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IEC Registration in India
In today’s era of globalization, Indian businesses continuously expand their reach beyond national boundaries.
So, it is a vital requirement of the businesses who have been engaged in the international trade in India to get the IEC i.e. Import-Export Code registration. It has been issued by the DGFT i.e. Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is mandatory to obtain an IEC Registration in order to carry out the cross-border trade legally, whether you are an exporter or an importer. As a business owner, if you want to expand your business into global markets, your first step is to obtain an IEC.
Here, you will get a comprehensive guide on IEC Registration in India along with its benefits, registration process, essential documents as well as other important details.
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Benefits of IEC Registration in India
Legal Requirement
IEC is a mandatory requirement of the businesses that involve in imports and exports of goods & services in order to make sure about compliance with trade laws in India.
Custom Clearance
IEC i.e. Import-Export Code will be asked by the custom authorities in order to process the shipments at ports.
Global Market Expansion
With IEC registration businesses can expand their operations internationally and also can explore global markets and global trade opportunities.
Availing Government Benefits
IEC registered exporters can avail benefits from numerous government schemes including MEIS i.e. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme, SEIS i.e. Service Exports from India Scheme as well as RoDTEP.
Financial Transactions
IEC has been required by the banks in order to process the international payments.
Avoiding Restrictions
Some restrictions may be imposed on the international trade transactions in case businesses did not have IEC by custom authorities.
Who Needs IEC Registration in India?
The entities for which IEC Registration is mandatory are as given below:
Businesses Engaged in Import/ Export
Companies and Individuals that have been involved in the import or export of the goods and services.
Proprietorships, Partnerships and Companies
IEC is required by everyone irrespective of the business structure.
Service Exporters
Individuals or Businesses that offer services outside India.
E-Commerce Exporters
Individuals or businesses that sell products internationally via online platforms including Amazon, e-Bay, or Shopify, etc.
Manufacturers and Traders
Businesses that include in the import of raw materials or export of finished goods.
Freelancers
Freelancers who earn money or get payments from foreign countries.
Who does Not Need IEC Registration in India?
Some specific individuals and entities have been exempted from IEC (Import-Export Code) which are:
Non-Commercial Trade
Personal imports or exports for personal use and not any business-related do not require an IEC.
Government Departments
Ministries and government organizations which are involved in trade did not require an IEC registration.
Export of Services (Under Specific Conditions)
Services Providers that receive payments in foreign currency but not deal with physical goods may not need the IEC i.e. Import-Export Code Registration.
Process of IEC Registration in India
It is a complete online process that includes the following steps:
First of all, you need to visit the official website of DGFT i.e. Directorate General of Foreign Trade which is www.dfgt.gov.in
- Click on the option of “Apply for IEC”
- Register by using your PAN and Mobile Number/ Email ID
- Login to the portal by using credentials you received on your email ID. basic details include PAN, mobile number, and email.
- Verify the OTP that you get on your registered mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in the form ANF-2A by providing business details including business name, address, PAN as well as bank details.
- Upload all the requisite documents in the format of PDF or JPEG.
- Also provide the details of directors/ partners/ proprietors.
- Pay the IEC Registration government fee of INR 500 via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- After successful; payment you will get a receipt
- After the completion of the form, review the details and submit the application.
- After submission, you will get an acknowledgement email with an ARN i.e. Application Reference Number.
- Your application will be processed by the DGFT i.e. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade and IEC will be issued within 1-3 days.
- You will get the IEC certificate through email.
- After approval, you can download your IEC certificate from the online portal of DGFT.
- You can use the IEC number for all your import/ export transactions.
Pre-Requisites for IEC (Import-Export Code) Registration
- Valid login credentials to DGFT Portal
- You may apply for IEC on behalf of any firm including proprietorship, partnership, LLP, Limited Company, trust, HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), and society
- Firm has its active PAN i.e. Permanent Account Number and details including Name as per PAN, Date of Birth, or Incorporation
- Before applying for IEC, firms need to make sure that they have a bank account in the name of the firm as well as a valid address
Essential Documents Required for IEC Registration in India
For Proprietorship Firms
- PAN Card of the Proprietor
- Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID of the Proprietor
- Bank Account Details along with Cancelled Cheque
- Address Proof of the Business like electricity bill or rent agreement
For Partnership Firms
- PAN Card of the Partnership Firm
- Partnership Deed
- Aadhaar Card/ Passport/ Voter ID of the Partners
- Bank Details along with Cancelled Cheque
- Address Proof of the Partnership Firm
For Private/ Public Limited Companies
- PAN Card of the Company
- Certificate of the Incorporation
- MOA i.e. Memorandum of Association
- AOA i.e. Articles of Association
- Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID/ Passport of the Directors
- Bank Account Details along with Cancelled Cheque
- Address Proof of the Business
Post IEC Registration Compliance
Although renewal is not required for the IEC Registration, businesses need to keep their details updated. Some essential post-registration requirements are as given below:
Updating IEC Details
Businesses need to update any change in address, contact details, or business structure on the official portal of DGFT i.e. Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Annual IEC Update
IEC holders need to confirm their details annually in order to keep their registration active.
Linking IEC with Customs and Banks
Businesses need to link their IEC with the EDI i.e. Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange system to make the transactions smooth.
IEC Registration Fees in India
- The government fee for the registration of IEC i.e. Import-Export Code is Rs. 500/-
- In case you seek the expert guidance of professionals, their service charges may apply for the registration
Validity and Renewal of IEC Registration
- IEC Registration does not require any renewal as it is valid for a lifetime
- Businesses need to update their IEC details every year in order to keep it active
- If you fail to update your IEC within a given frame of time, it may lead to the deactivation of Import-Export Code
Modifications of IEC Details
- If businesses want to update address, bank details, or ownership details, you need to apply for modification via official portal of DGFT i.e. Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- You have to update the changes within the given frame of time in order to avoid penalties
Cancellation of IEC Registration in India
- In case any business terminates their operations, they need to surrender their IEC online
- When businesses surrender their IEC, the code becomes inactive and you cannot use it
Common Issues and Solutions in IEC Registration in India
- Businesses need to make sure that all business details as well as documents are accurate before submission
- You must cross-check the PAN number as well as bank details in order to avoid rejection.
- You should verify the correct mobile number and email ID have been provided
- Don’t forget to check spam folders for email OTPs
- Just make sure that your internet connection is stable
- Try to download your certificate by using a different browser or clearing cache
- In case you did not receive your IEC certificate within 3 days, you should take follow up with DGFT i.e. Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Final Words
It is a critical step for the businesses that are involved in global trade to get the IEC Registration. IEC registration is an essential requirement for any business that wants to enter the global market. IEC not only facilitates international trade but also opens the door to numerous government incentives. IEC Registration will help in making sure about compliance and also unlocks the several benefits for exporters as well as importers. Businesses can easily get an IEC and start international trading with a simple online process and minimal documentation. With the straightforward process and the proper expert guidance like Click To Professionals, you can obtain your IEC quickly and efficiently.
If you need the professional assistance for the registration of your IEC i.e. Import-Export Code, you are free to contact our experts. We are always there to help you in obtaining your IEC registration in India effortlessly.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and make your business journey smooth.
