**Disclaimer:** This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always consult a qualified professional before making any decision.
In early April 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a circular mandating annual verification and update of Import-Export Code (IEC) records for all active exporters and importers. The compliance window closes on 30 June 2026. This marks a material shift in IEC housekeeping: historically, updates were reactive; they are now mandatory, with suspension risk for non-compliance. Businesses holding dormant or outdated IEC registrations face particular exposure.
Market signals
The April 2026 DGFT circular mandates that all IEC holders—whether active or dormant—must verify and update their records in the online Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (ITIP) by 30 June 2026. Failure to do so may result in automatic suspension of the code, preventing fresh shipments and customs clearances.
The mandatory update now includes verification of bank details, GST registration status, Udyam registration (for MSME units), and any changes in authorised signatory information. Businesses must confirm their operational status—active, dormant, or closed—within ITIP.
IEC codes suspended due to non-compliance cannot be used for fresh export or import declarations. Existing shipments in transit may face customs delays. Reactivation requires fresh application and approval, typically a 5–7 working day process.
The IEC update requirement falls under DGFT compliance and directly affects customs clearance eligibility under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015–2020 and successor instruments. Businesses must act before 30 June to avoid operational disruption. Suspension flags also appear in Reserve Bank of India (RBI) systems and may affect Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) compliance for cross-border remittances. Vinayakam Consultants assists exporters and importers in auditing current IEC records, identifying missing or outdated data, and submitting compliant updates through ITIP to prevent suspension and ensure uninterrupted customs clearance.
Your action checklist
- Log into ITIP using your IEC credentials and verify all registered details—company name, registered address, bank account, GST number, Udyam registration—are current and accurate as of June 2026.
- Confirm your operational status (active, dormant, or closed) and update any changes to authorised signatories or operational offices within the next 10 days.
- Cross-check your GST registration status and Udyam registration (if applicable) with ITIP records and ensure they match live data from GST Portal and Udyam Registry.
- If your IEC is dormant or inactive, decide whether to reactivate or formally close it in ITIP before the 30 June 2026 deadline to avoid automatic suspension and clearance delays.
Frequently asked questions
The DGFT has mandated that all IEC holders must verify and update their records by 30 June 2026 in the Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (ITIP). Failure to comply may result in automatic suspension.
Non-compliance risks automatic suspension of your IEC code, preventing fresh export-import declarations and customs clearances. Reactivation requires a fresh application and typically takes 5–7 working days.
You must verify bank details, GST registration status, Udyam registration (for MSMEs), authorised signatory information, and confirm your operational status (active, dormant, or closed) in ITIP.