Shipping to or from India in 2025?

If you’re involved in international trade, one essential requirement is the IEC code—the Importer Exporter Code, a 10-digit number issued by India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Without it, you can’t legally import or export goods in or out of India.

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining an IEC, understanding India's trade documentation, and complying with regulations. We'll also provide the latest trade figures from 2024 to help you gauge the market.

What is the IEC Code?

The Importer Exporter Code is a unique identification number required for all businesses and individuals involved in cross-border trade in India. It is issued by the DGFT and is mandatory for customs clearance and financial transactions related to imports or exports. Once assigned, the code is valid for life and doesn't require renewal.

With an IEC, exporters can access government incentives such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and claim GST refunds. Importers need it to release goods through customs and process international payments through banks.

How to Apply for an IEC Code in 2025

The application process is now entirely online via the DGFT portal. To register, you’ll need to:

Visit the DGFT website and go to the "IEC Profile Management" section.
Log in or create a new user profile.
Fill in your business and partner details.
Upload key documents like a PAN card, address proof, cancelled cheque, and optionally a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Pay the registration fee (₹500) through an integrated payment gateway.
Submit the application and download the IEC certificate once it's issued—usually within 1–3 business days.

This streamlined process reduces paperwork and speeds up your entry into global trade.

India’s Legal Framework for Foreign Trade

India regulates international trade through a combination of laws and policy frameworks:

The Customs Act of 1962 forms the foundation of import/export operations. It governs customs clearance, valuation of goods, and penal provisions for non-compliance.
The Customs Tariff Act of 1975 outlines the classification of goods and the applicable duty rates.
The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023–2028 defines incentives, export promotion measures, and mandatory requirements such as the IEC. It supports ease of doing business and simplifies compliance for MSMEs.

These frameworks work together to regulate cross-border trade and promote India's exports on the global stage.

Documents Required for Importing and Exporting

For any shipment to or from India, make sure to gather these essential documents:

Importer Exporter Code (IEC): This must be active and valid before initiating transactions.
Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill: Required for import and export clearance respectively.
Commercial Invoice: Should reflect accurate product details, value, and terms.
Packing List: Helps authorities inspect and handle goods properly.
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Acts as proof of shipment from the carrier.
Certificate of Origin: Needed when claiming benefits under trade agreements.
Import/Export Licenses: Required for regulated goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, or food items.

Having complete and accurate documentation helps avoid customs delays, fines, or penalties.

Key Steps for Importing into India

Importing goods into India involves more than just placing an order. You must first classify the goods using the correct HS (Harmonized System) code, which affects the customs duty and determines whether the product requires special licenses. Consult your freight forwarder or customs broker to choose the most appropriate classification.

After that, ensure all duties and taxes are paid promptly through India’s online ICEGATE system. Any delay in payments can hold up the release of your cargo. You also need to check if your products fall under the “restricted” or “prohibited” categories. In such cases, you must secure specific licenses from authorities like BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) or FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), depending on the nature of the goods.

Key Steps for Exporting from India

Exporting from India also begins with the correct classification of goods. After determining the HS code, the exporter must prepare the shipping bill through the ICEGATE portal and provide the invoice, packing list, and transport documents. If the buyer requires it, you may need to include a Certificate of Origin to qualify for tariff benefits.

Once the goods are shipped, it's important to track foreign currency receipts and secure an e-BRC (electronic Bank Realization Certificate), which confirms payment and is essential for claiming tax refunds or export incentives.

India’s Trade Statistics in 2024

India’s foreign trade performance in 2024 reflected both resilience and growth despite global challenges. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry:

Total exports stood at USD 437.1 billion, with strong performances in sectors such as petroleum products, engineering goods, electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Top export destinations included the United States, UAE, Netherlands, China, and Bangladesh.
Total imports reached USD 677.2 billion, driven mainly by crude oil, gold, electronics, coal, and industrial machinery.
Top import partners were China, the UAE, the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

The resulting trade deficit was around USD 240 billion, but policy reforms and supply-chain improvements helped maintain steady momentum, especially in non-oil exports.

India also recorded notable gains in electronics manufacturing, with mobile phone exports crossing USD 15 billion, making the sector one of the fastest-growing contributors to India’s exports.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a new trader or an experienced logistics operator, understanding India’s import and export procedures is crucial. From obtaining your IEC code to organizing the right documents and complying with licensing requirements, each step must be handled with care.

India’s digital shift in trade documentation, combined with proactive trade policies, is creating a more seamless and transparent environment for businesses. With the right knowledge and preparation, Indian ports and borders are no longer a bottleneck—they’re a gateway to growth.

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