DGFT Introduces NPCI-Based Bank Account Validation for IEC: A Major Step Towards Digital Trade Facilitation

Introduction

In a significant move to strengthen India’s digital trade infrastructure, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued Trade Notice No. 23/2025–26 dated 06 February 2026. This notice announces the implementation of an NPCI-based workflow for real-time bank account validation in Importer Exporter Code (IEC) applications and modifications.

The initiative marks another milestone in DGFT’s ongoing efforts to build a fully automated, transparent, and trusted trade facilitation ecosystem, reducing manual intervention and ensuring the authenticity of exporter and importer credentials.

Background and Policy Context

The present Trade Notice builds upon DGFT Public Notice No. 32/2025–26 dated 20 November 2025, through which DGFT enabled online, API-based validation of IEC-related details using integration with various government and authenticated databases.

While earlier reforms focused on validating PAN, identity, and firm details, the absence of real-time bank account authentication posed risks related to:

• Incorrect or fictitious bank details
• Mismatch between PAN and bank account records
• Potential misuse of IECs for fraudulent trade or financial transactions

To address these gaps and further strengthen the IEC framework, DGFT has now integrated its system with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

NPCI Integration: What Has Changed?

Effective Date

The NPCI-based validation mechanism has been implemented from February 2026.

Scope of Validation

The integration enables real-time validation of bank account details:

• At the time of new IEC issuance, and
• During IEC modification requests, particularly where bank details are added or changed.

Objective

The primary objectives of NPCI integration are:

• Ensuring authenticity of IEC-linked bank accounts
• Establishing PAN–Name–Bank Account congruence
• Enabling a paperless, digital, and trusted trade ecosystem
• Minimising fraud and post-approval discrepancies

Revised Workflow: Obligations of IEC Applicants

Under the new system, applicants are mandatorily required to comply with the following:

1. Declaration of Bank Accounts
   Applicants must declare all active bank accounts linked with their PAN.
2. Accuracy and Matching of Details
   The following details must exactly match bank records:
   • PAN
   • Name (individual / firm / entity)
   • Bank account number

Any mismatch may result in validation failure, application deficiency, or rejection.

NPCI Validation Status and System Actions

Once bank details are submitted, they are transmitted to NPCI for verification. NPCI returns one of the following statuses:

• Success
• In Progress
• Failed

Based on the application type and validation status, DGFT’s system takes automated actions as outlined below.

1. Apply for IEC / Modify IEC – Success

• Condition: All bank accounts successfully validated
• System Action:
  Application proceeds under the normal workflow without interruption.

2. Apply for IEC – In Progress (No Failed Validation)

• System Action:
  • Application is placed under Automatic Review
  • Auto-approved upon successful validation
  • Rejected if validation ultimately fails

3. Modify IEC – In Progress (No Failed Validation)

• System Action:
  • Application placed under Automatic Review
  • Auto-approved upon successful validation
• If validation fails for any bank account:
  • Application marked ‘Deficient’ (first instance)
  • Exporter/importer must correct bank details and respond
  • On subsequent failure, application is rejected

4. Apply for IEC – Failed

• Condition: Failure for any bank account
• System Action:
  Application cannot be submitted until correct bank details are provided.

5. Modify IEC – Failed

• Condition: Failure for any bank account
• System Action:
  Application cannot be submitted until corrected bank details are furnished.

Ongoing Validation Monitoring

In cases where the status remains “In Progress”, the DGFT system will periodically fetch updated validation results from NPCI until a final outcome is received.

Implications for Exporters, Importers, and Stakeholders

This reform has wide-ranging implications:

For Exporters and Importers

• Greater responsibility to ensure bank data accuracy
• Reduced risk of post-approval complications
• Faster, automated processing once data is correct

For Banks and Financial Institutions

• Reinforces the importance of accurate PAN–account linkage
• Strengthens compliance and data integrity across systems

For Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies

• Need to educate members on revised IEC requirements
• Support MSMEs and new exporters during the transition

Advisory and Support Mechanism

DGFT has strongly advised all stakeholders to:

• Verify bank details and PAN linkage before submission
• Ensure exact name matching with bank records

In case of any technical difficulty or validation-related issue, stakeholders may seek assistance through the DGFT Helpdesk.

