“A helper quoted me a big fee to get my IEC.”
DGFT's fee for the application is ₹500. Anything above that is the helper's charge for their time. Ask for it in writing.
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IEC code how to get one
For Indian makers and traders about to export. Apply on the DGFT portal, then find your first buyers.
A strategist calls you in one working day.
/ 01 IEC code
What an IEC code is, and who needs one
An IEC code is the Importer-Exporter Code, a 10-character number that DGFT, India's foreign trade office, gives your firm. You need it to send goods out of India unless you are exempt.
You apply online, the official fee is ₹500, and the code has no end date if you update it every year. PromotEdge does not file IECs. Once you hold one, we help you find buyers.
DGFT stands for the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Since GST (goods and services tax) began, your IEC is the same as the firm's PAN (Permanent Account Number, your tax ID). DGFT still issues it on a separate application. A firm can be a proprietorship, partnership, LLP (limited liability partnership), company, trust, HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) or society.
Most people who search this phrase want to apply, so the steps, fee and yearly rule come first, from DGFT documents we opened on 30 October 2026. Apply on the DGFT portal yourself, or ask your chartered accountant (CA).
The second half covers what comes after the certificate: finding buyers. That part is our work. See also our export marketing page.
- Since 2015working with Indian brands
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Our beliefWhat can't be measured can't be achieved.
/ 02 The steps
How to get an IEC, and find your first buyers
Steps 1 to 6 are the application. Steps 7 and 8 start once the certificate is in your hands.
| Step | What happens | Keep ready or check | Who does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Check you need one | Goods leaving India need one unless exempt. Services alone usually do not. | The exempt cases in the table below | You |
| 2. Gather papers | The firm's PAN, a bank account in the firm's name and a valid address. | A cancelled cheque or bank certificate, and an address proof | You or your CA |
| 3. Register on the portal | Choose Login, Register, Importer/Exporter. Enter the codes sent to your mobile and email. | A code expires in 15 minutes | You |
| 4. Fill the form | Choose Apply for IEC. Add firm, owner, bank and address details. | Companies add the CIN (Corporate Identity Number). The bank account name must match the firm | You or your CA |
| 5. Sign and pay | Sign with Aadhaar e-sign or a digital signature token. Pay ₹500 online. | DGFT refunds a fee only in rare cases, so check the form first | You |
| 6. Download the certificate | DGFT checks the bank account, then issues the IEC. | DGFT's help file says the bank check can take 2 weeks. An older FAQ says immediately. Plan for 2 weeks | DGFT |
| 7. Make the IEC visible | Put the number and certificate on your site and catalogue. Pick one product and one or two countries. | The firm name reads the same everywhere | You and PromotEdge |
| 8. Reach buyers and answer fast | Build a short buyer list, send the first messages, and reply the same working day. | One inbox, one reply note, one owner | You and PromotEdge |
DGFT may check the address in person. Update the IEC every year in April to June, or it can be deactivated.
Go deeper
Read more about IEC code
Deeper reading if you want the research behind the plan.
Who needs an IEC, and who does not
Who needs an IEC
If you export goods as a business, you need one. A few cases are exempt.
| Your situation | Is an IEC needed? | Where it says so |
|---|---|---|
| You sell goods out of India as a business | Yes | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, para 2.05(a) |
| You sell only services, such as software or design | Not necessary, unless you claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy | DGFT IEC Profile Management page |
| You send goods abroad for personal use, not business | No | Handbook of Procedures, para 2.07(a)(iii) |
| You ship small lots to or from Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar border areas, up to ₹25,000 a consignment (CIF value: cost, insurance and freight) | No | Handbook of Procedures, para 2.07(a)(iv) |
| You export items on the SCOMET list, India's controlled list of sensitive goods | Yes. The two exemptions above do not apply | Handbook of Procedures, para 2.07 |
Source: DGFT, IEC Profile Management, Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and Handbook of Procedures, read 30 October 2026
Fee and papers for an IEC application
What DGFT charges
You pay online at the end of the form, through the government's Bharatkosh payment gateway.
