IEC Renewal 2023 | IEC Code Renewal Assured

While the IEC has a lifetime validity, the DGFT has made annual IEC renewal mandatory for all IEC holders.

At JPARKS INDIA, we have renewed hundreds of IEC codes for our clients. This article covers everything you need to know about IEC code renewal process and a step by step guide for IEC renewal in 2023.

Do I need to my renew IEC code every year?

As per Trade Notice 31/2021-22 of the DGFT It is mandatory for all IEC holders to update or renew IEC code every year between April to June period.

Note: Updating your IEC is a requirement regardless of whether changes will be made.

Why is the Annual IEC code renewal mandatory?

This has been done to ensure the details of an Importer or Exporter are up to date.

The annual renewal of IEC code is compulsory for all IEC holders, and failure to do so may lead to deactivation of the IEC code.

What happens if I don’t renew IEC code?

If you fail to renew your IEC code, it will get deactivated.

While your IEC may remain valid for a while even if you complete the annual IEC renewal between April and June, you won’t be notified when the IEC gets deactivated.

This is because the IEC deactivation is not carried out by the DGFT immediately but in phases. Not complying to annual IEC renewal will lead to unnecessary delays at the time of import or export.

Note: All IECs which haven’t been updated or renewed after 2014, are deactivated.

At JPARKS INDIA, we ensure that our client’s IECs are annually updated so they never face any issues due to a deactivated IEC while importing or exporting.

What if I try to Import or Export when my IEC is deactivated?

• The customs department won’t allow you to import or export with a deactivated IEC.
• The consignment will get held up at customs and incur penalties due to delay
• You won’t be able to clear the goods without IEC reactivation.

We recommend that you always check if your IEC is valid before importing or exporting goods.

How to check if IEC is deactivated?

To check the status of your IEC, you must use the DGFT portal.

A step-by-step guide to check your IEC status is deactivated:

1. Head to the DGFT portal
2. On the menu
   • Click on “Services”
   • “View IEC related details.”
3. Click the “View any IEC” tab and enter the following details in the pop-up form.
   • Enter your IEC no.
   • Enter your firm name (at least the first three characters)
   • Enter captcha code
4. If your IEC is deactivated,
   • the IEC status will show as “Deactivated.”
   • Upon reactivation – it will show as “Valid.”

Consequences of a Deactivated IEC Code

A deactivated IEC can significantly impact your business operations by

• Halting your ability to import or export goods.
• Causing delays that disrupt your supply chain.
• Financial losses resulting from fines & penalties. 

Furthermore, banks require an active IEC for any international transactions related to your business, whether sending money abroad or receiving money from overseas. 

You need to renew import export license fast.

Guide On IEC Renewal Process

To renew your deactivated IEC, all your have to do is update it on the DGFT portal. Once you successfully update it, the IEC renewal will be auto-approved and the status will start showing as ‘valid’.

Here are all the steps you need to follow to renew your IEC.

Complete List of Documents for IEC renewal process

• Details of Changes to be updated on the IEC
• Applicant Email & Mobile No.
• Registered office address proof (Anyone)
  • Electric Bill
  • Telephone Bill
  • Lease Agreement
  • Sale Deed
• Canceled Cheque
• Adhaar, PAN & Details of proprietor/partners/directors

Note: Except for proprietors, all other IEC holders must use DGFT IEC-based DSC to update their IECs on the DGFT portal. Don’t have one? call now +91 9167379073

Step by Step Process For Annual Renewal of IEC

1. Head to the DGFT portal and Login to your DGFT account
   • Register your account if you don’t have one.
     • Select Importer/Exporter
     • Fill details like Email, Mobile, Address
     • Verify using Email & Mobile OTPs
     • DGFT login details will be sent to your email Id. (Check spam)
2. Register the DGFT DSC in your account (Proprietors may ignore this step)
   • click on ‘My Dashboard’ and ‘View and Register Digital Signature Token’
   • Register the new DSC
3. Click on ‘Update/Modify’
   • If your IEC isn’t linked already, click on ‘Link IEC’
     • Add PAN details and Sign using Adhaar or DSC
4. Start a fresh application and Fill in all the details in the modules
   • General Information
   • Details of Proprietor/Partner/Director
   • Bank Information
   • Other Details (Preferred Sectors of Opertations)
   • Declaration
   • Application Summary
5. Preview the application for any mistakes
6. Sign the form using
   • Adhaar OTP – (Individuals or Proprietorship Firms)
   • IEC-based Digital Signature Certificate – (All other entities)
7. Submit the form
8. Pay the Govt. fees of Rs. 200/-

Once done the IEC status will start showing as ‘Valid’ and the IEC renewal process is done.

How much time does it take to renew IEC certificate?

Your IEC should be renewed within a few hours. It does take a day for the IEC status to be updated on the IceGate Portal.

IEC renewal fees | IEC code renewal charges

The IEC renewal fees charged by the DGFT is Rs. 200/-

However, if needed, you may hire a professionals like us to renew your IEC code.

The consultancy fees for IEC renewal ranges between Rs. 2,000/- to Rs. 3,500/- on average.

At JPARKS INDIA, we renew your IEC for Rs. 1500/- only and that too within 24 hours of receiving all documents. Need help? Call us +91 9167379073

Common problems with IEC code renewal

• PAN Validation – PAN details not matching database
  • Download your latest E PAN, and try refilling the details to try revalidation.
• OTP issues – Server delays, OTPs going to Spam, etc.
  • Refresh the website and try a few times or try late night when the load is less.
• Save & Next not working
  • Sometimes the information in the IEC may look complete but isn’t, click on the pencil icon to check and add the missing information.
• Payment Error – Amount debited but IEC still deactivated.
  • This is an issue from the payment gateway and often gets resolved in a few hours after the payment.

Tips to Ensure Smooth IEC Renewal Process

• Gather all the required documents and compile the soft copies in a folder.
• Make sure your DSC is not expired and the proper drivers are installed.
• Try to update IEC during odd hours for a faster experience.

Need help with DGFT IEC Renewal?

At JPARKS INDIA Pvt. Ltd., we are expert DGFT consultants with over 30 years of industry experience. We renew and reactivate hundreds of IECs every year. As a result, we have resolved all types of complicated IEC-related problems for our clients.

We guarantee a 24-hour IEC renewal service for just Rs. 1,500/-

Call now +91 9167379073

FAQs – IEC Reactivation