How do you apply for an IEC code on the DGFT portal?
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Short answer
You apply for an Importer Exporter Code online on the DGFT portal in form ANF-2A.3 The application fee is ₹500.2 The IEC is the same as your PAN and has permanent validity.13 It must be updated online every year between April and June or it is de-activated.1 A service exporter needs an IEC only to avail Foreign Trade Policy benefits.1
| Applies to | Governed by | Deadline | Penalty | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service exporters availing Foreign Trade Policy benefits | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, paragraph 2.05(a)1 | IEC needed on the date of rendering the service1 | Not applicable | 28 October 2026 |
| Every IEC holder | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, paragraph 2.05(d); Appendix 2K12 | Annual update online between April and June1 | IEC de-activated until updated1 | 28 October 2026 |
| IEC holders whose address, bank or constitution changes | Handbook of Procedures 2023, paragraph 2.14(b)3 | Update online within 30 days of the change3 | Not applicable | 28 October 2026 |
An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is the same as the applicant's Permanent Account Number (PAN) and is issued through an online application.1 Goods exporters cannot ship without one unless exempted. Service exporters, such as a design studio in Pune or a consultancy in Kochi, need one when they want to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.1
This guide covers the application itself. For whether a solo freelancer needs an IEC at all, see IEC code for freelancers.
What is an IEC code?
An IEC code is the 10-character Importer Exporter Code that DGFT issues online, the same as the applicant's PAN, under paragraph 2.05 of the FTP 2023.1
- Format: 10 characters, the same as the PAN.1
- One per PAN: only one IEC is issued against a single PAN, covering all branches, divisions and units.3
- Validity: permanent unless suspended or cancelled, subject to the annual update.13
- Unit types: an IEC stays valid whether a firm is a regular domestic unit or a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Export Oriented Unit (EOU) or Software Technology Park (STP) unit.3
Anyone can check IEC details on the DGFT website under Services, "View IEC Related Details".3
Who needs an IEC code for exporting services?
A service exporter needs an IEC on the date of rendering the service only if it wants to avail benefits under the FTP 2023. Paragraph 2.05(a) says no export or import of goods may be made without an IEC unless specifically exempted, and "for export of services or technology, IEC shall be necessary on the date of rendering services for availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy."1
| Exporter situation | IEC needed? | Why | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service exporter claiming FTP benefits | Yes | Paragraph 2.05(a) of the FTP 20231 | Exporters seeking an RCMC, status holder recognition or EPCG |
| Service exporter not claiming FTP benefits | Not required by paragraph 2.05(a) | The services rule ties the IEC to FTP benefits1 | Solo freelancers billing foreign clients |
| Goods exporter | Yes, unless exempted | Paragraph 2.05(a) of the FTP 20231 | Businesses shipping goods |
| Exempt category under HBP paragraph 2.07 | No | Covers government departments, personal-use imports and exports, and some border trade; service exporters are not a listed category3 | Bodies within the listed categories |
DGFT allows an IEC application for a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, limited company, trust, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) or society.4 The applicant needs a PAN, a bank account in the firm's name and a valid address, and DGFT says it may physically verify the address.4
In practice, FTP benefits for services include recognition as a status holder, a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from an export promotion council, and schemes such as Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG). See export promotion schemes for services and RCMC registration.
How do you apply for an IEC code on the DGFT portal?
You apply for an IEC code in form ANF-2A through the online process at dgft.gov.in.3
- Register: register as a user on the DGFT portal and log in.
- Open ANF-2A: choose the option to apply for an IEC, which opens form ANF-2A.3
- Fill in details: enter the entity, PAN, address, bank and proprietor or partner or director details.
- Upload documents: upload the cancelled cheque or bank certificate and the address proof.3
- Pay the fee: pay the application fee of ₹500 online.2
- Sign and submit: the IEC is auto-generated, and you are told by email and SMS.3
- Download the e-IEC: from your DGFT dashboard.3
For example, a consultancy in Kochi run as a partnership applies against the firm's PAN, uploads a cancelled cheque with the firm's pre-printed name and its address proof, pays ₹500 and downloads the e-IEC once generated.23 Regional authorities may carry out post-verification of online IECs under guidelines issued by DGFT headquarters.3
What documents, fees and deadlines apply to an IEC code?
