IEC (Import Export Code) stuck at DGFT? File one RTI
Short version. Import Export Code (IEC) at DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Min of Commerce) is mandatory for any person/firm importing or exporting from India. SLA: 15 days under FTDR Act. If your IEC application/modification/duplicate/suspension is stuck, RTI to PIO of DGFT Regional Authority with ₹10 fee legally forces a written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
Real story
Suresh applied for IEC for his export firm in November. “Pending verification” for 8 weeks. Customs cleared shipment held up.
RTI to DGFT Mumbai RA. 18 days later RA replied: PAN-Aadhaar mismatch. Fixed; IEC issued in 4 days.
Statute
- Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act 1992 §7. - Foreign Trade Policy (latest 2023). - §6(1) + §7(1) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, DGFT Regional Authority, [City], [Address]
Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — IEC application / modification / suspension
Applicant/Firm : [Name + PAN]
IEC reference : [Application no.]
Issue : [registration / modification / duplicate / suspension]
Application date: DD-MM-YYYY
Please provide:
1. Current status + stage.
2. Reason for delay beyond FTDR Act 15-day SLA.
3. PAN-Aadhaar / GST validation status.
4. Name + designation of dealing AD/JD.
5. Document deficiency (if any).
Citizen. Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD enclosed.
[Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- PAN-Aadhaar mismatch. - Address proof rejected. - IEC suspension/cancellation — written reasons. - Modification of director/partner — Form ANF 2A. - Duplicate IEC after loss.
Case law
- CIC DGFT IEC (2018) — disclosure of pendency reports.
FAQs
IEC needed for individual freelancers?
Yes if foreign-currency export receipt > $10K.
EPCG / Advance Licence — separate procedure?
Yes — EPCG is an export-promotion scheme under DGFT.
Annual updation mandatory?
Yes from 2021.
Conclusion
IEC = mandatory for foreign trade. RTI fixes DGFT delays.
Sources
- FTDR Act 1992. - Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.