Conclusion

The introduction of NPCI-based bank account validation represents a decisive step towards secure, transparent, and technology-driven trade governance in India. By eliminating manual verification and leveraging trusted financial infrastructure, DGFT has enhanced the credibility of the IEC framework while simplifying compliance for genuine exporters and importers.

This reform aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s broader vision of Digital India, Ease of Doing Business, and trust-based trade facilitation.

Issued with the approval of the competent authority.

Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
F. No. 01/02/58/AM-26/EG&TF
Date: 06 February 2026

FAQ on NPCI-Based Bank Account Validation for IEC

(As per DGFT Trade Notice No. 23/2025–26 dated 06.02.2026)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the new change introduced by DGFT in February 2026?

DGFT has implemented NPCI-based real-time bank account validation for:

• New IEC applications, and
• IEC modifications involving bank account details.

This ensures that IEC-linked bank accounts are genuine, active, and correctly mapped to PAN and name.

2. From when is NPCI validation applicable?

The NPCI-based workflow is effective from February 2026 for all new IEC applications and IEC modification requests.

3. Which bank accounts must be declared in the IEC application?

Exporters must declare all active bank accounts linked with their PAN, not just the primary export account.

4. What details are validated through NPCI?

NPCI validates:

• Bank account number
• PAN linkage
• Name of the account holder (individual / firm / entity)
• Account status (active/inactive)

All details must exactly match bank records.

5. What are the possible NPCI validation statuses?

There are three possible statuses:

• Success – All bank accounts validated
• In Progress – Validation pending with NPCI
• Failed – One or more bank accounts failed validation

6. What happens if validation status is “Success”?

If all bank accounts are successfully validated:

• The IEC application or modification proceeds normally without delay.

7. What does “In Progress” validation mean?

“In Progress” means:

• NPCI has not yet completed validation
• The DGFT system will periodically check for updated status

If validation later succeeds, the application is auto-approved.

8. What happens if validation fails while applying for a new IEC?

• The application cannot be submitted
• Exporter must correct bank details before resubmission

9. What happens if validation fails during IEC modification?

• First failure - Application marked “Deficient”
• Exporter must correct bank details and respond
• Second failure - Application is rejected

10. Can an IEC be approved automatically?

Yes. Applications under Automatic Review are:

• Auto-approved once NPCI validation is successful
• Auto-rejected if validation ultimately fails

11. How can exporters avoid validation failure?

Exporters should:

• Verify PAN linkage with bank
• Ensure correct spelling and format of name
• Confirm active bank account status
• Avoid entering joint or closed accounts incorrectly

12. Where can exporters seek help?

Any issues may be reported through the DGFT Helpdesk available on the DGFT portal.

Compliance Checklist for Exporters (IEC Applicants & Holders)

Before Applying / Modifying IEC

• Ensure PAN is active and valid
• Confirm PAN is linked to all declared bank accounts
• Verify exact name matching with bank records
• Confirm bank accounts are active (not dormant/closed)
• Keep bank details updated with your bank branch

Bank Account Declaration

• Declare all active PAN-linked bank accounts
• Avoid declaring:
  • Closed accounts
  • Dormant accounts
  • Accounts not linked to PAN

During IEC Application / Modification

• Carefully enter bank account number
• Double-check IFSC code
• Monitor validation status:
  • Success
  • In Progress
  • Failed
• Respond promptly if application is marked Deficient

If Validation Status Is “In Progress”

• Do not submit duplicate applications
• Wait for system to fetch NPCI updates
• Track application status regularly on DGFT portal

If Validation Fails

• Identify incorrect bank details
• Contact bank to confirm:
  • Name format
  • PAN mapping
  • Account status
• Correct details and resubmit promptly

Post-Approval Best Practices

• Update IEC immediately if bank details change
• Maintain consistency across:
  • IEC
  • GST registration
  • Bank records
  • Customs documents
• Conduct annual IEC data review as internal compliance

Key Takeaway for Exporters

Accurate bank data is now as critical as PAN for IEC compliance.
One incorrect digit or name mismatch can delay or block IEC issuance or modification.