How to Check IEC Status

The Import-Export Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is mandatory for any individual or business entity engaged in international tradewhether importing goods into India or exporting Indian products abroad. Without a valid IEC, customs clearance for international shipments cannot be processed, and banks will not honor foreign exchange transactions related to trade.

Checking the status of your IEC application or verifying the validity of an existing IEC is a critical step for exporters and importers. Whether youre a new applicant waiting for approval, a business owner renewing your code, or a third party verifying a partners credentials, knowing how to check IEC status accurately and efficiently ensures compliance, avoids operational delays, and maintains trust in global trade transactions.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to check IEC status through official channels, including best practices, recommended tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear, actionable understanding of the entire processfrom initial application to real-time verificationensuring your international trade operations remain uninterrupted and fully compliant with Indian regulatory frameworks.

Step-by-Step Guide

Verifying your IEC status involves a few straightforward procedures, all accessible via the official DGFT portal. Whether youre checking the status of a new application, confirming the validity of an existing code, or validating someone elses IEC, the process remains consistent and user-friendly. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step required to successfully check IEC status.

Access the Official DGFT Portal

The first and most crucial step is navigating to the official DGFT website. Always ensure you are using the authentic portal to avoid phishing or fraudulent sites. The correct URL is https://dgft.gov.in.

Once on the homepage, locate the IEC Services section. This is typically found under the Services or Online Services menu. Click on IEC Status or Check IEC Status to proceed. The portal is designed for both new applicants and existing IEC holders, so the interface will guide you accordingly.

Choose the Appropriate Option

Upon entering the IEC status section, you will be presented with two primary options:

• Check Status of New IEC Application
• Verify Existing IEC Number

Select the option that matches your requirement. If you have recently submitted an application and are awaiting approval, choose Check Status of New IEC Application. If you already hold an IEC and wish to confirm its validity, renewal status, or details, select Verify Existing IEC Number.

Enter Required Details

For new applicants:

You will be prompted to enter your Application Reference Number (also known as the ARN). This number is generated automatically upon successful submission of your IEC application and is sent to your registered email and mobile number. It typically begins with IEC/ followed by a series of digits and letters. Ensure you enter it exactly as provided, including case sensitivity.

For existing IEC holders:

You will need to input your 10-digit IEC Number. This number is issued upon approval of your application and appears on your IEC certificate, bank records, and customs documentation. Double-check for any typographical errorscommon mistakes include confusing the letter O with the number 0 or the letter I with 1.

In both cases, you may also be asked to enter a CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen. This security measure prevents automated bots from accessing the system. Enter the characters exactly as shown, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.

Submit and View Status

After entering the required information and completing the CAPTCHA, click the Submit or Check Status button. The system will process your request and display the current status of your IEC within seconds.

For new applications, possible statuses include:

• Pending for Verification Application received but not yet reviewed by DGFT officers.
• Under Scrutiny Documents are being validated for accuracy and completeness.
• Approved Your IEC has been granted. A digital certificate will be available for download.
• Rejected Application did not meet requirements. Reason for rejection will be specified.
• On Hold Additional documentation or clarification is required.

For existing IECs, the system will display:

• IEC Number
• Entity Name
• Address of Registered Office
• Date of Issue
• Date of Expiry (if applicable)
• Current Status: Active / Inactive / Suspended
• Last Updated Date

If your IEC is active, you will also see an option to download or print your digital IEC certificate. This PDF is legally valid and can be used for customs, banking, and export documentation purposes.

Download and Save Your Certificate

If your IEC status shows as Approved or Active, immediately download the digital certificate. Click the Download IEC Certificate button, which will generate a secure PDF file. Save this file in multiple secure locationson your computer, cloud storage, and printed copy. This document serves as proof of your legal authority to engage in international trade.

Ensure the downloaded file includes the official DGFT watermark, digital signature, and your IEC number. Any certificate lacking these features may be invalid or forged.

Verify via SMS or Email (Optional)

When you submit your IEC application, you are required to provide a valid mobile number and email address. DGFT sends automated updates to both channels. If you havent received any communication, check your spam folder. SMS alerts typically arrive within 2448 hours after submission and contain a link to view your status.

