Get Your IEC in 24 Hours — Or You Don’t Pay.

1) How fast is a new IEC issued, and when will it show on ICEGATE?
In most cases, an e-IEC is issued immediately after a correct online submission and successful payment. ICEGATE typically reflects the IEC as soon as it’s issued. You’ll receive the e-IEC on your registered email and can verify it on both DGFT and ICEGATE portals.

2) What information and documents do I need for a fresh IEC?

• PAN (of the proprietor/entity)

• Adhaar copy of proprietor/partners/directors

• Legal name, address and proof of address

• Mobile number and email ID (for OTP verification)

• Active bank account in the IEC holder’s name (cancelled cheque/passbook)

• Aadhaar e-Sign or a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

• Tip: Ensure all names and numbers (PAN, bank, Aadhaar/DSC) match exactly to avoid validation errors.

3) Do I need a DSC or can I use Aadhaar e-Sign?

You can use either. 

Proprietors commonly use Aadhaar e-Sign. Partnerships/LLPs/Companies may use Aadhaar e-Sign of the authorised signatory or a Class-III DSC mapped to the entity. 

Use whichever is easiest for your entity—just make sure the signer’s details match the PAN/entity records.

4) What is the government fee and how is it paid?
The official government fee for a new IEC is ₹500. 

Payment is made online within the DGFT portal via the integrated gateway. (we will make this payment for you upfront)

5) Do I have to update my IEC every year? What happens if I don’t?

Yes. IEC holders must update/confirm details annually (usually April–June). If you skip the updation window, your IEC can be deactivated. 

It can be reactivated anytime by completing the pending updation—there’s no additional government charge for the updation itself.