Indian Compliance
FIEO Membership & Registration 2026: Fees, Benefits and RCMC Process
If you export from India, sooner or later you will need an RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate). For many exporters, especially those with several product lines, that RCMC comes from FIEO.
FIEO stands for Federation of Indian Export Organisations. It is the apex body of India's export promotion organisations. FIEO membership gives you an e-RCMC, issued through the DGFT portal and valid for five financial years, which you need to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Why Exporters Need an RCMC
- To claim benefits and schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy
- For some export incentives, authorisations and status holder recognition
- For access to trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and market information
- As proof of a registered exporter for buyers and banks
FIEO or an Export Promotion Council?
RCMC is issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) for your main product, such as EEPC for engineering goods or the Spices Board for spices. FIEO issues RCMC to:
- Exporters of products not covered by any EPC
- Multi-product exporters
- Service providers and status holders, where appropriate
If an EPC covers your product, register there instead. For spices, see our Spices Board CRES guide.
FIEO Membership Fees 2026
Annual fees, April to March, excluding 18% GST:
| Category | Turnover below ₹5 crore | Premium (turnover ₹5 crore or more) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi Product Group | ₹7,000 | ₹7,850 |
| Service Provider | ₹7,250 | ₹8,000 |
| 100% EOU | ₹10,250 | ₹11,350 |
| SEZ unit | ₹10,750 | ₹11,500 |
- Status holders (One to Five Star Export Houses) pay higher fees by star level.
- A one-time processing fee applies to a new e-RCMC.
- Discounts: 10% for paying five years in advance, 5% for three years.
- New applicants from January to March can choose to pay half the fee for the current year, if they pay the full fee for the next year.
Use FIEO's fee calculator to confirm the exact amount before paying.
Documents Required
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- PAN and GST registration
- Company incorporation documents or partnership deed
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- Export turnover details, for premium category and status holders
- EOU or SEZ approval letter, if applicable
- Digital signature or Aadhaar e-sign of the authorised person
How to Register: e-RCMC on DGFT
- Log in to the DGFT portal with your IEC.
- Select "Apply for RCMC" and choose FIEO as the issuing authority.
- Fill in company and export details, including the category.
- Upload documents and sign the application.
- Pay the FIEO membership fee and processing fee.
- FIEO review and queries.
- e-RCMC issued on the DGFT portal, valid for five financial years.
Validity and Renewal
The e-RCMC is valid for five financial years, ending on 31 March of the fifth year. You must pay the membership fee every year unless paid in advance. Renew on the DGFT portal before expiry to avoid a gap.
Common Mistakes
- Registering with FIEO when an EPC covers your product. Some benefits need the right EPC.
- Wrong category. Turnover of ₹5 crore or more requires a premium category.
- Letting the fee lapse. Unpaid annual fees can make the RCMC inactive.
- IEC details not updated. The IEC must be updated every year on the DGFT portal.
How Instacertify Helps
We confirm whether FIEO or an EPC is right for you, prepare documents, file the e-RCMC on the DGFT portal and track renewals. See our FIEO membership service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of FIEO?
FIEO stands for Federation of Indian Export Organisations. It is the apex body of Indian export promotion organisations, set up with the support of the Ministry of Commerce.
What are the FIEO membership fees in 2026?
The annual fee, excluding 18% GST, is ₹7,000 for Multi Product Group, ₹7,250 for Service Provider, ₹10,250 for 100% EOU and ₹10,750 for SEZ units. Exporters with turnover of ₹5 crore or more pay premium rates of ₹7,850, ₹8,000, ₹11,350 and ₹11,500. A one-time processing fee applies to a new e-RCMC.
What is RCMC?
RCMC is the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. Exporters need one from an Export Promotion Council or FIEO to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
How long is an RCMC valid?
An RCMC is valid for five financial years, ending on 31 March of the fifth year, subject to paying the membership fee for each year.
Should I get RCMC from FIEO or an Export Promotion Council?
If your product is covered by a specific Export Promotion Council, register with that council. FIEO issues RCMC to exporters of products not covered by any council and to multi-product exporters.
Is there a discount for paying in advance?
FIEO gives a 10% discount if the fee is paid five years in advance and 5% if paid three years in advance.