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Importer Exporter Code (IEC): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline

Needed to import or export goods, and to claim export benefits for services.

Issued byDirectorate General of Foreign Trade
Government feeRs 500
Usual timeUsually same day
ValidityPermanent with the yearly update
Apply on the official portalApplying is free of agents; pay only the government fee shown on the portal.
Open the portal

How to apply online, step by step

  1. Log in to the DGFT portal with the business PAN, fill the IEC application, upload a bank proof, pay and e-sign.
  2. Update the IEC online every year between April and June, even if nothing changed.

How to apply offline (in person)

  1. No paper route.

Documents required for Importer Exporter Code (IEC), and how to get each

PAN card of each founder / director / partner

Get it online

  1. Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
  2. Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.

Get it in person

  1. Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.

Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site

Bank account proof in the business name (cancelled cheque or bank statement)

Get it online

  1. Many banks open a current account online after incorporation using the certificate, PAN and a video KYC.

Get it in person

  1. Visit a branch with the incorporation certificate or registration, business PAN, MoA / AoA or deed, board resolution and the signatories' KYC; collect the cheque book.

Fee: Free; minimum balance set by the bank · Time: 1 to 7 days

Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill

Get it online

  1. Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
  2. Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
  3. Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).

Get it in person

  1. Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
  2. Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.

Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site

Questions people ask

How much does Importer Exporter Code (IEC) cost?

Rs 500

How long does Importer Exporter Code (IEC) take?

Usually same day

Who issues Importer Exporter Code (IEC)?

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Can I apply for Importer Exporter Code (IEC) without an agent?

Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.

Official source: https://www.dgft.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.

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