Import Export Code (IEC)
Every business importing or exporting goods or services from India needs a 10-digit Import Export Code issued by the DGFT. We handle the entire application — eligibility, documents, DGFT filing, and digital certificate — in 1–2 working days.
Why choose Openedze
What you get when our experts handle this end-to-end
Unlock global trade
Without IEC, you legally cannot import or export from India. With it, you can transact with overseas suppliers, buyers, and marketplaces.
Inward & outward remittance
Banks require IEC for foreign currency remittances related to business — both for paying suppliers abroad and receiving payments from foreign clients.
DGFT scheme eligibility
IEC is the gateway to DGFT export incentives — RoDTEP, EPCG, advance authorisation, duty drawbacks, and more.
Customs clearance
Customs requires your IEC at the time of import/export clearance — no IEC, no shipment.
Lifetime validity
Once issued, IEC is valid for the lifetime of the entity. Only annual modification (if details change) is required.
Service exporter unlock
Even service exporters (consulting, IT services, SaaS) need IEC to receive foreign remittance and claim service export incentives.
What we help with
Eligibility check
We confirm you meet DGFT's IEC eligibility — entity type, PAN, bank account, and authorised signatory.
DGFT portal registration
Account created on the DGFT IEC portal with your Aadhaar-linked credentials.
Application & document upload
Application filed with PAN, address proof, bank certificate, and digital signature.
DSC integration
We help procure or attach your Digital Signature Certificate — required for IEC filing.
IEC certificate delivery
Once issued, we download and share the digital IEC certificate plus a quick brief on how to use it.
Annual modification (if needed)
DGFT now requires annual confirmation of IEC details. We track this and file the update for you.
Why IEC is non-negotiable for cross-border business
Import Export Code (IEC) is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce. It's a unique 10-digit identifier required for any business that engages in import or export from India — whether goods, services, technology, or technology-driven services.
Beyond the legal requirement, IEC is a commercial unlock. Banks won't process inward / outward foreign remittances tied to business without it. Customs won't clear shipments. Payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe (for cross-border receipts) often ask for IEC during merchant verification. And the entire DGFT incentive ecosystem — RoDTEP, EPCG, duty drawback, advance authorisation — is keyed off the IEC.
The process is straightforward when documents are right — we typically deliver in 1–2 working days. The complications come up when entity details don't match across PAN, GST, and bank records — which is exactly where our team adds value: we catch and resolve mismatches before DGFT does.
Eligibility & documents
Who needs an IEC
- Any business importing goods or services from outside India
- Any business exporting goods or services to outside India
- Service exporters — IT/ITES, consulting, SaaS receiving foreign payments
- E-commerce sellers shipping internationally (Amazon Global Selling, eBay, etc.)
- Anyone receiving foreign currency for business through banking channels
- Proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, companies, and trusts are all eligible
Documents we'll need
- PAN card of the entity (proprietor / firm / company)
- Aadhaar of proprietor / partners / directors
- Address proof of business premises (utility bill / rent agreement)
- Bank certificate (Form ANF 2A-1) or cancelled cheque with name printed
- Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3) — we can help procure one
- Cancelled cheque or bank account statement
How Openedze helps
A clear, milestone-based path from kick-off to delivery
Eligibility & KYC
Quick check to ensure your PAN, bank, and entity details are aligned for DGFT.
DGFT portal setup
Account on the DGFT IEC portal created with Aadhaar OTP verification.
Application + DSC
Application filed, documents uploaded, signed with your DSC.
IEC issued
DGFT issues the IEC within 1–2 working days. We share the certificate and onboarding brief.
Support journey
Document collection
Day 0Quick scoping call and document checklist.
Application filed
Day 0–1Filed on the DGFT portal with DSC signature.
IEC issued
Day 1–2Certificate downloaded and emailed with onboarding brief.
Frequently asked questions
Is IEC mandatory for service exporters?▾
Yes. Even if you're not shipping physical goods, IEC is required to receive foreign remittances for business and to claim service export incentives like SEIS.
What's the validity?▾
IEC has lifetime validity. However, DGFT now requires annual confirmation/update of IEC details — failure to confirm can lead to deactivation. We track this for you.
Can a proprietorship get an IEC?▾
Yes. Sole proprietors can apply using their personal PAN. The IEC is issued in the proprietor's name with the business name reflected.
Do I need a separate IEC for each shipment?▾
No. One IEC covers unlimited shipments and product categories. It's a one-time setup that scales with your business.
Can NRIs get an IEC?▾
Yes, NRIs can apply for IEC for businesses they own in India, subject to FEMA and RBI rules. We handle the additional documentation required for non-resident applicants.
Unlock international trade
Get your IEC in 1–2 working days and start receiving foreign payments or import/export shipments legally.