Frequently Asked Questions on Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)/(E-IEC)
Frequently Asked Questions on Importer Exporter Code
What will be your User name & what do you do after registering?
Please note that your initial user name will be your initials in the email address, and you can change it afterward if needed. Once the login credentials get shared with you via email, you have to log in to the account and do the following!
*Change your temporary password and keep a new one that is difficult to trace. Kindly make sure you do not share it with anyone!
*Link your account to your existing IEC or apply for a new one.
*Revisit your account Dashboard once and see if you can see all the necessary information.
How long does it take for the OTP to expire?
OTP is a One-time Password generated by the website to your phone number or email address to see if your account is authentic! Your OTP is likely to expire in 15 minutes, and in case it does, before you can log in, you have to click on the Resend OTP option.
Which browsers share compatibility with a new IEC application portal?
The latest versions of Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari share strong compatibility with a new IEC application portal.
Frequently Asked Questions on Importer Exporter Code & Link on Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)/(E-IEC)
How to link your former IEC to the new system?
If you want to link your existing IEC to a new system, follow the below-laid steps!
*Visit the DGFT website at https://dgft.gov.in/.
*Move on with your registration by tapping the Register button under ‘ Register as Importer/Exporter’ & fill in your login credentials.
*When you log on to your account, take the cursor to the Services column and click on the Link IEC option.
*You have IEC Number; Enter it and tap on the Validate button. It happens only after you register DSC on CP!
*When the Validation stands triumphant, click on E-sign with Aadhar or Validate with DSC.
*Congratulations on linking IEC! You can now add a primary or secondary user account under this IEC account.
What are the technicalities required to link your existing IEC?
Perhaps, there are a few technicalities to fulfill for linking your old or existing IEC, including the following.
*Your valid digital signature
*Your updated mobile number & email address.
What can be an issue if you cannot proceed when clicking the validation button?
You may have entered an invalid IEC Number or given a blank space in between. Your IEC number & validation details have to be the same as those filed under your original IEC. Kindly revisit it!
What features can a Primary User avail of?
You can enjoy three significant features of having a primary user account, and here they go!
You can get a digital token authentication system for your IEC. For instance, the authentication as Directors, Proprietor, Partners, and so forth! Make sure you draft, save and submit your application timely!
*You can manage all user accounts linked under your IEC.
*You can monitor and regulate user permission or access to various IEC schemes.
What features can you get as a Secondary User?
As a secondary user of an IEC holder account, you can get certain beneficial features, which are as follows!
*You get to draft & save the application, of course!
*You get permission to modify IEC or its Key details.
*You can file applications just with digital token authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions on Importer Exporter Code or Key details of Modifications/amendments
How to modify your IEC?
Whenever you want to modify your IEC, follow the given steps!
*First, you have to navigate to DFGT’s official website via https://dgft.gov.in/ certainly,
*Then, you have to click on the Login given under the Register column.
*Next, you must move to the Service column and click Manage IEC.
*The column to enter the IEC number shall appear on the screen, and you have to enter a valid number and proceed to tap on Validate button. [Disclaimer: Validation is possible oh after registering DSC on CP.]
*When Validation is acquired, you have to hit the Validate with DSC button and link your IEC.
*After your existing IEC gets linked, you can start modifying the IEC.
How can you modify the Key details in your IEC?
You can modify the Key details of your IEC in 5 quick steps!
*Login to your DGFT user account at https://dgft.gov.in/ by clicking on Login under the Register Column on the Home page.
*When your user’s account opens, head to the Services menu and tap on the Manage IEC option.
*Now, you can enter your IEC number and tap on the Validate button.
*When Validation stands accomplished, directly tap on Validate with the DSC option.
*You can click on the Modify IEC button when you get linked to your IEC Dashboard.
There you go!
Change or update the Key details at your convenience!
Why are you unable to edit the Firm Name while modifying your IEC?
Undoubtedly, there lay some reasons for not getting permission to edit the firm name. They are given down the line!
*You may need the firm’s Proprietorship, mandatory for manually editing the firm name on IEC.
*Your IEC name shall be directly given by the Ministry of Commerce following your company identification number, typically when it is a personal, public, or private company. So, you have to provide the right firm name during the application process.
