An Overview of FIEO Registration

Are you an entrepreneur seeking networking opportunities with other exporters, international buyers, and industry associations?

Are you interested in accessing export promotion schemes, incentives, and government benefits?

If yes, FIEO registration with Fastzeal professionals can assist you.

FIEO registration provides businesses with various advantages, such as global business exposure, comprehensive guidance on key global trade areas like Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), and access to several concessions for MSMEs. It serves as a partner to the Government of India in promoting the country’s exports.

FIEO registration ensures the regulation of all export-related organizations in India and helps entrepreneurs gain numerous benefits, including international exposure and government assistance for MSMEs.

Want to access exclusive trade benefits and global opportunities? Reach out to Fastzeal experts today and get started.

What is FIEO?
FIEO, which stands for the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, is an apex body established under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in 1965. Its main objective is to promote international trade and assist entrepreneurs/exporters in global markets. FIEO works actively to expand and enhance India's export markets.

The organization represents the interests of government-recognized exporting firms such as Export House/Star Export House/Trading House. FIEO is involved not only in promoting the export of merchandise but also in supporting the export of services.

Objective of FIEO Online Registration

The primary objective of FIEO online registration is to facilitate the promotion of businesses internationally while addressing the challenges faced in exports. FIEO plays a crucial role by acting as an interface between India’s international trading community and various stakeholders, including the Central/State governments, financial institutions, ports, railways, surface transport, and all entities involved in export trade facilitation.

According to India’s Foreign Trade Policy, the memorandum and articles of association of FIEO ensure that the FIEO membership registration rules are governed.

Types of Membership Under FIEO Registration

The membership rules of FIEO registration are governed by the Government of India’s Foreign Trade Policy and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of FIEO. There are two types of membership for registering RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) under FIEO:

1. Ordinary Membership:
   Ordinary membership, also known as entry-level membership, is for organizations or firms that have recently entered the export and import business. This membership serves as a basic entry point for new exporters.

2. Associate Membership:
   Associate membership is an extended version of ordinary membership, typically for organizations that have prior experience in the export and import business. The fees for associate membership are higher than ordinary membership and include additional charges, such as the nominal GST rate.

Benefits of FIEO Registration Online

Here are the key benefits of FIEO registration online for your export business:

1. Exposure to Trade Opportunities:
   Exporters or members with FIEO registration gain guaranteed exposure to global and international trade opportunities.

2. Guidance via Online Chat:
   Members and exporters holding FIEO registration receive access to necessary guidance on issues such as Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), corporate laws, and more via online chat.

3. Free Online Business:
   FIEO registration holders enjoy exclusive benefits, including six months of free online store access on eBay and three months on Amazon, allowing them to expand their reach.

4. Subsidy on Air Travel:
   Exporters who register for FIEO are eligible for a 10% discount on both domestic and international air tickets.

5. Easy & Affordable Credit Rating:
   FIEO members can avail of a 10% discount on credibility analysis services offered by CRISIL, a prominent credit rating agency, helping them improve their financial credibility.

6. Compliance with Government Rules:
   FIEO registration ensures easier compliance with government rules and regulations, supported by guidance from FIEO experts.

7. Updates from FIEO:
   Members receive timely updates on India’s Foreign Trade Policy and related developments, ensuring they stay informed about changes that impact their business. Individuals who wish to benefit from FIEO’s offerings but do not require an RCMC certificate can still register as individual exporters.
   
   

   Eligibility Criteria for FIEO Registration Online

   The applicant should adhere to the following criteria while applying to the FIEO registration online-

   • Merchandiser (Merchant) or Exporter: The applicant must ensure that the business executed involves the exports and imports, which is a key necessity required for setting up an export business in India. Additionally, the exporter must apply for an Import Export Code (IEC) from the concerned authority i.e., the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade).
   • Declaration of the Focal Line of Business: The merchant or exporter must specify their main line of business. For example, if the major line of business is tea and coffee, approval/ consent from the Coffee and Tea Promotion Board must be received. If the products are not included in any export promotion board or any other authority, approval from the FIEO must be obtained to export them.
   • Consent from the Board of the FIEO: The applicant must ensure that relevant consent is obtained from FIEO or the appropriate board. If there exists no particular board for the respective product, the applicant must apply to FIEO for approval, and FIEO will provide the necessary sanction for the same.

Documents Required for FIEO Online Registration

The following documents are required for obtaining FIEO online registration:

1. Application for Registration-cum-Membership:
   Provide an application in the specified format, including business line details, as per the appendices register, to become a member of the Export Promotion Council (EPC).

2. Self-Certified Copy of Importer and Exporter Code (IEC):
   A self-certified copy of the IEC number issued by the concerned licensing authority.

3. Cheque/Pay Order/Demand Draft:
   A cheque, pay order, or demand draft in favor of FIEO towards the annual membership subscription fee.

4. GSTIN:
   A copy of the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN).

5. Letter of Authority:
   A letter of authority on the firm's letterhead.

6. Export House Certificate:
   A self-certified copy of One Star/Two Star/Three Star/Four Star/Five Star Export House Certificate, if applicable.

