How to Check IEC Code Application Status Online on DGFT Portal

Key Takeaways

• You can check your IEC application status through the DGFT portal by logging in to your account and opening the IEC section.
• You can also perform an IEC status check using the applicant’s PAN through the Know Your IEC service without logging in.
• DGFT generally issues a complete IEC application within 1 to 3 working days, provided no query or document issue arises.
• An Active IEC allows you to begin import and export activities and complete customs clearance procedures.
• Every IEC holder must complete the mandatory annual update on the DGFT portal between April 1 and June 30 each year.
• Failure to complete the annual update may deactivate the IEC and prevent import or export customs clearance.

What is an IEC and Why Does Checking its Status Matter?

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It is generally mandatory for any person or business entity involved in importing or exporting goods. Customs authorities require a valid, active IEC linked to the importer’s or exporter’s PAN for shipment clearance, except for specific exemptions notified under the Foreign Trade Policy. 

Checking the IEC status after application ensures that the DGFT has successfully processed the application. An IEC that remains in pending or query status cannot be used for customs clearance, and delays in resolving the issue hold up the first shipment.

How to Check IEC Status on the DGFT Portal: Step by Step

The DGFT provides two direct methods to check the IEC application status online. The primary method uses the applicant’s registered DGFT account. The secondary method allows a PAN-based IEC status check without logging in. 

Method 1: Check IEC Status Through Your DGFT Account (Registered Users)

This is the primary method for checking DGFT IEC code application status and is available only to applicants who have submitted their IEC application through a registered DGFT account. The steps are as follows: 

• Step 1: Open a web browser and visit the official DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in.
• Step 2: Click “Login” on the DGFT homepage and enter your registered email address and password.
• Step 3: After logging in, open the Services menu and select IEC Profile Management. Then, click View IEC Profile to access your IEC details.
• Step 4: You can view your current IEC code status and related application details on this page. The status may show as:
  • Active
  • Pending
  • Under Query
  • or Rejected
• Step 5: If DGFT has issued your IEC certificate, you can download it from the IEC Profile Management section. The certificate includes the IEC number, entity name, PAN, and date of issuance.

Method 2: Check IEC Status by PAN (Without Login)

The DGFT portal also allows applicants to check IEC status using the applicant’s PAN without logging in. This method allows anyone to check the IEC code status online:

• Step 1: Go to dgft.gov.in and navigate to ‘Services’ from the top menu.
• Step 2: Select ‘IEC Profile Management’ or ‘Know Your IEC’ from the services list.
• Step 3: Enter the PAN of the business entity or individual applicant in the search field.
• Step 4: The portal returns the IEC number, the entity name registered against that PAN, and the current IEC certificate status, including whether it is Active, Deactivated, or Surrendered.

Additional Method: Check IEC Application Status by Email or Acknowledgment Number

After submitting an IEC application on the DGFT portal, the system sends an acknowledgment to the registered email address. The acknowledgment email contains a reference number. If the applicant cannot access their DGFT account, they can contact the DGFT regional authority or the DGFT helpdesk with the acknowledgment number to check the status.

IEC Status Types and What it Means

The DGFT portal displays one of the following status labels when an IEC code check is performed:

IEC Status	Meaning	Action Required
Active	IEC has been issued and is currently valid. The IEC can be used for import and export clearance immediately.	Complete the mandatory annual IEC update between April 1 and June 30 each year at no cost.
Pending	The IEC application has been submitted and is under processing by the DGFT. This is the normal status during the review period.	Wait for DGFT processing; check again after 24 to 48 working hours.
Under Query	The DGFT has placed the application on hold and requires additional documents or clarification before approving the IEC.	Log in to the DGFT portal, view the query raised, and respond with the requested documents within the deadline.
Rejected	The DGFT rejected the application due to incorrect information, an ineligible applicant, or repeated failure to respond to queries.	Review the rejection reason, correct the issues, and file a fresh IEC application with the corrected documents.
Deactivated	The IEC holder did not complete the mandatory annual update between April 1 and June 30 of any financial year.	Log in to the DGFT portal and complete the pending annual update to reactivate the IEC.
Surrendered	The IEC holder voluntarily surrendered the code after permanently ceasing import and export activities.	Not applicable; a new IEC application must be filed if trade activities resume.

What Happens After the IEC is Issued?

Once the DGFT approves the IEC application, the applicant receives the IEC certificate at the registered email address. The applicant can also download the certificate from the DGFT portal.  

The IEC certificate includes the following key information:

• The 10-digit Import Export Code number that identifies the entity in customs filings.
• The legal name and address of the entity registered with DGFT.
• The PAN of the entity linked to the IEC.
• The date of IEC issuance by DGFT.

After receiving the IEC, the holder must complete the required export-related steps before starting shipments. These include registering the Authorized Dealer (AD) Code with the bank and completing ICEGATE registration. The holder may also obtain a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) to claim export incentives, where applicable, and file the first shipping bill.

The AD Code registration links the entity’s bank account with the customs system to process export proceeds.

IEC Annual Update: Mandatory Compliance After Issuance

Every IEC holder must complete a mandatory annual update on the DGFT portal between April 1 and June 30 each year, even if no changes have occurred. This update is free of charge. Failure to complete the annual update may deactivate the IEC after June 30.

Non-compliance can place the IEC on the Denied Entity List and may transmit the deactivation status to ICEGATE and Customs systems. A deactivated IEC can prevent import and export clearance, delay shipments, and restrict access to trade-related activities until the holder completes the required update and restores the IEC status.

Common Issues When Checking IEC Status and How to Resolve Them

Applicants may face certain issues while checking the IEC application status on the DGFT portal. The following points explain common problems and the appropriate steps to resolve them:

1. IEC Status Shows “Under Query”

An “Under Query” status indicates that the DGFT requires additional information before approving the IEC application.

Common reasons include:

• Address mismatch between the application and supporting documents
• Incorrect or mismatched bank account details
• Invalid supporting documents
• Missing required documents

The applicant should log in to the DGFT account, review the query, and upload the requested documents within the specified deadline. Failure to respond within the deadline may result in rejection of the application.

2. IEC Status Remains Pending

The DGFT generally processes IEC applications within 1 to 3 working days.

If the application continues to show “Pending” after three working days, the applicant should:

• Check the registered email address for DGFT communication.
• Review the spam or junk folder.
• Contact the DGFT helpdesk with the acknowledgment number and PAN.

3. PAN Search Shows No Result

A PAN-based IEC status search may show no result for several reasons, including:

• Incorrect PAN entered during the search
• IEC has not yet been issued
• No active IEC exists against the PAN

The applicant should verify the PAN carefully and search again. If the issue continues, the applicant should log in to the DGFT account and check the IEC application status directly.

Need assistance with IEC registration or IEC status verification? RegisterKaro can help you check your IEC application status, respond to DGFT queries, correct application details, complete annual IEC updates, and maintain import-export compliance. Contact our experts for timely and accurate IEC-related support!

---