Are IEC and PAN number the same?

No, the IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and PAN (Permanent Account Number) are not the same, but they are closely linked. The IEC is a 10-digit unique code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to individuals and businesses engaged in import or export activities. On the other hand, PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department to track financial transactions and tax compliance.

While they serve different purposes, in recent years, the DGFT has aligned the IEC with the PAN. As a result, for all practical purposes, the PAN of the applicant now serves as their IEC number too. This means that the 10-digit IEC you receive will be identical to your PAN. However, having a PAN alone does not grant you the ability to import or export—you must still apply for IEC registration on the DGFT portal.

During the IEC application process, PAN is mandatory, and DGFT validates the applicant’s details based on PAN records. Once approved, the IEC certificate will reflect the same 10-digit PAN number as the IEC code, streamlining compliance and integration with other government systems like GST and customs.

In summary, PAN and IEC are not the same by definition, but the IEC is now PAN-based, meaning the number is the same. You must still apply through DGFT to activate your PAN as an IEC for import/export purposes.