What Documents Do You Need to Apply for an IEC Code in India?

IEC stands for Import Export Code. Any individual or business wanting to import goods/services to or export goods/services from India must apply for an IEC code. It is a unique 10-digit code allotted by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The DGFT office operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, which reports to the Central Government. Running an import/export business in India is prohibited without a valid IEC code. 

For most applicants, a common query is regarding the documents for the IEC code. Of course, the IEC application process has been completely digitised. You can register and apply on the DGFT website www.dgft.gov.in. But before filling out the application form, you must ensure you have collected and scanned all the necessary documents for iec code. 

Necessary Documents for IEC Code Application

Here is a list of the mandatory documents for the IEC code application:-

1. Pan Card- Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, issued by the Income Tax Department, is a must. No IEC application will be accepted without a valid Pan Card, either of yourself as an individual or of your business.

2. Address Proof- A valid address proof of your individual or business address is compulsory. It can be your rental agreement, electricity/telephone bill, voter ID, Aadhar card, passport, or driver’s license.

3. Bank Certificate- You need to get a certificate from your bank stating that you have an active account. Else, you can submit a cancelled cheque.

4. A Recent Passport Size Photograph has to be uploaded along with the IEC application form.

5. Submitting a Class 2 or Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is a must.

6. Account Statement- Businesses have to submit a copy of their current account statement.

Irrespective of whether you are an individual or a company, the above documents for the IEC code are compulsory. Now the following documents are required based on the type of your company as applicable:-

1. Proprietorship Firm- If you are the sole proprietor of your company, providing individual identity proof (in addition to the address proof) is mandatory. The list of acceptable ID documents includes your Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport.

2. Partnership Firm- Scanning and uploading the partnership deed is compulsory for partnership firms applying for IEC.

3. Private Limited Company- For all private limited companies applying for IEC, submitting the certificate of incorporation and memorandum of association is a must.

4. Public Limited Company- As in the case of private limited companies, public limited companies also have to submit their certificate of incorporation and memorandum of association. But additionally, the last three years’ balance sheet and annual report copies also have to be provided.

Noteworthy Points for IEC Application

1. Even if you don’t have a business but are keen on import/export as an individual, you can apply for your IEC code by submitting the first set of documents above.

2. Applicants are required to pay a one-time registration fee of Rs. 500 after filling out the application form. Once paid, your application number is generated. Make sure you note it down for tracking.

3. After checking your submission, the DGFT will email your IEC code within 3-4 working days.

4. If you have earlier applied for IEC and lost it, the same can be recovered by submitting a written request and a fee of Rs. 200.

5. You can track your IEC application status via your application number. Simply log into your DGFT website account and click ‘track application status’. You will be prompted to enter your application number and press enter to view the status.

Conclusion

Applying for an IEC code in India has become compulsory for all GST-registered and e-commerce businesses. The process of applying and obtaining your unique 10-digit IEC code is a straightforward and hassle-free process. Remember that once obtained, this code is valid for a lifetime, and you need not apply again. Given the massive scope of e-commerce and selling your goods/services in foreign markets, you should apply for your IEC code well in advance so that you don’t miss out on any valuable business opportunities.