| What you do | DGFT fee | Where it says so |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a new IEC | ₹500 | Appendix 2K, item 1, and the IEC help file V4.1 |
| Change details in an existing IEC | ₹200 | IEC help file V4.1 |
| Update your IEC every year, April to June | Nil | Appendix 2K, item 6(A) |
Source: DGFT, Appendix 2K, Scale of Application Fee and IEC help file V4.1, read 30 October 2026
Showing your IEC to overseas buyers
What a buyer can check
The certificate has a QR code that checks it online. DGFT also has a public page where anyone enters an IEC number and a firm name and sees basic details, and whether the firm is on its Denied Entity List. Your site must match what they see.
Source: DGFT, View IEC Related Details and IEC Profile Management, read 30 October 2026
Where to put the number
Our view: the About page, the catalogue footer, price quotes and your email signature, with the firm name exactly as on the certificate. Our website and catalogue work does this.
Your first 60 days after the IEC arrives
A 60-day plan after the certificate
Our view: this is the plan we would follow with you, and it promises no result. Reply to every buyer within one working day, from a note you wrote once.
| When | What you do | What you have at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 15 | While the application is in, list what you sell, with sizes, packing and smallest order. Pick one product to lead with. | A one-page product sheet |
| Days 16 to 30 | Put the IEC number, certificate and real factory photos on a simple site and in a light catalogue file. | A site a stranger can check |
| Days 31 to 45 | Choose 20 named buyers in one or two countries. Read each one's own website first, then send the first messages. | A checked list, messages out |
| Days 46 to 60 | Answer every reply the same working day. Fix the site where buyers asked the same thing twice. | A first enquiry log and fix list |
/ 03 Sound familiar?
Common problems for new exporters
“My firm's name is spelt three ways on my PAN, bank account and website.”
DGFT wants the bank account holder name to match the firm name. Fix the spelling before you apply, then keep it the same on your website.
“I have my IEC, and a buyer asks me to prove it.”
The certificate carries a QR code, and anyone can look up an IEC on DGFT's site. Put the number on your About page and in your catalogue.
“I have an IEC, but I don't know which product or country to start with.”
Pick one product and one or two countries, and check who already buys it there with market research and a go-to-market plan.
“My first enquiry from abroad sat unanswered for a week.”
Use one inbox, one reply note and one owner. Log the buyer's country and quantity the same day. A CRM (software that holds every enquiry) helps.
“Nobody abroad has heard of us, and the IEC changes nothing.”
True. The IEC only lets you ship. Buyers find you through a site they can check, LinkedIn and search: our export lead generation work.
/ 04 Cost
What affects the cost
No price list. These things move the number.
The IEC costs ₹500 at DGFT, and PromotEdge does not file it. For the marketing that follows we don't publish a price list. A written quote follows within 2 working days of a 30-minute call.
What affects the cost
- Where you start. A firm with a site and catalogue needs less than one with neither.
- Countries and languages. One market in English needs less than three in three languages.
- Who holds the follow-up. You keep the enquiry desk, or we run the inbox and reminders.
- Samples and fairs. Couriers and fair stalls are billed outside the plan.
How we price it
- We talk for 30 minutes about what you make and where you want to sell
- We read your site as a buyer would, then write a one-page plan
- A written quote follows within 2 working days
What you get in the quote
- Your first product and countries, with reasons
- Site changes, the buyer list and first messages
How you pay
| Way of working | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Monthly retainer | Buyer outreach, follow-up and a monthly report. Minimum 3 months, 30 days' notice |
| Project fee | A website or catalogue, built once. A website takes 4 to 6 weeks |
/ 05 Rules to know
Rules for IEC registration in the Foreign Trade Policy
Four rules matter once you hold an IEC, read on 30 October 2026. Check the current text before you act.
The yearly update. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (para 2.05) says an IEC holder must update the details online every year in April to June, and confirm them even if nothing changed. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated. It is switched on again after a successful update. DGFT's fee list shows no fee for the update.