For existing IEC holders, renewal reminders and status change notifications are also sent via email. Ensure your contact details are up to date in the DGFT portal to avoid missing critical updates.

Best Practices

Successfully managing your IEC status requires more than just knowing how to check itit demands proactive, consistent practices that prevent delays, rejections, and compliance issues. Below are industry-proven best practices that every exporter and importer should follow.

Keep Contact Information Updated

One of the most common reasons for delays in IEC processing is outdated contact information. If your email address or mobile number changes and you fail to update it in the DGFT portal, you may miss critical notifications regarding application status, document requests, or renewal deadlines.

Log in to your DGFT account at least once every six months to verify and update your registered details. This includes your business address, authorized signatory information, and bank account linkage. Even minor discrepancies can lead to suspension of your IEC.

Apply Well in Advance

While the DGFT claims to process IEC applications within 710 working days, actual timelines can extend due to high volumes, incomplete documentation, or verification backlogs. Never wait until the last minute to apply for an IEC.

For new exporters planning their first shipment, initiate the application process at least 34 weeks before the intended export date. This buffer allows time for corrections, resubmissions, or manual verification if required.

Use Digital Documents Only

The DGFT portal no longer accepts physical submissions. All documentsPAN card, bank certificate, identity proof, business registrationmust be uploaded in digital format. Ensure files are clear, legible, and in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, PNG). Scanned documents should not be blurry, rotated, or cropped.

Use a high-resolution scanner or smartphone app designed for document scanning. Avoid using screenshots or low-quality photos. Documents with watermarks, stamps, or signatures must be clearly visible. If any document is rejected due to poor quality, resubmission can delay your approval by days or even weeks.

Verify IEC Before Every Transaction

Never assume your IEC is active. Statuses can change due to non-renewal, regulatory non-compliance, or administrative suspension. Before initiating any export shipment, customs clearance, or foreign payment, always verify your IEC status on the DGFT portal.

Similarly, if you are working with a foreign buyer or supplier, request their IEC number and verify it yourself. This protects you from fraudulent partners and ensures smooth customs clearance on both ends.

Renew Before Expiry

Although IECs are technically lifetime codes, they must be renewed annually to remain active. Failure to renew results in automatic suspension. The renewal process is simple and free of charge, but it requires timely action.

Set calendar reminders 30 days before your IECs renewal date. Log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to the renewal section, confirm your details, and submit. Youll receive an updated certificate immediately upon successful renewal. Do not wait for a reminder emailproactivity is key.

Maintain Internal Records

Keep a centralized, secure digital record of all IEC-related documents: application forms, submission receipts, approval emails, digital certificates, renewal confirmations, and correspondence with DGFT. Use cloud-based storage with encryption and access controls.

Organize files by year and transaction type. This will save hours during audits, tax filings, or disputes with customs authorities. Many businesses face penalties not because of non-compliance, but because they cannot produce proof of IEC validity when requested.

Train Your Team

If you operate a team or outsource logistics, ensure that at least one person in your organization is fully trained in IEC procedures. They should know how to check status, update details, renew codes, and troubleshoot common issues.

Create an internal checklist for IEC management and include it in your standard operating procedures (SOPs). Regular training sessionseven quarterlycan prevent costly oversights.

Tools and Resources

While the DGFT portal is the primary and most authoritative source for checking IEC status, several complementary tools and resources can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. These tools are designed to support businesses of all sizesfrom sole proprietors to multinational exporters.

DGFT Portal (Primary Tool)

The DGFT Online Services Portal (https://dgft.gov.in) remains the only official platform for IEC application, verification, renewal, and certificate download. It is secure, government-mandated, and legally recognized. All other tools should be used as supplements, never replacements.

IEC Validator Browser Extensions

Several browser extensions and Chrome add-ons have been developed by third-party trade compliance firms to validate IEC numbers in real time while browsing supplier websites or filling out export forms. These tools allow you to paste an IEC number into a field and instantly check its validity against the DGFT database.

