The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Public Notice announcing significant amendments to Paragraph 2.08 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023. The reforms aim to streamline the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) application process, integrate digital verification mechanisms, and simplify documentation requirements.
The amendments, notified under the powers conferred by Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, take immediate effect.
DGFT has merged all details previously required in Application Form ANF-1A into ANF-2A, resulting in the deletion of ANF-1A altogether. A newly revised ANF-2A has been issued.
This restructuring aims to consolidate IEC-related procedural requirements and reduce duplication.
Under the revised Paragraph 2.08(c) of the HBP details submitted in IEC applications will now be digitally validated through online integration with databases of relevant Ministries, Government Departments, Organisations, and Banks, wherever feasible. Applicants must still upload mandatory scanned documents unless specifically exempted during the online process.
Applicants were required to submit online applications along with specific scanned documents.
Applications will undergo system-based verification, minimizing manual scrutiny and enhancing inter-departmental data consistency.
The amendment also replaces Paragraph 2.08(d): Earlier, Regional Authorities (RAs) were responsible for conducting post-verification of online IECs based on guidelines. Now, DGFT Headquarters will periodically issue updated guidelines for the conduct of post-verification of IECs.
DGFT clarified that Para 2.08(c)(i) and 2.08(c)(ii) of the HBP 2023 remain unchanged.
Notification Details
Notification No. Public Notice No. 32/2025-26
Date: 20/11/2025
