Documents Required for IEC Registration in India 2026: DGFT Checklist

IEC documentation is simpler than many old checklists suggest, but mismatches between PAN, entity name, address and bank records can still delay or block the application.

Quick Document Checklist

1. Address Proof

DGFT’s IEC FAQs list acceptable address proof examples including:

• sale deed;
• rent agreement;
• lease deed;
• electricity bill;
• landline telephone bill;
• post-paid mobile bill;
• MoU;
• partnership deed.

For proprietorships, DGFT guidance has also recognised documents such as Aadhaar, passport and voter ID in the applicable context.

If the premises proof is not in the applicant firm’s name, DGFT guidance requires an NOC from the premises owner together with the owner’s address proof, uploaded as required.

2. Bank Account Proof

DGFT Handbook of Procedures requires either:

• cancelled cheque bearing the entity’s pre-printed name, or
• bank certificate in the prescribed format.

The current IEC module manual also explains electronic bank validation. The account holder name should match the firm/entity name, and DGFT may verify the bank account through the relevant validation system.

Avoid these bank-proof errors

• handwritten firm name on a personal cheque;
• cheque showing a different entity name;
• wrong IFSC/account number in the form;
• closed/inactive account;
• unreadable scan.

3. Entity / Establishment Proof

The exact requirement depends on the applicant type and what DGFT can verify electronically.

Possible applicant types include:

• proprietorship;
• partnership;
• LLP;
• private/public company;
• trust;
• society;
• HUF;
• other eligible entities.

DGFT’s FAQ recognises establishment/incorporation/registration proof in applicable cases.

Keep the governing document ready even when the portal fetches data automatically.

4. PAN and One-PAN-One-IEC Rule

FTP 2023 follows a one PAN–one IEC framework.

Only one IEC is issued against a PAN.

Before starting a fresh application, check whether an IEC already exists for that PAN/entity. Creating duplicate applications can lead to unnecessary cost and confusion.

5. Documents by Entity Type

Proprietorship

Usually prepare:

• proprietor/entity PAN details;
• proprietorship business address proof;
• NOC if premises is not owned/leased in the firm's name as required;
• cancelled cheque/bank certificate;
• authorised mobile/email.

Partnership Firm

Keep:

• firm PAN;
• partnership deed/registration details as applicable;
• business address proof;
• bank proof in firm name;
• authorised partner details.

LLP

Keep:

• LLP PAN;
• LLP incorporation/master details;
• registered/business address proof;
• bank proof;
• designated partner/authorised signatory information.

Company

Keep:

• company PAN;
• incorporation/master data;
• registered/business address proof as applicable;
• company bank proof;
• authorised director/signatory details.

6. IEC Is Auto-Generated, but Post-Verification Can Occur

The current Handbook of Procedures states that IEC is auto-generated after completion of the online submission process and that DGFT Regional Authorities may conduct post-verification.

So approval appearing quickly does not justify uploading inaccurate documents.

7. Annual IEC Update After Registration

After the IEC is issued, remember the annual requirement.

FTP 2023 says the IEC holder must update or confirm IEC details every year during April–June.

• Update within April–June: Nil fee
• Update after stipulated period: ₹200
• No update: IEC can be deactivated

8. Document Preparation Checklist

• ○ PAN/legal name checked
• ○ Existing IEC search done
• ○ Address proof is current and readable
• ○ Owner NOC attached if required
• ○ Bank account is active
• ○ Cancelled cheque contains the entity name or bank certificate is prepared
• ○ Entity/incorporation proof ready
• ○ Authorised signatory details match records
• ○ Mobile/email are accessible
• ○ All PDFs/scans are legible
• ○ Application summary reviewed before signing

Official Sources

1. DGFT — Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2 Official ↗
2. DGFT — IEC FAQs Official ↗
3. DGFT — IEC Module User Help File Official ↗
4. DGFT — Foreign Trade Policy 2023 Official ↗

Need IEC Document Review?

TaxQue can review your address, entity and bank documents before IEC filing.

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Information note: The live DGFT form controls the final attachment list for a particular applicant type. Follow the current portal prompts where they differ from older screenshots/manuals.