Import Export Code: An Overview

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a crucial business identification number which mandatory for export from India or Import to India. Unless specifically exempted, any person shall make no export or import without obtaining an IEC. For services exports, however, IEC shall not be necessary except when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Consequent to the introduction of GST, IEC being issued is the same as the PAN of the Firm. However, the IEC will still be separately published by DGFT based on an application. This article looks at the procedure for making an IE Code application in detail.

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).

An 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

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 to 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 fulfil 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 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 following:

- 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, or Society.  
- The Firm must have an active Firm 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.

Note: These details will be validated with the Income Tax Department site.

Documents Required
 

- PAN Card

- Aadhaar Card

- Incorporation Document

- Cancelled Bank Cheque

- Electricity Bill

- Rental agreement