An Import Export Code is necessary for import/export of goods. Every exporter or importer of goods or services is required to obtain an IEC from regional office of the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, Government of India. IEC application must be made to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade along with the necessary supporting documents. Once the application is submitted, DGFT will issue the IEC confirmation letter for the entity in 2 – 3 working days or less.

Taking your product or services to the international market will expand your business. The first requirement before you start an import/ export business in India is to obtain an Import Export Code. An Import Export Code is necessary for import/export of goods. Every exporter or importer of goods or services is required to obtain an IEC registration from regional office of the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, Government of India. All exporters/importers who export/import goods or services from/to India require an Import Export Code. The Import Export Code must be quoted while sending shipments. Banks require the exporters to submit the IEC while receiving money from abroad. Import Export Code application must be made to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade along with the necessary supporting documents.

Import Export Code application must be made to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade along with the necessary supporting documents. Once the application is submitted, DGFT will issue the IEC for the entity in 1 – 2 working days or less. An IEC is issued for lifetime and requires no renewal. Once an IEC is obtained, it can be used by that entity for all its import or export transactions without any further hassles. Once an Import Export Code is issued the entity is not required to file any return for any transaction or year.