FIEO Registration Online for Exporters

Starting an export business can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if you're a small business owner. You may make great products, like leather bags in Agra or software in Bengaluru, but selling them abroad can seem like a big challenge. From finding buyers to handling rules and documents, the process might look like a maze. That’s where the right support can make all the difference.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) was set up in 1965 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to help Indian businesses enter and grow in the global market. It offers guidance, government representation, and networking opportunities to exporters. With over 30,000 members, FIEO acts as a trusted bridge between exporters, the Indian government, and international buyers.

By registering with FIEO and getting your RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate), you gain access to global trade benefits, schemes, and a strong support system to grow your export business with confidence.

What is FIEO?

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is an apex trade promotion body set up in 1965 by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It supports Indian businesses that want to sell goods and services globally by offering guidance, training, representation, and access to global trade opportunities. With over 30,000 members, ranging from startups to large companies, FIEO plays a key role in India’s export ecosystem.

Think of all the different products India exports, like spices, textiles, software, and machines. For each major category, there are dedicated Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) that help promote those goods internationally. These EPCs are separate bodies under the Ministry of Commerce and are not part of FIEO. For example, there’s a council for apparel, another for electronics, and one for leather goods.

Now, imagine a team captain who works alongside all these councils and exporters. That’s where FIEO comes in. It acts as a bridge, connecting exporters with government schemes, international buyers, and a world of new opportunities.

Why Is It Important for Indian Exporters?

If you're a small business owner planning to sell your products abroad, FIEO can be a valuable partner. It offers the right support, clear information, and access to government benefits that make the export process smoother.

FIEO helps you understand international markets, connect with buyers, stay updated on trade policies, and make use of government schemes. Whether you're just starting or growing your export business, having FIEO on your side means fewer hassles and more opportunities to succeed globally.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• It’s Your Guide: Don't know which country to sell to? Confused about the rules of a particular market? FIEO provides the information you need.
• It’s Your Supporter: Facing a problem with customs? Have a suggestion for the government to make exporting easier? FIEO will listen to you and speak on your behalf.
• It’s Your Network: FIEO connects you with thousands of other exporters. You can learn from their experiences, find partners, and grow together.

For a small business, this kind of support is priceless. It levels the playing field, allowing you to compete with bigger companies on the global stage. Registering with FIEO means you are no longer alone on your export journey.

FIEO's Role as an Apex Body for Exports

The FIEO is considered an apex body in India’s export promotion system. The term “apex” refers to its high-level role in coordinating and representing a broad segment of exporters across sectors. While not the sole authority for all exporters, FIEO plays a central role in promoting and supporting India’s global trade.

1. Main Registering Authority for Multi-Product Exporters: FIEO serves as the central registering authority for exporters dealing in a broad range of products and services. If your business involves multiple product categories, such as textiles, spices, software, or engineering goods, you do not need to approach different Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) separately. Instead, you can obtain a single RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) directly from FIEO.

However, not all products fall under FIEO's scope. Certain commodities are overseen by specific EPCs or Commodity Boards. For example:

• Tea is regulated by the Tea Board of India
• Coffee by the Coffee Board
• Tobacco by the Tobacco Board
• Rubber by the Rubber Board
• Gems and Jewellery by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

In such cases, exporters are required to register with the respective authority instead of FIEO. Always check whether your product falls under FIEO’s jurisdiction before applying for RCMC.

2. A Voice in Government Policy: When the government creates new rules for exports and imports (the Foreign Trade Policy), it doesn't do it in isolation. It asks FIEO for its ideas and suggestions. FIEO gathers feedback from exporters and presents it to the government. This means FIEO helps shape the rules you will be working with.

3. India's Representative Abroad: FIEO represents India's entire export community on the world stage. It participates in meetings with international trade bodies and works to promote the "Made in India" brand globally.

In short, FIEO is the recognized leader and spokesperson for the entire Indian export community. This leadership role makes it a powerful and essential organization for every exporter.

Registering with FIEO unlocks tangible benefits that can transform your export business. Let's explore what's in it for you.

1. Access to Global Trade Opportunities and Market Insights

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of all. FIEO actively helps you find customers for your products.

2. International Trade Fairs

Have you ever heard of big trade shows in places like Germany, Dubai, or the USA? These are events where thousands of businesses and buyers come together. Going to these can be very expensive. FIEO leads groups of Indian exporters to these fairs. As a member, you can participate at a much lower cost. It's a golden chance to show your products to the world.

3. Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs)

FIEO organises Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), both in India and abroad, bringing Indian exporters face-to-face with verified international buyers. These focused events are designed to encourage real trade deals and long-term partnerships. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your products directly to serious buyers who are actively looking for new suppliers.

4. Market Intelligence:

FIEO offers detailed market research reports, insights into product demand across countries, and up-to-date information on import rules. This data helps exporters choose the right markets, avoid common trade risks, and plan their strategy with greater confidence.

5. Government Schemes, Incentives, and Policy Advocacy

The government wants you to export more. To encourage this, it has created many helpful schemes. FIEO ensures you can use them.

• Unlocking Government Benefits: With a valid RCMC from FIEO, you can access important government schemes that lower your export costs. These include the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme and the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel exporters.

You may also qualify for schemes like Duty Drawback or Interest Equalisation, which help save money on raw material taxes and loan interest. FIEO registration opens the door to all these savings.

• Guidance and Information: The world of government schemes can be confusing. FIEO makes it simple. They hold regular seminars, workshops, and webinars (online seminars) to explain these schemes. They tell you what's new, how to apply, and how to get the maximum benefit.
• Your Voice in New Delhi: Imagine you think a particular government rule is making it hard for you to export. As a FIEO member, you can share your problem with FIEO. FIEO collects such feedback from thousands of members and discusses it with the government at the highest levels. They are your powerful voice, constantly working to make exporting easier for you.

6. Enhanced Credibility and Networking Advantages

In business, trust is everything. This is even more true in international trade, where you might never meet your buyer in person.

• A Badge of Trust: A FIEO registration certificate on your website or in your company profile is a powerful signal. It tells a potential customer from anywhere in the world: "This is a real, serious, and government-recognized business from India." This trust can be the deciding factor that makes them choose you over a competitor. It also helps when you apply for loans or insurance.
• Building Your Network: When you join FIEO, you join a club of over 30,000 exporters. FIEO's events, both online and offline, are fantastic places to meet other business owners. You can find mentors who can guide you, partners you can collaborate with, and friends who understand your challenges. This network is a resource of knowledge and opportunity that can be incredibly valuable for your growth.

7. Financial Perks and E-commerce Support

Every penny saved adds to your profit. FIEO helps you save money in direct and indirect ways.

• Direct Discounts: FIEO members often get special discounts. For example, you might get a discount on the airfare when you travel abroad for business. You can also get discounts on services like credit reports for foreign buyers or on charges at trade fairs.
• E-commerce Supercharge: Today, you can sell to the world from your computer using websites like Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba. This is called e-commerce exporting. FIEO knows this is the future. They provide special support to help you succeed online. They have agreements with major e-commerce platforms and can guide you on everything:
  • How to list your products.
  • How to handle international payments safely.
  • How to manage global shipping and logistics.
  • How to do digital marketing to attract foreign customers.

This support can give you a huge advantage in the fast-growing world of online exports.

FIEO knows that a small startup has different needs than a large, established company. That’s why it offers different types of membership. Let's look at the main categories to help you decide which one is right for you.

We can think of these as different "levels" of membership.

1. Ordinary Membership

• Who is it for: It’s designed for individuals or businesses who are new to exporting or have a smaller annual export turnover. If you are just beginning your export journey, this is most likely the category for you.
• What do you get: You get all the essential benefits, including the ability to get your RCMC, access to market information, and participation in events.

2. Associate Membership

• Who is it for: This is for more established exporters. If your business has been exporting for a while and has a significant turnover, you might choose this category.
• What do you get: Associate members often get premium benefits. This could include higher discounts, priority access to certain events, and more dedicated support.

3. Multi-Product Group Membership

• Who is it for: This is a very important category. Let's say you export both leather shoes and computer software. The leather shoes fall under the Council for Leather Exports, and the software falls under the Electronics and Computer Software EPC. Instead of joining both, you can become a member of FIEO under the "Multi-Product" category.
• What do you get: This membership gives you a single RCMC that is valid for all the products you export. It simplifies your life and saves you from having to register with multiple organizations.

How to Choose the Right FIEO Membership?

• Are you just starting? Go for Ordinary Membership.
• Are you exporting multiple, unrelated products? Multi-Product Group Membership is your best bet.
• Are you an established exporter looking for premium services? Look into Associate Membership.

The fees for each membership type are different. They are generally based on your company's export turnover from the previous year. The higher your turnover, the higher the fee.

