Curious about How Many Days it takes to Register for Import and Export?. Businesses planning to enter international trade often ask: How many days does it take to register for import and export?The process refers to applying for an Import Export Code (IEC) with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The IEC acts as the official license to trade across borders. The registration process is entirely online, and the timeline is fairly quick if documents are in order.
Normal Processing Time ⏰
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Application filing takes just a few hours when all documents are ready.
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Once submitted, the DGFT usually processes the application within 1–2 working days.
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After approval, the IEC certificate is issued digitally and sent to your registered email.
👉 In short, the entire registration usually takes 2–3 days from start to finish.
Factors Affecting Registration Timeline ⚖️
1. Document Readiness 📑
If PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and address proof are correctly prepared, the application moves faster. Missing or mismatched documents can delay processing.
2. Payment Confirmation 💳
The IEC fee is ₹500. Sometimes, delays in online payment confirmation may add an extra day.
3. Verification at DGFT 🏢
Although approvals are automated, DGFT may carry out additional checks in case of discrepancies. This could increase the timeline to 5–7 working days.
4. Technical Errors ⚙️
Issues with the DGFT portal or digital signature may also cause minor delays.
Expected Timelines Table 📊
| Stage | Time Taken |
|---|---|
| Preparing documents | 1 day |
| Filling IEC application | 2–3 hours |
| DGFT processing | 1–2 days |
| Certificate issuance | Immediate after approval |
| Total time | 2–3 working days (normal case) |
Conclusion 🏁
On average, registering for import and export through the DGFT portal takes 2–3 working days. However, in cases of document issues or system verification, the process can extend up to a week. Therefore, businesses should prepare all documents carefully to ensure a smooth and timely registration process.