Importer Exporter Code application on DGFT (ANF 2A): fee, documents and annual update

Who needs an IEC?

Any person or entity importing or exporting goods needs an IEC, and customs will not clear shipments without it. Exporters of services need it to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Banks also ask for it for many trade-related remittances.

Some categories are exempt, such as individuals importing or exporting for personal use and certain government bodies, as notified by DGFT. Businesses selling abroad through e-commerce or courier channels should check courier and postal export rules, as IEC is usually still needed.

Documents and information

Data is validated against PAN and, for companies and LLPs, against MCA records, so names and addresses should match exactly. A current account in the entity's name avoids most bank-proof rejections.

Processing is online and an IEC is often issued quickly when data matches, but timelines depend on DGFT validation and are not guaranteed. Avoid booking shipments until the IEC is active.

• PAN of the entity, which becomes the IEC number
• Address proof of the business premises
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate for a current account in the entity's name
• Details of the proprietor, partners or directors
• Mobile number and email for OTP verification
• DSC or Aadhaar-based e-sign for submission

Annual update requirement

Under DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020 of 12 February 2021, every IEC holder must update its IEC details electronically between 1 April and 30 June each year, even if nothing has changed, by confirming the existing details.

An IEC that is not updated is deactivated, which blocks shipping bills and bills of entry at customs. It can be reactivated by submitting an update or modification request, but shipments may be held up in the meantime.

Modifying an IEC

Changes in address, bank account, partners or directors, or business name must be reported through the IEC modification option on the DGFT portal. Reported changes should match the MCA, GST and PAN records to avoid rejection. If the entity's constitution changes, for example from proprietorship to company, a new PAN is involved and a new IEC is needed. Surrender is also possible through the portal if the business stops trading internationally, which avoids annual update obligations for an IEC that is no longer needed.

After you get the IEC

Once the IEC is issued, link it to your ICEGATE registration for customs filings, and register with the relevant Export Promotion Council if you plan to claim export benefits. Agricultural and processed food exporters may also need APEDA registration. Keep a calendar reminder for the April to June update window each year, as deactivation is automatic.

Common mistakes

Typical mistakes include applying in a personal name for a business that operates as a firm or company, uploading a bank document not in the entity's name, mismatched addresses, and forgetting the annual update. Some businesses also assume a GSTIN replaces the IEC; it does not. Keep login credentials and the linked DSC current, as the same DGFT profile is used for licences, export incentives and certificates of origin.

Step by step

1. 1Register on DGFT

   Create a user on the DGFT portal with mobile and email OTP.

2. 2Start ANF 2A

   Choose apply for IEC and fill entity, address and bank details.

3. 3Add key persons

   Enter proprietor, partner or director details.

4. 4Upload documents

   Attach address proof and bank document.

5. 5Sign and pay

   Sign with DSC or Aadhaar e-sign and pay ₹500 online.

6. 6Download IEC

   Download the e-IEC certificate once issued.