Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about proprietorship setup, benefits, legal formalities, and compliance—so you can start your business in India with clarity and confidence.
For Indian enterprises, international trading opens them a world of possibilities. An importer exporter code, or IEC, is essential for breaking into foreign markets, whether you want to import items, export products, or grow your company internationally. The Ministry of Commerce’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for issuing this import and export code. Every Indian importer and exporter has to understand what the IEC Code is. To ensure seamless international commercial operations, importers rely on the DGFT IEC and import and export licence to pass customs and make payments to foreign banks. In a similar vein, exporters depend on the IEC to expedite the shipping and payment processes for their international customers.
India Company Setup is here to simplify the process for you. Our comprehensive IEC registration services make it easier than ever to obtain the essential IEC certificate and import and export license, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to explore the global trade landscape.
Obtain Your IEC Number Today through India!
IEC Code Full Form is “Importer Exporter Code”. Import and Export Code is to be obtained by the business entity for import into or export from India. Import & Export Code is popularly known as the IEC number. Import & Export Code is a ten-digit unique number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
An import and export company must have a DGFT IEC registration certificate. Therefore, an importer must confirm that the importing entity has an IE code and GST registration before beginning to import products into India, as these are necessary for customs clearance.
The items will be stranded at the port and begin to accumulate demurrage charges or may be destroyed if the importer does not have both an import and export license and GST. When participating in the IEC Code process, make sure you adhere to the important guidelines. Use the IEC Code Login to apply.
With the export and import of their goods and services, businesses have a fantastic opportunity to break into foreign markets. Since it helps the firm grow and thrive to some degree, the Internet Explorer code is a must when entering the worldwide market. Getting an import and export code has several benefits. Here is a list of some of them:
International market unlocks: The products can be sold worldwide because the DGFT IEC Code is necessary for import and export operations. IE code facilitates an international Indian company’s entry and creates opportunities for growth and expansion.
Online DGFT IEC registration: With the submission of a brief document, the import and export code can be found easily and completely online.
Reduced need for documents: Many documentation do not need to be submitted in order to apply for an import and export licence under the IEC Code.
Lifetime Validity: As long as the company is in operation, the IE Code is a lifetime registration. As a result, amending, submitting, and renewing an import export code registration is trouble-free. Until the business is still in operation or the registration is not cancelled or turned in, the IEC registration is still in effect.
Reduces the transportation of unlawful goods: Providing accurate information is the most fundamental prerequisite for an import export licence. It is impossible to receive IE code without providing accurate information. The shipment of illicit products is prohibited under this criterion.
Utilising a Number of Advantages: Both importers and exporters gain greatly from the registration of import and export codes. The Export Promotion Council, Customs, and other authorities may provide subsidies to registered business enterprises. Exporters are exempt from paying taxes when they file LUTs under GST. The exporter is entitled to a reimbursement of the tax amount paid if the exports were made after paying taxes.
Compliances: In contrast to other tax registrations, the individual engaging in import or export is exempt from some compliance obligations, such as completing annual or return filings.
Online registration of a Sole Proprietorship will enable you to enjoy the advantages described below.
Easy registration: Since sole proprietorship registration is the same as that of the Proprietor, there is no formal incorporation or dissolution procedure. To run a business, nevertheless, the owner might have to get some licenses and registrations in order to follow Indian laws and rules.
Lower compliance: The burden of compliance will be less since most proprietorship companies register solely with government agencies like Income Tax & GST. Conversely, companies like LLP or Company register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and must annually file different statutory returns and be under audit by a Chartered Accountant.
Simplicity: The proprietor can easily run this company with few records and approval needs since there are no directors, partners, or shareholders. Therefore, extremely tiny companies would find this kind of company form most appropriate.
Under a proprietorship, the business owner makes all of the choices. Nobody else is needed to get permission or approval. Therefore, an owner can usually make hasty judgements on his company’s operations.
Complete control: Since the only proprietor owns just that. Regarding the assets, income, expenses, and all corporate operations, he or she has total control.
IEC Code registration is lifelong and everlasting, as previously stated. As a result, updating, submitting, and renewing the import export licence won’t present any difficulties. It remains in effect as long as the company is in operation or the registration is not cancelled or turned in. Additionally, importers and exporters are exempt from filing taxes and other compliance requirements, such as annual filing, in contrast to tax registrations like GST or PF registration.
It is advised that all exporters and importers obtain an IE code following incorporation since it is a one-time registration that doesn’t require any further compliance.
