How to get an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) in India

If you are planning your first import from China, there is one registration you need before anything else: the Importer Exporter Code, or IEC. It is quick to obtain, but customs cannot clear your goods and your bank cannot send payment abroad without it, so it is worth sorting out early.

What is an IEC?

The IEC is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is a one-time registration with lifetime validity, and it is mandatory for any business or individual importing or exporting goods in India. Think of it as your licence to trade across borders.

Who needs one

Almost every importer and exporter needs an IEC. A few categories are exempt, such as personal imports not connected to trade and certain government departments, but for a business importing goods from China it is required.

What you need to apply

Keep these ready before you start the application:

• PAN of the business or individual
• Aadhaar and, for companies, the incorporation or registration details
• A business bank account with a cancelled cheque
• Proof of the business address
• A valid email and mobile number for verification

How to apply through the DGFT

The process is entirely online and usually fast, often completed within a day:

• Go to the DGFT website (dgft.gov.in) and register as a new user.
• Open the IEC application and fill in your business and bank details.
• Upload the supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee and submit.
• The IEC is issued electronically once verified.

After you get it

The DGFT requires the IEC to be confirmed or updated once a year, even if nothing has changed. Keeping it current avoids the code being deactivated when you least expect it.

How CI Pioneer Shipping helps

First-time importers often find the paperwork and sequencing confusing. We guide you through the IEC, then handle the rest of your first shipment end to end, from supplier coordination and freight to customs clearance and delivery, so you can import with confidence.

Before your first shipment

The IEC is the small first step that unlocks importing from China. Arrange it before your cargo ships, keep it updated each year, and lean on an experienced partner for the rest. Get in touch and we will help you start your first import the right way.