Mandatory Annual IEC Renewal & Updation by DGFT

Ensure uninterrupted international trade by completing your mandatory DGFT IEC renewal. Deadline: June 30th every year. Failure to update leads to IEC deactivation. Renew seamlessly with our expert support.

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Timeline for IEC Renewal or Updation

1-2 Hours

Consultation & Setup

Our experts conduct a detailed consultation to assess your IEC status and assist with DGFT portal registration and IEC profile linking if not already completed.

2-4 Hours

DataVerification

We meticulously review existing IEC profile data against current business records (PAN, Bank, Address) to ensure 100% accuracy before initiating the mandatory annual update.

1 Hour

Application Processing

We prepare and submit a renewal application (ANF 2A) on the DGFT portal, facilitating authentication through your Digital Signature Certificate or Aadhaar-based e-Sign.

Instant

Renewal Confirmation

Upon successful submission with proper authentication, the DGFT system instantly renews the IEC. The updated e-IEC certificate becomes immediately available for download.

04 December, 2025|Edited by: Sanjeev Kumar|

Understanding the Mandatory Annual IEC Updation

The Import Export Code (IEC) is crucial for conducting international trade in India. Although the IEC is valid for a lifetime, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) requires all IEC holders to update their details annually. According to DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020, these updates must be completed electronically between April 1st and June 30th each year.

If an IEC holder fails to complete the annual renewal, the IEC will be deactivated immediately, preventing any customs clearances. Setindiabiz offers expert DGFT portal support for timely updates and quick reactivation of deactivated IECs.

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Checklist for Annual IEC Renewal

To complete the mandatory annual IEC updation on the DGFT portal, ensure you have the following prerequisites ready for a smooth online process.

DGFT Portal Access

Valid login credentials for the DGFT website are mandatory. If you haven't registered or linked your IEC to your profile, complete this one-time setup before initiating renewal.

Active PAN Status

The IEC is linked directly to the entity's PAN. Ensure PAN details of the business and its proprietors, partners, or directors are accurate and active before proceeding.

Valid Mobile & Email

A valid mobile number and email ID registered with the DGFT are essential for OTP verification during login and authentication on the official portal.

Authentication Method

You need either an Aadhaar linked to your mobile for e-Sign or a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to authenticate and sign the renewal application.

Updated Business Details

While renewal is mandatory even without changes, verify that the registered office address, branch details, and bank information currently on file are accurate.

Compliance Deadline

The window for annual IEC updation is strictly between April 1st and June 30th each year. Action within this period is essential to avoid automatic deactivation.

Import Export Code Renewal

Import Export Code is a permanent number allotted by the DGFT to the exporters and importers in international trade. However, the IEC must be renewed every year between April to June to keep it active. The non-renewal will lead to the deactivation of IEC.

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The Step-by-Step Process for IEC Renewal Online

The IEC renewal process operates entirely online through the official DGFT portal. Setindiabiz assists exporters and importers in efficiently navigating this mandatory annual compliance requirement.

1

Step 1: DGFT Portal Registration and Linking

Initially, register on the DGFT website by selecting the Importer/Exporter category. Subsequently, link the existing IEC to your user profile. This linking requires authentication using a Class 3 DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign, as mandated under the Foreign Trade Policy Paragraph 2.05. This represents a crucial one-time setup preceding the initiation of renewal.

2

Step 2: Initiating the Update/Modify IEC Application

Access the DGFT portal using registered credentials. Navigate through the 'Services' menu, selecting 'IEC Profile Management'. Choose the 'Update/Modify IEC' option. System displays existing IEC details in ANF 2A format, the standardised application form prescribed for IEC management under FTP provisions.

3

Step 3: Verification and Modification of Details

Thoroughly review all sections, including General Information, Proprietor/Partner/Director Details, Banking Information, and Preferred Operation Sectors. Update fields requiring changes and upload supporting documents. Even without modifications, verify the existing data to meet the annual updation requirements per DGFT guidelines.

4

Step 4: Application Submission and Authentication

Following detailed verification, proceed to the declaration section. Review the application summary before final submission. Digitally authenticate submission using a valid Class 3 DSC (Companies/LLPs) or Aadhaar OTP (Proprietorships) as per FTP authentication protocols. A successful submission triggers an instant IEC renewal through the DGFT automated system.

