DGFT & Export-Import Advisory — New Delhi
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration & Export Services — India
The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is the primary business identification number required by any person or entity wishing to import into India or export from India. Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the IEC is mandatory for all import and export transactions — there is no minimum turnover threshold, and no export or import shall be made by any person without first obtaining an IEC, unless specifically exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Consequent upon the introduction of GST, the IEC issued is aligned with the PAN of the firm or individual. However, the IEC must still be separately obtained through a formal application on the DGFT portal. Beyond the IEC, India's foreign trade framework offers a rich set of export promotion schemes, duty drawback mechanisms, and DGFT authorisations that can significantly reduce costs for exporters and importers.
IEC Registration
New / modification / cancellation
Annual IEC Update
Mandatory April–June every year
Export Schemes
EPCG, AA, RoDTEP, SEIS & more
Duty Benefits
Drawback, exemptions & refunds
EOU / SEZ
Export Oriented Unit advisory
DGFT Authorisations
Licences, permissions & RA filings
Import Export Code (IEC) — Complete Guide
The IEC is a 10-digit code (now aligned with PAN) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. It is a one-time registration — once obtained, it remains valid for the lifetime of the entity unless surrendered or suspended — but must be updated annually.
Any person, firm, company, LLP, trust, HUF, or society wishing to engage in import or export of goods from India must obtain an IEC before the first consignment. There is no restriction on the type or value of goods, and no annual filing requirement beyond the mandatory annual update on the DGFT portal.
Who Needs an IEC?
📦 Importers of Goods
Any person or entity importing goods into India through any port of entry — whether for commercial resale, personal use exceeding prescribed limits, or for use in manufacturing — requires an IEC.
✈ Exporters of Goods
Any person or entity exporting goods from India — whether physical goods shipped by sea, air, or courier, or goods sent as samples or gifts above prescribed value — must hold a valid IEC.
💻 Service Exporters (Specific Cases)
For pure service exports, an IEC is generally not required. However, service exporters availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (e.g., SEIS) or receiving foreign remittances linked to export incentives must hold an IEC.
🏭 Manufacturers & Traders
Manufacturers exporting finished goods, traders dealing in imported raw materials, and merchant exporters all require an IEC regardless of entity type — proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company, or trust.
🌎 E-commerce Exporters
Businesses exporting through e-commerce platforms — Amazon Global, Flipkart, eBay, Etsy, Alibaba etc. — must hold an IEC. Most international courier gateways mandate IEC for export consignments.
🏠 Individuals
Individual persons importing or exporting in their personal name for commercial purposes require an IEC. For personal imports/exports below prescribed limits (not for trade), an exemption may apply.
Who is Exempt from IEC?
Government Ministries & Departments
Central and State Government ministries, departments, and notified entities are exempt from obtaining an IEC for imports and exports.
Individuals — Personal Use Imports
Goods imported or exported by individuals for personal use — and not connected with trade, manufacturing, or agriculture — are exempt from the IEC requirement.
Nepal & Myanmar (Land Border Trade)
Imports and exports to/from Nepal and Myanmar via land border routes up to the notified value limit are exempt from IEC for specific categories of traders.
Notified Charitable / Relief Goods
Import and export of goods by charitable institutions for relief and rehabilitation purposes, as notified by the government, are exempt from IEC requirements.
IEC Registration — Step by Step
Apply on DGFT Portal
Application is submitted online at dgft.gov.in. Login is created using PAN and mobile number. Application form requires entity details, bank details, and document uploads.
Upload Documents
PAN, address proof, bank certificate / cancelled cheque, and entity documents are uploaded. The DGFT portal validates PAN details directly from the income tax database.
Pay Application Fee
A nominal government fee of ₹500 is payable online via DGFT portal — through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.
Digital Signature (if required)
Applications by companies and LLPs require a Class III DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) of the authorised signatory for e-signing the application.
IEC Issued Instantly
On successful verification and payment, the IEC is generated electronically within minutes by the DGFT system. No physical certificate is issued — the e-IEC is the valid document.
Mandatory Annual Update
Every IEC holder must log in to the DGFT portal between April and June each year to update or confirm IEC details. Non-updation results in automatic deactivation of the IEC.
