Get Your Import Export Code and Start Trading Across Borders
Apply for your Import Export Code (IEC) on the DGFT portal with help from qualified professionals. Clear pricing, simple documents and guided filing.
- Fixed, itemised price
- Partner CA / CS / advocate
- Free Ambition Pro for 12 months
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration at a glance
- Professional fee
- From ₹1,499 + government fees and GST
- Typical timeline
- An IEC is typically issued within a few working days of a complete application, though timing depends on DGFT processing.
- Who handles it
- A qualified professional from the Vibence partner network
- Documents
- PAN of the business entity (or of the proprietor), Aadhaar and PAN of the proprietor, partner or director applying, Proof of business address such as a utility bill, rent agreement or ownership document and more
- Included free
- Free Ambition Pro for 12 months and domains at cost
Last reviewed October 2026
An Import Export Code, or IEC, is a ten-digit business identity issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). You need it to clear imports through customs, to ship goods or services abroad, and to receive foreign payments through your bank for exports. It is linked to the PAN of your business, so one entity holds one IEC. Proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, companies and trusts can all apply online.
Vibence makes the application simple. Qualified professionals from the Vibence partner network check your documents, prepare the DGFT application, help you complete verification and track it until the IEC is issued. You get a clear explanation of what the code allows and what you must do afterwards, including the yearly update that keeps the IEC active. The DGFT government fee is paid separately.
Who this is for
- Businesses importing goods or raw materials into India
- Exporters of goods or services who want to receive foreign payments
- E-commerce sellers planning to sell to buyers overseas
- New companies, LLPs and proprietors entering foreign trade
Customs clearance ready
Your shipments can be cleared at Indian ports and airports under your own IEC.
Access export benefits
An IEC is the starting point for export promotion schemes and registrations with export councils.
Lifetime validity
The IEC does not expire, provided you complete the annual update on the DGFT portal.
Simple online process
The application is fully online, with no physical visits for most applicants.
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration packages
Fixed professional fees. Pick a plan or ask us to tailor one.
New IEC
- Fresh Importer Exporter Code application on the DGFT portal
- Application prepared and filed for you
- Government fee of ₹500 paid separately
The DGFT charges a government fee of ₹500 for a new IEC, which is paid separately from the Vibence professional fee.
Documents you'll need
- PAN of the business entity (or of the proprietor)
- Aadhaar and PAN of the proprietor, partner or director applying
- Proof of business address such as a utility bill, rent agreement or ownership document
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for the business account
- Incorporation or registration certificate, for companies, LLPs and firms
- Active email ID and mobile number for DGFT communication
An IEC is typically issued within a few working days of a complete application, though timing depends on DGFT processing.
The DGFT charges a government fee of ₹500 for a new IEC, which is paid separately from the Vibence professional fee.
Qualified professionals from the Vibence partner network, with certification wherever the law requires it.
The process
- Share your detailsSend us your PAN, address proof and bank details through a simple checklist.
- Document reviewA qualified professional checks the documents and confirms the details to be filed.
- Application filingThe IEC application is prepared on the DGFT portal and the government fee is paid.
- VerificationYou complete Aadhaar OTP or digital signature verification with our guidance.
- IEC issuedOnce DGFT approves the application, you receive the IEC certificate.
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration: FAQs
Who needs an Import Export Code?
Any person or business that imports goods into India or exports goods or services from India generally needs an IEC. Customs uses it to clear shipments and banks use it for foreign exchange transactions linked to trade. Some categories, such as certain government bodies and individuals importing for personal use, are exempt. If you are unsure whether your activity needs an IEC, our partner professionals can review it with you.
How much does IEC registration cost?
The Vibence professional fee for a new IEC is ₹1,499. In addition, the DGFT charges a government fee of ₹500, which is paid separately at the time of filing. There is no recurring government fee for holding an IEC, but you must complete the annual update on the DGFT portal to keep it active. Any professional help you choose for that update is charged separately.
Does an IEC need to be renewed?
An IEC has lifetime validity and does not need to be renewed in the traditional sense. However, DGFT requires every IEC holder to update or confirm their IEC details online once a year, usually during the April to June window. If the annual update is not done, the IEC can be deactivated, which can disrupt shipments and payments until it is updated again.
Can an individual or proprietor apply for an IEC?
Yes. A sole proprietor applies using their personal PAN, and the IEC is issued in the name of the proprietorship. Partnership firms, LLPs, companies, trusts and societies apply using the PAN of the entity. Because the IEC is tied to a PAN, one PAN can hold only one IEC. Branches of the same business are added to that single IEC rather than getting separate codes.
Do I need GST registration before applying for an IEC?
GST registration is not a mandatory condition for obtaining an IEC. You can apply with your PAN, identity and address documents and bank details. That said, most active importers and exporters will need GST registration for their trade, for example to claim input tax credit or refunds on exports. Our partner professionals can help you plan both registrations together if needed.
Related services
IEC Modification and Annual Update
Update or modify your IEC details on the DGFT portal, including the mandatory annual update. Filed by qualified professionals at a clear, fixed fee.
APEDA Registration (RCMC)
Get APEDA registration and RCMC to export scheduled agricultural and processed food products. Qualified professionals prepare and file on the APEDA portal.
GST Registration
Apply for GST registration online with Vibence. Professionals prepare your application, file it on the GST portal and track it until your GSTIN is issued.