On July 30th, 2020 the Ministry of Commerce DGFT launched an online for the issuing of the Import Export Code, with an aim for increasing the business facilities for the traders. The import and export code is a 10 digits unique identification number provided and issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce. 

In simple terms, this code is required by the importers and exporter to manage and run their import-export business. This code has been made mandatory by the Government of India and no business can work as an import-export business until and unless they have this 10 digits unique identification number issued. 

With globalization and the free market system growing immensely in the past few years, there has been an increase in the cross border trade, which has widened the scope for the import-export business. Many companies are looking for a cheaper alternative beyond the borders and engaging themselves in the more profitable import-export business. Therefore, it seemed important to have a record of all such companies, and the activities they engage in, which is why the government has come up with allotting the Import-Export code. 

Import- Export Code is governed under the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Regulation) Rules, 1993. The IEC is required only under certain circumstances, i.e. when the service is related to specified services or specified technologies, these include the service or technologies that are restricted by the Government of India as concerning the national security. Import Export Code is not required when: 

1. There is import or export of goods for personal use that is not related to manufacturing, trade, or agriculture. 
2. When there is import or export done by the government departments and ministries. This at times may also include certain certified charitable organizations. 

The procedure for obtaining the Import Export Code is as follows: 

1. The application for the issuance of IEC should be made by the applicant’s Registered/Head Office to the nearest Regional Authority of Directorate General Foreign Trade (DGFT). It has to be made by the registered office in case it is for a company and others by the head office. 
2. All the documents must be duly submitted by the applicant with the form ANF2A i.e. the Aayaat Niryaat Form

It should be noted that on one PAN card only a single IEC is allowed to be issued to the proprietor running the business. In case there are more, the same has to be surrendered and canceled by the Regional Office.  

The documents which are required for the issuance of the IEC are: 

1. Recent account details
2. PAN Card
3. Bankers certificate
4. Passport size photographs
5. A self-addressed envelope for the delivery of the IEC certificate, via a registered post. 

This Article Does Not Intend To Hurt The Sentiments Of Any Individual Community, Sect, Or Religion Etcetera. This Article Is Based Purely On The Authors Personal Views And Opinions In The Exercise Of The Fundamental Right Guaranteed Under Article 19(1)(A) And Other Related Laws Being Force In India, For The Time Being.