One of the most significant registrations a business must obtain for international trade is the Importer Exporter Code (IEC). Your IEC certificate will serve as your legal identity with customs, banks, and the DGFT, whether you are importing raw materials or exporting finished goods. Most companies may require the electronic version of their IEC certificate for documentation, bank filings, licensing, and compliance. Luckily, the process is straightforward through the online portal introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
This step-by-step instructional manual on how to download and print your IEC certificate provides a detailed description of the process, the required documents, common errors to avoid, and various tips to help you obtain your certificate.
Understanding the IEC Certificate
The IEC certificate is a 10-digit registration number issued by DGFT to any business or individual who needs to import or export goods or services. You do not have to renew it annually, but you are expected to revise or amend the IEC each year if there are changes. The certificate is digitised, and you can always download it through the DGFT portal.
The IEC certificate includes important information, such as the registered business name, PAN, address, nature of business, and branch information. Customs clearance, exporter incentives, bank communication and other trade processes may require a properly downloaded and printed IEC certificate.
Why do you need to download the IEC Certificate?
Regardless of their size, businesses often require a digital or printed copy of their IEC certificate for various reasons. Some of these cases include customs processing, bank submissions, registration of EPC, export promotion schemes, government incentives, application of the Letter of Undertaking (LUT), and approvals for foreign remittances.
An IEC certificate that was downloaded assists in saving time and being accurate when submitting trade licenses, GST registrations, and Amazon Global Seller onboarding, as well as adherence to DGFT norms. The certificate is valid for life, so by downloading it once and keeping a print copy available, future delays are minimised.
Prerequisites before downloading of IEC Certificate
Before you start downloading, some basic conditions should be met. Your valid IEC number issued by DGFT, registered mobile number associated with IEC, email ID used during IEC registration, updated PAN and Aadhaar information in the DGFT database, and an active internet connection are required.
There are situations where OTP authentication might be provided on a registered email or phone number, and you should have the same available before you start.
How to Download an IEC Certificate Online?
The procedure of downloading the IEC certificate on the DGFT site is not difficult when done properly. The DGFT portal is easy to use, and IEC certificate holders can retrieve their certificates in PDF format at any time.
1. Go to the Website of the DGFT
Begin by going to the DGFT portal. On the first page, go to Services, then press IEC Profile Management. This page provides several choices for viewing and downloading IEC details.
2. Choose the “Print IEC” Option
The Print IEC option is under the IEC management. In this section, you will create your IEC certificate in the form of a downloadable PDF file in real-time.
3. Enter IEC Details
You will be required to fill in your IEC number of 10 digits and registered mobile number or email ID. Once these are entered, press the button to generate the OTP.
4. Verify OTP
A one-time password will be delivered to the registered mobile phone or email. Please enter the OTP on the portal to confirm that you are who you are and continue.
5. Download the IEC Certificate
Then you should see your IEC certificate on the display after the verification. It is available in PDF format. Click on the download button and save it on your device.
How to Print Your IEC Certificate?
The certificate is easy to print after downloading. Click on the file on your laptop or phone, attach a printer with A4 paper, and press the print button (CTRL + P on most gadgets). Make sure the print settings are set correctly so the certificate is readable. Store several copies in a safe place.
Common Errors While Downloading the IEC Certificate
Misplaced or outdated information is why users are likely to encounter common errors. OTP can be blocked by using the wrong mobile number or email ID at the time of registration. Authentication may fail due to outdated business information. Wrong IEC or PAN information can also stop entry.
Certain users have reported problems with the portal loading during high traffic; therefore, refreshing the page or revisiting it later could be helpful. Many of the problems are also resolved using another browser (Chrome or Edge).
Tips for Smooth Download and Future Use
To have an easy time downloading, always remember to update your DGFT profile information. The mobile phone contacts to be used for IEC registration should be operational to receive OTPs. Store the IEC certification in the cloud for easy access. Any mismatch in the certificate is to be modified instantly on the DGFT portal.
Having hard copies in your office file system assists when making a custom entry, bank authentication, and export forms.
Conclusion
When a company downloads the IEC certificate from the DGFT portal, the process is fast and hassle-free. As digital systems become more robust, DGFT ensures that importers and exporters can access their IEC information from anywhere, without having to visit a physical office. Having your certificate on hand, besides making trade processes easier, also ensures you are not violating export and import laws. MSMEs, start-ups, freelancers, or large manufacturers all need to make sure they can check their IEC certificate online and ensure international trade activities proceed without problems.
In case of any additional assistance with IEC modifications, renewals, address changes, DGFT compliance, or export documentation, you may enquire!
