Checklist
Documents required
- 1PAN card of the business / proprietor
- 2Aadhaar card of proprietor / authorised signatory
- 3Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the business current account
- 4Address proof of business premises — electricity bill, rent agreement or sale deed
- 5Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Class 3 — companies / LLPs
- 6Mobile number and email linked to PAN
- 7Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed (firms / companies)
Process
Step-by-step process
- 1Register on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in using PAN, email and mobile
- 2Select 'Apply for IEC' under Services › IEC
- 3Fill the ANF-2A application form with business details and bank account
- 4Upload PAN, Aadhaar, bank proof and address proof as PDF / JPEG
- 5Verify the application using Aadhaar OTP or DSC
- 6Pay the government fee of ₹500 online
- 7Submit and receive the IEC certificate via email within 1–2 working days
- 8Update IEC every year between April and June (mandatory, free)
As of 2026
Fees & timeline
| Government fee | ₹500 (one-time) |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 1–2 working days |
| Validity | Lifetime (subject to annual update) |
| Annual update (Apr–Jun) | Mandatory, free; IEC deactivated if missed |
Figures reviewed as of September 2026. Government fees may change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
- IEC is generally not required for service exports unless the exporter wishes to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (such as SEIS / RoDTEP). It is, however, mandatory for export of goods and for receiving foreign remittances through certain banks.
- The DGFT charges a one-time fee of ₹500 for IEC issuance. There is no renewal fee — only a mandatory free annual update between April and June each year.
- Yes. A sole proprietor can apply for an IEC using their PAN and a current account in the business name. The IEC will be issued in the proprietor's name.
- If the annual IEC update is not filed by 30 June, the IEC is automatically deactivated by DGFT. It can be reactivated free of cost by simply filing the pending update — but during deactivation, customs clearance and forex receipts are blocked.