IEC registration
Filing of the Importer Exporter Code application in your entity's name, with follow-up until the code is issued.
Import / Export & Compliance · Service Detail
DGFT / IEC — Importer Exporter Code Registration & DGFT Licences
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) registration and DGFT-related licence support for businesses that import, export or trade across borders.
Who needs an IEC
The Importer Exporter Code is the registration that identifies your business for cross-border trade in India. You typically need an IEC when you:
- Import goods into India for sale, manufacturing or use in your business
- Export goods from India to customers or group companies abroad
- Apply for DGFT-related licences and authorisations such as EPCG or Advance Authorisation
- Are setting up import or export operations for a new or existing business
Requirements differ by entity type and by the goods involved. Tell us what you import or export and we will confirm what applies to you before filing — see also the import, export and customs questions in our compliance FAQs.
What the service involves
DGFT licence support
Support for DGFT-related licences and authorisations — including EPCG and Advance Authorisation — for businesses trading across borders.
Documentation
Preparation and verification of the entity, business and bank details required with the application.
Filing & follow-up
Submission of the application and coordination of queries or clarifications with the authority until the registration or licence is granted.
Exact portal forms, annexures and fees can change as DGFT updates its procedures — current requirements are verified at the time of your engagement.
Documents required
The checklist depends on your entity type (proprietorship, partnership, company, LLP) and on what you import or export. Based on the DGFT application process, an IEC application typically draws on:
- Identity and tax details of the applicant business
- Business registration or incorporation details of the entity
- Bank account details of the business
- Registered address and contact details of the premise
- Details of the goods or categories you plan to import or export
The exact document set is confirmed for your case at engagement — current DGFT forms and annexures apply.
How we handle it for you
Like every Sarom engagement, we act as a single point of contact and handle the paperwork and follow-up on your behalf:
-
Requirement assessment
We review your entity type, what you plan to import or export and any registrations you already hold, then confirm exactly what you need.
-
Document preparation
We give you a clear checklist, review the documents you provide and prepare the application set for filing.
-
Filing
We complete the application with the required annexures and submit it for your entity.
-
Follow-up to grant
We track the application, respond to authority queries and coordinate until the IEC — and any licence you applied for — is issued.
Timeline & fees
No verified fixed timeline or fee is published on our current website — both depend on your entity type, the licence you apply for and the authority's processing. Exact forms, annexures and charges can change as DGFT updates its procedures, so current requirements, timelines and the quote are confirmed at engagement, before you commit.
Why work with Sarom on DGFT and IEC matters
One contact for import readiness
IEC, ICEGATE registration and AD Code usually go together — we handle them as one engagement instead of three separate errands.
Licence experience
We already support DGFT-related matters for trading businesses, including licences and authorisations such as EPCG and Advance Authorisation.
Practical, plain-language advice
Trade procedures are technical; our job is to translate them into a clear, actionable checklist for your team.
DGFT and IEC FAQs
What is an IEC?
The Importer Exporter Code is the registration that identifies your business for import and export activity in India. It is the starting point for most cross-border trade procedures.
Who needs an IEC?
Businesses that import goods into India, export goods from India, or apply for DGFT-related licences and authorisations. Requirements differ by entity type and by the goods involved, so we confirm applicability for your case before filing.
Can Sarom help with DGFT licences as well as the IEC?
Yes. Alongside the Importer Exporter Code we support DGFT-related matters, including licences and authorisations such as EPCG and Advance Authorisation, for businesses trading across borders.
Do I also need ICEGATE registration and an AD Code?
IEC, ICEGATE registration and AD Code registration are separate requirements that normally go hand in hand for importers and exporters. We coordinate all three so your filings are ready before your first shipment.
How long does IEC registration take and what does it cost?
No verified fixed timeline or fee is published on our current website; both depend on your entity type and the authority's processing. Exact forms and charges can change as DGFT updates its procedures, so current requirements, timelines and the quote are verified at the time of your engagement.
Related services
ICEGATE Registration
Registration for online filing of shipping bills, bills of entry and customs payments.
AD Code Registration
Authorized Dealer Code support for foreign-exchange and export-import settlements.
LMPC Registration
Legal Metrology registration for importers and packers of packaged commodities.
BIS CRS Certification
Compulsory registration for notified electronics and IT products you import or manufacture.
WPC / ETA Approval
Equipment Type Approval for wireless devices such as WiFi and Bluetooth.
Tyre EPR
Extended Producer Responsibility registration for tyre producers, importers and processors.
Not sure which approval applies to your product? Read the compliance FAQs or follow the latest regulatory updates.
Next step
Need an IEC or a DGFT licence?
Tell us what your business imports or exports — we will confirm whether an IEC is required, which licence applies, and what documents are needed.