The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) vide Trade Notice No.: 23/2025-26 dated February 06, 2026, has announced the implementation of a National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)-based workflow for real-time bank account validation in Importer Exporter Code (IEC) applications and IEC modification requests. The initiative becomes effective from February 2026 and aims to create a fully digital, secure, and authenticated trade facilitation environment.
Background
- DGFT had earlier introduced online API-based validation of IEC details via authenticated government databases through Public Notice No. 32/2025-26 dated 20.11.2025.
- The new NPCI integration strengthens this ecosystem by ensuring the authenticity of bank accounts linked to IECs and facilitating seamless approval workflows.
Key Highlights of the New NPCI-Integrated System
Mandatory Declaration of Active Bank Accounts
Applicants must declare all active bank accounts linked with their PAN, ensuring accuracy in:
- PAN
- Account Holder Name
- Bank Account Details
Real-Time Validation through NPCI
Bank account information submitted in IEC applications will be transmitted to NPCI for real-time authentication. NPCI will return one of three statuses:
- Success
- In Progress
- Failed
Revised Workflow for IEC Applications
DGFT’s IT system will process IEC issuance/modification requests based on NPCI validation outcomes:
For Apply / Modify IEC – SUCCESS Validation
- Application proceeds under normal workflow without any interruption.
“In Progress” Validation Status
Where bank account validation is pending but not failed:
- Application will be placed under Automatic Review.
- Application will be auto-approved once validation becomes successful.
- If validation ultimately fails →
- Apply IEC: Application will be rejected.
- Modify IEC: Application will be marked Deficient initially; applicant must correct details.
- If failed again → Rejected.
“Failed” Validation Status
If any bank account fails validation:
- Application cannot be submitted until correct details are furnished (for both new IEC and modification cases).
System Updates
The DGFT system will continuously fetch updated validation status from NPCI until completion.
Advisory for Stakeholders
DGFT has advised all exporters, importers, banks, and industry members to:
- Ensure accurate name, PAN linkage, and bank account correctness before submission
- Coordinate with respective banks to rectify mismatches
- Report technical difficulties via the DGFT Helpdesk
The Trade Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Trade-Notice-Bank-validation-NPCI.pdf
