What is import export code?

IEC stands for the Import Export Code, is a unique 10 digit number issued by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to any person or company for carrying on Import and Export business in India.

You don't need to be a registered entity to apply for one you can apply even as an individual. The IEC does not apply to technology and services. However, it does in certain cases in which international trade is restricted, such as nuclear weapons and automatic guns. The IEC is a 10-digit code with permanent validity issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.