An IEC code application needs two uploads and a ₹500 fee, and the IEC then needs an annual update between April and June.123
| Item | What applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelled cheque or bank certificate | A cancelled cheque bearing the entity's pre-printed name, or a bank certificate in the prescribed format, unless the system exempts you3 | Every applicant |
| Address proof | Address proof of the applicant entity3 | Every applicant |
| Application fee | ₹500, Appendix 2K serial number 12 | New applicants |
| Amendment fee | ₹200 for amendments to a certificate or authorisation2 | Holders amending a certificate |
| Annual updation | Between April and June, no fee12 | Every IEC holder |
| Change of details | Update online within 30 days, HBP 2.14(b)3 | Holders changing address, bank or constitution |
Details you enter are validated online against records held by ministries, departments and banks where feasible.3 Keep your PAN, bank details and firm details ready before you start.4 Fees are paid online through the channels notified in Appendix 2K.1
What happens if an IEC holder misses the annual update?
If an IEC holder misses the annual update between April and June, the IEC is de-activated, and it can be re-activated by completing the update.1
- De-activation: an IEC that is not updated in the April to June window is de-activated.1
- Re-activation: completing the online update re-activates it.1
- Flagged IECs: an IEC can also be flagged for scrutiny, and failing to resolve flagged risks leads to de-activation.1
Update the IEC each year even if nothing has changed.
What is the timeline for keeping an IEC code active?
The timeline for keeping an IEC code active is an online update every year between April and June, plus updates within 30 days of any change in details.13
| Event | What to do | Rule | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every year, April to June | Update or confirm IEC details online, no fee | FTP 2.05(d); Appendix 2K 6(A)12 | Every IEC holder |
| Change in address, bank or constitution | Update online within 30 days | HBP 2.14(b)3 | Holders who move or change banks |
| Change in PAN of an existing numeric IEC | Apply to the jurisdictional Regional Authority | HBP 2.14(c)3 | Holders of older numeric IECs |
| No longer need the IEC | Surrender online once obligations are closed | HBP 2.133 | Businesses that stop trading |
Set a yearly reminder for April so the update is not missed.
What are the common mistakes with IEC codes for service exporters?
The common mistakes with IEC codes for service exporters come from treating the IEC as a one-time registration.13
- Skipping the annual update: the IEC is de-activated if not updated between April and June.1
- Applying for a second IEC: only one IEC is issued per PAN.3
- Late change updates: changes in address, bank or constitution must be updated within 30 days.3
- Expecting GST or FEMA changes: the IEC does not change how you invoice, how GST applies, or how long you have to realise export proceeds.
Most service exporters who get an IEC do so as a first step towards something else: an RCMC from the Services Export Promotion Council, STPI registration for a software unit, or status holder recognition. If your situation is unusual, such as a change of constitution or a merger, confirm the steps with a chartered accountant or the DGFT helpdesk.
How did we verify this?
We checked this page against the sources below on 30 October 2026. Read our methodology or report an error.
- [1]DGFT: Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 (Revised FTP v1.2.2), paragraph 2.05 (Importer-Exporter Code)
- [2]DGFT: Appendix 2K, Scale of Application Fee (Sl. No. 1 and 6(A))
- [3]DGFT: Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2 (HBP_07_2026 version), paragraphs 2.07 to 2.15
- [4]DGFT: IEC Profile Management page (checked 28 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
How much does an IEC cost to apply for?+
An IEC costs ₹500 to apply for, under serial number 1 of Appendix 2K to the Foreign Trade Policy.2 Annual updation of the IEC between April and June carries no fee, and amendments to a certificate or authorisation are listed at ₹200.2 The fee is paid online during the ANF-2A application on the DGFT portal.
How long is an IEC valid?+
An IEC has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled, and it covers all branches, divisions and units of the applicant.3 An IEC can still be de-activated if the holder skips the annual update between April and June, and it is re-activated by completing that update online.13
Can one business hold two IEC codes?+
One business cannot hold two IEC codes, because only one IEC is issued against a single PAN, and that IEC covers all branches and units of the applicant.3 A sole proprietor therefore applies against their own PAN.3 A change in the PAN of an existing numeric IEC goes to the jurisdictional Regional Authority.3
Do you need an IEC to export services from India?+
You need an IEC to export services from India only to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Paragraph 2.05(a) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 says an IEC is required for exports of goods unless exempted, and for services it is necessary on the date of rendering the service for availing benefits under the Policy.1
What must an IEC holder do after changing address or bank account?+
An IEC holder must update the IEC online within 30 days of a change in address, bank account or constitution, under paragraph 2.14(b) of the Handbook of Procedures.3 The update is made on the DGFT portal from the IEC holder's dashboard. A change in the PAN of an existing numeric IEC goes to the Regional Authority instead.3
Does an IEC change how GST applies to service exports?+
An IEC does not change how GST applies to service exports, how you invoice, or how long you have to realise export proceeds. The IEC under paragraph 2.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 is a DGFT registration for Foreign Trade Policy purposes.1 GST zero-rating and the LUT follow GST law, separately.
This page is general information for Indian service exporters, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and outcomes depend on your facts, so confirm with a chartered accountant before acting.
Keep reading
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