The Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is a key business identification number that is mandatory for exports or imports. No person shall make any import or export except under an IEC number granted by the DGFT.

On August 8, this year, the Directorate General Of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had directed all IEC holders to ensure that details in their IEC are updated electronically every year during the April-June period.

''All IECs which have not been updated after January 1, 2014 shall be deactivated with effect from December 6, 2021,'' according to DGFT's trade notice.

IEC that would be deactivated, would have the opportunity for automatic re-activation after December 6. For that, a trader would have to navigate to the DGFT website and update their relevant information.

According to an industry expert, de-activation of IECs helps in reducing the base load of the directorate and it helps in knowing the actual number of real exporters and importers in the country.