RCMC Exemption for Low-Value Exports Up to ₹3 Lakh
The Government of India has introduced a de minimis exemption from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration requirement for low-value export consignments.
Through DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 dated 15 September 2026, Paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 has been amended. The new provision exempts export consignments with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value not exceeding ₹3,00,000 from the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement, wherever such requirement would otherwise apply under the FTP.
The measure is intended to facilitate small-value exports, particularly through postal, courier and other emerging export channels.
What Has Changed Under the New DGFT Notification?
A new sub-paragraph (c) has been inserted after sub-paragraph (b) of Paragraph 2.57 of FTP 2023.
Under the amended provision, an exporter does not need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration for an export consignment where the FOB value does not exceed ₹3,00,000. The amendment is effective immediately.
Key Threshold
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 | RCMC/Certificate of Registration not required, wherever otherwise applicable |
| FOB value above ₹3,00,000 | RCMC/Certificate of Registration continues to apply wherever required under FTP 2023 |
| Effective date | Immediate |
| Relevant provision | Para 2.57(c), FTP 2023 |
| Notification | No. 36/2026-27 |
| Notification date | 15 September 2026 |
Who Can Benefit From the RCMC Exemption?
The amendment is particularly relevant to businesses undertaking small-value export consignments.
It may be useful for exporters using:
- Postal export channels
- Courier export channels
- Emerging export channels
- Other small-value shipment models
The Government has stated that the measure is intended to promote small-value exports and reduce the compliance burden associated with RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirements.
Small and Emerging Exporters
The exemption can make it easier for businesses handling smaller consignments to undertake exports where an RCMC or Certificate of Registration would otherwise have been required under the FTP.
This is particularly relevant in the context of the growth of small-value and e-commerce-oriented export shipments.
What Happens When the FOB Value Exceeds ₹3 Lakh?
The exemption is limited to consignments with an FOB value not exceeding ₹3,00,000.
Therefore, where the FOB value of an export consignment exceeds ₹3,00,000, the exporter must continue to comply with the applicable RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement wherever it otherwise applies under FTP 2023.
The notification does not remove other export-related requirements that may apply to a particular product, transaction or export channel.
Why Is This Amendment Important?
The amendment reduces one specific compliance requirement for eligible low-value export consignments.
By introducing a ₹3 lakh FOB threshold, the Government aims to facilitate small-value exports, especially through postal, courier and other emerging channels.
For businesses entering international markets with smaller consignments, the change provides a simpler regulatory route where RCMC or Certificate of Registration was otherwise applicable.
Note for Exporters:
The ₹3 lakh threshold is based on the FOB value of the export consignment.
Exporters should also check whether any other requirements under the Foreign Trade Policy, Customs regulations, product-specific export policy, or other applicable laws continue to apply to their particular shipment.
The exemption specifically concerns the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement under the amended Paragraph 2.57 of FTP 2023. It should not be interpreted as a general exemption from all export compliance requirements.
Conclusion
The amendment to Paragraph 2.57 of FTP 2023 provides a de minimis exemption from RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirements for export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000, wherever the certificate would otherwise be required.
The measure, effective immediately, is aimed at supporting small-value exports through postal, courier and other emerging channels. For consignments exceeding ₹3 lakh, the existing RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement continues to apply wherever prescribed under FTP 2023.
Notification Reference:
DGFT
Notification No. 36/2026-27
15/09/2026