IEC Full Form
What is the full form of IEC?
IEC Stands for Importer Exporter Code in terms of business; Information, Education, and Communication in terms of health; and International Electrotechnical Commission.
In terms of technology.
IEC - Importer Exporter Code (Business)
IEC - Information, Education, and Communication (Health)
IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission (Technology)
Importer Exporter Code
It is a key business identification code that is mandatory for export from India or import to India. No export or import can be done by any person without obtaining an IEC key unless specifically exempted. For services, export IEC key is not necessary except when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. After the introduction of GST(Goods and Service Tax), the Importer Exporter Code, issued, is the same as the PAN(Permanent Account Number) of the business organization. IEC can be issued by DGFT(Directorate General of Foreign Trade) based on an application and the type of firm that can apply for IEC may be Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), Limited Company, Trust, Society, etc.
Information, Education, and Communication
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) aim at providing awareness and information regarding the schemes and benefits available under these programs and guiding the citizens on how to access them. It also encourages health-seeking behavior among the masses in keeping with the focus on promotive health. The IEC strategy has helped the needs of rural and urban masses through the different needs of communication. IEC is a public health system approach aimed at reinforcing or changing health-related behaviors among the targeted audience, solving a specific problem within a predefined time through different communication methods and principles.
Communication Plan of IEC
The Ministry designed a communication plan for targeted IEC activities. Some of them are listed below.
The IEC communication plan has a monthly wise focus on health issues and health themes and it is continued for a year long. These targeted some topics like tobacco control, breastfeeding week, dengue, etc.
All the IEC activities had a print media component coupled with radio and television plans.
The media plan was used to ensure due implementation and mid-course correction which is monitored at the highest level.
The Ministry partnered with the Directorate of Field Publicity to create awareness about various RMNCH+A(Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child plus Adolescent Health) and other government schemes.
International Electrotechnical Commission
International Electrotechnical Commission is a non-profit organization founded in 1906. It creates and publishes International standards and manages assessment systems for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies which are known as “Electrotechnology”. IEC serves as a foundation for national standardization, and as a reference while drafting international contracts and tenders.
IEC approaches new countries through its affiliate program across the countries. It also coordinates and cooperates with national partners and international regions to produce joint publications and to promote standardization across the world. IEC members come from all parts of the world and they represent the electrotechnical interests of their country, businesses, companies, educational institutes, and many more. It contains the rights and responsibilities of the member national committees, IEC officers, and management boards. The IEC directives describe the procedure of its technical work, rules for the structure, and drafting of international standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IEC can be applied by any kind of firm like a Partnership, Proprietorship, Trust, LLP, and Society. The firm must have a PAN, a bank account in the name of the firm, valid address before applying. The address may be physically checked by the DGFT at the time of issue of IEC. So it is necessary to keep the bank details and PAN ready before applying for IEC.
The tools of IEC are
Social media
Television
Printer
All India Radio
To apply for IEC the eligible candidates are:
Importers: People who are looking to import goods to India are required to register for IEC.
Exporters: People who are looking to export goods from India are eligible to apply for IEC.
Proprietors: Individual proprietors of a business are eligible to apply.
The main principles of IEC are as follows:
To serve the world through standardization and conformity of work for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.
To promote world trade and economic growth and encourage the development of products, and systems that are safe, efficient, and also user-friendly.
The rules and procedures of the IEC are contained in the IEC governing body. They are:
It covers the privileges and duties of national member commissions, IEC officers, and the board of directors.
The processes of the IEC for its technical work, guidelines for design, and drafting of the global standards are defined by the IEC guidelines.