New Delhi, Nov 20 (KNN) In a trade notice to the members of trade and industry and regional authorities, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said there are certain data mismatch issues in IEC database which requires immediate corrective action.

DGFT said, “On analysis of the DGFT IEC database, it has been observed that there are certain data mismatch issues which require immediate corrective action.”

The import-export certificate (also known as IEC license) is the code you need to do import-export business in India.

The data mismatch in IECs (Import Export Code number) have been reported in- Incorrect Permanent Account Number (PAN); and More than one IEC against same PAN.

DGFT has given the details of the mismatched IECs on its website and said, “IEC holders as mentioned in the two Annexures of this Trade Notice are requested to take immediate steps to correct their IEC data before 15 December 2019, failing which these lECs will be suspended by the jurisdictional DGFT Regional Authority (RA)”.

lECs, which have an incorrect PAN, are required to ensure that their correct PAN number is updated and reflected correctly in the DGFT database.

For making changes in PAN, the IEC holder will need to make a written submission on the letter head of the IEC holder to the jurisdictional DGFT RAs along with a self-certified copy of the PAN. Changes in the PAN cannot be made through the online IEC application module.

IEC holders, whose same PAN exists in more than one IEC, are required to ensure that only one active IEC exists against each PAN.

For this, the IEC holder will need to make a separate written request on the letterhead of each IEC holder(s) to the jurisdictional DGFT RA concerned, to suspend/cancel the other IEC(s).

The directorate has asked the RAs to take suitable action accordingly after observing due diligence. In case of situation where multiple lECs having same PAN exist and the IEC holder has not approached the RA, then the RA will suspend all the multiple IECs having the same PAN after 15 December 2019.

“Only on a written request with submission of required documents the IEC [on which import/export takes place] may be allowed to be reactivated,” said DGFT.

The trade notice further stated that if the IEC holder considers for reason(s) that the IEC cannot be corrected before the due date but should not be suspended, the person may submit a representation in writing to the concerned RA, DGFT, or, if that person so desires, appear for a personal hearing before the concerned RA, DGFT.

IEC holders have also been asked to update their IEC database periodically so as to reflect the correct particulars including email/mobile which is used for communication purposes.

These changes/amendments can be made directly through the 'Online JEC Application' amendment module available on the DGFT Website under the 'Services' link.