The Government has introduced an exemption from the requirement of Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for small-value export consignments with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of up to ₹3 lakh.
The measure is aimed at reducing the compliance burden for MSMEs, artisans, small businesses and first-time exporters, while facilitating exports through postal, courier and other emerging channels.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to provide that an RCMC or Certificate of Registration will not be required for export consignments valued up to ₹3 lakh, wherever the certificate would otherwise be required under the Foreign Trade Policy.
However, consignments exceeding ₹3 lakh will continue to require a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration, wherever applicable.
According to the Government, historical data for the last five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, shows that low-value exports account for a significant share of shipping bills but represent a small proportion of the overall export value.
Consignments valued up to USD 3,000 accounted for around 43 per cent of shipping bills but only 0.86 per cent of India’s total merchandise export value, the data showed.
The exemption is expected to cover a substantial number of small-value export transactions while having only a marginal impact on the overall value of exports.
Under the existing system, exporters are generally required to obtain an RCMC or Certificate of Registration from the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board, wherever applicable. For new and occasional exporters, this involves additional compliance, including identifying the appropriate registering body, submitting documents and completing the registration process.
The new measure will provide a simpler entry point for emerging exporters to test overseas markets and build an export track record without obtaining an RCMC upfront for eligible consignments.
It is also expected to support e-commerce and emerging export channels, including postal and courier-based exports, which are increasingly enabling small businesses to reach international customers.
As exporters expand their operations and move to consignments above the ₹3 lakh threshold, they can obtain membership of the relevant Export Promotion Councils or Commodity Boards and access export promotion, market access and other institutional support.
The Government said the measure will also encourage greater participation of MSMEs in exports and help broaden the base of Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards.
The exemption is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce compliance requirements, broaden participation in international trade and make exports more accessible to MSMEs, first-time exporters and emerging businesses.