Documents Required
- 📄 PAN Card of the firm / individual
- 📄 Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID of proprietor / directors / partners
- 🏠 Proof of business address — electricity bill / rent agreement / sale deed (not older than 3 months)
- 🏠 GST Registration Certificate (if registered)
- 🏭 Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement (as applicable)
- 🏠 Cancelled cheque / bank certificate on letterhead confirming bank account and IFSC details
- 📷 Passport-size photograph of proprietor / authorised signatory
- 📄 Digital Signature Certificate (Class III DSC) — for companies and LLPs
- 📷 Board Resolution / Authorisation Letter (for companies and LLPs)
IEC registration is typically completed within 30 minutes to 2 hours on the DGFT portal after submission of correct documents. We handle the entire application — from document preparation to IEC generation — on your behalf. Get your IEC today →
Mandatory Annual IEC Updation: Every IEC holder must update their IEC on the DGFT portal between 1st April and 30th June each year — even if no details have changed. Failure to update results in deactivation of the IEC, which can disrupt ongoing shipments, customs clearances, and bank remittances. We manage annual IEC updation for all our clients.
Export Promotion Schemes & DGFT Benefits
India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) — administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) — provides a comprehensive set of export promotion schemes that allow exporters to reduce input costs, recover duties paid, and access capital goods at zero or reduced customs duty. Availing these schemes can significantly improve export competitiveness.
At Gupta Chandan & Associates, we advise exporters on scheme eligibility, prepare applications, and manage the entire authorisation lifecycle with DGFT Regional Authorities:
EPCG — Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme
The Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme allows import of capital goods (machinery, equipment, components, spare parts, jigs, fixtures, dies, and moulds) at zero customs duty — subject to an Export Obligation (EO) of 6 times the duty saved, to be fulfilled within 6 years from the date of authorisation.
Who Benefits: Manufacturers, processors, and service exporters who need to import high-value capital equipment for production/service delivery. EPCG significantly reduces capex for export-oriented units.
Key Conditions: Specific export obligation fulfillment is mandatory. The EPCG authorisation holder must file Annual Performance Certificates (APCs) with DGFT and apply for Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) on completion.
Our Services: EPCG authorisation application, benefit calculation, nexus establishment, Annual Performance Certificate filing, EO fulfillment tracking, EODC application, and post-issuance DGFT compliance.
Advance Authorisation Scheme (AA)
The Advance Authorisation (AA) Scheme allows duty-free import of inputs (raw materials, components, packing materials, fuel, oil, catalyst) that are physically incorporated in the export product — along with a standard input-output norm (SION) allowance for wastage.
Who Benefits: Manufacturers who export finished goods and need to import raw materials or components at nil customs duty — improving competitiveness by eliminating upfront duty costs on inputs.
Key Features: Standard Input Output Norms (SION) are prescribed by DGFT. Where SION is not available, an Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement (AAAR) or self-declared norms can be applied for. AA holder must fulfill specific export obligation and apply for EODC.
Our Services: Eligibility assessment, SION identification, AA application preparation and filing, EODC application, and end-to-end DGFT authorisation management.
RoDTEP — Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products
The RoDTEP Scheme (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) replaced the earlier MEIS scheme and reimburses exporters for a range of embedded duties and taxes paid on inputs — including central, state, and local taxes that are not refunded through any other mechanism (GST refund, drawback etc.).
How It Works: RoDTEP benefits are credited as transferable scrips to the exporter's ICEGATE / DGFT account based on a fixed percentage of FOB export value — the rate varies by HS Code / product. Scrips can be used to pay basic customs duty on imports or transferred to other importers.
Our Services: RoDTEP rate identification for your export products, scroll generation, scrip utilisation advisory, and reconciliation of RoDTEP credits with shipping bills.
Duty Drawback Scheme (DBK)
The Duty Drawback Scheme under the Customs Act provides refund of customs duty paid on inputs used in the manufacture of exported goods. Drawback is available as an All Industry Rate (AIR) — a standard percentage of the FOB export value prescribed by CBIC — or as a Brand Rate for exporters whose actual duty incidence exceeds the AIR.
