IEC REGISTRATION PDF

1. ● IEC Registration is mandatory for any Indian business dealing in cross-border trade. ●It’s a one-time license issued by DGFT. ● This guide breaks down the real process, benefits, documents, and expert advice to simplify your registration. IEC Registration: Complete Guide for Indian Exporters & Importers “One missed shipment cost us ₹7 lakhs. All because we delayed IEC registration.” Ramesh, owner of a leather goods startup in Kanpur, shared this while consulting our compliance team. He had an international buyer, a confirmed PO, and even packaging ready. But without an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), the shipment was held at the customs gate. His story is not unique. Thousands of Indian MSMEs lose global business because they don’t understand how crucial—and simple—IEC registration actually is. Let’s break it down from the lens of Indian businesses, legal compliance, and real-world strategy What is IEC Registration? IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is a unique 10-digit license code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce. It’s mandatory for any person or entity importing or exporting goods or services from India, except under exempted cases (like personal use or certain government departments). “IEC is like a passport for your business in the global market.” —DGFT Official, 2024 Meet Who Needs IEC? If you fall under any of these categories, you need IEC registration: . Manufacturers exporting goods overseas .E-commerce sellers exporting via Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho Global .Freelancers or service exporters (IT services, consultancy) . Importers bringing in machinery, raw materials, or tech Whether you're a small handicraft unit in Jaipur or a fintech exporting SaaS from Bengaluru—if you're crossing the border, you need an IEC. IEC Registration Process The government has made the process completely online. But small errors can lead to rejection or delay. Step 1: Prepare the Right Documents Here’s what you need:

2. Document Notes PAN Card (Individual/Company) Mandatory Aadhaar or Passport For proprietors Company’s registration doc MOA/AOA or LLP Agreement Cancelled Cheque / Bank Cert. For bank validation Address Proof Rent agreement, electricity bill etc. Tip: Use a current account in the business name—personal accounts may raise red flags. Step 2: Apply on the DGFT Portal Go to https://www.dgft.gov.in Create a login → Choose “Apply for IEC” → Fill the form → Uploaddocs → Pay ₹500 online “Clients often skip the branch code or mismatch bank IFSC—watch out. DGFT verification is strict. Step 3: Digital Signature (DSC) or Aadhaar OTP Verification ● For companies and LLPs: Class 2 DSC is needed ● For individuals: Aadhaar-based OTP is accepted Many clients prefer Aadhaar-based login for faster processing—but companies must use DSC. Step 4: Receive IEC Certificate Once verified (within 1–2 working days), you’ll get your IEC as a PDF on email. It’s also auto-linked to PAN and updated in the ICEGATE customs database.

3. 8 Benefits of IEC Registration (Beyond Legal Compliance) 1. Global Market Access: Sell to clients in the US, Europe, Middle East 2. No Renewal Hassle: One-time registration, valid for lifetime 3. Banking Support: Needed to receive foreign payments (inward remittance) 4. Customs Clearance: Mandatory to ship or receive goods 5. Amazon Global Seller Eligibility 6. Government Subsidies: Avail RoDTEP, MEIS under DGFT schemes 7. Loan Sanctions: Banks ask for IEC when giving export credit 8. Brand Credibility: IEC makes you look serious and compliant to buyers Quick Analogy: IEC is to exports what GSTIN is to domestic sales. Both show you mean business. Common Mistakes to Avoid ● Submitting a savings account for company IEC ● Address mismatch between PAN and utility bill ● Applying under individual name instead of business entity ● Forgetting to update IEC annually (DGFT made this mandatory since 2021—even if there’s no change) IEC Registration Cost Breakdown Fee Type Amount (INR) DGFT Govt Fee ₹500 DSC (if applicable) ₹1,000–₹1,500

4. Consultant Fee (Optional) ₹800–₹2,000 Note: Always go with a verified legal consultant or CA if unsure. A rejected application can delay business for weeks. IEC & Other Licenses: What’s the Link? IEC is your base license, but depending on what you import/export, you may need more: Sector Additional Requirement Pharma CDSCO Registration Food Items FSSAI License, APEDA Registration Electronics BIS Certification (under CRS) Gems & Jewellery GJEPC Membership, RBI approval See also: BIS Certification for CCTV Recorder and CDSCO Registration Guide Internal Compliance: Maintain These After IEC ● File annual IEC updates before June 30 every year ● Maintain shipping bills, invoices, and foreign inward remittance proof ● Coordinate with customs brokers, CHA, and bank AD Code holders ● Update IEC if address, PAN, or bank details change IEC is not a tax registration. But DGFT may block defaulters under FEMA or Customs Act.

5. Conclusion: IEC Registration Is the Gateway to Global Business In today’s cross-border trade world, IEC registration is not optional—it’s your entry ticket. Whether you're exporting handicrafts from Varanasi or SaaS from Pune, IEC ensures compliance, faster customs, and credibility with buyers. Need expert help with IEC or additional licensing like BIS, CDSCO, or FSSAI? Reach out to our compliance consultants at Diligence Certification for a free 15-minute strategy session. Why Choose Diligence Certification for IEC Registration? When it comes to compliance, shortcuts can cost you lakhs. At Diligence Certification, we go beyond just documentation — we deliver certainty. About Diligence Certification Diligence Certificationis India’s leading compliance and licensing consultancy, trusted by 2,500+ startups, MSMEs, and exporters. We specialize in end-to-end support for businesses entering regulated markets — whether it's a first-time IEC registration or BIS, CDSCO, FSSAI, or any other Indian or international approval. Our team of legal experts, chartered accountants, and ex-DGFT professionals ensures zero-rejection filings with full transparency and speed. Services We Offer: Service Category Highlights IEC Registration 100% online, DGFT-compliant filing, certificate in 24–48 hours BIS Certification For electronics, steel, toys, batteries, CCTV, and more CDSCO Registration For import/manufacture of medical devices, cosmetics, drugs

6. FSSAI License Central, State, and Basic registration for food businesses Trademark Registration End-to-end support for IP protection Start-up Registrations GST, Udyam, MSME, LLP, Pvt Ltd Company setup Import-Export Consulting AD Code registration, ICEGATE linking, DGFT updates We also assist with IEC modification, annual updates, and DGFT compliance audits. Why Diligence Certification? ●Pan-India Service– Clients in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai & Tier-2 cities ●24–48 Hr Turnaround– Fast-track IEC delivery with legal review ●Dedicated Compliance Manager– Real humans, no bots ●Zero Hidden Charges– Flat-rate pricing, no surprise fees ●After-Service Support– Stay compliant with yearly DGFT rules Get in Touch Website: www.diligencecertification.com Phone: +91-9471642921 . Google Maps Location & Office Photos Available on Website Let’s Get You Export-Ready If you're planning to expand globally, don't risk delays at customs or DGFT rejections. Partner with Diligence Certification — where compliance meets clarity.

7. Schedule a Free IEC Strategy Call Today Visit www.diligencecertification.com