How to retrieve old IEC code that you have lost, forgotten, or misplaced? Whether you forgot the number, lost the certificate, or your old IEC was issued before the DGFT went digital, you can retrieve it in minutes using your PAN. Here is exactly how
An old Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is any IEC issued before the DGFT migrated to its current online portal. These codes are still fully valid and usable for import and export. However, they must be linked to your DGFT profile before you can trade, renew, or download a copy. If your IEC was issued after 2021, it is already on the portal and linked to your PAN number.
Your IEC number is the same as your PAN. If you remember your PAN, you already know your IEC number. To confirm it officially, visit dgft.gov.in, go to Services, then IEC Profile Management, then Know Your IEC. Enter your PAN and the portal will display the IEC registered against it instantly. No login is required for this step.
Go to DGFT portal and log in using your registered email ID or mobile number. If you have never logged in before, click Register, enter your PAN, and create a new account. DGFT will automatically detect and display any IEC already linked to that PAN.
If your IEC does not appear automatically after login, click the Link IEC button on your dashboard. Enter your 10-digit IEC number, verify with your PAN details, and authenticate using Aadhaar OTP or DSC. Once linked, your full IEC profile becomes accessible immediately.
Once your IEC is visible in your profile, go to the Print IEC section. Download a digitally signed copy of your IEC certificate in PDF format. This copy is accepted at customs, banks, and ICEGATE as a fully valid official document. The updated certificate also includes a QR code for instant online verification.
Since 2021, the IEC and PAN are the same 10-digit number for all new registrations. For older IECs, you can still search by PAN using the Know Your IEC tool on the DGFT portal. Go to Services, then IEC Profile Management, then Know Your IEC. Enter your PAN and the linked IEC will appear on screen immediately.
The DGFT portal does not support direct IEC search by company name. PAN is the only accepted search parameter on the portal. If you do not have your PAN handy, check your old bank documents, AD Code registration letter, shipping bills, or customs bills of entry. Your IEC number is printed on all of these documents.
Log in to the DGFT portal with your registered credentials. Navigate to Services, then IEC Profile Management, then Print IEC. Your current certificate showing firm name, address, IEC number, date of issue, branch details, and QR code is available for immediate download. There is no fee for downloading an IEC copy.
This is the most common problem people face during IEC recovery. Raise a grievance through the DGFT Helpdesk at dgft.gov.in or email [email protected] with proof of identity and business ownership documents. DGFT will update your contact details manually so you can complete OTP verification and proceed with recovery.
Log in to the DGFT portal, go to IEC Profile Management, and click Modify IEC. Submit your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and current address proof to update and activate your IEC online. Once the update is processed, your certificate is immediately available for download at no charge.
A deactivated IEC means the mandatory annual update was not filed between April and June. You can reactivate it by completing the renewal on the DGFT portal. Retrieval of your IEC number is still possible, but trading cannot resume until the IEC is active again. Read our detailed guide on IEC Renewal to complete this step.
A cancelled IEC requires a separate revocation request on the DGFT portal. You can still retrieve the IEC number for reference purposes, but it cannot be used for import or export transactions until the cancellation is formally revoked. Contact the DGFT Helpdesk or speak to a trade compliance expert for assistance with this process.
In most cases you only need two things: your PAN number and access to the mobile number or email ID registered with DGFT to receive the OTP. For pre-digital IECs or cases where contact details are inactive, you may additionally need your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and current address proof. No physical documents need to be couriered or submitted offline.
| Aspect | IEC Retrieval | IEC Renewal (Annual Update) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To locate your IEC number and download the IEC certificate | To keep the IEC active by completing the mandatory annual update |
| When Required | Whenever you need to access or verify your IEC details | Every year between April 1 and June 30 |
| Action Involved | Retrieve and download the IEC certificate from the DGFT portal | Submit the annual confirmation or update details on the DGFT portal |
| Government Fee | No fee | ₹0 if completed within the due period (unless changes require additional charges) |
| Effect on IEC Status | Does not change the status of the IEC | Keeps the IEC active for import and export activities |
| If IEC Is Deactivated | Retrieval only shows the current status | Renewal/reactivation is required before using the IEC for shipments |
| Outcome | Access to IEC details and certificate | Active IEC eligible for customs clearance and trade transactions |
Many importers and exporters search for how to retrieve old IEC code when they switch banks, change their registered mobile number, or prepare for a new shipment after years of inactivity. The process is entirely online and free through the DGFT portal. Whether you are learning how to retrieve old IEC code for customs submission, bank AD Code update, or ICEGATE login, the steps remain the same: confirm your PAN, log in to DGFT, link your IEC if needed, and download the certificate from the Print IEC section.
Yes. Using the Know Your IEC tool and downloading your IEC certificate from the DGFT portal are both completely free. No government fee applies for retrieval or printing of your IEC.
Log in to dgft.gov.in, go to Services, then IEC Profile Management, then Print IEC. Your certificate is generated instantly and can be saved as a PDF. This downloaded copy is valid for all official purposes including customs, banking, and ICEGATE registration.
Your IEC is the same as your PAN. Use the Know Your IEC tool on the DGFT portal to confirm it by entering your PAN. If you do not remember your PAN either, check old bank documents, shipping bills, or any customs paperwork where both numbers are printed.
Log in to dgft.gov.in and go to IEC Profile Management. Your current IEC status, whether active, deactivated, or cancelled, is displayed in your dashboard. If it shows deactivated, file the annual renewal immediately to restore it.
Yes. The digitally signed certificate downloaded from the DGFT portal is fully valid for customs clearance, AD Code registration, ICEGATE registration, and bank submissions. No physical stamp or attestation is required.
The IEC code is your 10-digit Importer Exporter Code number, which is the same as your PAN. The IEC certificate is the official document issued by DGFT certifying your registration as an importer or exporter. Both are needed for trade operations and both can be retrieved from the DGFT portal at any time.
Yes, provided the IEC is active and linked to your DGFT profile. If the IEC was issued before 2021 and has not been linked online yet, complete the linking process first. If it is deactivated due to missed renewal, file the IEC renewal before attempting any shipment.