Validity and changes. The Handbook of Procedures (para 2.10) gives an IEC permanent validity unless DGFT suspends or cancels it. One IEC covers all your branches and factories, and one PAN gets one IEC. If your address, bank details or firm type change, update the IEC within 30 days.
If you skip it. The policy says no one may export goods without an IEC unless exempt. We have not read what penalty applies to a shipment made without one, so ask your CA.
Councils. Some exporters also join the export promotion council for their product. That is a separate step and not part of the IEC.
General guidance, not legal advice.
/ 06 What happens next
What happens after you ask
For projects we think we can help, this is how it goes.
- 01
A strategist calls you
In one working day: a 30-minute call with one of our strategists about your business and what is not working.
- 02
You get a 1-page plan
A short, honest plan: what to fix first and what we would do. It is free.
- 03
A quote, if you want one
If you want to go ahead, we send a quote within 2 working days.
We confirm the timeline in the quote. Contracts start at 3 months, with 30 days' notice to stop. A single job, such as one event or one print run, is quoted as one project.
Keep exploring
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What people say
What clients say about PromotEdge
“PromotEdge and their team did an excellent job with our website. They engaged with every team member, understanding their needs with great patience before collating them into a user requirement and a design spec. The result was both aesthetically pleasing and usable. PromotEdge continues to support us and our ever-growing and very demanding wish list. We hope to grow this relationship beyond website design and into content development. I am confident that PromotEdge's team will continue to guide us in delivering product content to our global customers, making the website an important tool for product awareness and lead generation.”
Bimal ShahExecutive Director at Fine Organic Industries LimitedManufacturing
“PromotEdge is one of the most hard working creative agency that LISTENS ! Do I need to say anything more ?!!!!Saurav is one of the most open person I have come across who is ready to speak abt the elephant in the room , that no body wants to talk about !”
Harsh GuptaManaging Director at Rishta FoodsFMCG
“I am delighted with the successful launch of our new website, thanks to the exceptional support from PromotEdge. I extend my gratitude to Benjamin and the team for their dedication and hard work, which has resulted in a new, fresh-looking site that perfectly meets our expectations.”
Mom MitraMarketing Head at IleadEducationABP Education
“Working with PromotEdge has been an enriching experience for ABP at many different levels. Your understanding of the digital space, customized brand solutions and prompt servicing have helped us achieve our brand goals with so much ease.I would like to especially thank the creative development team, the digital strategy team and above all the servicing team with whom I have worked in close association with, for their all-round support. I wish you all the best in your upcoming projects and I look forward to collaborating with you in future as well.”
Satabdi SahuLead - Brand and Content at ABP EducationEducationBrahmaputra Volleyball League
“I really want to thank Sayantan and his team from PromotEdge because what I find good in them is that, the team.When the team is wonderful, the outcome will definitely be wonderful. I have seen the first cut of the reel which they shot the first day, and they gave us on the morning of the second day.The entire first day they worked so hard and over the night they have edited and on the morning they shared it with us.This is just fabulous and the commitment they have shown. The FIVB team has said that they are very happy with team PromotEdge.And when I showed this clip to my friends, those who are from this industry, they (also said that they) have done a fabulous work.So happy and compliments to the team -- Sayantan and PromotEdge team.Thank you.”
Abhijit BhattacharyaFormer Captain Indian VolleyBall Team; and Founder of Brahmaputra Volleyball LeagueSports
“Hi, my name is Hitesh Malhotra. I'm working in FIVB. We are working with PromoteEdge (with Team Sayantan).I would like to give you a brief detail. So when we started this project, we had a good discussion with them. And personally, I feel PromotEdge is kind of a one stop solution for us. So basically, they provided us the whole storyboarding regarding the digital assets and how we can use those with our ambassadors programme.They helped us a lot to structurize the whole concept from our side. So in fact, there were a lot of great ideas they provided, guiding us...what we should do and what we should not do in this regard.And the best part was that they were very clear from there, from the whole blueprint. So they understood our request from the proposal and then accordingly they executed it.”