*If you have a partnership, limited liability partnership, trust, society, or Hindu undivided family as firm type, your firm name cannot be changed from the one you have on your PAN card.
What to do for modifying PAN cards in numeric IEC?
According to the latest norms, Exporters lay eligible to modify their PAN number in IEC, but such a feature applies only to the Numeric IEC holders. You have to link your IEC to apply for such a modification and submit the request to the RA office for approval. Your IEC account shall be transmitted to customs once your approval gets approved.
In short,
Link your IEC – Request for PAN modification – Submit – Application Status shall show ‘In Process’ – Connect with RA to get the approval.
What happens after you change your PAN Number or Date of Birth & Incorporation in IEC?
When you change or modify your PAN Number, date of birth, and incorporation in your IEC profile, the request for approval gets sent to the RA office. Keep checking your application status to see if it is approved! Until it is, the application status shall show ‘In Process.
Why are the PAN modifications not reflected immediately in the system?
The Process will take some time, as your request for modifications needs to be approved by the RA office. Meanwhile, the Application status shall state ‘In Process. Hereafter, it would be best if you connected with the respective RA office mentioned in IEC to secure the approval. Only after they approve will the PAN modifications reflect in your IEC profile!
What are you to do to add or modify foreign branches in your IEC profile?
First, you can leave your foreign branch to your IEC account. If you already have added one and seek to modify it, you can remove the existing branch & proceed with the modification request.
What does the Status “Key details modify” stand for?
This status can mean various things, and it usually appears when you modify any of the following and request the RA office for approval.
*Your PAN Number or Change of Firm
*Nature of Concern
*Member Details (Of Partnership/ Limited Liability Partnership/Trust/Hindu Undivided Family/ Society)
When does the IEC modification status show “In Progress”?
Your IEC modification status shall show “In Progress” when the modification approval by RA is pending. It may be your application for a change of PAN, Nature of Concern, or Member details that are yet to be approved.
In which circumstances do you need approval from the RA office for IEC Modification?
When you seek to modify any of the following details in your IEC profile, your application shall go to the RA office for approval.
*Your modification in PAN Number.
*Your change in Nature of Concern.
*Your modification in Member details, i.e., removal or addition of the name of your partners.
Is it mandatory to update your IEC Profile & Why?
Yes. It is mandatory to keep your IEC profile up-to-date as per the Trade Notice 18/2021-2022. If you want to keep your IEC details up to date, straightaway goes to the DGFT portal and if you want to read the Trade notice, visit through this link, https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/d0dbf9c6-d0ae-4f49-a9ae-e59c240ea9fe/Trade%20Notice%2018%20-%20IEC%20de-activation%20prior%202005.pdf.
How to check whether your IEC updates are confirmed?
*You can check the status of your IEC updates under the submitted application column.
*You have to go to View IEC Details and check the IEC update status.
*You can also keep an eye on your Email and Phone Messages, the ones registered to your IEC profile, to check the confirmation of your IEC updates.
Frequently Asked Questions on Importer-Exporter Code Module Additional
Do you have to provide the same email address & mobile number that is already registered under your IEC profile to apply for a New IEC?
Yes! You must provide the phone number and email address exactly as submitted under your IEC profile while applying for a New IEC. You can check the details of your New IEC update under ‘View IEC Details’ & refer to your SMS & Email to see if the confirmation has arrived.
How can an exporter delink the IEC with the registered login credentials of a primary user?
When an exporter creates an IEC account and links it with a secondary user’s account for their partners or the firm proprietors, the secondary users cannot delink the IEC registered login with the primary user. It is because the primary user is a DSC Holder & can register numerous times, thereby linking the IEC.
However, if the primary user wants to link IEC to a secondary user account and delink the primary one, the secondary user’s DSC holding documentation shall stand requisite!
How to edit the email ID & phone number submitted during IEC registration?
If you have submitted an incorrect email ID or phone number during IEC registration and need to update it, you can edit this information, but only after you log in to your IEC Profile with the OTP-validated email & phone number!
After you log in to your IEC account, you have to go to the ‘Manage Profile’ option and edit the details therein. If you need to remember the registered email ID & phone number and log in to your IEC Profile, you have to register again & link your IEC using DSC.