Documents Required for IEC Renewal

For mandatory annual IEC updation, no document uploads are required on the DGFT portal. Process completes through digital authentication via DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign. However, keep the following documents ready for reference while verifying business details during renewal:

Note : As per DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020, annual IEC updation requires only digital authentication. Document uploads are necessary when modifying IEC details, such as address, directors, or bank information, and incur a nominal government fee of ₹200 plus GST.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All
  • General Information
  • Fees
  • Authentication
  • Documentation
  • Special Cases
  • Status Verification

IEC Renewal is the yearly online update of your Import Export Code (IEC) details on the DGFT portal. You simply confirm or correct your business information so that DGFT’s records stay accurate, as required under the current Foreign Trade Policy.

Yes, it is compulsory for all IEC holders every year. Even if there are no changes in your business details, you still have to complete the renewal.

The renewal window is from 1st April to 30th June every year. You must complete the process by 30th June.

If you do not update by 30th June, your IEC gets automatically deactivated in the DGFT system. Once deactivated, you cannot carry out any import or export activities until it is reactivated.

No. Customs do not accept a deactivated IEC. The ICEGATE system will block your shipping bills and bills of entry, and your import/export transactions will not go through.

You need to log in to the DGFT portal, complete the pending update/confirmation, and submit it with proper authentication (OTP/DSC). Once done correctly, the IEC is generally reactivated immediately, and you can resume trade.

If you are only confirming your existing details and not changing anything, there is no government fee for the annual renewal.

A small government fee (currently ₹200 + GST) is charged when you change any details, such as address, directors/partners, or bank account information.

Yes. Even if you did not do any import or export during the year, you still have to complete the annual IEC update. The requirement is based on holding an IEC, not on the volume of trade.

  • Renewal: Yearly confirmation that your existing details are correct (no fee).
  • Modification: Actual change in your IEC details, like address, directors, or bank information (fee payable).

For companies and LLPs, a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is typically required to authenticate the application on the DGFT portal.

Yes. Proprietors can use Aadhaar-based e-Sign with OTP, provided the mobile number is correctly linked to their Aadhaar.

If you have your login details, DSC/Aadhaar OTP access, and all information ready, the online renewal can usually be completed within 30–60 minutes, and confirmation is almost instant.

Linking IEC means connecting your IEC number with your DGFT user account for the first time. This step confirms that you are the rightful holder and then allows you to renew or modify the IEC online.

First, check that the PAN, name, and date of birth/incorporation match precisely with the Income Tax records. If the error persists, you may need help from a professional to resolve any mismatch or database syncing issue.

No documents are required if you are only confirming your existing details. You just complete the form and authenticate it digitally.

  • Address change → utility bill/rent agreement
  • Bank change → cancelled cheque/bank proof DGFT may ask for supporting documents to verify the updated details

Yes, and you should. Keeping your mobile number and email ID updated is very important to receive OTPs, alerts, and all future communications from DGFT.

The IEC itself is valid for a lifetime. However, if you do not complete the annual update, the status will become “Deactivated” in the system until you renew it.

Annual renewal was introduced to keep DGFT’s exporter-importer database accurate and up to date, so that policy decisions, risk management, and compliance checks are based on current information.

Yes. If you have stopped doing business or no longer need the IEC, you can voluntarily surrender it through the DGFT portal. The IEC will then be cancelled/suspended.

Yes. All your branches, units, and additional business locations linked to the IEC should be verified and updated during renewal so that your IEC profile reflects the whole, correct structure of your business.

GST details are part of your IEC profile and should be correctly mentioned. However, the core renewal is authenticated primarily through PAN, Aadhaar, and DSC, as per the current DGFT process.

ANF 2A (Aayaat Niryaat Form 2A) is the standard application form used for applying for a new IEC or for significant changes in IEC details under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Yes, foreign directors can sign the application as long as they have a valid DSC recognised in India and their details are correctly updated in the IEC and DGFT user profile.

Go to the DGFT website, open the “View IEC / Print IEC” or similar status section, and enter your IEC number and firm name. The system will show whether your IEC is active, deactivated, or suspended.

Yes, you can still complete the update after the deadline. However, until you do it, your IEC will remain deactivated, and you won’t be able to import or export.

At present, there is usually no separate monetary penalty for late renewal. The real penalty is business disruption, because a deactivated IEC blocks all import and export activity until it is reactivated.

After updating, you can download the latest e-IEC certificate from the DGFT portal. It will show your updated details and can be shared with banks, customs brokers, or other authorities when required.

You must have an active IEC to claim any export benefits or incentives (such as under schemes like RoDTEP or future schemes). If your IEC is deactivated, your incentive claims may get delayed or rejected until the IEC is reactivated.