7. Export Turnover Details:
   Country-wise/commodity-wise export turnover for the past three financial years.

8. Foreign Exchange Earnings Statement:
   A statement of foreign exchange earnings for the past three years.

9. Bank Statement:
   A bank statement of the applicant.

10. SSI/Industrial License/IEM Registration Certificate:
    Self-certified copies of SSI/Industrial license/IEM registration certificate, if the applicant is in the business of manufacturing.

11. Declaration of Export and Import:
    A declaration regarding the export and import conducted during the preceding financial year.

12. Memorandum and Articles of Association:
    The Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA and AOA) of the company, if applicable.

How to Apply for FIEO Registration Online?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for FIEO registration online:

1. Filing of Online Membership Application:
   The first step is for the exporter or merchant to file an online membership application form. The application should include details of the main line of business in the prescribed format for FIEO registration.

2. Provide Mandatory Documents:
   The applicant must submit the required documents, including a letter of authority, directly to the regional office of FIEO. This letter designates the person who will represent the applicant for the RCMC registration process.

3. Payment of Membership Fee:
   After submitting the necessary documents, companies with an export turnover of Rs. 5 crores or more need to make the payment for membership and subscription fees, along with 18% GST, required for FIEO registration.

4. Verification by FIEO:
   After the application and membership fees are submitted, FIEO will verify and review the documents and details mentioned in the application.

5. Issuance of FIEO Registration Certificate:
   Once the application is approved, FIEO will issue the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), officially confirming the FIEO registration for the applicant or business.

Validity of Federation of Indian Export Organizations Registration

The FIEO registration is valid from April 1 of the licensing year it is issued and remains effective for five years, expiring on March 31 of the final licensing year, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the FIEO registration certificate granted by the Export Promotion Council (EPC) is valid for a period of 5 years.

Compliance Requirements Under FIEO Registration Online

FIEO registration online comes with specific compliance requirements that exporters must follow to maintain their membership and enjoy the associated benefits. Some of the key compliance requirements include:

• Change in Constitution:
  If there is any change in the possession, constitution, name, or address of an exporter, it is mandatory for the RCMC holder to inform the enrolling authority within one month from the date of such change. The enrolling authority will review such changes on a case-by-case basis.
  
  

  Penalty for Non-Compliance Under FIEO Registration

  The Export Promotion Council may de-register an exporter for a specific period if they violate the conditions of FIEO registration, but only after providing a fair opportunity for the exporter to defend themselves.

  To eliminate the penalties for non-compliance under FIEO registration, connect with our expert professionals.

  Role of FIEO Registration in India’s Export Trade

  The role of FIEO registration in India’s export trade is as discussed below:

  • FIEO represents exporters’ interest in policy formulation and trade negotiations.
  • FIEO registration provides data and insights on global markets and trade trends.
  • FIEO offers workshops and seminars to enhance exporters’ skills and knowledge.
  • FIEO organizes trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and international delegations.
  • FIEO registration assists with export documentation, compliance, and resolving trade-related issues.

Penalty for Non-Compliance Under FIEO Registration
The Export Promotion Council may de-register an exporter for a specific period if they violate the conditions of FIEO registration. However, this can only occur after providing the exporter with a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

To avoid penalties for non-compliance under FIEO registration, it’s advisable to connect with expert professionals.

Role of FIEO Registration in India’s Export Trade

The role of FIEO registration in India’s export trade includes the following:

• Policy Formulation & Trade Negotiations: FIEO represents the interests of exporters in the formulation of policies and trade negotiations.
• Global Market Insights: FIEO registration provides valuable data and insights on global markets and trade trends.
• Workshops & Seminars: FIEO organizes workshops and seminars to help exporters enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Trade Fairs & Buyer-Seller Meets: FIEO organizes trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and international delegations to facilitate global trade.
• Export Documentation & Compliance: FIEO assists with export documentation, compliance, and resolving trade-related issues.

Recent Updates on FIEO Online Registration
India currently has a total of 26 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and 9 commodities boards. These entities are authorized by the central government to issue RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) to exporters under FIEO Online Registration. Each EPC and commodities board is classified based on the type of products they focus on.

FIEO directly represents over 30,000 members and serves more than 2,00,000 exporters across various industries and service sectors in India.

Fees Required for FIEO Registration
The fees required for FIEO registration/membership depend on the eligibility criteria for businesses, enterprises, or the rating of the respective export houses or individual exporters. Below are the FIEO Membership Annual Subscription fees applicable for different categories:

Timeline for FIEO Registration
The timeline for FIEO registration typically ranges from 7 to 10 business days, depending on the completeness of the application and the efficiency of document submission and verification.

Why Trust Fastzeal for FIEO Registration in India?
Fastzeal is a trusted partner for online FIEO registration in India. Here are a few reasons why businesses choose us:

• 10+ Years of Experience in providing consulting support to entrepreneurs.
• Secured FIEO Registration Certificates for over 500 exporters.
• 99% Success Rate in acquiring FIEO online registration.
• Comprehensive Documentation Support for FIEO registration.
• End-to-End Assistance in FIEO registration online.
• 24/7 Dedicated Support to simplify the journey of FIEO registration.