Importer Exporter Code
IEC Code (Importer Exporter Code) Registration in India
In today’s globalized business world, international trade is no longer limited to large corporations. Small, medium, and growing enterprises can now access global markets with ease. However, to legally import or export goods and services from India, businesses must obtain an IEC Code (Importer Exporter Code).
The IEC Code is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is a mandatory license for conducting import-export activities in India. Without an IEC, importers cannot clear shipments, and exporters cannot send goods or receive payments from foreign buyers.
What is IEC Code?
The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique registration number issued by DGFT to any Indian:
- Individual entrepreneur
- Proprietorship firm
- Partnership firm
- LLP
- Private Limited Company
- Any other business entity engaged in import-export
Once issued, the IEC is valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal unless it is revoked or surrendered.
Benefits of IEC Registration for International Trade
The Import Export Code (IEC) is not just a legal requirement but a strategic business tool that enables Indian businesses to expand globally. Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC provides several advantages that simplify trade and open growth opportunities.
1. Global Market Access
IEC is the gateway to international trade. Without it, importing or exporting goods and services is not legally permissible in India. With IEC, businesses can:
Expand beyond domestic borders
Cater to global demand
Build international credibility and customer base
2. Availing Government Incentives
Only businesses with IEC can access export benefits and government schemes, including:
Duty drawback schemes
Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS)
GST-related benefits like LUT for exports without tax or refunds on export taxes
3. Ease of Registration
IEC registration is:
Fully online and simple
Requires minimal documentation (PAN, address proof, bank details, photograph)
Completed within 1–2 working days
This makes it highly accessible even for startups and small businesses.
4. No Compliance Burden
Unlike GST or Income Tax, IEC has no monthly or annual return filings.
Valid for a lifetime once issued
No renewal required unless revoked or surrendered
5. Legalizing International Trade
IEC provides legitimacy to your import-export operations.
Recognizes your business under Indian government norms
Builds trust with overseas buyers, suppliers, customs authorities, and regulators
Use Business Name Generators
If you’re struggling to come up with a unique idea, try online business name generators for Cardiff startups. These tools provide creative suggestions based on keywords, industry, and location, helping you discover names that resonate with your business identity.
Consider Future Growth
When selecting your company name, think long term. If you plan to expand your services beyond Cardiff or into multiple industries, avoid names that restrict your growth. Choose a flexible name that supports scalability and wider recognition across the UK.
Get Feedback from Your Network
Before finalizing, get feedback from friends, family, or potential customers in Cardiff. Honest feedback can reveal how well the name connects with people and whether it leaves a strong impression.
Importance of Import Export Code (IEC)
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It acts as a passport for Indian businesses to legally enter and operate in the international trade arena.
Mandatory for Import & Export
Any individual or company engaged in importing goods into India or exporting goods abroad must provide IEC at customs clearance. Without IEC, shipments will not be cleared.
Ensures Legal Compliance
IEC guarantees that all import-export transactions are trackable, transparent, and in compliance with the Foreign Trade Policy of India.
Access to Government Schemes & Incentives
Businesses with IEC can avail benefits from DGFT, Export Promotion Councils, and Customs departments — including subsidies, schemes, and reduced trade costs.
Builds Global Credibility & Trust
IEC serves as the official identity of your business in international trade, helping establish trust with overseas buyers, suppliers, and authorities.
Opens New Global Opportunities
For startups and SMEs, IEC registration unlocks doors to international markets, boosting competitiveness and growth.
Avoids Heavy Penalties
Businesses operating without IEC risk penalties, shipment delays, cancellation of goods at ports, or even a ban on trading activities.
Documents Required for IEC Code Registration
Obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is simple and requires minimal documentation. Most documents are self-attested and submitted online. Below is the detailed checklist:
Proof of Business Establishment / Registration
Depending on the business entity type:
For Companies: Certificate of Incorporation from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
For Partnership Firms: Registered Partnership Deed with partner details and responsibilities.
For LLPs: Incorporation Certificate and LLP Agreement.
For Trusts & Societies: Valid Registration Certificate issued by the relevant authority.
For HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families): PAN card of HUF + Identity proof of Karta.
For Proprietorships: PAN card of proprietor and any license/registration in the business name.
Address Proof of the Business
One of the following documents is required:
Sale Deed (if self-owned premises)
Rent Agreement / Lease Deed
Latest Utility Bill (Electricity, Postpaid Mobile, Landline, etc.)
MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with premise owner
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from property owner with address proof (if rented)
Bank Account Proof
Provide any one of the following:
Cancelled Cheque (bearing the entity’s name & account number)
Bank Certificate (in DGFT-prescribed format, issued by the bank on official letterhead)
Identity Proof of Applicant
(For Proprietor / Director / Partner – any one of the following):
Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Passport
Voter ID Card
DSC or Aadhaar for E-Sign
To digitally sign the IEC application, you need:
A Valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), OR
An Aadhaar Card linked with the applicant’s mobile number for OTP-based Aadhaar e-signing
Jurisdiction and Location
Mention the jurisdiction where your company will operate. For Cardiff businesses, this means registering with Companies House UK and operating under UK regulations.
Owner or Shareholder Details
Include the names and contact information of directors, shareholders, or business partners linked to the proposed Cardiff company.
Business Description
Provide a short summary of your business activities in Cardiff or across the UK. This helps authorities understand the scope of your company.
Trademark Information
If you’re concerned about potential conflicts, include details of any existing trademarks in the UK that may resemble your chosen name.
Registration Fees
Be aware that there may be name search or company registration fees when registering your business with Companies House.
Registration Authority
For Cardiff, the primary authority is Companies House, which manages all official UK company registrations.
Online Application
You can conduct a Cardiff company name search online via the Companies House website or official portals. You may need to create an account to submit your request.
Additional Requirements
Some industries in Cardiff may have specific compliance or licensing needs. Always check with the relevant UK registration authority to ensure all requirements are met.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for IEC Code Online
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory registration for Indian businesses engaged in international trade. With the DGFT portal (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), the process is 100% digital and hassle-free. Cardiff Service ensures a smooth and guided application experience.
Step 1: Visit the DGFT Website
Go to the official DGFT portal 👉 https://dgft.gov.in.
This is the central platform for all foreign trade-related services, including IEC registration.
Step 2: Register/Login on DGFT Portal
Navigate to the “Services” tab → click IEC Profile Management
New users: Register using PAN, Mobile Number & Email ID
An OTP will be sent for verification → create login credentials
Existing users: Directly login using credentials
Step 3: Apply for IEC
After login:
Open the dashboard → Select “Apply for IEC”
Fill out the ANF 2A Application Form with details like:
Business Type (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Company, etc.)
PAN & Date of Incorporation
Registered Business Address & Contact Details
Bank Account Details (Account Number & IFSC)
Director/Partner/Proprietor Information
Ensure all details exactly match your supporting documents.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned PDF copies of mandatory documents, such as:
Proof of Business Establishment (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, etc.)
Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Rent Agreement, Sale Deed, etc.)
Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
Step 5: Sign the Application
Your IEC application must be digitally signed before submission. This can be done via:
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – legally recognized digital identity.
Aadhaar-based e-Sign – using OTP authentication linked to Aadhaar.
Step 6: Pay the IEC Application Fee
Pay the prescribed IEC registration fee (₹500) online via the DGFT portal.
Accepted modes: Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI.
Step 7: Receive Your IEC Certificate
Once verified by DGFT, your IEC certificate will be issued.
The certificate is sent to your registered email ID.
You can also log in to your DGFT dashboard and download it anytime.
The IEC certificate is valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal unless surrendered or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
A company name search ensures that your chosen business name is unique, legally compliant, and not already registered with Companies House UK. It helps you avoid legal disputes, trademark issues, and confusion in the Cardiff business market.
If your desired name is already registered, you’ll need to choose a different name or modify it. Using a taken name could result in rejection by Companies House or potential legal issues. Our experts can help you brainstorm alternative names that are compliant and market-ready.
It’s not advisable to use a name that’s too similar to another company, especially within the same industry. Similar names can confuse customers and risk trademark disputes. A company name search helps you identify these risks early.
For a company name search in Cardiff, you may need:
Proposed company name
Business entity type (Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc.)
Jurisdiction (Cardiff / UK)
Owner or shareholder details (if applicable)
Business description
A “high probability” result means your proposed company name is likely to be available, but further checks are recommended. This is why our detailed Cardiff Company Name Search Report includes both identical and similar names for clarity.
Certain words are restricted under UK law (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “government”). If you want to use them, you’ll need special approval from regulatory bodies. We guide you through this process if your Cardiff business requires such terms