Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

Import Export Code must be obtained by an entity for importing into or exporting from India. It is a unique 10-digit number assigned by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). An IEC registration certificate is mandatory for entities involved in imports and exports. Therefore, the importer needs to ensure that the importing entity has GST registration and IE code before starting to import goods into India. Both of these are required for customs clearance. The goods may get stuck at the port, if the importer does not have both an IE code and a GST registration and might be subjected to demurrage or destruction. The IEC is valid for lifetime.

The Importer Exporter Code may be known by various names like Import Export Code, Import Export License, Import Export Number, IE Code, IE License, etc. This code can be attached to your name or the name of your entity. The code applies to all its departments/units/factories/branches of the company, once it is issued. It is important for the importers to clear customs and shipments, or to transfer funds to foreign banks. Exporters need an IEC code to ship goods and receive money from foreign banks. In short, an Importer/Exporter cannot operate in India without having an IEC number.

IEC can be obtained in advance even if a company is not actively involved in Import or Export activities, but if it plans to do so in future.

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The following forms of business are eligible to obtain an IEC:

• Proprietorship Firm
• Partnership Firm
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Limited Company
• Trust
• Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
• Society

Following are required to obtain IEC Number in India as mandated by DGFT:

• Export houses
• Manufacturer cum exporter
• Production facilities importing raw material
• Importer of goods seeking special permission from DGFT
• Entities intending to engage with EXIM business

The following are the prerequisites to apply for IEC Registration-

• Valid Login Credentials to DGFT Portal
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) of an Entity
• GST Registration of an Entity
• Bank account in the Entity’s name

Great Opportunity to enter the International market: Importer Exporter Code (IEC) allows the products to reach the global market. IE code makes entry into the international markets smoother and helps businesses in their growth and expansion.

Online registration with minimum document requirement: The process of obtaining an IE Code is entirely online. It is not very complicated and can be obtained with minimal basic documents.

Lifetime Validity: IEC is a lifetime registration that is valid as long as the business continues. Therefore, there is no problem of updating or renewing the import/export code registration.

Prohibits illegal goods transportation: The most basic requirement for the Import-Export code is that you need to provide authentic information. This criterion makes the transportation of illegal goods impossible and the import and export smooth.

Leveraging Multiple Benefits: IE Codes offer significant benefits to importers and exporters. Registered economic entities can receive subsidies from customs, export promotion councils or other authorities. In the case of exports with tax, the exporter may claim a refund of the tax paid. Businesses can also avail various government schemes like the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), the Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS), and others from customs and export promotion.

Compliance: Unlike other tax registrations, the importer or exporter does not have to meet specific compliance requirements such as annual returns or tax returns.

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Following documents are listed below for IEC Registration-

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Digital photograph of :

Director, in case of the Company

Managing Partner, in case of Partnership

Karta, in case of HUF

Authorised Signatory in any other case.

Incorporation Certificate:

In the case of Company, Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

In case of Partnership firm, Partnership Deed and,

A relevant incorporation proof in case of Registered society, Trust,    HUF or others

PAN Card of an Entity (Sole proprietorship/ Partnership/ Company etc)

Aadhaar card/ Passport/ Voter ID of an applicant,in case of sole proprietorship.

Bank Account Details - Cancelled cheque/Bank Certificate/Bank Statement

Address Proof - Electricity bill/Rent agreement/Sale Deed/Mobile Postpaid Bill/ Telephone Landline Bill

Note: If not in the Name of the applicant firm, a no objection certificate (NOC) of address proof by the owner of premises, is required.

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Exemption of Import Export Code

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• Persons undertaking Import and Export in India for personal reasons and not connected to trade, agriculture and manufacture are exempted.
• Import or export of goods to/from Nepal and Myanmar with single consignment of maximum ₹25,000 through Indo-Myanmar border areas and China (via Namgaya Shipkila, Gunji, and Nathula ports)
• Ministries/departments of central and state governments.

Cancellation of IEC registration

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IE registrations can be voluntarily cancelled or can be cancelled under the following scenarios:

• Export or import of banned items
• Misleading custom authority
• Wrong information in the shipping documents
• Non-adherence to custom's directions
• Breach of regulations cited under Foreign Trade Policy

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