E-commerce has revolutionised Indian retail, allowing even the smallest merchants to reach buyers worldwide. Platforms such as Amazon Global Selling, Flipkart Export Hub and Shopify Markets enable cross-border fulfilment in just a few clicks. But before a single parcel can leave India, every exporter—no matter how small—must obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
This guide explains why IEC is mandatory for marketplace sellers, how it fits into Amazon, Flipkart and Shopify onboarding, and how OurTaxPartner.com can secure your code quickly and keep you fully compliant.
1. What Is an IEC and Why Do Online Sellers Need It?
An IEC is a 10-digit business identification number issued by DGFT. It is required for:
- Customs clearance – generating shipping bills and export documentation.
- Bank remittances – receiving USD/EUR/GBP payouts from Amazon Pay, Flipkart or Shopify Payments.
- Marketplace activation – Amazon, Flipkart and Shopify will not enable cross-border listings until your IEC is verified.
- Export incentives – claiming IGST refunds and RoDTEP duty credits.
2. IEC Requirements on Major Marketplaces
Amazon Global Selling
During Seller Central registration you must upload a PDF of your IEC certificate and enter the 10-digit code in the Tax Information tab. Amazon verifies the code against DGFT databases before permitting FBA export listings.
Flipkart Export Hub
Flipkart’s export wing requests IEC along with GSTIN and PAN. Non-submission keeps the “Global Listings” toggle locked, restricting you to domestic buyers only.
Shopify / DTC Websites
Shopify’s Markets tool allows INR-to-foreign-currency checkout, but Indian payment gateways and banks will hold payouts unless IEC is on file for FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) generation.
3. Step-by-Step IEC Registration (100 % Online)
- Create a user account on DGFT.gov.in with your PAN.
- Complete form ANF-2A—enter business, bank and director details.
- Upload PDF copies of PAN, Aadhaar/passport, address proof, and a cancelled cheque.
- Pay the government fee (₹500) via UPI / net banking.
- e-Sign using Aadhaar OTP or a Class-2/3 DSC.
- Download the digitally-signed IEC certificate within 24-72 hours.
Short on time? OurTaxPartner.com handles the entire process—document prep, portal filing, e-sign and follow-up—often delivering your IEC the same day.
4. Linking IEC with PAN, GST and Banks
After approval you must:
- Confirm annual IEC “reactivation” on DGFT (mandatory even if unchanged).
- Map IEC to your GSTIN and PAN in the DGFT profile to avoid customs mismatches.
- Submit the IEC to your payout bank for smooth foreign-currency credit and FIRC issuance.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- PAN/GST spelling differences causing IEC rejection.
- Using a residential address no longer matching GST records.
- Skipping annual IEC confirmation—DGFT auto-deactivates dormant codes.
- Not updating IEC when converting from proprietorship to Pvt Ltd or LLP.
6. How OurTaxPartner.com Supports Kerala’s Online Sellers
From Kochi spice exporters to Kozhikode apparel boutiques, our services include:
- Fast IEC registration (1-3 working days).
- PAN-GST-IEC linkage and annual validations.
- Marketplace compliance: Amazon, Flipkart, Etsy, eBay, Shopify.
- Export incentive filing (RoDTEP, IGST refund).
- Post-approval modifications and DSC renewals.
Conclusion
The IEC is the single most important licence for Indian e-commerce merchants expanding beyond domestic borders. Without it, Amazon, Flipkart and Shopify will block international shipping, banks will halt foreign payouts, and customs will refuse export clearance.
Don’t let paperwork limit your global growth. Obtain or update your IEC today with expert support from OurTaxPartner.com and unlock worldwide sales opportunities with complete compliance.
