DGFT Compliance

IEC Registration — DGFT Import Export Code

An Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory 10-digit business identifier issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for anyone importing to or exporting from India. This guide walks you through the entire DGFT process, the documents you need, fees, timelines and how to verify your export readiness before you apply.

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Step-by-step DGFT IEC application flow

  1. 1

    Create a DGFT account

    Visit dgft.gov.in → Login → Register as Importer/Exporter. Verify with mobile & email OTP linked to your PAN.

  2. 2

    Choose entity type

    Select Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Private Limited, HUF, Society or Trust. Entity type decides which documents DGFT will ask for.

  3. 3

    Fill Form ANF-2A

    Enter business name, PAN, address, bank details and nature of concern. Add branch offices if applicable.

  4. 4

    Upload documents

    Attach PAN, address proof, bank certificate or cancelled cheque and the digital signature or Aadhaar e-sign of the signatory.

  5. 5

    Pay ₹500 government fee

    Pay online via net banking, UPI, debit or credit card. Save the transaction receipt.

  6. 6

    Sign & submit

    Sign the application using DSC (Class 3) or Aadhaar-based e-sign of the authorised signatory.

  7. 7

    Receive IEC certificate

    IEC is typically auto-generated within 1–2 working days and can be downloaded from your DGFT dashboard as a PDF certificate.

Document checklist & upload tracker

Tick off each document as you prepare it, attach the file to keep it associated with the item, or download the full printable checklist to share with your CA or team. Progress is saved in your browser so you can pick up where you left off.

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  • PAN card (business or proprietor)

    Must match the name used on the DGFT application exactly.

    PDF or JPG · < 5 MB

  • Address proof of principal place of business

    Electricity bill, telephone bill, rent agreement, sale deed or lease deed (not older than 2 months for utility bills).

    PDF · < 5 MB

  • Cancelled cheque OR bank certificate (Annexure A2)

    Must show account holder name matching the PAN / entity name, account number and IFSC.

    PDF or JPG · < 5 MB

  • Aadhaar of proprietor / authorised signatory

    Required for Aadhaar-based e-sign on the DGFT portal.

    PDF · < 5 MB

  • Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3)

    Mandatory for companies and LLPs. Optional for proprietors using Aadhaar e-sign.

    USB token / .pfx

  • Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership deed

    Only for Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership, HUF, Society or Trust. Skip for proprietorship.

    PDF · < 5 MB

  • Active mobile & email linked to PAN

    OTP is sent here during DGFT registration — must be reachable at time of filing.

    —

  • Passport-size photo of signatory

    Some DGFT regional offices request this for physical verification.

    JPG · < 1 MB

Files are only tracked in your browser — nothing is uploaded to Easyexports servers. Progress is saved locally so you can come back to it later.

Fees, timelines & validity

  • Government fee: ₹500, paid online at the time of submission.
  • Processing time: Usually 1–2 working days if documents are in order.
  • Validity: Lifetime — but IEC must be updated / confirmed on DGFT every year between April and June, otherwise it is auto-deactivated.
  • Amendments: Address, bank or director changes can be updated online through the DGFT portal.

Before you apply — run a compliance check

IEC is only the first step. Before shipping, you also need HS-code accuracy, destination-country restrictions, GST / LUT status and, for many categories, DGFT export licences. Easyexports runs all of these checks in one click for your product and target market.

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