IEC Export Code

A 10 digit code, which is issued to the companies by the Director General of Foreign Trade, Government of India, Ministry of Commerce. It is compulsory for any entity or person to carry with the import and export business.

Full Form: - It stands for "Importer Exporter Code".

IEC Code Number Notification: - The Importer Exporter Code Number is issued by the policy circular no.15 which in turn is issued by the DGFT.

Eligibility: - The entire list of eligibility criteria, conditions and legal provisions to avail the IEC code is found in Foreign Trade (Regulation) Rules, Notification No. GSR 791 (E), dated 30-12-1993 issued by the Ministry of Commerce in 1993.

How to Apply

The application form called the "ANF2A" is available in word format and PDF. The submission of the Appendix-18B is compulsory with the online application form. The applicant should keep it in mind that the applicant's banker has signed it in his letter head. In Addition, two passport size photographs are attached to the application. Appendix-18D is the sure shot way to look for the regional authorities of DGFT and the corresponding RBI office.

Validity of the code: Appendix 18B declares the validity of the IEC number allocated to an applicant.

Duplicate Copy: In case of misplacement, request for the duplicate copy of the IEC number has to be made to the issuing authority accompanied with an affidavit.

Surrender: In case of non-operation, the owner can surrender his IEC number to the issuing authority which will be immediately cancelled by it. At the same time, the issuing authority will convey it electronically to DGFT so that it can be further transmitted to customs and regional authorities.