IEC Registration for Korean-Owned Businesses Importing to India

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code from the DGFT that every importer in India must hold. For a Korean brand, your Indian entity (subsidiary or importer) needs an IEC before any consignment can clear customs.

Who Needs It?

Your Indian importing entity — whether a wholly owned subsidiary or an appointed distributor. The IEC is linked to that entity's PAN.

Documents Required

• PAN of the Indian entity.
• Incorporation/constitution documents.
• Address proof of the business.
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate.
• Aadhaar / ID of the authorised signatory.

The DGFT Process

• Step 1: Register the entity on the DGFT portal.
• Step 2: Complete the IEC application with business and bank details.
• Step 3: Pay the fee and submit via DSC or Aadhaar e-sign.
• Step 4: The IEC is issued electronically, usually within 1–2 working days.

Mandatory Annual Update

Every IEC must be updated and confirmed between April and June each year, even if nothing changed. A non-updated IEC is deactivated and blocks customs clearance.

Statura obtains the IEC and handles annual updates as part of Korea Desk import support.