IEC Application Checklist (Import Export Code – India)

The Import Export Code (IEC) is the mandatory 10-digit licence from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India) that lets Indian businesses and individuals import and export goods or services. This IEC application checklist walks you through every stage — eligibility, the exact documents required (PAN, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, address proof, GST), bank details, the online DGFT application (ANF 2A), fees, and what to do after your IEC is approved.

An IEC is free to apply for, usually issued in 1–2 working days, valid for a lifetime and never needs renewal. Use the interactive checklist to track your preparation category by category, save your progress, and download your checklist so you are fully ready before you submit on the DGFT portal.

• Interactive IEC checklist: 38 items across 5 categories — eligibility, documents, bank details, online application and post-approval compliance.
• Live progress tracking: Overall percentage plus per-category progress, saved in your browser between visits.
• Document matrix by entity type: Select Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Company or LLP and see exactly which documents apply to you.
• DGFT step-by-step timeline: The full online application flow from login to downloading your IEC certificate, with time estimates.
• IEC quick format check: Verify that a code is in the correct 10-digit IEC format before you use it.
• Export your checklist: Copy or download your prepared checklist as a text file for offline reference.
• Fees & validity reference: Clear, current information on IEC fees (free) and lifetime validity with no renewal.
• 100% private: Everything runs in your browser — no upload, no storage on any server.

1. Open the Checklist tab and tick every item you have completed, working through eligibility, documents, bank details and the application steps.
2. Use the category filters to focus on one stage at a time, and keep the progress bar as your completion guide.
3. Check the Documents tab, choose your entity type (proprietor, partnership, company or LLP), and prepare each required document listed.
4. Follow the How to Apply tab step by step on the DGFT portal, from creating your login to e-signing with the Aadhaar OTP.
5. Download or copy your checklist when ready, submit your application, and use the post-approval items to stay compliant.

Example 1: A sole proprietor in Delhi exports handicrafts. They use the checklist to confirm their PAN and Aadhaar are active, prepare a cancelled cheque, address proof and a photo, fill ANF 2A online, e-sign with the Aadhaar OTP, and receive their IEC in under two working days — before preparing their first shipping bill.

Example 2: A private limited company importing machinery for manufacturing. The company selects the Company entity type in the Documents tab, gathers the Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA and a board resolution authorizing the signatory, quotes the IEC on the bill of lading, and keeps its bank details updated so import payments and export proceeds are processed without delay.

• Apply without missing anything: A complete, ordered checklist catches missing documents before they stall your DGFT application.
• Faster approval: Correct documents and accurate bank details mean the portal can issue your IEC in 1–2 working days.
• Entity-specific guidance: Proprietors, partnerships, companies and LLPs see only the documents that apply to them.
• Stay compliant after issue: Post-approval items cover bank updates, corrections and customs basics so your IEC keeps working.
• 100% free and private: No sign-up, no upload, everything runs locally in your browser.