The Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is the unique 10-digit identifier issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to every entity engaged in import or export of goods or services from India. Since 2021, IEC is identical to the entity's PAN, but it must still be activated and updated annually on the DGFT portal. Customs, banks (for outward remittances under FEMA), and trading partners verify a counter-party's IEC to confirm the authority to trade. The portal also exposes Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, Status Holder Certificate (SHC), and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) preferential exporter eligibility for cross-border buyers.