To obtain FIEO registration and the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions as prescribed by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. These requirements ensure that only genuine exporters and service providers are granted membership. The eligibility applies to businesses engaged in the export of goods or services.

• Possession of a Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

The applicant must hold a valid Importer-Exporter Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This 10-digit code is mandatory for any entity engaging in international trade from India.

• Legally Registered Business Entity

The applicant must operate a legally registered business in India. The entity can fall under any of the following categories:

• Sole Proprietorship Firm
• Partnership Firm (registered under the Partnership Act, 1932)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Private Limited Company
• Public Limited Company
• Trusts or Societies (registered under applicable laws and engaging in export activities)
• Active Current Account in Business Name

The exporter must maintain a business current account in the name of the legal entity. This account must be used for all export-related financial transactions. A cancelled cheque from this account may be required as proof during registration.

• Clear Declaration of Exporter Type

Applicants must declare their category of export activity at the time of application. FIEO accepts the following types:

• Merchant Exporter: Engaged in exporting goods procured from others.
• Manufacturer Exporter: Directly involved in manufacturing and exporting goods.
• Service Exporter: Offering exportable services such as IT, consultancy, logistics, or financial services.
• Deemed Exporter: Businesses supplying to projects or entities considered exports under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• Export Activity Across Multiple Product Categories

FIEO is the designated Export Promotion Council for exporters who deal in multiple product lines or are not covered under any specific commodity EPC. If your export activity spans across sectors (e.g., textiles, electronics, and software), you are eligible to register under FIEO as a Multi-Product Exporter.

• Updated Business Documents and Compliance History

Applicants must ensure that:

• All statutory registrations (like GST and PAN) are valid.
• The business is compliant with DGFT, GST, and other applicable laws.
• There are no pending export violations or blacklisting by government bodies.

Being prepared is half the battle won. To make your online registration smooth and quick, gather all the necessary documents beforehand.

Here is a simple checklist of the documents you will need to scan and upload.

For All Applicants:

• A copy of your Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) Certificate. This is the most important document.
• A copy of your business's PAN Card.
• A copy of your GST Registration Certificate. This is mandatory.
• A cancelled cheque from your business's current bank account. This is to verify your bank details.
• The latest bank statement of the business account may also be required.

Additional Documents Based on Your Business Type:

• If you are a Company (Private Ltd. or Public Ltd.):
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). These are the rulebooks of your company.
• If you are a Partnership Firm:
  • The registered Partnership Deed.
• If you are an LLP:
  • The LLP Agreement and the Incorporation Certificate.

For Manufacturer Exporters:

• If you are a manufacturer, you need to provide proof that you have a manufacturing unit. This can be:
  • Your MSME Registration Certificate (Udyam Aadhar).
  • An Industrial License.
  • A letter from the Industries Department or a Chartered Accountant certifying your manufacturing unit.

Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and the scanned copies are clear. Blurry or expired documents are a common reason for application rejection.

In the past, registrations involved a lot of paperwork and visits to government offices. Thankfully, those days are gone. The entire FIEO registration process is now online. It's fast, transparent, and you can do it from your home or office.

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to walk you through the online application.

Step 1: Get Your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Before you even go to the FIEO website, you need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This is your electronic signature, which is used to sign online documents. You can get a Class 3 DSC from any of the certified agencies in India.

Step 2: Visit the Official FIEO Website

Open your web browser and go to the official DGFT portal at (dgft.gov.in). Log in using your IEC-based credentials and navigate to the “e-RCMC” service under the “Services” section.

Note: The FIEO website (fieo.org) provides general information and support, but RCMC applications are not processed there. All registrations must be completed through the DGFT portal.

Step 3: Create Your Account

You will first need to create a login account on the portal. You will be asked to enter your IEC number, your email address, and your mobile number. You will set a password for your account.

Step 4: Log In and Fill out the Application Form

Once your account is created, log in with your credentials. You will see an online application form. Fill it out very carefully. You will need to provide details like:

• Your company's name and address.
• Names of the directors/partners.
• Your GST number.
• Your business bank account details.
• Your main line of business.

Tip: Fill in all details exactly as they appear on your official documents, like your PAN Card and GST certificate. Any mismatch can cause delays.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

The next step is to upload scanned copies of all the required documents. Make sure your scans are clear and readable. We have a detailed list of documents in the next section.

