any of these:
You are importing products, raw materials, or machinery.
You are exporting goods.
You are exporting services and want smooth compliance and benefits linked to DGFT processes.
There are exemptions for certain categories and specific situations, but for most normal businesses entering import/export, IEC is the standard starting point. (If your use case is unusual, it’s safer to confirm before filing.)
Before you apply do this one check that prevents most problems
Most IEC delays are not “DGFT issues.” They are data issues.
DGFT clearly states that to apply for IEC, PAN, bank account, and a valid address in the name of the firm are mandatory, and it also notes that the address may be physically verified on issuance.
So before you even open the form, confirm these three items:
Your PAN data and firm name are consistent.
Your bank account is in the firm/entity name (or matches DGFT’s acceptable pattern for your constitution).
Your address proof is valid and matches what you will enter.
When these three match, IEC filing becomes straightforward.
IEC code fee in 2026 and what you actually pay
The government IEC application fee is widely referenced as ₹500. DGFT’s ANF-2A reference PDF also states “IEC application fee is Rs. 500/-” and mentions a separate fee for modification.
So if someone quotes you random high “government charges,” that’s a red flag. What can vary is the professional fee if you hire help, and any optional costs like DSC setup depending on your entity flow.
Documents required for IEC code registration online
IEC is now electronic and paperless on DGFT. DGFT’s ANF-2A note (updated January 2026) explicitly says the IEC process is completely electronic and paperless, and no paper or scanned copies of the form are to be submitted to DGFT offices.
What you should keep ready is still simple.
You need PAN details, bank details, and firm details ready, as DGFT mentions on the IEC profile management page.
In practice, most applicants should keep these ready on their desktop before starting:
PAN of entity/applicant, basic entity details, firm address proof, and bank proof that clearly shows account details.
If your business is a company/LLP/partnership, keep authorized signatory details ready as well to avoid OTP and verification delays.
Step by step process to apply IEC on DGFT portal in 2026
DGFT’s own IEC note directs applicants to the DGFT website and to use the “Apply for IEC or Update IEC” links to apply for a new IEC or update an existing IEC.
DGFT also lists “Apply for IEC” inside IEC profile management and again repeats the key prerequisites: PAN, bank account, and valid address in the firm name.
Here’s the clean step-by-step flow that keeps things smooth.
Step 1 Create DGFT login and access the IEC module
Start by creating your DGFT portal login. Use an email and mobile number that you can access reliably because OTP and updates are part of the flow.
Once logged in, open the IEC module from the services area. The portal pathways can shift slightly with interface updates, but the “IEC Profile Management” section is the right home for IEC actions.
Step 2 – Choose Apply for IEC
Inside IEC profile management, select the option to apply for IEC and keep your PAN, bank details, and firm details ready as DGFT instructs.
This step sounds obvious, but many people click “link IEC” instead of “apply IEC.” Linking is for cases where IEC already exists and you want it connected to your profile.
Step 3 – Fill PAN and entity details carefully
This is where accuracy matters.
Enter PAN exactly as per records. If your entity name format differs across PAN, bank, and address proof, correct the source records first rather than “hoping it works.” It often triggers verification issues later.
Step 4 – Add address details with proof alignment
Enter the same address format that your proof shows. Avoid creative abbreviations. Keep it consistent.
DGFT notes the address may be physically verified after issuance, so treat address accuracy as important, not cosmetic.
Step 5 – Add bank details that match the firm
Use bank details that clearly match the firm name and account information.
If you upload a bank proof with a different name format than the firm details you entered, you risk a query. The fastest IEC applications are the ones where bank proof looks “obviously correct” to a verifier.
Step 6 – Pay the government fee and submit
Pay the IEC application fee (₹500) as per the DGFT fee reference.
Once you submit, save your acknowledgement or reference number. This becomes your tracking proof if you need support.
Step 7 – Download IEC and keep a copy in compliance folder
After approval, download the IEC and store it with your GST, PAN, bank details, and key registrations. This becomes part of your onboarding kit for marketplaces, customs, and exporters/importers you work with.
How long does IEC registration take in real life
Timelines can vary depending on verification checks and whether you trigger a query for mismatch. The biggest factor is document and data correctness.
If your PAN, bank, and address are clean and matching, the process often moves quickly. If a mismatch occurs, it turns into back-and-forth, which is where delays happen.
That’s why a short pre-check saves more time than “rushing the form.”
The most common mistakes that cause IEC delay or rejection
If you want IEC fast, avoid these patterns.
The first is applying with a bank account that doesn’t reflect the firm/entity properly. DGFT expects bank account in the firm name as a key prerequisite.
The second is inconsistent address proof. If you typed a different address than your proof, or you used an old proof that doesn’t match, it can trigger verification problems.
The third is mixing up “apply” and “update/link.” DGFT provides separate flows for applying a new IEC and managing existing IEC profile actions.
The fourth is ignoring the fact that the process is paperless and still trying to submit scanned “forms” to an office. DGFT’s updated ANF-2A note clearly says it’s electronic and paperless and no paper copies are to be submitted.
After you get IEC what to do next so it stays useful
Many businesses get IEC and then forget it until the next shipment.
At minimum, keep your IEC details updated whenever there is a change in your firm name, address, or key details, because mismatches later can affect customs or onboarding processes.
Also, keep your DGFT login accessible. A surprising number of problems happen when the email/mobile used for DGFT is lost, and then simple updates become painful.
Get IEC code registration done smoothly with BizSetups
If you want your IEC done quickly without mismatch queries, BizSetups can support you with document pre-check, correct DGFT filing, and follow-ups until your IEC is issued.
We serve clients across India, and for faster coordination you can also connect with our teams in Noida and Gurugram.
Share your entity type (proprietorship/LLP/company), PAN, and the city of your principal place of business, and we’ll guide the cleanest IEC filing route.
FAQ | IEC Code Registration Online
1) What is the fee for IEC code registration online
DGFT’s ANF-2A reference mentions the IEC application fee is ₹500.
2) What is mandatory to apply for IEC on DGFT
DGFT states PAN, bank account, and a valid address in the name of the firm are mandatory, and address may be physically verified on issuance.
3) Is IEC application paperless in 2026
Yes. DGFT’s ANF-2A note (updated January 2026) states the IEC process is completely electronic and paperless and no paper copies or scanned copies of the ANF form are to be submitted to DGFT offices.
4) Where do I apply for IEC code online
DGFT directs applicants to the DGFT website and the “Apply for IEC or Update IEC” links to apply for a new IEC or update existing IEC.
5) Can DGFT verify my address for IEC
DGFT notes that the address may be physically verified by DGFT on issuance of the IEC.
6) What is the biggest reason IEC applications get delayed
Most delays happen due to PAN, bank, or address mismatch—DGFT highlights these as mandatory prerequisites, so keeping them consistent usually prevents queries.