Examples include:

• IEC Checker Pro A lightweight extension that auto-verifies IEC numbers on e-commerce and B2B platforms.
• TradeSync Validator Integrates with CRM and ERP systems to flag invalid IECs during customer onboarding.

While convenient, always cross-check results with the official DGFT portal. Third-party tools may not be updated in real time and should never be used for legal compliance purposes.

ERP and Trade Management Software

Modern ERP systems like Tally.ERP 9, SAP Business One, Oracle NetSuite, and Zoho Inventory now include built-in IEC validation modules. These systems allow users to input an IEC number during vendor or customer creation. The software then checks the DGFT database automatically and flags invalid or inactive codes.

For businesses handling multiple international transactions, integrating IEC validation into your ERP reduces human error, automates compliance checks, and generates audit trails for regulatory reporting.

Document Scanning and Management Apps

Since digital document submission is mandatory, reliable scanning tools are essential. Recommended apps include:

• Adobe Scan Converts photos into high-quality, searchable PDFs with OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
• Microsoft Lens Automatically crops, enhances, and converts documents into clean PDFs or Word files.
• CamScanner Popular among small exporters for batch scanning and cloud backup.

These tools ensure your uploaded documents meet DGFTs clarity and format standards, reducing the risk of rejection due to poor quality.

Government-Approved Document Verification Portals

For identity and business verification, use government-backed platforms such as:

• UIDAI Aadhaar e-KYC For verifying identity documents linked to your IEC application.
• MCA21 Portal To validate company registration details (for corporate entities).
• GSTN Portal To confirm GSTIN linkage with your IEC, which is now mandatory for all applicants.

Ensuring alignment between your IEC, GSTIN, PAN, and business registration minimizes discrepancies and accelerates approval.

Mobile Apps for IEC Notifications

While DGFT does not offer an official mobile app, several third-party trade compliance apps send push notifications for IEC renewal deadlines and status changes. Examples include:

• ExportWise Tracks IEC, GST, and export incentives with alerts.
• TradeAlert India Monitors DGFT updates and sends SMS/email alerts for IEC-related actions.

These apps are particularly useful for businesses with multiple IECs or those managing exports across multiple states.

Official DGFT Help Guides and Video Tutorials

The DGFT website hosts downloadable PDF guides and video walkthroughs for IEC application and status checking. These are available under the Help or Guidelines section. Bookmark these resourcesthey are regularly updated and provide the most accurate procedural information.

Additionally, DGFT conducts periodic webinars for exporters. Register for these sessions to gain direct insights from DGFT officers and clarify complex queries.

Real Examples

Understanding how to check IEC status becomes clearer when contextualized through real-life scenarios. Below are three detailed examples illustrating common situations faced by Indian exporters and importersand how they successfully resolved them using the steps outlined in this guide.

Example 1: New Exporter Delays Due to Incomplete Documentation

Scenario: Priya, a small business owner from Ahmedabad, runs a handicraft export venture. She applied for her IEC on March 1, 2024, using the DGFT portal. By March 15, she received no update and was anxious about an upcoming shipment to the UK.

Action Taken: Priya logged into the DGFT portal and checked her IEC status using her Application Reference Number. The system showed Under Scrutiny Missing Bank Certificate. She realized she had uploaded a scanned copy of her bank passbook instead of the official bank certificate with the branch seal and managers signature.

Resolution: Priya visited her bank, obtained a proper certificate on letterhead, scanned it using Adobe Scan for clarity, and re-uploaded it via the portals Resubmit Documents option. Within 48 hours, her application was approved. She downloaded her certificate and shipped her goods on March 22.

Lesson: Always verify document requirements before submission. A minor error can delay approval by over a week.

Example 2: Renewal Overlooked Leading to Suspension

Scenario: Rajeshs import-export firm in Mumbai had been active since 2018. He assumed his IEC was valid indefinitely and forgot to renew it in 2023. In January 2024, his bank declined a foreign payment, citing IEC Inactive.

Action Taken: Rajesh checked his IEC status on the DGFT portal. The system displayed Suspended Not Renewed. He immediately initiated the renewal process, confirmed his details, and submitted the renewal request.

