Importer Exporter Code

In this age of cut-throat competition, everyone wants to grow their business beyond the limits of the domestic market. Doing business globally is more easy now-a-days due to the advent of internet and technology. However, before going business globally, you need to follow several procedures and laws and get various registration and license. IEC (Import Export Code) license is one of such prerequisites when you’re thinking of importing into or exporting from India. It is also known as Importer- Exporter Code.

IEC (Import Export Code) is required by anyone who is looking to kick-start his/her import/export business in the country. It is issued by the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade). IEC is a 10-digit code that has lifetime validity. Predominantly importer merchants cannot import goods without the Import Export Code and similarly, the exporter merchant cannot avail benefits from DGFT for the export scheme, etc., without IEC.

International trade is a gateway to a world of opportunities for businesses in India. Whether you’re looking to import goods, export products, or expand your business globally, having an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is your key to entering the international market. This code is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce. For importers, the IEC is indispensable for the clearance of customs and facilitating payments to foreign banks, ensuring smooth international trade transactions. Similarly, exporters rely on the IEC to streamline the process of sending shipments and receiving payments from overseas clients.

Importer Exporter Code

Import Export Code (IE Code)

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.

Importance of Import Export Code

  • 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.

Validity of IE Code

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

  • Proprietorship Firm
  • Partnership Firm
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • Limited Company
  • Trust
  • Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
  • 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

Documents required for IEC Code registration

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

Note: In case the address proof is not in the Name of the applicant firm, a no objection certificate (NOC) by the firm premises owner in favor of the Firm, along with the address proof, is to be submitted as a single PDF document.

  • Proof of Firm’s Bank Account
  • Canceled Cheque
  • Bank Certificate
  • User should have an active DSC or Aadhaar of the Firm’s member for submission.
  • Active Firm’s Bank accounts for entering its details in the Application and making online payment of the application fee.

FAQs

Is IEC mandatory?

Yes. An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for import to India or export from India. It is a significant business identification number for an import/export business. A person/entity cannot export or import without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted. However, IEC is not necessary for services exports, except when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Should I update my IEC profile annually?

Yes. It is mandatory to update the IEC profile every year. In case of non-updation of the IEC profile, it will be deactivated. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated upon its successful updation. However, reactivation is subject to the condition that any other action should not be taken for violation of any provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.

Can individuals obtain IEC?

Yes, individuals acting as proprietors of a business can obtain IEC registration. Individuals can use either the name or the name of their company to apply for IEC registration.

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Practice area's of B K Goyal & Co LLP

Company Registration Services in major cities of India

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