By Samarth EXIM Experts
DGFT Makes Annual IEC KYC Update Mandatory — Non-Compliant IECs to Be Deactivated
Key Takeaways
DGFT has issued a public notice making annual KYC update of Importer Exporter Code (IEC) mandatory. IECs where KYC is not updated by 31st May 2026 will be deactivated and cannot be used for Customs clearance.
IEC Annual KYC: Mandatory Compliance Before 31st May 2026
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 12/2026-DGFT directing all IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders to complete their mandatory annual KYC update on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) before 31st May 2026. IECs for which the annual update is not completed will be automatically deactivated and will not be usable for Customs clearance, DGFT scheme applications, or port entry.
What is the Annual IEC KYC Update?
The annual KYC update requires IEC holders to log in to the DGFT portal and confirm or update the following details:
- Legal name, PAN, and GST details of the entity
- Registered address and correspondence address
- Bank account details linked to the IEC
- Branch/factory/warehouse details (if previously declared)
- Authorised signatory details with valid mobile number and email
Consequences of Non-Compliance
A deactivated IEC means:
- Customs will not allow import or export clearance against a deactivated IEC
- DGFT will not accept any application (Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, etc.) under a deactivated IEC
- Banks may return shipping documents citing invalid IEC
- Reactivation requires completing the KYC update and may take 1-3 working days
Samarth EXIM assists all clients — whether on retainer or otherwise — with IEC KYC compliance and any associated IEC amendment, modification, or correction requirements. Contact us to ensure your IEC remains active and compliant.