The Import Export License fees in India range from ₹500 for self-applicants to nearly ₹6,000 when professional assistance is involved. The total cost depends on whether you apply directly through the official portal or engage a consultant for documentation, filing support, or product-specific licenses such as a Digital Signature Certificate.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) charges a one-time government fee of ₹500 for new IEC registration through the official portal at dgft.gov.in. This guide explains the complete fee structure, additional charges, and the latest Import Export license cost breakdown for 2026 to help you plan your trade budget.
Key Takeaways
- Pay a one-time government fee of ₹500 to obtain a new Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT.
- Complete the IEC application online through the DGFT portal using your PAN, bank details, and business information.
- Use Aadhaar OTP-based e-Sign for IEC registration and avoid the additional cost of a Digital Signature Certificate.
- Complete the mandatory annual IEC confirmation between April 1 and June 30 each year at no cost.
- Apply directly through the DGFT portal to keep your total IEC registration cost limited to the government fee.
- Seek professional assistance when you need support with documentation, compliance requirements, or product-specific approvals.
Official Government Fees for Import Export License in India
The DGFT manages IEC registrations and charges the following fees for all IEC-related services:
| DGFT Service | Official Government Fee |
| New IEC Registration | ₹500 |
| IEC Modification (change in details like address) | ₹200 |
| Duplicate IEC Certificate | ₹200 |
| Annual IEC Update (mandatory confirmation) | Free; no fee charged |
| IEC Surrender or Cancellation | Free; no fee charged |
| IEC Reactivation (after suspension) | Free; completed automatically upon annual update |
Total Import Export License Cost in India: What You Actually Pay
While the government fee is ₹500, the actual Import Export license cost in India varies based on additional charges and optional services beyond the basic registration. Here is the complete cost breakdown, including all optional expenses:
| Expense Component | Cost Range | Details |
| Government IEC fee (DGFT) | ₹500 | Mandatory one-time registration fee |
| Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 | DSC is not mandatory for the IEC application; you can use Aadhaar OTP e-Sign instead |
| Professional consultant or CA fee | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 | Optional: you can apply directly on the DGFT portal without professional help |
| Bank certificate charges | ₹100 to ₹500 (varies by bank) | Required only when your bank does not accept a digital bank statement as valid proof |
| GST registration (if needed separately) | Free on the GST portal | Mandatory for exporters; not part of IEC registration |
How to Pay the Import Export License Fee Online?
The Import Export License fee is paid entirely online through the DGFT portal using the Aayaat Niryaat Form (ANF-2A). The complete process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Create a DGFT Account
Visit the official DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in and register a new account using your PAN card and a valid mobile number. The portal sends an OTP to the registered mobile number for account verification.
Step 2: Fill the IEC Application Form
Log in and navigate to the IEC section. Also, fill out the application with the following details:
- Business name
- Business type
- PAN number
- Bank details
- Contact information of the proprietor, partner, or director
Sole proprietorships use the proprietor’s personal PAN, while companies and LLPs use the entity PAN.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload the following documents to complete your IEC application:
- PAN card of the business or proprietor.
- Address proof of the business premises.
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the business’s current account.
- Aadhaar card of the applicant for OTP-based digital signing.
Step 4: Pay the Fee and Submit
After filling the form and uploading documents, click the payment option and pay the ₹500 government fee using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. The DGFT portal generates an acknowledgment number immediately after payment.
Step 5: Download the IEC Certificate
The DGFT typically issues the IEC within 1 to 3 working days after successful verification. Once approved, you can download the IEC certificate directly from the DGFT portal.
The system links your IEC to your PAN, and it does not require annual renewal. However, you must complete a free annual confirmation on the portal to keep it active.
Annual IEC Update: Cost and Compliance Requirement
Every IEC holder must complete a mandatory annual IEC update on the DGFT portal between April 1 and June 30 each year, even if no changes have occurred in the business. This confirmation is completely free of charge.
If you fail to complete the annual update, the DGFT temporarily deactivates your IEC. You can reactivate the IEC at any time by completing the pending annual update on the DGFT portal, free of cost. The system reactivates your IEC automatically once you submit the update successfully.
Additional Import Export License Charges for Specific Product Categories
Certain product categories require additional licenses beyond the IEC, each carrying its own fee structure. The following licenses apply to specific trade categories:
| License / Registration | Applicable Products | Approximate Cost |
| FSSAI Registration | Food products, spices, and agricultural exports | ₹100 to ₹7,500 depending on category |
| BIS Certification | Electronics, consumer goods, machinery | ₹10,000 to ₹50,000+ depending on product |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Plant-based products, seeds, and flowers | ₹200 to ₹500 per shipment from the Plant Quarantine authorities (Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Ministry of Agriculture) |
| SCOMET License (DGFT) | Dual-use goods, chemicals, and defense items | ₹1,000 application fee; case-specific approval process |
| Drug Import License (CDSCO) | Pharmaceutical products, medical devices | Varies; application filed with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation |
| RCMC (Export Promotion Council) | For export incentives under FTP 2023 | ₹3,000 to ₹7,500 per year, depending on the council |
Disclaimer: These additional licenses are separate from the IEC and are not part of the standard Import Export License fees in India. They apply only when the specific product category or trade activity triggers the regulatory requirement.
Common Myths and Facts About Import Export License Fees in India
Many entrepreneurs delay registering for IEC due to incorrect information about the fees involved. Here are the most common myths and the actual facts behind them:
Myth 1: IEC costs thousands of rupees.
Fact: The DGFT charges only ₹500 as the official government fee for new IEC registration. No additional government fee applies during the application process.
Myth 2: IEC requires annual renewal with a fee.
Fact: The IEC does not require any paid renewal. Holders only need to complete a free annual confirmation on the DGFT portal between April 1 and June 30 every year.
Myth 3: A Class 3 DSC is required for IEC registration.
Fact: A DSC is optional for IEC registration. You can also use Aadhaar OTP-based e-Sign to digitally sign your application on the DGFT portal.
Myth 4: IEC is mandatory only for large businesses.
Fact: Every business or individual involved in import or export activities needs an IEC, regardless of company size, annual turnover, or trade volume.
Myth 5: A consultant or Chartered Accountant is compulsory for IEC registration.
Fact: Any individual with a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and a current bank account can apply for the IEC directly through the DGFT portal without professional help. However, expert assistance helps you avoid documentation errors and secure faster approval.
If you want complete support for IEC registration, documentation, or compliance handling, RegisterKaro can assist you with the entire process. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring you pay only what is required for your application.
Contact us today to receive professional guidance for your Import Export Code registration and begin your international trade operations!