What to do If you forget your IEC login password?
Are you a registered IEC holder and cannot remember your login password? Relax! You can utilize the Forget Password feature below the Login credentials space and request a temporary password. Follow the given step to avail of this feature!
*Navigate to DFGT official website and, thereby, to the login page.
*Click on the hyperlink at the bottom, quoting ‘ Forgot Password.
*Enter your registered email address in the username column.
*Enter the correct captcha code as shown on the screen.
*Tap on the ‘Submit’ button to get a new password or tap on ‘Cancel’ to return to the previous page.
*Once you submit, the system shall validate your email address and send a new temporary password to your email.
*You must log in with the new password to change your IEC account password from Manage Profile.
*If your email ID is not registered to DGFT, use the registered mobile number to follow the same!
Can your default or temporary password get expired?
No! Neither a default password nor a temporary one has an expiry. You can use them as long as you have your IEC profile.
Is it necessary to save all appearing data on each page?
You do not have to keep saving data on each page as the application automatically saves your draft when you enter the mandatory fields and navigate to the next by clicking on ‘Save & Next’ or using the horizontal navigation radio button.
How can you add details in the IEC – Director section when one of the firm directors is a Foreign National and does not have a PAN?
You must click on the check box stating “Is the Director a Foreign National?” to enter the applicant details without a PAN.
Why can’t an Exporter/Importer use DSC even after installing drivers?
You can use DSC only when you install both the following drivers on your system, and they have to be available on your machine in a running state. EMUDHRA application driver, and DSC Token Driver.
For more, see the FAQs on Digital Signatures!
What happens to a payment made against an incomplete IEC application or modification in your old system?
You don’t have to worry about your fees against the IEC Application or Modification because it shall stand valid for one year from your payment date. You can create and submit your application further from a new system and do not have to pay the fees again.
*You must register to the DGFT portal and proceed with a new application, as application drafts are unavailable due to incomplete submission.
*While you complete the e-signing and submission process, the system shall look for previously-made payments against your PAN, and you will not be redirected to the payment page.
*Instead, the previously-made payment shall get attached to your application. So, you can generate the receipt with the previous payment details.
What if the exporter has already paid for modifying the IEC application in March’2020 but needs help to complete the submission?
Sorry to say, but payment made against an incomplete IEC application or modification is only valid for one year from the date of payment, and if you have crossed that limit, you have to repay again. If not, you can create a new application and get the previously-made payment attached to your new IEC application for modification.
How can an exporter file a new IEC application or modification if the same is saved as a draft?
If you have a saved IEC application on draft, you can use it to file & submit. What you have to do is –
Fill in the firm member details one by one alongside the mandatory ones and proceed to the next.
Then, you need to click on the Edit option against each member, fill or edit the requisites already saved as a draft and proceed by clicking on okay.
What documents do you need to provide for an IEC Application?
You have to provide –
*A copy proving your IEC registration, incorporation, or establishment, be it a partnership, trust, society, or others,
*A copy of your address proof, such as an electricity bill, rent agreement, sales deed, Aadhar card, or passport of the proprietor, etc. In case you do not have an address proof in the name of the applicant firm, you can use an alternative NOC certificate by the owner of your firm premises, attaching it alongside the address proof.
*A copy of a valid Bank Account in the firm’s name, like a canceled cheque or bank certificate.
[Please Note: You must scan the documents and make a PDF of each before uploading them into the system. The files cannot be more than 5 MB.]
What to do if your Bank Name does not appear in the list provided on Bharatkosh, the payment gateway?
Your bank name may not appear in the list given on the payment gateway & in that case, you have to follow the given steps to make your payment.
*Click on ‘Category,’ where you can get options like – Net Banking/ Debit Card/ Credit Card/ UPI)
*Select the option of Net Banking and click on ‘Pay.’
*Enter your Bank Details asked for and proceed with your payment.
Where to check your payment transaction status?
You will likely receive a success notification or a failed one after completing the payment process. If you are still waiting to receive the notification, kindly wait for 30 minutes and go to the ‘Track Your Payment’ section on Bharatkosh Home Page.
If the status shows a failed payment, you have to make your transaction again, and if the money is already debited from your bank account, it will be directly refunded to your bank account within 3 to 5 working days.
