Importer/Exporter Code (IEC) is an important company identification number required for importing and
exporting from India. You cannot import or export without obtaining an IEC, unless express exceptions
apply.
In the era of business expansion, import and export was a lucrative idea. The Indian government has set
various guidelines for the import and export of products or services to and from India. The first
requirement that has to be met is to have an Import-Export Code (commonly called IEC). IEC number
(Exporter-Importer Code) is a 10-digit code number assigned to an exporter or importer by the Director
General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, or a regional office of the Government of India.
Anyone without an IEC number cannot import or export unless there is an express exception. Exception
categories and permanent IEC numbers are specified in Section 2.8 of HBP v1. Directorate General of
Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India issues IECs. Importers need
this code to continue their business, while exporters without this code will not be able to benefit from
DGFT duties.
ADVANTAGES OF IEC CODE
- Reach to Global Markets
This increases a company's global reach and opens the door to growth and expansion around the world.
- No Declaration to File Once you register for the
Import/Export Code, you will not be required to file a tax return. Once the code is assigned to you,
you will no longer be required to file a tax return with the Director General of Foreign Trade.
- No Renewal/Lifetime The
IEC Code applies for the entire life of the unit and does not require renewal. Once you receive it,
your company can use it for all its import/export transactions.
- System Advantages
The IEC code offers significant advantages for both importers and exporters. Once the LUT is filed
under his GST, the exporter can carry out exports without paying any tax. If an export is made after
paying taxes, the exporter can request a refund of the amount of taxes paid.
- Obtaining a legally clean
Code gives you a license to import and export goods and services for business purposes. This is a
master license that makes cross-border transactions easy and legal.