In the world of foreign trade, Import Export Business is known to be one of the most common and hot terms. This sector helps you by allowing your business to grow in a rapid manner. Moreover, this will also help in increasing global reach. The economic infrastructure of a country is also dependent on this business as it helps in increasing a country’s economy by increasing the GDP. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an indicator of a country’s overall economic health and export import business plays a vital role in contributing to it. To engage in this business, one needs to obtain an Export Import Code (EIC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). EIC is a 10-digit code issued by DGFT that authorizes businesses to import or export goods. This code is required for all shipments above Rs. 25,000 in value.

Some important criteria are there which are very much mandatory for the business of import and export. One of them is the IEC code which is the Import Export Code registration. It is known to be one of the most important requirements for a person or any other type of business that deals with the import and export business. The Director-General of Foreign Trade is responsible for issuing the Import-Export code for industries and commerce.

What do you mean by Import Export Code?

One of the best options for new people is the IEC or the Import Export Code. This is known to be one of the first steps of registration for the people who are engaged in the import and export of products and services. The Director-General of Foreign Trade issues the IEC code which is having a unique code of 10 digits. This is known to be one of the most necessary documents for the Import-Export business.

A person can easily grow up the level of their business with the help of this IEC code. A business entity can use the IEC code once it has been issued and it is known to be the Import Export License. There is no need for the importer and exporter to renew or fill the issue. The IEC code is required by the importer who imports goods to its country and also to the exporter who exports its good from their country to another country. IEC is also required by the bank when there is a need for sending money abroad.

Uses of Import Export Code

Import Export Product Codes are essential for the person who are in this business as mentioned earlier. Ships carrying cargo play a major role in transferring the cargo or goods from one place to other and helps in importing and exporting goods. In order to unlock the corridors of the International economic and trade market IEC plays a major role. There is various use of this code as this is required by both importers as well as exporters. It is very important for an importer to clear the shipment from customs and here comes the role of the Import Export Code for the importers. Now for the exporters when they are responsible for exporting their items to other countries this code is asked by the customs. The major uses for this IEC Code are as follows-

  • Expansion of business is known to be the first and foremost use for this Import and Export Code as this IEC plays a major role in assisting a businessman to take their services as well as product to the global market.
  • A company can easily avail of various benefits with the help of this Import Export Code from customs, DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade), and export promotion council depending on the registration of IEC.
  • Now for the exporters who get their payments by means of foreign currency and the transferring of money is taken place through the bank account of the exporter in a direct manner this IEC code is used.

There is also an Import Export HS code which is being followed by 200 countries all around the world. In order to execute the international trade agency the most systematic method that can be used is the IEC HS code. This code is having a unique code of 6 digits which is given for any particular item that is to be imported or exported.

Documents that are important for Import Export Code

Before knowing about the uses of the Import Export Code it is very much essential to know about the documents that are required for receiving the license for Import Export Code. They are as follows-

  • Pan Card copy for individual or Company.
  • Rent of agreement of the premises or electric bill copy.
  • Aadhaar card or Passport copy or Voter’s ID for an individual.
  • An envelope that is self-addressed for registered mail delivery of the certificate of Import Export Code.
  • Copies of cancel cheque of current bank account for firms, companies, or individuals.

There are also various benefits that can be avail by the use of this Import Export Code and they are the expansion of business, no requirement for renewal, no return filing, simple processing,  etc.

Conclusion

However, it is very essential to keep in mind that there are some places where the Import Export Code is not mandatory. According to the latest circular that has been issued by the Government, it is not mandatory for any traders who are having their registration under GST. So pan card of the user is used in this case as IEC code. This is also not essential for goods of personal purposes. The above points will surely help in guiding the Import Export Code and knowing about their uses as well as the things essential to receive this IEC.