IEC stands for Importer Exporter Code which is represented by a 10 digit number issued by DGFT

Any bonafide person/company starting venture in international trade need IE Code

No. IE Code forms a primary document for recognition by Government of India as an exporter/importer.

On basis of IE Code companies can obtain various benefits on their exports/imports from DGFT, Customs and Export Promotion Council etc.

Obtaining an IE Code requires fulfillment of certain conditions and adherence to specific regulations. DGFT has several regional offices through out India and it is possible to obtain IE Code from the nearest Zonal or Regional office.

Previously, the process was slightly long drawn, and people who wanted to apply for an IEC code online had to submit a digital signature which led to significant confusion. To avoid this, the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade) has made changes in the process of applying for IEC. Essential changes include:

a) The PAN is now the IEC code. Thus, a seller can obtain only one IEC code obtained against one PAN.
b) Automatic PAN verification is enabled for ease of business.
c) No digital signature will be required for filling up the IEC form.

The following categories of importers or exporters are exempted from obtaining Importer - Exporter Code (IEC) number:

1). Importers covered by clause 3 (1) [except sub-clauses (e) and (l)] and exporters covered by clause 3(2) [except sub-clauses (i) and (k)] of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from application of Rules in certain cases) Order, 1993.

2). Ministries/Departments of the Central or State Government.

3). Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.

4). Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000.
Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000.

5). However, the exemption from obtaining Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) number shall not be applicable for the export of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipments and Technologies (SCOMET) as listed in Appendix- 3, Schedule 2 of the ITC(HS) except in the case of exports by category(ii) above.

The following permanent IEC numbers shall be used by the categories of importers/ exporters mentioned against them for import/ export purposes..

Sl.no	Number	Categories of Importers / Exporters
1	0100000011	All Ministries / Departments of Central Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
2	0100000029	All Ministries / Departments of any State Government and agencies wholly or partially owned by them.
3	0100000037	Diplomatic personnel, Counselor officers in India and officials of UNO and its specialised agencies.
4	0100000045	Indians returning from / going abroad and claiming benefit under Baggage Rules.
5	0100000053	Persons / Institutions / Hospitals importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture.
6	0100000061	Persons importing / exporting goods from /to Nepal
7	0100000070	Persons importing / exporting goods from /to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas
8	0100000088	Ford Foundation
9	0100000096	Importers importing goods for display or use in fairs / exhibitions or similar events under provisions of ATA carnet This IEC number can also be used by importers importing for exhibitions/fairs as per Para 2.29 of HBPv1.
10	0100000100	Director, National Blood Group Reference Laboratory, Bombay or their authorized offices.
11	0100000126	Individuals / Charitable Institution /Registered NGOs importing goods, which have been exempted from Customs duty under Notification issued by Ministry of Finance for bonafide use by victims affected by natural calamity.
12	0100000134	Persons importing / exporting permissible goods as notified from time to time, from / to China through Gunji, Namgaya Shipkila and Nathula ports, subject to value ceilings of single consignment as given in Para 2.8(iv) above.
13	0100000169	Non-commercial imports and exports by entities who have been authorized by Reserve Bank of India.