Updated on July 08, 2025 04:24:29 PM
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) assigns the Importer Exporter Code (IEC), a distinct 10-digit number, to people or companies engaged in import and export operations in India. Anyone wishing to trade goods or services internationally must register. Even if there have been no changes, it is now necessary to renew or update the IEC code annually in accordance with new DGFT guidelines.
To prevent deactivation, all IEC holders for 2025 must make sure their IEC is renewed between April and June. Import-export operations may be disrupted if the IEC license is suspended for noncompliance with the renewal deadline. The DGFT portal makes the IEC code renewal process easy and entirely online.
Everything will be covered in this guide, including the required documents, the applicable IEC renewal fee, how to renew your IEC code Registration online, and the entire IEC license renewal process. To ensure continuous trade operations, timely renewal is essential for both new and seasoned exporters.
By finishing your IEC renewal 2025 on time, you can maintain compliance, stay out of trouble, and guarantee seamless international trade.
All IEC holders are now legally required to update and validate their IEC Details, even if there are no changes, from April to June once every year through Online system, failing which their IEC shall be de-activated and no import or export activity will be possible. Refer Ntn.58 https://t.co/MqUfXiI7Sz
— DGFT (@dgftindia) April 2, 2021
Table of Content
IEC Code Renewal (also referred to as IEC license renewal or ICE license renewal) is a mandatory annual compliance process introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It requires all IEC holders — whether individuals, firms, or companies — to update or confirm their Import Export Code (IEC) details every year between April 1st and June 30th through the DGFT online portal.
This rule applies even if there are no changes in the IEC details. In such cases, the IEC holder must log in and confirm the existing details. If updates are required — such as changes in address, contact information, or business structure — those must be submitted during the renewal process.
Failure to complete the IEC license renewal within the specified period can result in automatic deactivation of the IEC by DGFT. Once deactivated, the IEC holder will be barred from importing or exporting goods, applying for customs clearance, or availing any foreign trade benefits. Reactivating a deactivated IEC requires submitting a fresh update and may delay international trade transactions.
The IEC code renewal process involves several steps here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
Documentation: Provide all the related documents and details in regards with the import export certificate in order to process the application for the renewal of IEC code.
Filling of application: Once all the details and documents are available, file the renewal application on the portal itself. Once the application is duly filled make the payment respectively.
Renewal approval: After the application is submitted successfully, the authorities will examine the application and after the successful verification of details and documents. DGFT will reissue or renew the existing IEC certificate for the respective applicant.
The key documents required for IEC renewal are:
The Import Export Code (IEC) renewal fee is ₹999. Renewing your IEC ensures your import-export license stays active and your business remains compliant with DGFT guidelines. The process is quick, online, and essential to avoid penalties or disruptions in trade operations.
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In effect from 12th February 2021, Central Government has made renewal or update of Import Export Code details mandatory on DGFT portal. It is now compulsory for all the IEC License holders have to update their IEC Code status each year during April-June Period. Even if there are no upgradation of details, same needs to be updated online. Registered AD code will turn invalid incase IEC is not updated annualy.
Therefore, if you want to run your import export business legally and smoothly then you must renew your IEC code in due time.
These amendments of Importer Exporter Code related provisions are made under Chapter 1 and 2 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020.
The import-export license renewals are notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
In exercise of powers discussed by Section 3 of FT (D&R) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020, as revised from time to time, the Central Government has amends the IEC related provisions under Chapter-1 and Chapter-2 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020.
Further, DGFT applying a new amendment for updating IEC (Now considered e-IEC). Now, every year from April to June even if all details of IEC remain same all existing holders have to confirmed compulsory. IEC may be de-activated if not confirmed.
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The following sub-paragraphs are entered under para 2.05 of Chapter-2 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020 as under:
Importers and Exporters having IEC Code or license needs to ensure timely renewal, as an expired Importer Exporter Code is treated the same as not having any IEC code. If you continue to run an import export business without timely renewal, your IEC code will be deactivated by DGFT. It may result in unnecessary hustle as the IEC code is required during customs, shipping and international trade. So, it is best advised to renew and update the IEC code in due time to avoid cancellation or deactivation of your code.
The process to apply for IEC code renewal through the DGFT portal includes updating new details as per their portal, and the documents required which include: incorporation papers/ID proof/address proof/canceled cheque/Aadhar/digital signature. Currently, there is no government fee, but professional services may cost anything between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3500, and expedited services are available at Rs.1500 for a flat. Annual renewal is required as the system may be deactivated at any time, this would greatly affect import/export timescales. Requirements for renewal are stated in the notifications of the DGFT, some of which promise to take effect sooner while providing some exemptions on certain updates. Implementation of these regs ensures the proper business process flow and the exclusion of potential problems related to IEC deactivation.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Yes, For new or updated product types, it is necessary to update the IEC profile annually. If the IEC profile is not updated, this will mean that the specific profile will be deactivated.
Locate the website of the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) of the country of your interest. Locate the IEC renewal section or the page with online services. You may have to disclose information such as your current IEC number in case you have one, your PAN number, and some other information as well.
The validity of an IEC once granted to an applicant is permanent but it is essential to renew the IEC on an annual basis to prevent the IEC from getting deactivated. The update should be made between April and June each year and in cases where the IEC is updated during this period, no fee shall be charged for the update.
Yes, An IEC number is required to be obtained for import to any part of India or export from India. This is a unique number recognized for importing and exporting during international business transactions. One cannot export or import goods without an IEC unless otherwise authorized. However, IEC is not required to export services except in certain conditions that are related to taking the benefits under Foreign Trade Policy.
Automatically, once an ‘online application’ is filled as per the above process by paying the appropriate fees and uploading the necessary documents IEC will be generated. The IEC Certificate will be issued by the DGFT and the same shall be sent through a registered E-mail ID of the applicant.
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