DGFT Merges ANF-1A with Revised ANF-2A: Eases IEC Compliance through Electronic Verification of Applicant Details [Read Notice]

The DirectorateGeneral of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a new Public Notice, announcing key amendments to Paragraph 2.08 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, bringing about structural reforms to the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) application process.

The DGFT has merged all details previously required to be filed in Application Form ANF-1A into the revised ANF-2A, thereby deleting ANF-1A altogether.

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As per the notice, Para 2.08(c) of the HBP has been revised to enable electronic validation of information submitted in IEC applications through integration with databases maintained by relevant Ministries, Departments, Organisations and Banks. This allows the system to automatically verify applicant data, including PAN, GSTIN and bank account details, thereby reducing the need for manual document submission and verification.

Applicants must continue to upload essential scanned documents as determined by the DGFT unless they have been specifically exempted by the system during the online application process.

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The revised framework also amends Para 2.08(d), stipulating that post-verification of online IECs will now be conducted as per guidelines periodically issued by DGFT Headquarters. This replaces the earlier practice where Regional Authorities (RAs) independently undertook verification based on existing guidelines.

DGFT has also clarified that Para 2.08(c)(i) and 2.08(c)(ii) of the HBP 2023 remain unchanged.

The latest update by the Directorate is designed to enhance system-driven accuracy, ensure consistency across trade databases and reduce duplication in the IEC issuance and modification process.

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This digital restructuring process is poised to simplify IEC compliance while making it much faster and transparent, in line with the DGFT’s ongoing efforts to digitize trade documentation and to enhance cohesion between government systems.

A newly designed ANF-2A that integrates all IEC-related procedural requirements into a single, paperless, electronic format has been annexed to the public notice.

The changes shall be effective immediately.

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