Fees and Government Charges 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 helps to know exactly what Import Export Code (IEC) costs — the statutory government charge, the professional fee, and the small extras people often forget. Here is a transparent breakdown.
Import Export Code (IEC) government fees
The DGFT application fee for IEC is ₹500 (one-time), paid online.
Professional / assistance fees
If you engage a professional to draft documents, file the application and handle clarifications, the typical fee is ₹500 – ₹2,000 (professional/assistance fee). This varies with entity type and complexity.
Total cost of Import Export Code (IEC) — indicative
| Cost head | Amount (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Government fee | The DGFT application fee for IEC is ₹500 (one-time), paid online. |
| Professional fee | ₹500 – ₹2,000 (professional/assistance fee) |
| Digital signature / notary (if needed) | ₹0 – ₹1,500 |
| 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. |
Other costs people forget
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), where the form must be signed digitally.
- Notarisation or stamp paper for supporting affidavits/declarations, if required.
- Renewal fees on expiry — budget for these upfront where the registration is time-bound.
- Cost of correcting or re-filing if the first application is rejected for a documentation error.
Why the fee can vary
The final amount you pay for Import Export Code (IEC) depends on a few factors — the type and size of your entity, the state you operate in, the tenure you opt for (where multi-year options exist), and whether you file yourself or through a professional. Doing it yourself saves the professional fee but costs time and carries a higher risk of rejection if the forms or documents aren't right.
How to keep the cost down
- Get your documents right the first time to avoid re-filing charges.
- Where a multi-year option exists, a longer tenure often works out cheaper per year.
- Bundle related registrations (for example 12A with 80G) to save on combined professional fees.
- Use Aadhaar-based e-verification where available to avoid DSC costs.
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) Eligibility Criteria
- 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
What is the government fee for Import Export Code (IEC)?
The DGFT application fee for IEC is ₹500 (one-time), paid online.
What is the total cost of Import Export Code (IEC) in India?
As a rule of thumb, budget the government fee (The DGFT application fee for IEC is ₹500 (one-time), paid online.) plus a professional fee of ₹500 – ₹2,000 (professional/assistance fee), and a small amount for DSC/notary if applicable.
Are there any hidden charges in Import Export Code (IEC)?
The main extras are a Digital Signature Certificate where digital signing is required, notary/stamp costs for declarations, and renewal fees where the registration is time-bound.
How long is Import Export Code (IEC) valid before renewal?
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.
How long does Import Export Code (IEC) take to process?
Typically issued within 1–3 working days of a complete, Aadhaar/DSC-verified application.