Key Distinction from RoDTEP: Drawback covers customs duty (Basic Customs Duty + other customs levies) on imported inputs. RoDTEP covers other embedded taxes not covered by drawback or GST refund. Both can be availed simultaneously on the same export product.
Our Services: AIR vs Brand Rate analysis, shipping bill filing assistance, drawback claim reconciliation, Brand Rate fixation applications, and drawback refund follow-up with customs authorities.
SEIS — Service Exports from India Scheme
The Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) provides duty credit scrips to service exporters in recognition of their foreign exchange earnings. SEIS benefits are available at notified rates on net foreign exchange earned from eligible service exports.
Who Benefits: Indian service providers exporting eligible services — IT services, healthcare, legal services, management consulting, audio-visual services, and many others — who have a minimum net foreign exchange earning above the prescribed threshold.
Our Services: SEIS eligibility assessment, application preparation and filing with DGFT, scrip utilisation advisory, and transfer of scrips.
GST Refund on Exports (Zero-Rated Supply)
Exports of goods and services are treated as zero-rated supplies under the IGST Act. Exporters can either export under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) and claim refund of accumulated ITC, or pay IGST on exports and claim a full cash refund from the GST department.
LUT Route (Recommended): File LUT annually with the GST department — export without payment of IGST — then claim refund of accumulated ITC on inputs through the GST portal. Faster cash flow compared to the IGST refund route.
IGST Refund Route: Pay IGST on exports — refund is processed automatically based on shipping bill and GSTR-1 data matching on the ICEGATE-GSTN interface. Suitable where accumulated ITC is not available.
Our Services: LUT filing, GST refund application preparation (RFD-01), reconciliation of refund claims with shipping bills, follow-up with GST refund processing officer.
Multiple export promotion schemes can be availed simultaneously on the same export product — but each requires careful eligibility mapping to avoid double benefit violations. Our DGFT and customs advisory team helps you identify and maximise all applicable benefits. Contact us for an export benefit assessment →
Export Oriented Units (EOUs), SEZs & Star Export House Status
Beyond scheme-based benefits, exporters with significant export volumes can access deeper structural benefits through Export Oriented Unit (EOU) status, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, or recognition as a Star Export House — each offering a distinct set of duty exemptions, tax benefits, and trade facilitation privileges.
Export Oriented Units (EOUs) & Technology Parks
Export Oriented Unit
An EOU is a unit committed to exporting its entire production (with limited domestic tariff area (DTA) sales permitted). EOUs are approved by the Development Commissioner and enjoy significant customs and central excise duty benefits on capital goods and inputs.
- Duty-free import of capital goods and raw materials
- Exemption from payment of GST on domestic procurement (subject to conditions)
- DTA sales permitted up to 50% of FOB value of exports
- Single window clearance for approvals
- Applicable to manufacturing, software, services, and agricultural processing
Technology Parks
Software Technology Parks (STPIs), Electronic Hardware Technology Parks (EHTPs), and Bio-Technology Parks (BTPs) are EOU variants designed for technology and biotech exporters — offering similar customs and tax benefits with sector-specific infrastructure.
- STPI registration for software / IT/ITeS exporters
- Duty-free import of hardware and equipment
- Single point registration for multiple clearances
- Annual performance reporting to STPI/Development Commissioner
- Conversion between EOU / STPI / DTA possible with approval
Special Economic Zones
SEZ units operate in designated zones treated as deemed foreign territory for customs and tax purposes — offering comprehensive duty exemptions, income tax benefits (subject to sunset provisions), and a simplified compliance framework.
- Full customs duty exemption on goods entering the SEZ
- GST exemption on domestic procurement for authorised operations
- No export obligation — all production may be exported
- Simplified documentation and single window approvals
- Governed by the SEZ Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006
⭐ Star Export House Recognition
The Star Export House recognition is granted by DGFT to exporters who have achieved specified levels of export performance. Recognised Star Export Houses receive a range of trade facilitation benefits including self-certification, priority processing, and relaxation of certain export-import conditions.
