An IEC code check has two parts: confirm that the 10-character Importer Exporter Code is in a valid format, then look up the live record on DGFT. Since GST, the IEC is the same as the business's PAN, but DGFT still issues it separately on application, and the holder must update or confirm it online every year between April and June or it is deactivated. This guide explains how to read the number, how to run an IEC verification on DGFT, how to apply and how to keep the code active.
How to run an IEC number search on DGFT
The live IEC record sits only on the DGFT website. Use "View Any IEC": enter the IEC and at least the first three characters of the firm's name, and DGFT shows the basic details of that IEC, including whether it is on the Denied Entity List (DEL).
- Open View Any IEC on dgft.gov.in (Services, then View IEC Related Details).
- Enter the 10-character Importer/Exporter Code.
- Enter at least the first three characters of the firm's registered name, not its brand or trade name.
- Compare what DGFT shows with the name on the invoice, contract or shipping papers you hold.
The same DGFT section lets you check the status of an IEC at Customs (ICEGATE) and see shipping bills received against an IEC. Newer IEC certificates printed from DGFT carry a QR code that can be used to verify the certificate online.
How to decode an IEC number, character by character
A PAN-based IEC has 10 characters: five letters, four digits and a final letter. The fourth letter shows the type of holder, such as C for a company, F for a firm or LLP and P for an individual. The fifth letter is the first letter of the holder's name, or of the surname for an individual.
| Position | What it shows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Alphabetic series from AAA to ZZZ | ABC |
| 4 | Type of holder | C (company) |
| 5 | First letter of the name (surname for an individual) | B |
| 6 to 9 | Sequential number from 0001 to 9999 | 1234 |
| 10 | Alphabetic check digit | K |
Example. Bluepeak Foods Private Limited (a made-up company) sends a buyer the IEC ABCCB1234K (an example, not a real number). The tool reads it as a valid PAN-based IEC of a company: the fourth letter is C, and the fifth letter B matches "Bluepeak". Had the firm sent ABCFB1234K, the format would still pass, but F marks a firm or LLP, which does not fit a private limited company. ABCDB1234K fails, because D is not a PAN holder type. In each case the next step is View Any IEC with "Blu" as the name.
The tool does not test the tenth character, the check digit, so a single wrong letter there can still pass the format check. Some IECs issued before the move to PAN are 10 digits; the tool accepts them as the older format. A request to change the PAN in an existing numeric IEC goes to the jurisdictional Regional Authority (Handbook of Procedures para 2.14(c)).
Which businesses can import or export without an IEC?
No one may import or export goods without an IEC unless specifically exempted, under para 2.05(a) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. Service exporters need an IEC only when they claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. The exempt categories are in para 2.07 of the Handbook of Procedures.
- Ministries and departments of the Central or State Government.
- People importing or exporting for personal use not connected with trade, manufacture or agriculture.
- Trade with Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar (through the Indo-Myanmar border areas) where a single consignment's CIF value is up to ₹25,000, and with China through Gunji and Namgaya Shipkila (up to ₹1,00,000) or Nathula (up to ₹2,00,000).
- Certain importers and exporters covered by the Foreign Trade (Exemption from application of Rules in certain cases) Order, 1993.
The exemption does not apply to exports of SCOMET items, except by government departments. Exempt categories use permanent IECs listed by DGFT, such as the one for goods imported for display at fairs under an ATA carnet.
How to apply for an IEC on the DGFT portal
File form ANF-2A online on dgft.gov.in with the fee and documents (Handbook of Procedures para 2.08). The IEC is generated automatically, DGFT tells you by email and SMS, and you download the e-IEC from your dashboard. The application fee is ₹500 (DGFT Appendix 2K).
- Make sure the business has a PAN, a bank account in its own name and a valid address. DGFT may physically verify the address.
- Log in to dgft.gov.in and open Apply for IEC under IEC Profile Management.
- Fill in ANF-2A, declare every active bank account linked to the PAN, and upload a cancelled cheque bearing the entity's pre-printed name (or a bank certificate) and proof of address.
- Pay the fee online and submit.
- Download and print the e-IEC from the dashboard.
Since February 2026, DGFT checks the bank details with NPCI in real time; if the check fails, the application cannot be submitted until the details match the bank's records (Trade Notice 23/2025-26).
Only one IEC is issued against a PAN, and it covers all branches, divisions, units and factories of the holder. It has permanent validity unless suspended or cancelled (Handbook of Procedures paras 2.10 and 2.12).
IEC annual update: what to confirm between April and June
Every IEC holder must update its IEC details online each year during April to June, and confirm them online even when nothing has changed (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.05(d)). An IEC not updated in that period is deactivated, and it is activated again once the update succeeds (para 2.05(e)).
This yearly step, often searched as "IEC renewal", is separate from changes during the year. Any change in constitution, address, bank details or other primary details must be updated online within 30 days of the change (Handbook of Procedures para 2.14(b)). If a merger, acquisition or business transfer creates an entity with a different PAN, that entity must take an IEC against its own PAN within 30 days (para 2.14(e)).
Example. A partnership firm moves its office and its new address takes effect on 10 August 2026. It must update the IEC by 9 September 2026, 30 days later. It must still confirm the IEC again between 1 April and 30 June 2027.
What happens when an IEC is deactivated or blocked?
A deactivated IEC is activated again only after the holder completes the update on DGFT. Permanent validity does not protect an IEC from this deactivation (Handbook of Procedures para 2.10(b)). An IEC can also be flagged for scrutiny, and it is deactivated if the flagged risks are not addressed in time (Foreign Trade Policy para 2.05(f)).
Each status on the record has its own fix on DGFT's IEC Profile Management page:
- Deactivated: complete the annual update or confirmation.
- Suspended or surrendered: file a request to revoke the suspension.
- Cancelled: file a request to revoke the cancellation.
- On the Denied Entity List: apply for removal from the DEL before applying for DGFT benefits and schemes again.
An IEC can be surrendered only after all authorisations and obligations under it are closed, or transferred to a new entity after a merger or acquisition (Handbook of Procedures para 2.13).
Common mistakes with IEC numbers
Most IEC problems come from treating the PAN as if it were already an IEC, or a valid format as proof the code is active. Neither is true: DGFT must issue the IEC, and only the DGFT record shows deactivation, suspension or DEL status.
- Shipping before the IEC is issued. It is needed before the first import or export of goods.
- Applying for a second IEC for a new branch or factory. One PAN has one IEC, covering all units.
- Using a proprietor's IEC after the business moves into a new company or LLP. The new entity has a new PAN and needs its own IEC within 30 days.
- Skipping the April to June confirmation because nothing changed.
What to set up after the IEC
The IEC is the first export registration, not the last. A goods exporter shipping through sea ports or air cargo terminals also needs an AD code registered with Customs on ICEGATE, a GST Letter of Undertaking to export without paying IGST, and an RCMC to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
The Export Registration Finder lists what your product needs, including APEDA, MPEDA or Spices Board registration. Ofin also handles AD code registration and ICEGATE registration. Before you deal with a new Indian supplier or agent, check their GST number with the GSTIN Validator and their company record with the CIN and LLPIN Lookup.
How Ofin can help with your IEC
Ofin prepares and files new IEC applications on DGFT from ₹2,499, with guidance on the ANF-2A documents. For existing codes, Ofin handles the yearly April to June update and reactivation of deactivated IECs from ₹1,899. See IEC registration and IEC renewal.
