DGFT exempts export consignments up to ₹3 lakh from RCMC requirement
On 16 September 2026, the government introduced a de minimis exemption so that export consignments with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of up to ₹3 lakh no longer need a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration.
Summary
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to bring in the RCMC exemption for small-value export consignments. Consignments above ₹3 lakh still need a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration where required. The aim is to cut compliance for MSMEs and first-time exporters, especially those shipping through postal, courier and other emerging channels. Data for 2021-22 to 2025-26 show that consignments up to USD 3,000 made up 43% of shipping bills but only 0.86% of India's merchandise export value.
Key facts
- Measure
- RCMC/Certificate of Registration not needed for exports up to ₹3 lakh FOB
- Issued by
- DGFT — amendment to Para 2.57, Foreign Trade Policy 2023
- Above ₹3 lakh
- RCMC still required where applicable
- Rationale
- Consignments up to USD 3,000 = 43% of shipping bills, 0.86% of export value
- Beneficiaries
- MSMEs, first-time exporters, postal/courier exports
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Up to what FOB value are export consignments exempted from the RCMC requirement under the September 2026 change?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹3 lakh
Export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3 lakh no longer need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration.
Which paragraph of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 did the DGFT amend to bring in the RCMC exemption?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Para 2.57
The DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.