One of the prerequisites for anyone who wishes to begin an import or export business in India is an Import Export Code (IEC). The PDF version of the Import Export License is also usually required when submitting the IEC application to banks, clearing goods at customs, verifying with DGFT, handling trade documents, and making international deliveries. This guide will tell you where to get the PDF for your import or export license, how to download it, and what to do if you run into problems.
Understanding the Import Export License (IEC)
IEC is a 10-digit code that is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It allows businesses and individuals to do cross-border trade legally.
The IEC is required for:
- Bringing products to other nations.
- Exporting goods or services
- Availing export incentives
- Customs clearance
- Opening a trade current account.
- Registration in EXIM schemes.
The IEC is considered to be valid for its entire life, and the information must be provided on an annual basis.
Why should you have the PDF File of your import export license?
The IEC in the form of PDF is necessary due to several reasons.
It is required when:
- Presenting paperwork to banks.
- Registration with Export Promotion Councils.
- Checking of customs.
- Being involved in a global bidding.
- It involves the application of schemes related to trade.
- Passing on importer/exporter information to foreign clients.
The IEC PDF is the official digital license since DGFT does not issue physical certificates any longer.
Where to Get the PDF of Your IEC?
The official site where one can download the Import Export License PDF is:
DGFT Online Portal
This portal has access to everything that IEC offers, such as status check, modification, and certificate download.
Step-by-Step Process to Get the PDF File for Import Export License
Step 1: Go to the DGFT Official Portal
- Go to the DGFT website and navigate to the Services.
- Select IEC Profile management option in the menu.
Step 2: Sign in using Your Credentials
IEC can be downloaded by entering:
- Username (registered email ID)
- Password
- Captcha
In case you do not have a previous history of logging in, register and create a new account with the help of the mobile number and email associated with IEC.
Step 3: Select the IEC Module
Once logged in, go to:
My Dashboard – IEC
This is where one can find all the IEC-related services, such as Download IEC.
Step 4: Enter Your IEC Number
In case the IEC is linked to your account already, it will be displayed automatically.
If not, enter:
- IEC number
- Business details
- PAN details
Then click Validate.
Step 5: Issue the IEC Certificate PDF
Once the validation is successful, you will see the option:
Download e-IEC
On clicking it, the PDF will be created immediately.
The PDF includes:
- IEC number
- Legal name of the business
- PAN details
- Issue date
- QR code for verification
- DGFT digital signature
This PDF is legal in any place.
How To Download the IEC PDF Anonymously?
In case you forget your login information or your DGFT account has not been connected, then you may still obtain the PDF.
Step 1: Open DGFT Portal
Visit the webpage and get to IEC Services.
Step 2: Click on “Print IEC”
This will enable you to create the license without having to log in.
Step 3: IEC Number and Date of Birth/Incorporation.
Check these details accordingly.
Step 4: Download the PDF
To save the IEC certificate as a PDF, click on Print or download.
How to Retrieve an IEC PDF in Case you Forgot your IEC Number
In case you have forgotten your IEC number, you can access it easily.
Method 1: Check the Old Email
Approval is sent as a PDF by DGFT through email.
Method 2: Use the IEC Check Tool
On the DGFT portal, go to:
- Services- IEC- Check IEC Status.
- Enter PAN to get the IEC number.
Typical Problems during the downloading of the IEC PDF and How to fix them?
1. Incorrect Login Details
If you forgot your password, use Forgot Password to reset it.
2. IEC Not Linked to Account
To connect it manually, you have to use:
- IEC number
- PAN
- Registered mobile OTP
3. Mismatch in PAN/Incorporation Date
Make sure that the information is the same as the information used with IEC registration.
4. Portal Errors
The DGFT portal is slow during times of peak traffic.
Try using:
- Updated browser
- Incognito mode
- Alternative device
5. Digital Signature Error
Provided that the PDF fails to open, upgrade your PDF reader to the latest version since DGFT PDFs have a digital signature.
Advantages of the Import Export License PDF
The IEC is very convenient in the PDF format due to the following reasons:
- It is possible to share it immediately with customers and banks.
- It is digitally signed, so there is no need for a copy.
- It gets updated on the DGFT portal at any hour.
- It is not dangerous and cannot be interfered with.
- The world accepts it as evidence of legitimacy.
The digital license is easily downloadable, which facilitates international trade.
Conclusion
It is very simple to download the PDF of your Import or Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT portal, all online. You can access your IEC in just a few minutes, whether you log in with your account or use the “Print IEC” feature, which does not require logging in. An encrypted IEC PDF facilitates the ease of conducting business and adherence to customs and trade regulations.
Following the steps in this guide, a company and a new exporter can easily obtain their IEC PDF and use it without any doubt in global trade documentation.
