IEC Documents & Fees Reference (Import Export Code – India)

The IEC Documents & Fees Reference is a quick lookup for everything you need to apply for and maintain an Import Export Code (IEC) in India. Select your entity type — sole proprietor, partnership, company or LLP — to see the exact documents required, then review the fees, validity and approval timeline.

Key facts at a glance: a new IEC application is free since the DGFT abolished the fee in October 2020, the code is usually issued within 1–2 working days, it is valid for a lifetime with no renewal, and corrections are made online through IEC Management → Correction.

• Document list by entity type: Choose Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Company or LLP and see the documents that apply to you.
• Fees at a glance: Current IEC fees — free application, no renewal fee, typical incidental costs.
• Validity & corrections: Lifetime validity with no renewal, and how to update details on the DGFT portal.
• Approval timeline: Clear expectation of the 1–2 working day online processing time.
• Free and private: Runs entirely in your browser — no upload, no storage.

1. Select your entity type in the Reference tab to see the documents that apply to your IEC application.
2. Review the fees section for the current DGFT charges and likely incidental costs.
3. Check the validity and correction notes so you know what to keep updated after approval.
4. Use the full interactive checklist (linked in related tools) to track your preparation item by item.

Example 1: A sole proprietor preparing for an IEC gathers PAN, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, address proof and a photo, confirms the DGFT fee is nil, and expects approval within two working days after the Aadhaar OTP e-sign.

Example 2: A company importing machinery selects the Company entity type, prepares the Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA and a board resolution in addition to the common documents, and notes the lifetime validity and online correction process for future changes to its bank account.

• Save time: No more searching for document lists — see what applies to your entity instantly.
• Budget correctly: Know that the IEC fee is zero and plan for any optional professional costs.
• Plan the timeline: Expect your IEC within 1–2 working days of a complete application.
• Stay current: Clear guidance on lifetime validity and keeping details updated.
• 100% free and private: No sign-up, no upload, runs locally in your browser.