DGFT has exempted export consignments with an FOB value of up to ₹3 lakh from the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement, reducing compliance requirements for small and first-time exporters.
The Government has introduced a de minimis exemption from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate or Certificate of Registration requirement for small-value export consignments with a Free-on-Board value of up to ₹3 lakh.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, providing that an RCMC or Certificate of Registration will not be required for export consignments up to the ₹3 lakh threshold wherever such certification would otherwise be required under the policy. Consignments exceeding ₹3 lakh will continue to require the relevant certificate wherever applicable.
The exemption is intended to reduce the initial compliance burden for new and small exporters and facilitate exports through postal, courier and other emerging channels.
Historical data covering 2021-22 to 2025-26 shows that low-value consignments accounted for a significant proportion of shipping bills but represented a relatively small share of overall merchandise export value. Consignments valued at up to USD 3,000 represented 43% of shipping bills but accounted for only 0.86% of India’s total merchandise export value during the five-year period.
Under the existing framework, exporters generally need to obtain an RCMC or Certificate of Registration from the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board wherever applicable. For new or occasional exporters, this can involve identifying the appropriate registering body, submitting documentation and completing registration before undertaking exports.
The exemption will enable MSMEs, artisans, small businesses and first-time exporters to undertake eligible low-value shipments without obtaining an RCMC upfront. It could also facilitate e-commerce exports and other small consignments moving through postal and courier channels.
As exporters expand and individual consignments exceed the ₹3 lakh threshold, they will continue to obtain membership of the relevant Export Promotion Councils or Commodity Boards wherever required and can access their export promotion and market-access initiatives.
The Government said the measure is aimed at reducing compliance requirements, broadening participation in exports and making international trade more accessible to emerging exporters while retaining the existing certification framework for larger consignments.
