Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) mean in logistics?

Short answer

A 10-character code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade that a business needs to import or export goods from India, subject to limited exemptions.

The IEC is now the same as the entity’s PAN and is issued online on the DGFT portal. It must be updated on the portal every year, or it can be deactivated. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
IEC
Category
EXIM & customs
Related terms
EXIM, Shipping bill, Bill of entry, ICEGATE

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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