Hitesh MalhotraSports Development at Fédération Internationale de Volleyball - FIVBSportsIndia MACJ - A Buyers Choice Home Inspections
“I've known PromotEdge for quite a few years. PromotEdge is passionate, knowledgeable, and destined for success. What stands out is their positivity, energy, passion, and innovative thinking. They bring a warm presence to their work. Best wishes to PromotEdge.”
Mahendra SurekaFounder & CEO at India MACJ - A Buyers Choice Home InspectionsReal estateBirdman Chemeng Pvt Ltd.
“PromotEdge has been a unique creative group amongst unique creativity world. Approaching, analysing, understanding the deliverables with ethos and transferring the same into a spellbound creative identity, just cut out for clients’ requirement are signature values of the team. A huge ROI, thy name is PromotEdge.”
Rajat ChatterjeeHead Business Development at Birdman Chemeng Pvt Ltd.Manufacturing
“We are thoroughly impressed with the extensive knowledge and professionalism demonstrated by PromotEdge. Their adept management of our digital and creative requirements has significantly contributed to our satisfaction with their digital marketing services and expertise.”
Rahul MishraAssistant Manager Digital Marketing & Ecommerce at Magik LightingElectricalsShyam Metalics Group
“We have been working with PromotEdge for almost a year. We have engaged them to manage our Digital marketing campaigns and are impressed with the outcome. Within weeks, we had noticed an increase in performance and they continuously worked on adapting to a new strategy if required to get the maximum mileage for us based on our requirements. A big thank you to their team, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering growing on their Digital Space.”
Shubham GadodiaDeputy Brand Manager at Shyam Metalics GroupSteel and metalsUnimark Group
“As a progressive and emerging digital marketing company, PromotEdge is doing something right to enhance the experience of companies associated with them.The format they have created is great, there is a smooth flow of communication, great brainstorming sessions and additionally super ideations and executions.Pritha, the account manager, has always been supportive. Whether day or night, weekday or weekend, she came through and solved the problems.…”
Anish Basu MallikMarketing Executive at Unimark GroupReal estatePrime Volleyball League
“I would just like to congratulate, PromotEdge Led by Sayantan and his Team who have done an absolutely fantastic job of branding for the Kolkata Thunderbolts, the Branding, the social media campaign was bang on, and I think it help not just the Kolkata Thunderbolts but its really helped me because in the East there was at least one Team that looking very well promoted and branded. Thanks guyz, well done.”
Joy BhattacharjyaCEO at Prime Volleyball LeagueSports“In the city of Kolkata , there are very few full service advertising agencies which are compact, agile, quick and yet have the vision and creative /executional abilities of large reputed agencies. My experience with PromotEdge has been extremely satisfying and they have done world class job for Brand Building exercise of LION INDIA.In my professional life spanning over 4 decades I have always worked with leading agencies like Lintas, Grey, etc so my benchmarking was rather high. I am delighted to say that i did find the agency measuring up nicely on every parameter of our expectations. The team […] comes majorly from experienced staff who have had experience in large agencies. Added to this is the” young oozing with unique new.”
Hardeep SinghMarketing ConsultantTATA Metaliks
“PromotEdge has been working with our organization for social media management and other creative activities. They are responsive, supportive and hard working. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with them.”
Medha SharmaStrategic Head at TATA MetaliksSteel and metals
“I commend PromotEdge as a content and advertising partner. I applaud their top-notch team, swift problem-solving, and outstanding digital media work for my brand. I express my happiness and eagerness for a long-term partnership.”
Priyanka GuptaDirector at Nitya Gold & DiamondsJewellery retail
“An aligned partner is always a welcoming step. Someone who can think deep through lines, understand the matrix of product management. Fortunate enough, PromotEdge has been a partner in progress for me. Their uniqueness lies in their hands down knowledge of delivering the strategy and communication needed for the hour. A practical approach to ensuring return of investment has been the day one mantra. An advisory to an executionist, the systematic approach by team PromotEdge has been the impeccable.”
