Before an import or export transaction, it’s worth checking that your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is still valid. An inactive or deactivated IEC can create problems with import/export transactions and with the related customs or banking processes, and the check takes only a few minutes on the DGFT website.
This guide shows how to check your IEC status online, what the status means, and what to do if your IEC has been deactivated. If you don’t have an IEC yet, you can apply for IEC registration first, or read how DGFT and IEC differ.
Quick answer: To check your IEC status, visit the DGFT website → Services → View IEC Related Details → View Any IEC. Enter your IEC number and firm name, then view the IEC details and status shown by DGFT.
What Is an IEC?
An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-character identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). For an entity covered by the PAN-based IEC system, the IEC is the same as its PAN. The IEC is used to identify importers and exporters in foreign trade transactions.
How to Check IEC Status Online on DGFT
Step 1: Visit the DGFT Website
Go to the official DGFT website, https://www.dgft.gov.in. Use the official site rather than third-party “IEC check” websites.
Step 2: Open “View IEC Related Details”
From the Services menu, select View IEC Related Details. The Handbook of Procedures 2023 (para 2.09) confirms that the details of any IEC can be verified here.
Step 3: Select “View Any IEC”
Choose the View Any IEC option to view an IEC’s details.
Step 4: Enter Your IEC Number and Firm Name
Enter the IEC number, the firm name (at least the first three characters) and the captcha code, then click View IEC. Source: DGFT IEC Module User Help File V4.1.
Step 5: Check Your IEC Status
DGFT then displays the IEC details, including the IEC Status field (for example, “Valid”) and the DEL (Denied Entity List) status.
DGFT periodically updates its portal interface, so menu names or screen layouts may change. If the exact wording differs, look for “View IEC Related Details” or the “View Any IEC” option under Services (older versions of the portal labelled it “View Any IEC Details”).
Once your IEC has been issued, you can also download your IEC certificate from the DGFT portal.
What Does Your IEC Status Mean?
Check the IEC status displayed by DGFT. If it does not show as valid, check the reason and take the required action before your next import or export transaction.
| DGFT status / result | What it generally indicates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Valid | The IEC is currently valid for import/export purposes, subject to applicable requirements. | No immediate status correction is required. Keep up with the annual April–June update. |
| Deactivated | The IEC has been deactivated. | Check the reason and complete the required action (see below). |
| Suspended / Cancelled (if displayed) | The IEC has been subject to suspension or cancellation. | Check the DGFT communication and the applicable procedure before trading. |
Status labels displayed by DGFT may vary depending on the IEC record and portal interface.
IEC Status vs IEC Application Status
These are two different checks: –
- IEC status (this page): For an IEC that has already been issued. It tells you whether that IEC is currently valid.
- IEC application status: For an application that hasn’t been issued yet. To track a pending application, check your IEC application status instead.
Why Was My IEC Deactivated?
One important reason an IEC may be deactivated is failure to complete the mandatory annual IEC update within the prescribed period. Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (para 2.05(d)), every IEC holder must update their IEC details electronically every year during April–June, and confirm the details even where nothing has changed. Para 2.05(e) provides that an IEC which is not updated will be deactivated and activated again on successful updation. See our guide to the annual IEC update.
An IEC may also be deactivated or restricted for other reasons, for example: –
- Where the IEC is flagged for scrutiny and the risks flagged by the system are not addressed in time (FTP 2023, para 2.05(f))
- Other action taken under the applicable foreign trade rules
- Voluntary surrender of the IEC by the holder
How to Reactivate a Deactivated IEC
If your IEC was deactivated because the required annual updation was not completed, you can generally reactivate it by successfully completing the required updation on DGFT. The exact submission requirements can depend on the modification being made and on the applicant/entity.
In outline: –
- Log in to the DGFT portal with the account linked to your IEC.
- Open your IEC and choose the update / modification option.
- Review your details and correct anything outdated. If your address or other details have changed, see how to change your IEC address or other details.