| Status | Export Performance (FOB Value) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| One Star Export House | USD 3 million or above | Self-certification for country of origin, priority in export promotion councils |
| Two Star Export House | USD 25 million or above | Entitlement to Advance Authorisation / EPCG as per FTP, air cargo concessions |
| Three Star Export House | USD 100 million or above | Preferential treatment in government procurement, export award consideration |
| Four Star Export House | USD 500 million or above | Higher benefits under various FTP schemes, enhanced allocation preferences |
| Five Star Export House | USD 2,000 million or above | Premier Trading House status — highest tier of recognition and facilitation |
EOU / SEZ / Star Export House registrations involve significant compliance obligations alongside benefits. We advise exporters on which status offers the best net benefit for their specific product and export volume profile. Contact us for a free assessment →
Import Services — Licences, Classifications & Customs Advisory
Importing goods into India requires not just an IEC but also a thorough understanding of India's import policy — goods may be Free (no restriction), Restricted, Channelised, or Prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy and the ITC (HS) classification. Incorrect import classification, missing licences, or non-compliance with import conditions can lead to detention of goods, heavy penalties, and confiscation.
Import Categories Under Foreign Trade Policy
✓ Free Import
The majority of goods are freely importable in India without any special licence or permission — subject only to payment of applicable customs duties and compliance with product standards (BIS, FSSAI, CPCB etc.).
🔒 Restricted Import
Certain goods are restricted and require a specific import licence or authorisation from DGFT before they can be imported. Examples include live animals, certain chemicals, specified drugs, and second-hand capital goods.
📋 Channelised Import
Some goods — particularly certain commodities like urea, petroleum products, and grains — can only be imported through designated canalising agencies (e.g., STC, MMTC, Food Corporation of India) and not by private parties directly.
⛔ Prohibited Import
Certain goods are absolutely prohibited from import into India — regardless of the purpose or the entity. Tallow, fat, oils of animal origin, beef products, and specified hazardous waste are examples of prohibited imports.
Key Import Licences & Authorisations
| Licence / Authorisation | Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Import Licence (Restricted Goods) | Permission to import goods classified as restricted under the FTP | DGFT Regional Authority |
| EPCG Authorisation (Import) | Zero duty import of capital goods against export obligation | DGFT |
| Advance Authorisation (Import) | Duty-free import of inputs for use in export production | DGFT |
| EOU / SEZ Approval (Import) | Duty-free import of all goods for EOU / SEZ unit operations | Development Commissioner / SEZ Authority |
| Actual User Condition (AUC) | Duty concession import where importer must be actual end-user | Customs / DGFT |
| BIS Registration / Compulsory Certification | Product safety certification required before import of notified goods | Bureau of Indian Standards |
| CPCB / EPR Registration | Extended Producer Responsibility for electronics, plastics, battery imports | Central Pollution Control Board |
| Drug Import Licence | Import of pharmaceutical products — bulk drugs and formulations | CDSCO / Ministry of Health |
| Phytosanitary / SPS Clearance | Import of plants, seeds, food products — health and safety clearance | FSSAI / Ministry of Agriculture |
Customs Duty Advisory
HS Code Classification
Correct classification of goods under the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) is critical — it determines the basic customs duty rate, IGST, anti-dumping duty applicability, and whether the import is free, restricted, or requires a licence.
Customs Valuation
Customs duty is levied on the transaction value of goods (CIF value) under the Customs Valuation Rules, 2007. We advise on permissible deductions, related-party transaction valuation, and managing customs valuation disputes.
Anti-Dumping & Safeguard Duties
Many imported products attract anti-dumping duty (ADD) or safeguard duty in addition to basic customs duty. We identify applicable ADD/safeguard duties for your import product and advise on duty optimisation strategies.
Customs Audit & Notice Response
Import transactions are subject to post-clearance audit by customs. We assist with responding to customs show-cause notices, duty demands, and penalty proceedings related to incorrect classification or valuation.
Before placing an import order, verify the ITC (HS) classification, import policy category, applicable duties, and licensing requirements for your product. Getting this wrong at the time of import can result in demurrage, duty demands, or confiscation of goods. Contact us for a pre-import advisory →
DGFT Authorisations & Other Services
In addition to IEC registration and export promotion schemes, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers several other authorisations, registrations, and filings that affect importers, exporters, and businesses engaged in international trade. We provide advisory and filing services for all DGFT-related matters:
IEC Annual Updation
Mandatory annual update of IEC on the DGFT portal between April and June every year — even if no details have changed. Non-updation results in automatic IEC deactivation. We manage this for all clients.
