If you want to export from India, the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is your starting line. It's a 10-digit number issued by the DGFT, and without it customs won't clear your goods and banks won't process your foreign payments. The good news: it's cheap, fully online, and valid for life.
What is the IEC and who needs it?
The IEC is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Any business or individual importing or exporting goods or services in India needs one — including small traders and people working from home. A handful of categories (like personal-use imports) are exempt, but for a real export business it's mandatory.
Documents you'll need
- PAN card of the business or individual
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Bank account details (or a cancelled cheque)
- A passport-size photograph
- Business registration proof, if applicable
The 5-step DGFT online process
- Fill the application on the DGFT website under the IEC services section.
- Upload your documents — PAN, Aadhaar, bank details and photo.
- Pay the fee online through the payment gateway.
- DGFT processes the application at the regional authority — often within hours if documents are correct.
- Download your IEC electronically from the portal once approved.
Fees and timeline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Government fee | ₹500 |
| Validity | Lifetime (no renewal) |
| Typical processing | A few hours to a couple of days |
| Where to apply | DGFT portal (100% online) |
After you get your IEC
Two things usually come next: registering your bank's AD Code at the customs port you ship from, and obtaining an RCMC from your Export Promotion Council to unlock Foreign Trade Policy benefits. We cover the RCMC in detail in the linked guide below.