Introduction
India’s rural economy is often perceived through the lens of agriculture and traditional cottage industries. While these sectors are vital, a massive untapped opportunity lies in transforming rural India into a global trade powerhouse. The Import Export Code (IEC) registration, a foundational requirement for businesses engaged in international trade, is increasingly emerging as a game-changer for rural entrepreneurs.
This article explores how IEC registration can empower rural India, unleash entrepreneurial potential, and connect small towns and villages to the global marketplace. We’ll examine the role IEC plays in enabling rural ventures, overcoming barriers, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through export-oriented growth.
Understanding IEC Registration
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit code issued by xportlicence.com. It is a mandatory license for individuals or businesses to import or export goods and services from India.
Why IEC is Important
- It acts as the primary identity for international trade.
- Required for customs clearance and shipping documentation.
- Necessary for availing export incentives from DGFT and other government bodies.
- Helps businesses gain credibility in global markets.
Why Focus on Rural Entrepreneurs?
India’s villages are filled with skilled artisans, farmers, craftsmen, and small-scale manufacturers who often operate outside the formal business ecosystem. Their products—ranging from handlooms to organic foods and handicrafts—have immense export potential but rarely make it to global markets.
With digital access improving and government schemes supporting micro-entrepreneurs, IEC registration can be the gateway for rural India to participate in global trade.
How IEC Registration Enables Rural Export Growth
Let’s look at the specific ways IEC registration helps rural entrepreneurs expand their businesses beyond domestic boundaries:
Formalizing Informal Enterprises
Many rural ventures operate informally, without licenses or registration. Getting an IEC requires basic documents such as a PAN card, address proof, and a bank account—simple enough for most small rural enterprises.
This process helps formalize their business, making them eligible for:
- Export orders
- Bank credit and subsidies
- Government training and support programs
It serves as their first step toward a structured business model.
Access to Government Schemes and Export Incentives
The Indian government offers multiple export promotion schemes, such as:
- MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme) [replaced by RoDTEP]
- RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products)
- PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme)
To access any of these, the applicant must have an IEC code. It also enables rural businesses to register with Export Promotion Councils and benefit from mentorship, buyer-seller meets, and foreign trade shows.
Participation in E-Commerce Export Platforms
Global platforms like Amazon Global Selling, Etsy, and eBay are opening doors for village-based entrepreneurs. From Madhubani art in Bihar to block prints from Rajasthan, rural products are finding international buyers.
All these platforms require IEC registration for onboarding Indian sellers. IEC also allows entrepreneurs to register on DGFT-supported e-commerce export portals such as:
- IndiaMart
- TradeIndia
- GeM (Government e-Marketplace)
Boosting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Many Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas are producing value-added products—organic honey, spices, millets, pickles, etc. With IEC registration, these groups can:
- Export directly to international buyers
- Eliminate middlemen, increasing their margins
- Build a rural export brand
In fact, several government-backed programs are now training FPOs to become export-ready, starting with IEC registration.
Tapping Global Demand for Indian Heritage Products
The global market has a growing appetite for:
- Natural and organic products
- Handcrafted textiles
- Ayurvedic wellness items
- Tribal art and eco-friendly decor
Most of these are rooted in rural India. With IEC registration, small village units can create global brands. For example:
- A bamboo craftsman in Assam can export to Europe.
- A handloom weaver in Tamil Nadu can send sarees to the US.
- A tribal jewelry maker in Jharkhand can sell to fashion buyers in Dubai.
Local Job Creation and Women’s Empowerment
Once a rural unit begins exporting, it requires labor for production, packaging, labeling, and logistics. This leads to local job creation. Many IEC-registered businesses in rural India are:
- Employing women for home-based work
- Training youth in digital and export documentation
- Building local supply chains that empower entire communities
In places like Odisha, Gujarat, and Nagaland, women-run SHGs are exporting their crafts directly through IEC-registered micro-businesses.
Encouraging Reverse Migration
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers returned to their villages. IEC registration gives these returnees a way to start export-based businesses locally, such as:
- Food processing units
- Rural packaging startups
- Cold storage and logistics centers
This helps curb urban overcrowding and brings growth back to the villages.
Government and Private Support for Rural IEC Adoption
To promote IEC registration in rural India, several initiatives are in place:
District as Export Hub Initiative
Each district is being developed as a potential export hub for specific products, and local exporters are being trained and guided through IEC processes.
Common Service Centres (CSCs)
CSCs are helping villagers apply for IEC codes by providing internet, document scanning, and payment gateways.
Capacity Building by Export Promotion Councils
Councils like EPCH (Handicrafts) and APEDA (Agri-products) are holding awareness programs in rural areas.
Private NGOs and Startups
Startups like Xportlicence.com and NGOs are helping rural units apply for IEC, create export plans, and connect with buyers.
How to Apply for IEC in Rural India
The IEC registration process is simple and completely online through Xportlicence.com.
Documents Required:
- PAN Card (individual or entity)
- Address proof (utility bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number and email
IEC Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Visit the IEC Registration Portal: Go to the official website where you can apply for your IEC (Import Export Code). This is the place where businesses can start their import-export journey.
Fill the Online Form: Carefully enter your business details in the form. This includes your business name, type, PAN number, and other basic information.
Submit the Application: Once you’ve filled in all the details correctly, submit the form on the website. Double-check everything to make sure there are no mistakes.
Pay the Registration Fee: After submitting the form, go to the payment section. Follow the steps to pay the fee safely and easily online.
Application is checked: Once your payment is done, a registration expert will review your application to make sure everything is correct.
Get Your IEC Code: If all is good, you’ll get your IEC certificate by email—usually within 1 to 2 hours.
Note:- Apply for renewal of IEC Code through our website
Conclusion
IEC registration is a small step with massive potential. It empowers rural entrepreneurs to move beyond local fairs and bazaars and showcase their skills on the global stage. Whether it’s a potter in Khurja, a weaver in Banaras, or a farmer in Meghalaya, anyone can dream big with the right tools.
By promoting IEC registration across rural India, we can boost rural incomes, preserve traditional crafts, generate employment, and make the “Made in Rural India” tag a respected brand worldwide.