Tip: Scan all your documents and save them in a single folder on your computer before you start the application. This will make the process much faster.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee

Once you upload the required documents, the FIEO portal will calculate your registration fee based on your membership type and annual export turnover. The fees typically range from ₹7,000 to ₹1,05,000 (exclusive of 18% GST), depending on your business's scale and type.

• For small exporters, fees may start at ₹7,000 (e.g., for Multi Product Group Membership).
• For larger exporters, fees can go up to ₹1,05,000 (e.g., for Five Star Export House Membership).

You can pay the registration fee securely online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.

Step 7: Sign and Submit the Application

This is the final step. You will use your DSC to digitally sign the application. After signing, click the "Submit" button.

Step 8: Track Your Application

That's it! Your application is submitted. FIEO officials will now review it. You can log in to the portal anytime to check the status of your application. If they need any more information, they will contact you.

Once everything is verified and approved, FIEO will issue your RCMC. You can download the digitally signed certificate directly from the portal. The whole process, as outlined in the "How to Download RCMC?" section below, can be completed in just a few days if done correctly.

The cost of getting an FIEO RCMC from FIEO depends on two main factors:

1. Type of exporter you are (goods or services)
2. Your annual export turnover

This fee structure is designed to ensure fairness. Smaller exporters pay lower fees, while larger exporters with higher turnover pay more.

Please note: The exact fee amounts are revised from time to time. You must always check the official FIEO website for the latest fee structure before you apply.

Annual Membership Fees (April – March)

All fees are exclusive of 18% GST.

What is Premium Membership?

If your company's annual export turnover is ₹5 Crore or more, you are required to select the 'Premium' category corresponding to your business type (e.g., Premium Multi Product, Premium SEZ).

Other Charges and Discounts

• Processing Fee (New Members Only):
  ₹1,000 + 18% GST (One-time fee for issuing e-RCMC)
• Discounts on Multi-Year Payments:
  • 10% discount if you pay for 5 years in advance
  • 5% discount if you pay for 3 years in advance

Your hard-earned RCMC doesn't last forever. It's important to know its validity period and how to renew it on time.

Validity Period

A new RCMC issued by FIEO is valid for five years. The validity period always starts from April 1st of the year it is issued and ends on March 31st of the fifth year. For example, if you get your RCMC in October 2025, it will be valid from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030.

Renewal Process

You must renew your RCMC before it expires to continue getting all the benefits. The renewal process is simple and is also done online through the FIEO portal.

• When to Renew: You should apply for renewal in the last quarter of the final year of validity (i.e., between January and March).
• What you need: The process is similar to a new application. You will need to log in, fill out the renewal form, upload any updated documents, and pay the renewal fee.
• Why it's important: If your RCMC expires, you will be cut off from all government benefits. It can also cause problems with your shipments at customs. Timely renewal is crucial for uninterrupted export operations.

Renewal Checklist

1. Check the expiry date of your RCMC.
2. Log in to the FIEO portal.
3. Fill out the renewal application form.
4. Update any changes in your address, directors, or business activity.
5. Pay the renewal fee online.
6. Submit the application.

Now, let's talk about a very important document: the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, or RCMC.

Think of the RCMC as a passport for your business, unlocking access to export benefits just like a passport allows international travel.

While not mandatory for all products, RCMC is essential if you wish to avail yourself of the benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. It becomes even more important if your product falls under the notified list by a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC).

An RCMC is an official certificate that proves two things:

1. You are a registered member of an Export Promotion Council or a commodity board.
2. You are a genuine and authorized exporter from India.

This certificate is issued by organizations like FIEO and other Export Promotion Councils.

How to Download RCMC?

To download your Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from FIEO:

1. Visit the DGFT Portal: Go to DGFT’s e-RCMC module (dgft.gov.in).
2. Log in using your IEC credentials and digital signature or Aadhaar e-signature.
3. Navigate to the RCMC section and select “View RCMC Details.”
4. Enter your IEC and firm name to access your certificate.
5. Download the certificate in PDF format.

You may also access the certificate via the FIEO portal if your registration was processed there, but DGFT is now the centralized platform for e-RCMC issuance.

How to Track the FIEO Registration Status?

To check the status of your FIEO registration:

1. Log in to the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in.
2. Go to My Dashboard > Submitted Applications.
3. Select the scheme type as e-RCMC.
4. Choose the appropriate sub-scheme:
   • Issuance
   • Amendment
   • Renewal
5. Click Search to view the current status of your application.