Federation of Indian Export Organisations - An Overview
The Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, established the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to supervise and promote India's exports. The council, which has its main office in New Delhi, stands in for the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian business people on the international stage.
The FIEO Membership works actively to bring up the issues and challenges faced by exporters with the relevant agencies in order to have them resolved as soon as possible. Its main objective is to help members take their businesses global.
FIEO Membership Annual Subscription Fees
An exporter that registers with FIEO will benefit from both the Foreign Trade Policy benefits as well as FIEO's services, facilities, credentials, and global reach. An exporter can still sign up on FIEO Membership under its Individual Exporter Category even if they do not want to obtain the RCMC and claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Here is the list of what different categories should pay annually:
How to File an Application for an Associate Membership Under FIEO ?
To file an application for an associate membership under FIEO, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the FIEO website and download the application form for associate membership.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Be sure to include all of the required information, such as your name, address, contact information, and business details.
- Attach the required documents to the application form. These documents may include your business registration certificate, a copy of your PAN card, and a copy of your bank statement.
- Submit the completed application form and required documents to FIEO. You can submit the application form and documents in person, by mail, or online.
How to Become a Member of FIEO?
- Step 1: Visit the FIEO website
- Step 2: Access the membership section and select ‘How to apply for RCMC registration
- Step 3: Download or fill the application form online
- Step 4: Fill in your credentials
- Step 5: Choose ordinary membership
- Step 6: Provide necessary information
- Step 7: Mention firm name and export type
- Step 8: Specify entity type
- Step 9: Provide information on key management executives
- Step 10: Submit the Letter of Authority.
FIEO Registration Process
- Upload the necessary files and data to our web portal
- For information about your category of scheduled goods, speak with our business advisor
- Our experts will confirm the accuracy of the documents and information provided
- Use one of the available payment methods to make your payment online
- Our experts will submit an application along with the necessary paperwork
- The government agency will issue an FIEO Registration certificate following a successful verification.
Applying for an RCMC Certificate?
- Access the official website
- Click on the membership tab
- Select ‘How to apply for RCMC registration’ or download the application from the website
- On the application webpage, provide your username, password, and Import-Export Code (IEC Number)
- Under the membership tab, select ‘Ordinary Membership’ and provide details such as the name, address, and export house status (e.g., One Star Export House, Two Star Export House, etc.)
- Enter the name of your firm and the type of exports conducted by your business
- Indicate whether your entity is a company or a partnership
- Share details about the shareholders and directors of your company
- Include a letter of authority specifying the representative who will handle the FIEO application on behalf of your business.
Who Can Get RCMC From FIEO?
An RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) can be obtained from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) by Indian exporters who are engaged in international trade. The RCMC is a registration required by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India. It serves as proof of a firm's status as an exporter and is required for availing certain benefits and concessions related to exports.
To be eligible for obtaining an RCMC from FIEO, the exporter should generally fulfil the following criteria:
1. Genuine Exporter: The entity applying for the RCMC should be engaged in the business of exporting goods or services from India.
2. Valid Business: The exporter's business should be valid and legitimate, adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements.
3. Export-Related Activities: The applicant should be involved in activities related to exports, such as manufacturing, trading, or providing export-oriented services.
4. Membership with Export Promotion Councils: Typically, to obtain an RCMC, the exporter needs to be a member of an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or a Commodity Board. FIEO is one of the recognised Export Promotion Councils in India, and exporters can become members to obtain an RCMC from FIEO.
Services of FIEO in India
- A weekly e-bulletin is provided by FIEO to keep traders informed of both national and international trade-related news as well as developments on the global stage
- The Indian trade portal offers a free online service that provides information on 65 countries' MFN tariffs, preferential tariffs, SPS/TBT, and rules of origin as well as 87 countries' import statistics and India's share of those imports
- The council provides two additional chat services on the FIEO registration website to address inquiries regarding quality standards, business legal matters, arbitration, international treaties, transfer of technology, patent applications, trademarks, product marketing, and related topics
- The website of Federation of Indian Export Organisations has press articles on topics pertaining to global trade
- Spot rates, forward rates, a forward calculator, a FOREX matrix, pivot points, the LIBOR rate, historical data, a currency source, and a chart are among the FOREX Services that FIEO has launched.
RCMC Membership Types for FIEO Registration
The FIEO membership requirements are governed by the Foreign trade policy of the government of India. In order to receive the benefits offered to exporters under this policy, an exporter is required to obtain the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). The council for export promotion designated by the government for FIEO Registration. For the purposes of RCMC Registration under FIEO, there are two categories of membership:
As implied by the name of the membership, this type is intended for organisations that have recently started operating in the export and import sectors.
Organisations that have long histories of exporting and importing goods are eligible for associate membership. The fees for associate membership are higher and are based on a fee in addition to the minimal GST rates.
What Programs and Activities Does FIEO Conduct?
