The government is planning to make it easier for small businesses and first-time exporters to sell goods overseas by reducing paperwork for low-value shipments. According to reports from Business Standard, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has proposed exempting export consignments worth up to ₹10,000 from the requirement of obtaining a registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC). This move is expected to benefit micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans and ecommerce sellers that export through postal and courier services.
Currently, exporters generally need an RCMC or a Certificate of Registration to apply for import or export authorisations and to claim benefits available under the Foreign Trade Policy. An RCMC is issued by Export Promotion Councils or other authorised bodies and serves as proof that an exporter is registered with the relevant export organisation. Under the proposed amendment, exporters shipping goods with a free-on-board (FOB) value of up to ₹10,000 will no longer have to obtain an RCMC or Certificate of Registration when applying for authorisations or other benefits under the FTP. However, this relaxation will not apply to products listed as 'restricted' under India's ITC (HS) classification.
In a trade notice issued on July 20, the DGFT invited comments from exporters, industry associations and other stakeholders on the proposed amendment to Paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. According to Business Standard, stakeholders have been given 10 days to send their feedback before the proposal is finalised. The proposal is part of the government's effort to encourage exports through online platforms and simplify compliance for small exporters.
According to the DGFT, the proposal is meant to introduce a 'de minimis' exemption for low-value export shipments, especially those sent through post offices, courier services and other emerging export channels. By removing this compliance requirement for smaller consignments, the government aims to reduce the regulatory burden on individuals and small businesses sending goods abroad. The move is expected to encourage more small-scale exporters to enter the international market through simplified procedures.
