What is an IEC Certificate, and How to Apply?

In this blog, you will learn about the IEC registration process in India, its uses, and its benefits. and why this certificate is important for importers and exporters who want to trade in or from India. Know all things with this blog. We can say that the IEC certificate is a type of Importer and Exporter code, which is used for trading in India. Because mainly in India, the rules for exporting or importing are kinda strict, due to which, ensuring that the items that are going from Indian or coming into India are safe.

So, for any manufacturer or businessman, the Indian government mandates this certification for doing any type of trading in India. Mainly, this is a 10-digit number which is compulsory for any involved in manufacturing. And is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This type of code is basically designed to ensure the safety and quality of those items that are crucial and sensitive. By the method of providing a unique key business identification number to any firm involved in manufacturing, it ensures the safety of products.

Therefore, in this blog, you will learn about what is IEC certificate is in export-import with its benefits and uses.

1. IEC Registration: Its Uses and Benefits

Mainly, for many manufacturers and businessmen, this becomes very beneficial because it provides them access to the wide Indian market, which also becomes crucial for their growth and potential. In India, the government ensures that there are no harmful products being imported and exported, due to which the government mandates the IEC code or certification for all manufacturers. Also, with this IEC certificate application, manufacturers get international trade, enabling businesses to expand globally, gain access to government benefits, and ensure legal compliance. 

Some more benefits include simplifying customs clearance, improving credibility with international partners, and also providing a lifetime validity to simplify long-term business operations. So, when a manufacturer is getting that many benefits with this certification, why doesn’t he get his certification of IEC? Now, look at some more uses and benefits of this certification and the documents required for the IEC code registration. 

Uses of the IEC certification:

1. In terms of international trade, this certificate becomes very useful because the IEC certification is a primary document required for any business looking to import or export goods to or from India.
2. To clear customs, this certification also becomes very useful for clearing shipments through customs, ensuring that goods comply with legal and regulatory norms.
3. If you want to smooth transactions in your exporting or importing business, then this IEC certification also becomes very useful for you and your business because it verifies the legitimacy of the dealings.
4. This IEC code also helps the government in collecting data efficiently because the code helps the government in tracking and analyzing data in terms of developing better trade policies. 

Benefits of the IEC code

1. If any manufacturer wants to trade in or outside India, then in that case, the benefits of the IEC certificate for exporters, DGFT helps them to enter and operate in the global market. This increases their opportunities for expanding their growth, also. 
2. The holders of this certification can also get many incentives through the government. Also, with some benefits, such as tax refunds and export promotion schemes.
3. During the time of cross-border transactions, the IEC certification marks that they are fully legal and compliant with trade regulations, to protect many businesses from penalties. 
4. For improving credibility, the IEC code enhances the business’s credibility and trustworthiness in the international market for smooth exporting or importing. 
5. The IEC code or certification is a one-time purchase. Because once a business gets this, it becomes valid for the lifetime of the business, eliminating the need for renewal.
6. It also helps businesses or manufacturers by simplifying and streamlining the process of international trade, from customs clearance to financial transactions. 

2. The Process of Getting this IEC Registration or Code

Now, let’s examine the process of obtaining this IEC certification. Obtaining this IEC certification is crucial for any type of manufacturer or importer in India. In terms of getting this certification, firstly, you must have to apply for it through the DGFT website, which includes registering, filling out the application form, uploading required documents, paying the ₹500 fee, and submitting the application. 

Then, these are all the steps the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will take a look at your details for verifying them, and send you a certificate via email after approval. Now, at some brief points on how to apply for the IEC certificate online? 

1st Step: Register for your certification via the DGFT portal 

1. In terms of getting your certification, firstly, go to the portal of DGFT and create your account on that portal. Follow the prompts that are made for importers and exporters. 
2. Provide the details in which you have to include a valid email and mobile number, and create a password. Then verify your mobile and email using the OTPs sent to you.  

2nd Step: Apply for your IEC certificate 

1. Then, after logging in, navigate to your desired service and select your IEC profile management. Then click on Start fresh application to begin the IEC application form. 

3rd Step: Fill out your application and upload your documents 

1. Then, after all these previous steps, provide your required details to the website, which includes the nature of the business and your firm’s PAN and GSTIN. 
2. Provide all your documents in the form of PDF, also ensure that they are clear and fully readable. If your address proof doesn’t include your company’s name. Then you may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the premises owner.

4th Step: Submit and pay your fee 

1. Then, after providing your application, review it for any corrections, then submit your application and complete your online payment. which is typically ₹500 for the government fee. 
2. Also, ensure that your application is submitted using your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar authentication. You will receive a confirmation email after successful submission.  

5th Step: Get your IEC certificate 

1. Then, after submitting and applying for your certification, the DGFT will process your application. And if it gets approved, you will receive a 10-digit IEC to your registered email address. 
2. Also note that the IEC certification is valid for a lifetime, and it does not require any renewal annually or monthly.

So, that’s how you can get your IEC code or certificate with these easy steps. Because getting this is must important for any manufacturer or importer. For ensuring that those items which are coming or going from India are safe and not harmful to the health and well-being of millions of consumers and buyers. That’s why, in terms of getting your IEC code, follow all these steps which are written above to not getting a fine or penalty in your company. 

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We are a certified company offering a variety of services tailored for business founders and manufacturers. We offer the IEC code registration. With us, you can gain access to it without hassles. LegalRaasta makes available the IEC code certificate for startups and growing companies that need it, both by owners and sellers of businesses. Count on us as your pathfinder to growth and success because we shall make sure we deliver our legal services impeccably. A few providers are offering their services in this market space, though we happen to be one of them, making it easy for you to get this service. We also deal in many more services like GMP certification, company registration, LLP registration, NBFC registration, among others. 

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this IEC code important for any manufacturer or importer?

Ans. This is important for manufacturers because it ensures that the items that they are exporting and importing are safe and comply with guidelines and regulations. 

Who issues this IEC certification or code to these manufacturers?

Ans. This IEC certification is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) globally. 

Is the process of getting this IEC registration hard?

Ans. No, the process of getting this certification is not that hard for any manufacturer or importer because the steps that are included for getting this certification are much easier due to having an online portal of DGFT. 

What are the benefits of getting this certification?

Ans. After getting this certification, importers or manufacturers get many benefits, such as they got smooth permissions for doing their importing and exporting business. Also, they prevent their business from many fines and penalties and many more. 

What is the full form of IEC registration and its meaning?

Ans. The full form of this IEC registration is Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), which means these the certification for importing and exporting in Indian markets based on standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).