A Complete Guide to IEC Modification Online

Updating your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) online is now easier and mandatory. Whether it is a change in business name, address, or contact details, the DGFT portal allows seamless online IEC modification. As per DGFT rules, IEC holders must confirm or update their details annually to avoid deactivation. Keeping your IEC updated ensures smooth international trade and compliance. This article will provide a complete guide to IEC modification online.

What is IEC Modification?

IEC modification means updating or correcting details in your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is required when any key business information changes, like your company name, PAN, address, email, mobile number, or ownership details. IEC holders must update their information online through the DGFT portal. As per DGFT guidelines, all IEC holders must confirm or update their details annually, even if no changes have occurred. Failure to do so may result in the deactivation of the IEC code. Keeping your IEC updated ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and enables smooth international trade operations.

When Should You Modify the IEC?

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) modification is needed whenever there is any change in your business details submitted during IEC registration. According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), you must update your IEC immediately in the following situations:

• Change in business name or legal entity
• Change in the address of the business
• Change in PAN or GST details
• Change in bank account used for export/import transactions
• Change in contact details (email or mobile number)
• Change in director, partner, or authorised person

Additionally, from July 2021, the DGFT mandates that all IEC holders must update or confirm their IEC details every year between April and June, even if there are no changes. Non-compliance may lead to IEC deactivation. Regular updates help maintain legal compliance and ensure smooth import-export operations.

Process of IEC Modification Online

Here is the process of how you can easily modify your IEC online through the DGFT portal:

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Portal

• Go to the official DGFT website.
• Click on “Login” at the top right if you are already registered.
• If not registered, select “Register” and create an account using your business PAN and email/mobile.

Step 2: Access the IEC Dashboard

• Once logged in, go to “My Dashboard”
• Click on “IEC Profile Management”
• Choose “Update IEC” to begin the modification process.

Step 3: Fill the IEC Modification Application Form

This is a crucial step. You need to carefully fill the IEC modification application form with updated details:

• Business name, address
• New contact details (email/phone)
• PAN and GST updates
• Bank account details (with IFSC and bank name)
• Change in directors, partners, or proprietors

Upload all required supporting documents (see below).

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Depending on what you are modifying, upload the following documents:

• PAN Card of the business entity
• Address Proof (Electricity Bill / Rent Agreement / Sale Deed / Lease Agreement / Property Tax Receipt / Landline Telephone Bill)
• Cancelled Cheque or Bank Certificate
• Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter
• Identity Proof of Authorised Signatory (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence)
• GST Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement / Certificate of Incorporation
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Step 5: Confirm and Submit the Application

• Carefully review the entire form and documents.
• Click on “Save and Next”
• Submit the form after reviewing all entries.

Step 6: Pay the Government Fees

• As of 2025, the government charges Rs. 200 for IEC modification.
• Pay the fee online using UPI, credit/debit card, or net banking.

Step 7: Acknowledge and Track Status

• After successful submission, you will receive an Acknowledgement Number.
• You can track the status of your application using this number from your DGFT dashboard.

Step 8: Download the Updated IEC Certificate

• Once approved, download the modified IEC certificate from the portal.

This document is important for customs clearance and banking during trade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the common mistakes to avoid during IEC modification online and how to avoid them:

• Not Filing Annual IEC Update

DGFT Notification No. 58/2015-2020 mandates that every IEC holder must update or confirm their IEC annually between April and June, even if no changes have occurred. Not doing this can result in IEC deactivation. Set a reminder every year to log into the DGFT portal and update/confirm your IEC.

• Incorrect PAN or Business Details

Submitting incorrect PAN numbers, business names, or entity types during modification leads to data mismatch. Your IEC is linked to your PAN, so any discrepancy can trigger rejection. Double-check your business PAN and legal entity name before updating details.

• Uploading Wrong or Unclear Documents

Many applicants upload expired or invalid address proofs, incorrect cancelled cheques, and blurred or illegible scans. This results in the automatic rejection of your IEC modification application. Upload clear, recent, and self-attested documents in PDF or JPEG format. Always check the DGFT’s document format and size guidelines.

• Forgetting to Use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

If you are a company, LLP, or partnership firm, using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory for signing the IEC modification form. Use a valid Class 2 or Class 3 DSC in the name of the authorised person or director.

• Incorrect Details in Bank Account Section

A common mistake is entering the wrong IFSC code, account number, or bank name while updating bank details. Cross-verify your bank details from the cheque leaf or bank certificate before entering them in the IEC modification application form.

• Mismatch in Authorised Signatory Details

If the name of the person signing the application does not match the DGFT records or board resolution, your application may be rejected. Ensure the authorised signatory’s name, PAN, and position match the company’s MCA/DGFT filings.

• Skipping Mandatory Fields in the IEC Application Form

Leaving mandatory fields blank or entering "NA" without justification can trigger errors or rejections. Fill out every section of the IEC modification application form carefully. Use “Not Applicable” only where allowed and relevant.

• Not Tracking Application Status

After submission, some businesses forget to track their application status or ignore emails from DGFT asking for corrections or additional documents. Regularly log into your DGFT dashboard and check notifications or application status.

• Incorrect Email or Mobile Number

Your email and mobile number are used for OTPs and communication from DGFT. An error here can prevent you from receiving important updates. Always keep your IEC-linked contact details updated and double-check before submission.

• Using Inactive Login Credentials

Some users try to modify IEC using old or inactive login credentials, which leads to session timeouts or access issues. Always log in using the correct credentials associated with your IEC and reset your password if needed.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the IEC modification can have the following consequences:

• Deactivation of IEC: If an IEC holder fails to update or confirm their details during the mandatory update window (April to June), the DGFT may automatically deactivate the IEC code. Once deactivated, the IEC becomes non-functional and cannot be used for customs clearance or international trade transactions. To reactivate, the IEC holder must log in, update their profile, and file a request through the DGFT portal.
• Delay in Shipments and Clearance: An inactive or outdated IEC can cause delays in customs clearance at ports. Import/export shipments may be held up, which leads to increased costs, warehousing fees, and business losses.
• Banking and Payment Issues: An IEC is required for receiving international payments or opening foreign currency accounts. Non-compliance may lead to issues in banking transactions, foreign remittances, or rejection of payments by international clients or banks.
• Legal Notices and Scrutiny: Businesses that fail to maintain correct IEC records may receive notices from DGFT or other authorities. Providing false information knowingly may also attract penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.
• Loss of Business Credibility: Exporters and importers who do not comply with the IEC update norms may lose credibility with customs, banks, shipping companies, and overseas buyers. Clients may hesitate to work with non-compliant businesses due to legal risks.

Keeping your IEC updated is not just a rule, but your gateway to hassle-free international trade. Timely IEC modification protects your business from penalties, delays, and deactivation. With the DGFT’s easy online system, staying compliant is now just a few clicks away. In this article, you have learned about the process of IEC modification online in detail. To get support and assistance in filing an IEC modification from professional experts, contact Online Legal India.