Any of the following describes the type of Firm acquiring an import and export license/registration:
Proprietorship Firm
Partnership Firm
Limited Liability Partnership
Limited Company
Trust
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
Society
Here are the pre-requisites for an IEC registration, such as DGFT IEC Login, PAN, etc:
Valid DGFT IEC Login credentials for the DGFT Portal following DGFT Portal registration
IEC could be used on behalf of a company, maybe a Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Limited Company, Trust, HUF, and Society.
The Firm needs to have an active Firm’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) together with information on Name as per Pan, Date of Birth, or Incorporation.
Before the IEC Code process starts, the firm also has to have a valid address and a bank account under their name.
Note: These details will be validated with the Income Tax Department site.
The list of scanned documents required for IEC apply and obtaining an IEC certificate is listed as follows:
Proof of establishment/incorporation/registration: The following type of Firm needs to submit the establishment/incorporation/registration certificate:
Partnership
Registered Society
Trust
HUF
Other
Proof of Address: Proof of Address can be any one of the following documents:
Sale Deed
Rent agreement
Lease deed
Electricity bill
Telephone landline bill
Mobile, post-paid bill
MoU
Partnership deed
Other acceptable documents (for proprietorship only):
Aadhar card
Passport
Voter id
Note: Should the address evidence not match the name of the application company, a no objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the firm premises should be sent together with the address proof as a single PDF document to acquire import export licence.
Documentation of the Bank Account Proof of Firm
cancelled check
Bank Certificate
User should have a current DSC or Aadhaar of a Firm Member for submission.
Active Firm’s Bank records entering its information into the application and online payment of the application cost.
With all the necessary documentation, you can start the IEC code registration procedure using a valid IEC Code login credentials. Make sure you follow your application status by doing the IEC Code check.
Follow these steps properly to complete the process of how to apply for ICE Code:
Visit DGFT Website: Go to the official DGFT website, and navigate to the ‘IEC Profile Management’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
Register/Login: Register by providing your details and validating the OTP. Once registered, log in with your IE code login credentials.
Apply for IEC: On the dashboard, click on “Apply for IEC” and fill out the ANF 2A application form. Provide details like firm name, PAN, GSTIN, address, bank account, etc.
Sign the Application: Review and digitally sign the application using DSC or Aadhaar.
Make Payment: Pay the prescribed application fee.
Receive IEC Certificate: After successful verification, you’ll receive the IEC Certificate via email, or you can download it from the DGFT portal.
Information and Guidance: India Company Setup can provide you with detailed information about the Import export code application process, including the eligibility criteria and the documents required.
Application Preparation: We can assist in preparing the necessary documentation, including the application form and supporting documents.
Application Submission: India Company Setup can submit your IEC application to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on your behalf, ensuring that it is done correctly and promptly.
Follow-up and Tracking: We can track the progress of your application through efficient IEC Code check and follow up with the authorities, helping you navigate any potential roadblocks or delays.
IEC Certificate Delivery: Once your ICE Code is approved, India Company Setup can help you obtain and deliver your IEC certificate and import export license.
Expert Consultation: If you have any queries or concerns regarding IEC or IEC Code check or international trade, India Company Setup’ experts can provide you with professional guidance.
Using India Company Setup for your IEC application can save you time and ensure that the process is handled efficiently and accurately, allowing you to focus on your import and export activities.
At India Company Setup, we deliver a complete suite of business services to help you start, grow, and manage your company with ease. From registration to regulatory compliance, our expert support ensures your business stays legally sound and financially organized.
Our expert bookkeeping ensures every transaction is correctly recorded, reducing compliance errors and giving you a clear picture of your company’s financial health — crucial for GST, Income Tax, and MCA filings.
Focus on growing your business while we manage your books. By outsourcing to us, you eliminate the burden of paperwork, reconciliations, and regulatory upkeep — saving you both time and effort.
We help you monitor income and expenses in real time, so you maintain a healthy cash position, make informed decisions, and avoid last-minute cash crunches or missed tax deadlines.
IEC is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), necessary for any business or individual engaging in import or export of goods and services from India. Without it, you cannot legally conduct cross-border trade.
Any individual, partnership firm, LLP, company, or other entity planning to import or export from India must obtain an IEC. However, goods/services exported or imported for personal use (not connected with trade or manufacturing) do not require IEC.
Key documents include:
PAN Card of the business/individual
Address proof of the business (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
Passport-size photograph (for individual applicants)
Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
Certificate of Incorporation (for companies/LLPs)
You can apply online through the DGFT portal:
Register on the DGFT website
Fill out the IEC application form
Upload required documents
Pay the government fee (₹500)
Submit the application and receive the IEC digitally within 1–3 working days
Yes, IEC is a lifetime registration. However, it must be updated or confirmed annually through the DGFT portal, even if there are no changes.
Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about proprietorship setup, benefits, legal formalities, and compliance—so you can start your business in India with clarity and confidence.
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