What to do if you need help creating login credentials on DGFT Website using a numeric value like a phone number or PIN code?
If you cannot sign up to the DFGT website using numeric values, you must use the top row numeric keys instead of the number pad keys.
What to do if your system gets logged off immediately after making a successful payment?
If your system shuts down immediately after making a payment, you have to log in to your IEC profile once you start your system & thereby, check the payment status made against your application. When the payment status is successful, you must move on with the e-signing step using DSC. But when the same shows unsuccessful & your money is deducted from the bank account, please wait for a refund and reinstate the payment process.
What to do when your modified IEC details reflect on the IEC certificate but not elsewhere (like the certificate of origin/SIMS, etc.)?
According to the latest functioning, a successful modification in IEC can reflect in your MEIS, COO, SIMS, or other applications only after 12 to 24 hours from the time of successful modification in your IEC certificate.
What to do if you want to surrender your old numeric IEC and apply for a new one with the same PAN number?
Alas! You cannot apply again for an IEC using the same PAN number even when you drop or surrender your previous one. At that time, your IEC certification shall stand canceled.
However, you can always apply for modifications in the duplicate IEC after linking to the same profile.
How to appeal for IEC Revoke Suspension?
If you want to revoke your IEC suspension and wish to appeal for the same, link your IEC profile and issue an application online. You have to sign & submit the application and wait for its approval from the concerned RA office.
How to appeal for IEC Revoke Cancellation?
When you want to revoke your IEC cancellation and intend to appeal for it, you have to apply via your IEC profile online. Your application shall be forwarded to the concerned RA office for approval.
Hereafter, Please connect to them and request the initiation of your application approval!
Should you make another payment if the Payment Status show “Booked”?
Of course, not! In this context, your payment is partially successful, and now you must wait for approval from the ‘Checker.’
Yes! You get ‘Booked’ payment status when you opt for ‘Corporate Net Banking – Pay Mode’ where your transaction is yet to be authorized by the ‘Checker.’ In this case, you must request the ‘Checker,’ i.e., the concerned authority within your organization, to approve the transaction within seven days. While the transaction lay approved in the banking system, it shall reflect automatically within 24 hours on the DGFT website.
Why is the Denied Entity List Status not showing when applying for benefits schemes like MEIS or EPCG?
You must hold your patience for 24 hours as the DEL status requires the same to be reflected in other systems.
How to edit data when an IEC application is signed but not submitted?
Unfortunately, you cannot edit data on your IEC application once it is signed. In this case, you must delete the draft application and start applying again.
How to troubleshoot if you get the error – “Add one account as Primary”?
To avoid this error, you must select one of the bank details added as a Primary Account.
[Please see: Only your primary account details will get shared with CBIC.]
Can you delete the branch in your IEC Profile & How?
No! You cannot delete the IEC branch from your profile but only mark it as ‘Inactive’ when required.
What does the primary & secondary bank account stand for?
While the details of your primary bank account are forwarded to the CBIC, the secondary account lay kept & maintained in your IEC profile. You can change your primary bank account as & when required.
Why does your PFMS Validation show ‘Not Initiated’?
Your PFMS Validation show ‘Not Initiated’ when you have yet to apply for it. It means you have to apply PFMS Validation to get it validated.
How to add another Firm to your IEC user account?
If you have multiple forms as a proprietor, you can add them all as branches using the exact PAN details. You must add the firm name under the branch details in the ‘Address line 1’ column.
How can you check your PAN details as per the PAN Database?
The Process is simple! You have to check the details at CBDT by navigating via https://www.incometax.gov.in/
Here Is the List of a Few other Frequently Asked Questions on Importer Exporter Code
What are the necessary technicalities you need to undergo to file an IEC?
How can you file a new application for IEC?
Why do you require registration on the official DGFT Website?
How can you create a user account on DGFT Website?
What happens when your Bank Details get validated?
How to know if your payment is successful or not?
How to print your IEC Certificate?
How much time does it take to get a new IEC Certificate?
How much time does it take for a new IEC to get reflected on ICEGATE?
Why are you not able to proceed further with the IEC application?
What happens if the firm name and bank account name fail to match?
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