---
title: "What does IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) mean in | SSL"
description: "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"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-iec-importer-exporter-code-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-iec-importer-exporter-code-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-11-11
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · 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](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

[Ask on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/917506245557?text=Hi%20SSL%2C%20What%20does%20IEC%20(Importer-Exporter%20Code)%20mean%20in%20logistics%3F) [Get a quote](https://safeandsecure.in/ship/quote/)

We publish no freight rates. Our desk confirms your price within minutes.

## 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](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#iec)

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

## Related questions

- [What does DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-ddp-delivered-duty-paid-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does EXIM mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-exim-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Shipping bill mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-shipping-bill-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-free-trade-and-warehousing-zone-ftwz-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Integrated check post (ICP) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-integrated-check-post-icp-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Land port mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-land-port-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#iec)
- [IEC (Importer-Exporter Code): related page](https://safeandsecure.in/guides/exporting-from-india-step-by-step/)

Need this for your own load?

Send the details to our desk. It confirms your price within minutes.

[Ask on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/917506245557?text=Hi%20SSL%2C%20What%20does%20IEC%20(Importer-Exporter%20Code)%20mean%20in%20logistics%3F) [Get a quote](https://safeandsecure.in/ship/quote/)

---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-iec-importer-exporter-code-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-11-11). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/