The DGFT code your consignment cannot clear customs without. Issued for life, but it is deactivated automatically if you miss the annual update window.
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TIMELINE
ISSUED BY
APPLIES TO
VALIDITY
A profile is created on the DGFT portal and linked to your PAN and authentication method.
Business details, bank account and address proof are submitted with digital signature or Aadhaar OTP authentication.
The code is generated electronically, usually within a few working days, and is available for download immediately.
The IEC must be confirmed or updated every year between April and June, even when nothing has changed.
An IEC is issued for a lifetime, which leads people to assume it needs no maintenance. It does. The code must be updated or confirmed on the DGFT portal every year between April and June. Miss the window and the IEC is deactivated, and a deactivated IEC means a consignment stuck at customs with demurrage running. Reactivation is possible but not instant, and it always happens at the worst moment.
Any person or business importing goods into India or exporting goods out of it. Service exporters generally do not need one unless claiming benefits under foreign trade policy schemes.
Import and export for personal use, and by certain government departments, is exempt. Commercial trade is not.
Yes, a proprietor can obtain an IEC against personal PAN. Companies, LLPs and partnerships apply against the entity PAN.
GST is required where the business is liable to register under GST law. Exporters usually need it anyway to claim refunds on zero rated supplies.
It cannot be used for customs clearance until reactivated through the DGFT portal. Reactivation requires completing the pending updation.
Tell us what you trade and we will confirm the documents needed.