- Submit using the authentication option shown on the portal. The submission may require the applicable digital-signature or Aadhaar-based authentication method specified by DGFT for your entity and transaction; see digital signature options for DGFT or get a DGFT digital signature.
- Check the IEC status again using the steps above.
If the IEC was suspended or cancelled rather than deactivated, the process is different. Check the DGFT communication and the applicable procedure first.
IEC deactivated or annual update pending? Our team can help check your IEC status and assist with the required DGFT update. See our IEC renewal and update service or leave your details in the form below.
Does an IEC Expire?
Under the Handbook of Procedures 2023, para 2.10, an IEC has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled. However, it will be deactivated if the required annual updation is not completed, or for other reasons specified under the applicable foreign trade rules.
Can I Check an IEC Using PAN?
For an entity covered by the PAN-based IEC system, the IEC number is the same as the PAN, so you enter it in the IEC number field together with the firm name. Only one IEC is issued against a single PAN (HBP 2023, para 2.12), and the IEC covers the applicant’s branches, divisions, units and factories. If you run more than one business, see whether one IEC can be used for two businesses.
When Should You Check Your IEC Status?
It is advisable to check your IEC status: –
- After completing the annual April–June update
- Before preparing a new import or export transaction
- After changing your address, bank account, partners or directors
- If a customs broker, bank or buyer raises a question about your IEC
If you are preparing an import/export transaction, checking your IEC status in advance can help you spot issues before filing or payment processing. A valid IEC also matters for certain benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy where a valid IEC is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view my IEC on DGFT?
Visit the DGFT website and go to Services → View IEC Related Details → View Any IEC. Enter the IEC number and firm name to view the IEC details.
How do I check my IEC status online?
Use the same View Any IEC option on the DGFT website. The IEC details shown include the IEC status, for example “Valid”.
Why is my IEC showing as deactivated?
One important reason is that the mandatory annual IEC update (April–June) was not completed within the prescribed period. An IEC can also be deactivated for other reasons under the foreign trade rules, such as unaddressed risks identified during scrutiny.
How do I reactivate a deactivated IEC?
If it was deactivated for missing the annual update, you can generally reactivate it by successfully completing the required updation on DGFT. Exact requirements depend on the modification and the entity.
Does an IEC expire?
An IEC has permanent validity unless it is suspended or cancelled, but it will be deactivated if the annual updation is not completed or for other reasons under the applicable rules.
Do I need to update my IEC every year?
Yes. Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, IEC holders must update their IEC electronically every year during April–June, including confirming the details when nothing has changed.
Can I check IEC status using PAN?
For an entity under the PAN-based IEC system, the IEC number is the same as the PAN, so you enter it as the IEC number along with the firm name.
Can I check someone else’s IEC?
The View Any IEC option shows IEC details when you enter the IEC number and firm name. Businesses often use it to confirm a supplier’s or buyer’s IEC.
What is IEC BIN, and is it different from my IEC?
BIN is a term used in customs-related systems. It is different from the IEC status displayed on the DGFT portal. If you are specifically dealing with a customs BIN requirement, check the applicable ICEGATE/customs guidance for your transaction; see ICEGATE registration if you haven’t set up customs access yet.
Conclusion
Checking your IEC status on DGFT takes only a few minutes: Services → View IEC Related Details → View Any IEC, then enter your IEC number and firm name. Check it after each annual April–June update and before new import or export transactions, and act promptly if it doesn’t show as valid.
Need help with your IEC? Whether it’s a new IEC, the annual update or a deactivated IEC, our team can help you with the DGFT process. Leave your name, email and phone in the form below.
Sources
- DGFT, IEC Module User Help File V4.1 (Feb 2026): View IEC Related Details, View Any IEC, required inputs.
- DGFT, Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2, para 2.05(d)–(f): annual updation, deactivation, activation, scrutiny flag.
- DGFT, Handbook of Procedures 2023: para 2.09 (View IEC Related Details), 2.10 (validity), 2.12 (one PAN, one IEC).
