Import License Registration | Online Process & Requirements
Import License Registration | Online Process & Requirements
For any entrepreneur or established business in India looking to source goods, raw materials, or capital equipment from international markets, the journey begins with obtaining the necessary legal authorization. The primary, mandatory gateway for all cross-border transactions is the Import License, more commonly known in the Indian regulatory landscape as the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC).
Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the IEC is a unique 10-digit alpha-numeric code. It is the legal business identification number that grants any person or entity—be it a proprietorship, partnership, or company—the authority to engage in import and export operations. Without a valid IEC, Indian Customs will legally refuse clearance of shipments, and banks cannot process international wire transfers related to the trade.
While the IEC serves as the general Import License for the majority of goods that fall under the 'Freely Importable' category, it is crucial to understand that for certain specific, restricted, or sensitive products, an additional, product-specific Import Authorization/License must be secured from the relevant ministry or the DGFT itself. This layered approach ensures regulatory control, protects domestic industries, and upholds national security standards.
The requirement for an Import License in India operates on two distinct levels: the foundational IEC and the product-specific authorization.
1. The General Import License: The IEC (Importer-Exporter Code)
For most commercial goods, the IEC is the only authorization required. It confirms the legal standing of the importing entity.
Mandatory Identity: The IEC is the key business identification number required by Customs for filing the Bill of Entry (the import declaration) and by banks for managing foreign currency payments to the supplier.
PAN-Based: Consequent upon the introduction of GST, the IEC is now linked directly to the firm's Permanent Account Number (PAN). The IEC number itself is often derived from the PAN, ensuring 'One PAN-One IEC' compliance.
Broad Coverage: It covers all units, branches, and divisions of the registered entity across India.
2. The Specific Import Authorization (Restricted Goods)
India's Foreign Trade Policy classifies goods into three major categories based on the ITC(HS) classification system:
Freely Importable: Most goods fall here and require only the IEC.
Prohibited: Items that are strictly banned (e.g., specific waste materials, some defense items).
Restricted: Items that can be imported only with a special Import License/Authorization issued by the DGFT or a designated ministry. Examples include:
Specific second-hand goods.
Arms and Ammunition (Ministry of Defence).
Certain sensitive chemical, biological, and nuclear materials (SCOMET).
Specific electronics or computer systems (Department of Electronics).
Items that require compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification before import.
For restricted goods, the importer first secures the general IEC, and then applies separately for the Restricted Imports Authorization through the DGFT's Import Management System.
The application for the Import License (IEC) is a completely online and paperless process managed through the official DGFT portal. Given the PAN-linking, the documentation is minimal but must be accurate.
Document Category
Required Document
Purpose
Identity Proof
Copy of the firm's PAN Card.
Mandatory legal identification; IEC is derived from PAN.
Bank Account Proof
Cancelled Cheque (pre-printed with firm's name) or Bank Certificate (in ANF-2A format).
Verification of the firm's current bank account and IFSC code.
Address Proof
Proof of the business premises (e.g., Sale Deed, Lease Deed, or latest Utility Bill/Property Tax Receipt).
Verification of the Principal Place of Business address.
Applicant Details
Passport-size Photograph of the applicant/proprietor/director.
Used for the digital profile.
The entire process for obtaining the Import License (IEC) is executed electronically via the DGFT portal. The goal is instant issuance upon successful verification.
Step 1: DGFT Portal Registration
The applicant must register on the DGFT website as an "Importer/Exporter" using their PAN, mobile number, and email ID.
Step 2: Applying for New IEC
Log in and navigate to the "Services" section, then select "IEC Profile Management" and choose to "Apply for IEC."
Step 3: PAN Verification and Data Entry
The system auto-populates many details using the PAN data. The applicant must accurately fill in the firm’s nature, bank details, and the details of key management personnel (Proprietor/Director/Partner).
Step 4: Document Upload and Fee Payment
Upload the mandatory documents (Bank Proof, Address Proof). Pay the mandatory government fee of ₹500 online.
Step 5: Digital Submission
The application is submitted using digital verification, either via Aadhaar e-Sign or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Step 6: Instant Issuance
Upon successful submission and verification of the details against the PAN and bank records, the e-IEC (electronic IEC) is often auto-generated immediately. The certificate, which contains the 10-digit code, can be downloaded from the DGFT dashboard and is emailed to the applicant.
Holding a valid Import License (IEC) is fundamental to operating legally and efficiently in the international supply chain.
1. Uninterrupted Logistics and Customs Clearance
The IEC is checked against the Bill of Entry filed with Customs. An active and accurate IEC ensures that imported goods are cleared smoothly, avoiding costly demurrage charges and shipment delays at Indian ports.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Financial Integrity
Banks require the IEC to process all international remittances related to imports. This ensures compliance with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations and allows the government to monitor foreign exchange outflows related to trade.
3. Access to Duty Exemption Schemes
Importers who are also manufacturers and exporters can leverage the IEC to apply for schemes that allow duty-free import of inputs, such as the Advance Authorization (AA) or EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) schemes. These schemes effectively reduce the landed cost of raw materials or machinery, significantly boosting competitiveness.
Advance Authorization (AA): Allows duty-free Import License for inputs physically incorporated into an exported product.
EPCG Scheme: Allows import of Capital Goods at zero Customs duty, subject to a time-bound export obligation.
4. Penalty Avoidance
Operating without the requisite Import License (IEC) or importing Restricted goods without the specific Import Authorization is a serious violation of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and Customs regulations. This can lead to the seizure of goods, heavy monetary fines, and the firm being placed on the Denied Entities List (DEL).
The Import License (IEC) has permanent validity, eliminating the need for periodic renewal fees. However, the DGFT has made mandatory annual electronic updation a condition for its continued validity.
Annual Requirement: Every IEC holder must electronically update their details on the DGFT portal between April and June of every year, even if there are no changes to the firm’s information.
Consequence of Non-Updation: Failure to complete this mandatory updation will result in the de-activation of the IEC. A deactivated IEC cannot be used for any new import or export transactions.
Re-activation: A de-activated IEC can be re-activated upon successful subsequent updation, although this may incur a penalty or administrative scrutiny.
By securing the foundational Import License (IEC) and diligently complying with the annual updation requirement, any business can establish a robust, legal framework for sustained and profitable engagement with the global marketplace.