Import & Export Code is to be obtained by the business entity for import into or export from India. Import & Export Code is popularly known as the IEC number. Import & Export Code is a ten-digit unique number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

IEC registration certificate is mandatory for a business involved in import and export. Hence, before initiating an import of goods into India, an importer must ensure that the importing entity has GST registration and IE code – both of which are required to clear customs.

If an importer does not have both IE code and GST Registration, the goods will be stuck at the port and start incurring demurrage charges or could be destroyed.

Businesses have a great option to enter the international market with the export and import of the products and the services they are involved in. The IE code is an essential requirement while entering the global market as it supports the growth and development of the business to a certain extent. There are various advantages of getting an Import Export Code. Here we have listed a few of them:

• ✓ International market unlocks: As the IE Code is a requirement for the import and export business, they allow the products to reach the global market. IE code makes the entry of the international Indian company smoother and opens doors for growth and expansion.
• ✓ Online registration:The process to find the IE Code is entirely online and hassle-free with short document submission.
• ✓ Less document requirement: It is not required to submit many documents to obtain an IEC.
• ✓ Lifetime Validity:IE Code is a lifetime registration valid as long as the business exists. Hence, there are no issues with updating, filing, and renewing Import Export Code registration. The IE registration is valid until the company exists or the registration is not revoked or surrendered.
• ✓ Reduces illegal goods transportation:The most basic requirement for the Import-Export code is that you need to provide authentic information. Without giving proper information, IE code cannot be obtained. This criterion makes the transportation of illegal goods impossible.
• ✓ Availing Several Benefits: IE code has enormous benefits for importers and exporters. The registered business entities can get help through subsidies from the Customs, Export Promotion Council or other authorities. With LUT filing under GST, the exporters can make exports without paying taxes. If the exports are made with tax payment, the exporter can claim the refunds of the paid tax amount.
• ✓ Compliances:Unlike other tax registration, the person carrying import or export does not require to fulfill any specific compliance requirements such as the annual filing or the return filings.

As mentioned above, IE Code registration is permanent and valid for a lifetime. Hence, there will be no hassles with updating, filing, and renewing the IEC registration. It is valid till the business exists or the registration is not revoked or surrendered. Further, unlike tax registrations like GST registration or PF registration, the importer or exporter does not require to file any filings or follow any other compliance requirements like annual filing.

As IE code registration is one-time and requires no additional compliance, it is recommended for all exporters & importers to obtain IE code after incorporation.

Nature of the Firm obtaining an IEC

The nature of the Firm obtaining an IEC may be any of the follows:

• ✓ Proprietorship Firm
• ✓ Partnership Firm
• ✓ Limited Liability Partnership
• ✓ Limited Company
• ✓ Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
• ✓ Trusts
• ✓ Society

Pre-Requisites for Applying for IEC

• ✓ Valid Login Credentials to DGFT Portal (After Registering on DGFT Portal)
• ✓ IEC may be applied on behalf of a firm which may be a Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Limited Company, Trust, HUF, and Society.
• ✓ The Firm must have an active Firm’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) and details like Name as per Pan, Date of Birth, or Incorporation.
• ✓ The Firm must also have a bank account in the Name of the Firm and a valid address before applying.

The list of scanned documents required for IEC Registration is listed as follows:

Proof of establishment/incorporation/registration: The following type of Firm needs to submit the establishment/incorporation/registration certificate:

• ✓ Partnership
• ✓ Registered Society
• ✓ Trust
• ✓ HUF
• ✓ Other

Proof of Address: Proof of Address can be any one of the following documents:

• ✓ Sale Deed
• ✓ Rent agreement
• ✓ Lease deed
• ✓ Electricity bill
• ✓ Telephone landline bill
• ✓ Mobile, post-paid bill
• ✓ MoU
• ✓ Partnership deed
• ✓ Other acceptable documents (for proprietorship only):
  ✓ Aadhar card
  ✓ Passport
  ✓ Voter id