Importer Exporter Code Registration in India

Importer Exporter Code

Import Export Code (IE Code) is a registration code required by the person carrying out import or exporting goods and services from India. IE Code is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industries in consultation with Government of India. IE Code is the unique 10 digit code issued by DGFT.

IEC Registration

Benefits of Importer Exporter Code

  • IE Code issued once does not requires renewal. It is valid for a lifetime throughout the country which enables the importer and exporter to carry on its business hassle free.
  • There is no compliance after receipt of the IE code from DGFT as the importers and exporters are not required to follow any compliance or procedure to keep active the IE Code issued to them.
  • Even the person running proprietary business can obtain IE Code in his own name as it is not compulsory to incorporate a company for obtaining IE Code.

Process of obtaining Importer Exporter Code:

  • The applicant has to make application to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the format prescribed in Aayaat-Niryaat Form 2A (ANF 2A) along with the required supporting documents in the area where the registered office is situated
  • Only one IE Code shall be issued against one PAN number
  • After due verification, the DGFT will issue with IE Code within a time frame of 15 to 20 days
  • Documents required for making application for obtaining IE Code:
    • Self-certified Copy of Pan Card
    • Self-Certified copy of Identity proof such as Aadhar Card, Driving License
    • Address proof such as Electricity Bill, Rent agreement in case of rented premises
    • Passport size photo of proprietor/partner/all the directors
    • Self-certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Articles of association in case of private limited company
    • Certified True copy of Board’s Resolution in case of company
    • Self-certified copy of Partnership deed in case of Partnership firm
    • Current account details held by the applicant
    • Certificate from bank as per the specified format in Part B
    • Undertaking in Part D

Criteria to obtain Importer Exporter Code:

Every Importer or exporter whether it is a firm or a company is compulsorily required to obtain the Importer Exporter Code to carry out its operations in India except the specific exclusions as below:

  • Central or State Government
  • Ministry
  • Person exporting or importing goods for a person who is not related to trade or manufacture or for agriculture.
  • Import Export to certain specified areas such as from Nepal, Myanmar & China provided the CIF price of single consignment doesn’t exceed 25000.
  • However, Exemption from obtaining IE Code isn’t applicable to export of special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment instrumentally in Appendix three of Schedule Two of ITC HS.

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