How to Check If Your IEC is Active or Not?

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a mandatory business identification number required for various individuals or business entities involved in the process of importing or exporting goods and services from India. It is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The IEC is vital for various purposes, such as customs clearance, facilitating foreign remittances and availing various other export incentives and benefits under India’s foreign trade policy framework.

However, merely obtaining an IEC is not enough. Businesses need to ensure that their IEC remains active and valid as well. Many exporters may face various disruptions in trade due to inactive or deactivated IECs, usually without realizing it. This blog explains how to check whether your IEC is active or not, why IEC status matters and what to do if your IEC is inactive to avoid compliance issues and operational delays.

What Is an IEC and Why Its Status Matters?

The Importer Exporter Code is a 10-digit unique number issued to a business or individual by DGFT. It is required for: –

• Clearing goods through customs
• Sending or receiving foreign currency
• Applying for export incentives and benefits
• Conducting international trade legally

If your IEC is inactive, you may face issues such as: –

• Rejection of shipping bills
• Delays or denial of customs clearance
• Inability to receive export proceeds
• Disqualification from government export schemes

Therefore, regularly checking your IEC status is essential for uninterrupted business operations.

Reasons Why an IEC May Become Inactive?

Before learning how to check IEC status, it is important to understand why an IEC might become inactive: –

1. Non-updating of IEC details: DGFT mandates periodic updating or confirmation of IEC details.
2. Failure to complete IEC renewal or confirmation: If the required annual confirmation is not completed, the IEC may be deactivated.
3. Incorrect or incomplete information: A mismatch in PAN, address, or bank details can lead to IEC suspension.
4. Voluntary surrender of IEC: Some businesses surrender their IEC when they stop operations.
5. Regulatory or compliance issues: IEC may be suspended due to violations of foreign trade policies.

How to Check If Your IEC is Active or Not (Step-by-Step)

The DGFT provides an easy online method to verify IEC status. Follow these steps: –

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Official Website

Go to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s official portal.

Step 2: Navigate to IEC Services

On the homepage, look for the “Services” or “IEC Profile Management” section.

Step 3: Select “View IEC Details”

Choose the option that allows you to view or search IEC details.

Step 4: Enter IEC or PAN Details

You will be required to enter: –

• Your 10-digit IEC number or
• PAN number linked with the IEC

Complete the captcha verification.

Step 5: View IEC Status

After submission, the system will display your IEC details, including: –

• IEC number
• Name of the entity
• Address
• Date of issue
• IEC status (Active / Inactive / Suspended)

If the status shows “Active”, your IEC is valid for trade. If it shows “Inactive”, immediate action is required.

How to Check IEC Status Using PAN?

In case you do not remember your IEC number, DGFT allows you to search using PAN: –

• Enter your PAN in the search field
• The system will display all IECs linked to that PAN
• You can then check the status of each IEC

This is especially helpful for businesses with multiple IECs or long operational histories.

What Does IEC Active Status Mean?

An active IEC means: –

• You are legally permitted to import or export
• Customs authorities will accept your documents
• Banks can process foreign remittances
• You are eligible for export incentives and schemes

An active IEC confirms compliance with DGFT regulations.

What to Do If Your IEC Is Inactive

If your IEC status shows inactive, do not panic. In most cases, it can be reactivated easily.

1. Log in to DGFT Portal

Use your registered credentials to access your IEC profile.

2. Update or Confirm IEC Details

Ensure all information such as: –

• Address
• Contact details
• Bank account
• Business constitution

is correct and up to date.

3. Complete IEC Confirmation

Submit the required confirmation or modification application online.

4. Submit and Track Application

After submission, track the application status on the DGFT portal.

5. IEC Reactivation

Once approved, your IEC status will change to Active.

How Often Should You Check IEC Status?

It is advisable to check your IEC status: –

• Before filing shipping bills
• Before starting a new export or import transaction
• At least once every financial year
• Whenever DGFT issues compliance notifications

Regular monitoring helps avoid last-minute disruptions.

Common Mistakes While Checking IEC Status

• Entering incorrect IEC or PAN details
• Using outdated DGFT links
• Assuming IEC remains active permanently
• Ignoring DGFT alerts and notifications

Avoiding these mistakes ensures accurate results.

Importance of Keeping IEC Active

Maintaining an active IEC offers several benefits: –

• Smooth customs clearance
• Timely foreign payments
• Access to export promotion schemes
• Better credibility with banks and overseas clients
• Compliance with Indian foreign trade laws

Inactive IECs can cause financial losses and reputational damage.

Conclusion

To check whether your IEC is active or not is a simple but essential compliance step for every type of importer and exporter in India. With DGFT’s online system, businesses can easily verify and authenticate IEC status within a few minutes using IEC or PAN details. Regular monitoring, timely updates and proper compliance with the various DGFT requirements ensure that your IEC remains active and your international trade operations continue without any interruption.

If your IEC is found inactive, immediate corrective action can help you restore its validity and avoid trade disruptions. Staying proactive about IEC compliance is crucial for the purpose of long-term business growth in global markets, building credibility with customs authorities, banks and overseas buyers, while ensuring smooth cross-border transactions and uninterrupted access to export and import benefits, fostering regulatory trust, confidence minimizing compliance risks and supporting sustainable expansion in international trade activities.