IEC cannot be transferred. It must be surrendered and a fresh IEC obtained for Partnership/LLP.

whether and how an IEC code can be transferred from a Proprietorship to a Partnership or LLP. This is a super common confusion in export–import setups.

Short answer (important 🚨)

❌ IEC code cannot be transferred from a Proprietorship to a Partnership or LLP.

Why transfer is NOT allowed

  • An IEC (Import Export Code) is issued entity-wise, not business-name-wise.

  • A proprietor and a partnership/LLP are legally different persons.

  • So when the constitution changes, the old IEC becomes invalid for the new entity.

What you MUST do instead ✅

1️⃣ Surrender / deactivate the Proprietorship IEC

  • Log in to DGFT portal

  • Update status → “Closure of Proprietorship / Change in Constitution”

  • Clear any pending obligations (if any)

2️⃣ Apply for a NEW IEC

Apply fresh IEC in the name of:

  • Partnership Firm (PAN of firm), or

  • LLP (PAN of LLP)

Documents generally required:

  • PAN of firm / LLP

  • Partnership Deed or LLP Agreement

  • Address proof

  • Bank certificate / cancelled cheque

  • Digital Signature of partner / designated partner

Can the same business name be used?

✅ Yes, the trade name can remain the same
❌ But the IEC number will be new

What about old exports / imports?

  • Past transactions stay linked to the old proprietorship IEC

  • New exports/imports must be done only after new IEC is issued

Special note (very important ⚠️)

If you continue using the old proprietorship IEC after converting to partnership/LLP:

  • DGFT may suspend IEC

  • You may face penalties or compliance issues

In one line

👉 IEC cannot be transferred. It must be surrendered and a fresh IEC obtained for Partnership/LLP.


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