What if an Indian exporters or importers has an IEC (Importer-Exporter code), can he/she export/import from all ports in India?

If one has an IEC (Importer-exporter code), will he/she be able to import from all ports in India?

An IEC (Importer exporter code) is a code that has to be obtained by either an Indian exporters or importers to perform business functions in India. An exporter or importer in India with an IEC (Importer exporter code) can export or import according to the terms and conditions that fall under the IEC (importer exporter code). These terms are attached to the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India.

One can utilise all the ports situated in the In

dian subcontinent. However, if one changes to a new port, respective ports have to be mentioned as “branch” in the IEC (importer exporter code). During documentation formalities, one has to mention the branches of the firm if any and also mention the ports that are going to be utilized to perform business operations. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) accordingly updates the Indian exporters/importers IEC (importer exporter code) by mentioning the “branch code”.  When an exporter or a seller begins operations with a new port for which the branch code has already been included, an AD (Authorized Dealer) code registration is required to complete the process with the Customs Department.  An AD or an authorized dealer code is a letter that is received from the bank in which the business account is present. This letter mentions the banks authorized dealer code (AD) which is provided to each and every bank in the Indian subcontinent.

If the branch code is mentioned in the IEC (importer exporter code) and in turn with the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), one can easily export or import through the said port. If by any chance, the bank code is not mentioned in the IEC (importer exporter code), one can even update it on a later date.