Importer Exporter Code (IEC) - Compliances and An Introduction

Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

1. INTRODUCTION – IMPORTER EXPORTER CODE (IEC)

• IEC is a 10-digit business identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• It is mandatory for undertaking any import or export of goods/services (unless specifically exempted).
• From FTP 2023 onwards, IEC is now called Importer-Exporter Profile, integrated with PAN-based identity and GSTN linkage.
• IEC is lifetime valid, but annual verification/updation is compulsory.

2. RELEVANT LEGAL PROVISIONS – FTP 2023 & HBP 2023

2.1 Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023

(a) Para 2.05 – IEC Requirement

• IEC (or e-IEC) must be obtained from DGFT online portal for imports/exports.
• PAN is treated as the unique identifier; therefore, IEC = PAN of the entity.

(b) Para 2.06 – Automatic Issuance

• IEC/e-IEC is issued digitally and instantly after Aadhaar-based authentication.
• Physical copy not required.

(c) Para 2.05(b) – Exemption

IEC not required for:

• Import/export by Central/State Government departments.
• Goods imported/exported for personal use not connected with trade.
• Persons/units specially exempted under FTP or customs laws.

(d) Para 2.05(d) – Annual Updation (Statutory)

• Every IEC holder must update/confirm no changeonce every financial year during April–June.
• Non-updation results in de-activation.

2.2 Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 – Chapter 2

(a) Para 2.07 – Procedure for IEC Application

• Application filed electronically on DGFT portal (ANF–2A).
• Requires Aadhaar e-auth, PAN verification, GST details, bank details & digital signature/e-sign.
• System auto-generates IEC identical to PAN.

(b) Para 2.09 – Modifications/Updation

• IEC can be modified anytime (name, address, bank, branch, directors/partners, mobile/email).
• Mandatory annual verification during April–June each year.

(c) Para 2.10 – Deactivation/Reactivation

• If IEC is not updated within the prescribed time, DGFT will automatically deactivate the IEC.
• Reactivation possible without penalty upon completion of updation.

3. COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST FOR IEC APPLICATION

A. Pre-application Requirements

• Valid PAN (Individual/Company/LLP/Firm/Trust)
• Aadhaar of the authorised signatory
• Active mobile number & email
• DSC (if company/LLP) or Aadhaar e-sign
• Bank account in name of applicant + cancelled cheque
• Valid GST Registration (where applicable)

B. Information Needed

• Registered office address / branch details
• Director/Partner/Proprietor details
• Nature of activities (manufacture/trade/services)
• Industrial license (if applicable)
• Importer/Exporter category (MSME, SEZ, EOU, etc.)

C. Documents (Uploaded/Verified Digitally)

• PAN auto-verified
• Aadhaar authentication for signatory
• Bank details through ICEGATE validation
• Address proof (if required)

D. System Auto-Validation

• GSTN - PAN
• IEC - PAN
• Mobile/email OTP verification

4. UPDATION REQUIREMENTS (STATUTORY DUTY)

4.1 Mandatory Annual Updation (April–June)

• Every IEC holder must confirm or update details every year.
• Even if no changes, a “No change declaration” must be filed.

4.2 Updation “As and When Required”

Any change must be updated immediately on DGFT portal:

• Change in registered address
• Change in partners/directors
• Change in mobile/email
• Change in bank details
• Change in branch/factory locations
• Change in constitution (proprietorship - partnership/company etc.)

4.3 Automatic Deactivation & Reactivation

• Non-updation by June 30 - IEC deactivated.
• Reactivation is instant after updation; no fee or penalty.

5. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE

(a) Deactivation of IEC

• IEC becomes inactive on DGFT system; no authorisation scheme can be applied.

(b) Blocking of Import/Export Benefits

• Ineligible for benefits under:
  • RoDTEP
  • RoSCTL
  • Advance Authorisation
  • EPCG
  • MEIS/SEIS (legacy)
  • Status Holder Certification
• Claims may be rejected due to mismatch of IEC status.

(c) Customs Level Issues

• Bill of Entry/Shipping Bill processing may face E-sealing or flagging, delaying clearance.
• License-based clearances (AA/EPCG) may be held up.

(d) Banking / FEMA Issues

• AD banks may refuse:
  • Remittance documentation
  • GR/EDF/SDF filings
  • Export proceeds realisation documentation

(e) Penal Consequences (If Linked to Mis-declaration)

FTP non-compliance may invite:

• Penalties under Section 11(2) of FT (D&R) Act, 1992
• Suspension/cancellation of IEC if fraud/misuse suspected
• Recovery of wrongly availed export incentives

(f) Business Impact

• Important foreign trade transactions may be halted
• Delays in fulfilling export orders
• Buyers/suppliers treat inactive IEC as a compliance risk

6. SUMMARY