- FIEO assists exporters by guiding them to the appropriate authorities for issue resolution
- Exporters have the opportunity to meet FIEO experts to discuss international trade problems and seek policy clarification
- The FIEO website offers information on current trade policies and global trade promotion groups
- FIEO organises high-level meetings between government officials and exporters to address trade issues.
Benefits of FIEO Registration
- Trade Concessions under foreign trade policy
- MAI Grant – FIEO disburses MAI grants to eligible members participating in exhibitions/trade fairs/delegation abroad organised by it and also provides booths at subsidised cost to its members in overseas exhibitions. FIEO participates in around 50 well-renowned exhibitions in a year world over
- Hosting on FIEO website – FIEO provides its members with the opportunity of uploading product pictures on its website free of cost. FIEO members can also host their profile on the FIEO website which is searchable.
- Search with FIEO – FIEO website has a search engine where buyers can search for exporters from India dealing in different products.
- Names of only FIEO Membership are displayed and buyers have the option to contact member exporters directly
- Platform for members to discuss issues with various authorities like excise, customs, DGFT, etc. Regular meetings are organised with the decision-makers so as to solve the problems faced by exporters
- FIEO certificate of origin and Visa recommendation letters to members to facilitate their overseas travel
- Online chat facility to seek clarification on international trade issues, including policy clarifications.
FIEO Registration Renewal/Validity
RCMC shall be deemed to be valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued and shall be valid for five years ending 31 March of licensing year, unless otherwise specified.
Federation of Indian Export Organisations Activities
1. Export Promotion and Market Development: FIEO organises trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and business delegations to various countries. These activities help Indian exporters showcase their products and services to international buyers and explore new markets.
2. Trade Facilitation: FIEO provides information and guidance on various trade-related matters, including export regulations, customs procedures, documentation, and tariff rates. They work to simplify trade processes and reduce barriers for exporters.
3. Skill Development and Training: FIEO offers training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance exporters' knowledge and skills in areas such as international marketing, product quality and standards, export finance, and logistics.
4. Research and Market Intelligence: FIEO conducts research and provides market intelligence reports to help exporters understand global market trends, identify potential markets, and make informed business decisions.
5. Policy Advocacy: FIEO represents the interests of Indian exporters and interacts with government authorities to advocate for favourable trade policies, tariff structures, and regulatory reforms that benefit the export community.
6. Export Documentation and Certification: FIEO assists exporters in obtaining necessary certifications, licences, and documentation required for exporting goods and services.
7. Export Finance and Insurance: FIEO helps exporters access export financing options, export credit insurance, and other financial services to mitigate risks associated with international trade.
8. Networking and Business Support: FIEO facilitates networking among exporters, trade bodies, industry associations, and government agencies, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
9. Technology Upgradation: FIEO encourages the adoption of modern technology and innovation in the export sector, promoting increased efficiency and competitiveness.
10. Export Awards and Recognition: FIEO recognizes outstanding exporters through awards and honours, encouraging excellence and innovation in international trade.
11. Trade Policy Analysis: FIEO analyses trade policies, international agreements, and economic developments to provide insights and recommendations to exporters.
Documents Required for FIEO Registration
- A self-certified copy of the import export code number provided by the appropriate licensing body
- A yearly membership fee that must be paid in the form of a demand draft, pay order, or check made out to the FIEO
- Letter of authority printed on the company's letterhead
- A self-certified copy of the SSI registration certificate, an industrial license, or an IEM
- A self-certified copy of the certificates for 1 to 5-star export houses
- Director, partner, and owners government recognised ID
- GSTIN
- Export revenue by nation and/or commodity over the last three fiscal years
- A statement of foreign exchange earnings for the previous three fiscal years for service providers
Eligibility Criteria for RCMC Registration in FIEO Membership
When submitting an application to the FIEO Registration to obtain the RCMC certificate, the applicant must adhere to the following requirements:
Either a Merchant or an Exporter
The applicant must confirm that the business being conducted is an export-import operation. It is one of the most crucial requirements for starting an export company in India. The exporter must also attest that they have given the appropriate authority a request for the Import Export Code registration (IEC). The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) supervises the IEC.
Main Business Overview
It is necessary for the exporter or merchant to specify their main business. For instance, if tea and coffee are the primary business lines, the relevant consent of the Coffee and Tea Progression Board must be obtained. The FIEO must approve the export of the goods if they are not listed with any export promotion boards or other authorities.
Board Approval for the FIEO
The applicant is responsible for making sure that the required authorisation is obtained from the relevant board or the FIEO membership. If there isn't a specific board for the relevant product, the applicant will need to apply to the FIEO for approval. The same requires approval from the FIEO.
Why Vakilsearch?
When it comes to FIEO Registration, Vakilsearch has the top legal team. Our attorneys will complete the application for an RCMC once they have gathered all the required documentation. Our team can complete all the processes without any delays. Our team has a lot of experience in multiple sectors and can provide complete holistic support through the process.
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