For most businesses the only government licence needed to import or export is an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), which costs ₹500 once. Restricted goods, SCOMET items and some regulated products need separate permissions with their own fees. This guide sets out…
The "import export licence" (or export license, as it is often searched) that most people need is an IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) from DGFT. It costs ₹500, paid once online, and has no expiry. Most goods can be imported or exported with just an IEC and the usual customs paperwork.
A separate, product-specific licence is needed only when the goods are restricted, are SCOMET (dual-use) items, or are controlled by another regulator.
| What | When you need it | Government fee |
|---|---|---|
IEC | Any business import or export (a few exemptions apply) | ₹500, one-time |
Annual IEC update | Every year, 1 April to 30 June, even if nothing changed | Nil |
Import licence for a restricted item | Goods marked "restricted" in the ITC(HS) import policy | Value-linked, under DGFT Appendix 2K, within a minimum and maximum |
Export authorisation for restricted / SCOMET items | Goods restricted for export, or dual-use items | ₹1,000 per application under Appendix 2K |
Fees are paid online on the DGFT portal. Check the current Appendix 2K before applying for a restricted-item licence, as the value-linked fee depends on the shipment.
Every IEC must be updated or confirmed on the DGFT portal between 1 April and 30 June each year, even if nothing has changed. Miss the window and the IEC is deactivated, which blocks customs clearance until you update it.
TaxQue's IEC registration service gets your code issued and reminds you of the annual update.
This article is published by TaxQue (ARB FinTech LLP) for general informational, educational, and business guidance purposes only. Tax laws, GST rules, MCA circulars, and judicial precedents are subject to frequent statutory revisions. This content does not constitute formal individualized tax, accounting, or legal counsel.
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See the current DGFT documents required for IEC registration in 2026, including address proof, cancelled cheque/bank certificate and entity details.
The official DGFT fee for a new IEC is ₹500. See 2026 annual IEC update fees, late update charges, documents and optional professional costs.
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