Eligibility Criteria explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Before you apply, it is worth confirming that you actually qualify. This guide explains the Import Export Code (IEC) eligibility criteria — who can apply, the conditions to meet, and the common reasons applications get rejected.
Who is eligible for Import Export Code (IEC)
Import Export Code (IEC) applies to the following, under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992:
- Any person or business importing goods into or exporting goods from India
- Service exporters seeking benefits under foreign-trade schemes
- E-commerce exporters shipping through couriers or post
Conditions you must satisfy
To qualify for Import Export Code (IEC) (granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, via dgft.gov.in), you typically need to have in place:
- PAN of the individual / firm / company
- Aadhaar or DSC of the applicant for verification
- Proof of establishment / incorporation (partnership deed / COI)
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the current account
Common reasons applications are rejected
- Details on PAN, Aadhaar and supporting documents that do not match.
- An address proof that is outdated or does not match the declared premises.
- Choosing the wrong category, sub-clause or form for your activity.
- Missing a mandatory prerequisite registration or approval.
Fees, timeline and validity
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Government fee | The DGFT application fee for IEC is ₹500 (one-time), paid online. |
| Processing time | Typically issued within 1–3 working days of a complete, Aadhaar/DSC-verified application. |
| Validity | Lifetime validity, but the IEC must be updated/confirmed on the DGFT portal every year (April–June) even if there are no changes, or it is deactivated. |
| Issuing authority | Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, via dgft.gov.in |
Related guides on Import Export Code (IEC)
- How to Get Import Export Code (IEC) (Complete Guide)
- Documents Required for Import Export Code (IEC)
- Import Export Code (IEC) Fees & Government Charges
- Import Export Code (IEC) Process Step by Step
- Benefits of Import Export Code (IEC)
- Import Export Code (IEC) Renewal: Process and Validity
- How to Cancel or Surrender Import Export Code (IEC)
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Talk to an expert →Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Import Export Code (IEC)?
Any person or business importing goods into or exporting goods from India. Service exporters seeking benefits under foreign-trade schemes.
What conditions must I meet for Import Export Code (IEC)?
You generally need: PAN of the individual / firm / company; Aadhaar or DSC of the applicant for verification; Proof of establishment / incorporation (partnership deed / COI).
Why do Import Export Code (IEC) applications get rejected?
The most common reasons are mismatched details, an outdated address proof, choosing the wrong category, or missing a prerequisite registration.
Is there a turnover or size limit for Import Export Code (IEC)?
Eligibility depends on the activity and thresholds under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992; Any person or business importing goods into or exporting goods from India.
How long is Import Export Code (IEC) valid once granted?
Lifetime validity, but the IEC must be updated/confirmed on the DGFT portal every year (April–June) even if there are no changes, or it is deactivated.