Resolution: The system processed his renewal within 2 hours. He received an updated certificate with the same IEC number but a new Last Renewed date. He provided this to his bank, and the payment was processed the next day.

Lesson: IEC renewal is mandatory annually. Even long-standing codes become inactive without renewal.

Example 3: Verifying a Foreign Buyers IEC

Scenario: A Delhi-based textile exporter received an order from a buyer in Dubai. The buyer provided an IEC number for documentation purposes. The exporter was unsure if the number was valid or belonged to a legitimate entity.

Action Taken: The exporter used the Verify Existing IEC Number option on the DGFT portal. They entered the provided IEC number and submitted the request.

Result: The system returned IEC Not Found. The exporter contacted the buyer, who admitted the number was from a previous supplier. The buyer provided their correct IEC, which was verified and confirmed as Active.

Lesson: Always verify the IEC of international partners before finalizing contracts. Fraudulent or invalid IECs can lead to payment delays, customs rejections, or legal liability.

FAQs

Is the IEC number the same as the GSTIN?

No, the IEC number and GSTIN are two separate identifiers. The IEC is issued by DGFT for international trade, while GSTIN is issued by the GSTN for domestic taxation. However, since 2020, linking your GSTIN with your IEC application has been mandatory. You cannot apply for a new IEC without a valid GSTIN.

Can I check someone elses IEC status?

Yes. The DGFT portal allows public verification of any IEC number. You do not need to be the holder to check the status. This feature is useful for buyers, banks, and logistics partners verifying trade credentials.

What if I lose my IEC number?

If youve forgotten your IEC number, you can retrieve it using your PAN card. On the DGFT portal, select Retrieve IEC by PAN and enter your 10-digit PAN. The system will display your IEC number along with associated details.

How long does it take to get an IEC after applying?

Typically, it takes 710 working days. However, if your documents are incomplete or require manual verification, it may take up to 20 days. Ensure all documents are accurate and digitally clear to avoid delays.

Is there a fee to apply or renew an IEC?

No. The application and annual renewal of an IEC are completely free of charge. Be cautious of third-party websites or agents claiming to charge fees for IEC servicesthey are not authorized.

What happens if my IEC is rejected?

If your application is rejected, the portal will specify the reasonsuch as mismatched documents, invalid PAN, or incorrect address. You can reapply after correcting the error. There is no limit on the number of reapplications.

Can a sole proprietor apply for an IEC?

Yes. Sole proprietors, partnership firms, private limited companies, LLPs, and even individuals trading internationally can apply for an IEC. The application process is identical across entity types.

Do I need to update my IEC if my business address changes?

Yes. Any change in your registered business address, authorized signatory, or contact details must be updated in the DGFT portal. Failure to do so may result in suspension of your IEC.

Can I use the same IEC for multiple business units?

Yes. A single IEC can be used across multiple branches or business units under the same legal entity. However, each unit must be clearly documented in your records and linked to the same PAN and GSTIN.

What if the DGFT portal is down?

The DGFT portal is maintained by the government and is generally reliable. In rare cases of downtime, check the official DGFT Twitter handle or website for announcements. Do not use unofficial third-party sites. Delays due to system maintenance are temporary and do not affect your application timeline.

Conclusion

Checking your IEC status is not a one-time taskit is an ongoing responsibility for anyone involved in international trade. From the moment you apply for your IEC to the day you renew it annually, staying informed and proactive ensures your business remains compliant, credible, and competitive in the global marketplace.

This guide has provided you with a complete, actionable roadmap: from accessing the official DGFT portal, navigating through application and verification steps, adopting best practices to prevent delays, leveraging digital tools for efficiency, learning from real-world examples, and resolving common queries. Each of these elements contributes to a seamless, stress-free trade experience.

Remember: the key to success lies in consistency. Regularly check your IEC status, keep your documents updated, renew on time, and verify partners credentials. These small actions compound into significant advantagesavoiding customs holds, ensuring payment clarity, and building trust with international buyers.

As India continues to strengthen its position as a global export hub, the IEC remains your foundational credential. Mastering how to check IEC status is not just a technical skillit is a strategic advantage that keeps your business moving forward, one shipment at a time.