Bobby SrinivasChief Manager Marketing & Brand Marketing at Utkarsh IndiaSteel and metalsPRAN RFL Group
“PRAN & PromotEdge have been working together for last 1.5 years. Throughout, the work experience is good and satisfactory.As a client, we found PromotEdge very professional and dedicated towards any project assigned to them.Most importantly, They have a bunch of energetic young people who always think from clients’ point of view and come up with the solution which is appropriate for them.I would personally refer PromotEdge to those who want creative and contemporary work.We wish PromotEdge a successful journey ahead.”
Sharif Rezwan KabirBrand Manager at PRAN RFL GroupFMCG“It’s a great way to be back at PromotEdge. I had a great time working them in Kolkata Tunderbolts doing the Volley Biswas character and they all are like good friends like family Saurav Bhaiya, […], and as I speak, I see Sayantan da walking in. HA HA! But it’s been a great experience I am glad to again meeting them and being here at the PromotEdge. Make Calcutta relevant again.”
Priyam GhoseContent Creator“I had a great time in Kolkata, I met entire PromotEdge team and they are amazing. Design language that they follow is crazy, the copywriting is crazy. I think they are one of the best digital marketing agencies, not just in Kolkata, entire eastern region and I think brand should not leave the chance to interact with these guys, make stories together.So, if I had something here, I would have definitely collaborated with them and worked. Now is the time, I mean it’s not even a question whether digital is important or not you don’t have an option today. Go digital work with PromotEdge and create your brand stories. Thank You.”
Manish PandeyConsultant & Coach to Content Creator“The PromotEdge Agency stay with us all these 3 days, since when we arrived..more, more than 3 days. Since in the airport, they stayed together with us (FIVB team).Sayantan and his team is providing you to see this video.I just (want to say) _Shukriya_. Thank you so much for your team, because we are here in front of the camera but all the team is behind. The entire team together did this great job so that you can see how much volleyball is a lovely sport.”
GibaBrazilian Former Volleyball PlayerSports
Got your IEC, or about to apply?
Tell us what you make and where you want to sell. We'll show you the first three steps to a buyer
Common questions
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An IEC code is the Importer-Exporter Code, a 10-character number DGFT gives a firm. Anyone who exports goods from India as a business needs one, unless exempt. A firm selling only services usually does not, unless it claims Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
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Register on the DGFT portal as an Importer/Exporter, choose Apply for IEC and enter firm, owner, bank and address details. Upload the bank and address proofs, sign with Aadhaar or a digital signature token, and pay ₹500. DGFT then issues the certificate.
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DGFT's fee for a new IEC is ₹500, paid online. Changing an existing IEC costs ₹200, and the yearly update has no fee. A CA or helper may charge extra for their time, so ask in writing. PromotEdge does not file IECs.
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An IEC has permanent validity unless DGFT suspends or cancels it. You do not renew it, but you must update it online every year in April to June, even if nothing changed. If you miss it, the IEC is deactivated until you update.
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Not necessarily. DGFT says an IEC is not necessary for services exports, except when the provider takes benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Exporting goods as a business needs one unless exempt. If you sell both goods and services, ask your CA which rule applies.
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The firm's PAN, a bank account in the firm's name with a cancelled cheque or bank certificate, and an address proof such as a rent agreement or utility bill. You also need a mobile number, an email, and an Aadhaar or a digital signature token to sign.
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No. We do not file IECs. Apply on the DGFT portal yourself or ask your chartered accountant to do it. Once you hold the certificate, we build the website, catalogue and buyer outreach that bring overseas buyers to your firm. Once you hold the certificate, the papers each shipment needs are on our export documentation checklist.
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Pick one product and one or two countries, then show your IEC, certificate and factory photos on a simple site. Build a short list of named buyers and reply to every answer the same day. Our guide to finding export buyers has more routes.
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Ongoing monthly work has a 3-month minimum. After that you can stop with 30 days' notice. A project has a clear end, and we confirm its timeline in the quote. The smallest first step, a free 30-minute call and a one-page plan, commits you to nothing.
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Before work starts, we agree in writing who your main contact is, how often you meet, and who signs off each piece of work. The person who plans your campaign talks to the person who designs it every day. The seniors you meet at the first call are the people who run your work.