IEC Code Renewal Process 2026: Links & Deadlines Explained

21 April 2026

Let’s say you have a dream to sell handicrafts from India to London. Now the aim is clear, but it needs some legal requirements to fulfill. You need a special digital passport for your goods, which is called an IEC Code (Import Export Code).

Unlike the real passport of a person, you cannot just get it once and forget about it. It needs frequent updates. Even if nothing has changed in your business, the government always wants to hear from you every year to confirm whether your business is still up and running. 

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to discover how to renew or update your IEC code to keep your international business actively running smoothly:

What Exactly is IEC Renewal?

Actually, the government doesn’t consider it renewal; it calls this process an “annual updating."

Even if your address, phone number, and email are exactly the same as last year, you still have to click the update button. If you don't, your IEC will be "deactivated," and your goods will get stuck at the airport or shipyard.

It’s an annual practice for every entrepreneur in India who has an IEC to log into the government portal and confirm their corporate details between April and June. Even if you have nothing changed in your corporate address, phone number, and email ID, an update is still expected. If, due to any reasons, you fail to do so, your IEC will be deactivated. It will end up freezing your commercial activities. Your luggage will get stuck at the airport or shipyard.  

The "Must-Have" List Before You Start

Get ready with these papers and details to renew your IEC:

1. Your User ID and Password: These two are necessary to log in to your account on the official DGFT portal.
2. Aadhar Card or DSC: This is necessary to unlock your "digitally signed" form. Most people use their Aadhar-linked mobile number for an OTP (One-Time Password) to get its access.
3. Updated Docs & Details: For revising records like your office address, bank account, or email ID, simply prepare their scanned copies.

Step-by-Step Guide Explaining How to Update Your IEC

These steps will take you to updating your IEC simply faster:

Step 1: Visit the Official DGFT Site

It all starts with accessing the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website. Never click any random website that tempts you to do it as a paid service.  And to make it hassle-free, hire a certified chartered accountant or consultants with hands-on experience.

Step 2: Log In

Move the cursor to the top right where the login option is visible. Click and enter user name and password. For those who have never registered before, they will need to click "Register" first. Thereafter, ensure linking the existing IEC with their new account using your PAN card details.

Step 3: Click on "Update/Modify IEC"

Visit the dashboard and look for the service called "Importers Exporters Code" and then move to select "Update/Modify IEC."

Step 4: Check Your Information

The previous action will pop up a form that needs you to fill in business details. Look at these details meticulously and update if required:

• Is the company name correct?
• Is the address still where you work?
• Are the partner/director details updated?
• Is your bank account information current?

If everything is properly aligned and doesn’t need any change, simply move to the next step. On the flip side, update the details if any of them require it. Input the latest record and upload its proof, like a cancelled check of your new bank account or a rent agreement.

Step 5: The "Confirmation" Click 

In the case of no changes in the previous records, you still must press the “data confirmation" button. With this click, you convey a clear message that you are still on with your import and export business. 

Step 6: Digitally Sign and Submit

After confirmation, move forward to click the "Submit & Preview” button. Beforehand, don’t forget to check out the summary and signing. It is verified via an OTP, which will be sent to your phone number that has been linked to your Aadhar. Just input and verify. And that’s all! 

Important Dates to Take into Account

Why Is the Government Making Us Do This?

For those who think, why is the government doing it? It's all about maintaining data accuracy and avoiding offbeat data and its consequences. 

The government leverages this data for automated data processing. It wants to update the numbers of active businesses indulged in exporting from India. By making everyone update it once a year, it wipes out "ghost" businesses that are no longer existing or working anymore. This is how the government maintains automated data processing to keep our economy healthy and trade records super organized.

What Happens if You Forget?

Certainly, missing the June 30th deadline means your IEC will be deactivated. Its consequences will block your shipping anywhere out of India. Also, 

• You won't be able to ship in and out anywhere.
• You’ll have to go through a "re-activation" process, which is way more annoying than just spending 5 minutes updating it in April!

Conclusion 

IEC is a unique code required for import and export businesses. It enables them to ship products worldwide. This code is necessary to be updated every year on the DGFT website. All IEC holders must remember to do it by June 30. This service is indeed free as long as you do it on time. If it fails, you have to re-activate it, which requires a cost.