IEC Modification
Any change in business name, address, PAN, bank details, directors/partners, or entity type requires a formal IEC modification application on the DGFT portal within the prescribed timeframe.
EODC — Export Obligation Discharge
On fulfillment of export obligation under EPCG or Advance Authorisation, an Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) must be obtained from DGFT to close the authorisation. We prepare and file EODC applications.
Annual Performance Certificate (APC)
EPCG authorisation holders must file APCs with their jurisdictional DGFT Regional Authority every year until export obligation is fully discharged. We track, prepare, and file APCs on time.
Star Export House Certificate
Application for One Star to Five Star Export House recognition based on export performance. Status certificate is issued by DGFT Regional Authority and is renewed based on rolling performance criteria.
RCMC — Registration Cum Membership Certificate
Exporters seeking FTP benefits must obtain an RCMC from their sector-specific Export Promotion Council (EPC). RCMC is required for filing SEIS applications and certain other scheme claims.
Certificate of Origin (CoO)
Preferential Certificates of Origin (under FTAs — ASEAN, UAE, Australia, Mauritius etc.) and non-preferential CoOs are required for exports claiming reduced or nil import duty in destination countries. We facilitate CoO applications through the relevant EPCs and DGFT.
Export of Samples & Gift Parcels
Export of trade samples, gift parcels, and promotional materials is governed by specific FTP provisions and customs notifications. We advise on applicable limits, documentation, and customs filing for sample shipments.
FTA Advisory — Preferential Tariff Benefits
India has FTAs with ASEAN, UAE, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and others. We advise exporters and importers on utilising preferential tariff rates under applicable FTAs — including rules of origin compliance and CoO requirements.
DGFT Appeals & Policy Relaxations
Where DGFT Regional Authorities reject applications or impose conditions, we prepare and file appeals to higher DGFT authorities and, where applicable, applications for policy relaxations or re-credits under the FTP.
MEIS / RoDTEP / SEIS Scrip Utilisation
Duty credit scrips received under FTP schemes must be correctly utilised — against customs duty on imports or transferred to other importers. We advise on optimal scrip utilisation and facilitate transfer transactions.
Foreign Trade Policy Compliance Audit
Review of your import-export transactions against FTP obligations — identifying unreported export obligations, missed DGFT filings, lapsed authorisations, and exposure to DGFT penalties.
DGFT filing deadlines are strict and missing them can result in loss of scheme benefits or penalties. We track all DGFT obligations for our clients and ensure timely filing. Contact us for DGFT advisory →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC registration, export promotion schemes, and DGFT services:
Have a question not answered here? Contact us and our team will respond within one business day.
Why Choose Gupta Chandan & Associates?
We are a New Delhi-based Chartered Accountancy firm providing specialised import-export advisory, IEC registration, DGFT authorisations, and export promotion scheme services — for exporters, importers, manufacturers, and e-commerce sellers across India.
IEC in a Day
We prepare and file your IEC application on the DGFT portal the same day — with IEC typically generated within hours of submission.
Annual IEC Update Managed
We proactively manage mandatory annual IEC updation for all our clients — ensuring your IEC never gets deactivated due to a missed update.
Scheme Benefit Maximisation
We map your export product and process against all applicable FTP schemes — EPCG, AA, RoDTEP, Drawback, SEIS — to identify every benefit you are entitled to claim.
End-to-End DGFT Filing
From authorisation application to APC filing to EODC — we handle the entire lifecycle of EPCG and Advance Authorisation compliance with DGFT Regional Authorities.
FTA & CoO Advisory
We help exporters leverage India's FTAs with ASEAN, UAE, Australia, and others — advising on rules of origin and facilitating Certificates of Origin for preferential tariff benefits.
Customs & Import Compliance
Pre-import advisory, HS code classification, import licence identification, and response to customs notices — complete import compliance support in one place.
Get Your IEC Registered or Export Benefits Assessed
Whether you are registering your first IEC, completing a mandatory annual update, applying for EPCG, claiming RoDTEP scrips, or planning your first export shipment — our team is ready to help.
