REGISTRATION OF EXPORTERS

I.                  REGISTRATION WITH RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

 NO MORE REQUIRED

            Prior to 1.1.1997 it was compulsory for every exporters to obtain an exporters’ code number from the Reserve Bank of India before engaging in export.  This has since been dispensed with and registration with the licensing authorities is sufficient before commencing export or import.

II.               REGISTRATION WITH REGIONAL LICENSING AUTHORITIES (OBTAINING IEC NUMBER)

The Customs Authorities will not allow you to import or export goods into or from India unless you hold a valid IEC number.  However, if you are exporting goods to Nepal or Myanmer through Indo-Myanmar Border areas, you are not required to obtain IEC number provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs. 25000/-.  For obtaining IEC number you should apply to Regional Licensing Authority (list given in Appendix II in duplicate in the prescribed form given in Appendix-I.  Before applying for IEC number it is necessary to open a bank account in the name of your company/firm with any commercial bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange.  The duly signed application form should be supported by the following documents:

1.                  Bank Receipt (in duplicate)/Demand Draft for payment of the fee of Rs. 1,000/-.

2.                  Certificate from the Banker of the application firm as per Annexure I to the form given in Appendix I of this Book.

3.                  Two copies of Passport size photographs of the applicant dully attested by the banker to the applicants.

4.                  A copy of Permanent Account Number issued by Income Tax Authorities duty attested by the applicant.

5.                  In case the application is signed by an authorised signatory, a copy of the letter of legal authority may be furnished.

6.                  If there is any non-resident interest in the firm and non-resident investment is to be made with repatriation benefits, full particulars thereof with photocopy of RBI approval must be submitted.  If there is non-resident investment without repatriation benefits, a simple declaration indicating whether it is held with the general/specific permission of the RBI of the RBI on the letter head of the firm should be furnished.  In case of specific approval, a copy may also be furnished Indian Companies issuing shares to foreign nationals/ NRIs under automatic route, 100% scheme or 24/40% scheme are not required to obtain prior approval of RBI.

7.                                             Declaration by the applicant that the proprietor/partners/directors associated as proprietor/partners/directors in any other firm/company which has been cautionlisted by the RBI.  Where the applicant declares that they are associated with a firm/company cautionlisted by the RBI they will be allotted IE Code No. but with an additional condition that they can export only with RBIs prior approval and they should approach RBI for the purpose.

8.                                          Exporter’s Profile as per form attached to Appendix I

The Regional Licensing Authority concerned will on merits grant an IEC number to the applicant.  The number should normally be given within 3 working days provided the application is complete in all respects and is accompanied by the prescribed documents.

                        An IEC number allotted to an applicant shall be valid for all its branches/divisions/units/factories as indicated on the IEC number.

III.                  REGISTRATION WITH EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCILS

In order to enable you to obtain benefits/concession under the export-import policy, you are required to register yourself with an appropriate export promotion agency by obtaining registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC).  However, a status holder has the option to obtain RCMC from FIEO.  The service exporters (except software service exporters) shall be required to obtain RCMC from FIEO.  In addition an exporter has the option to obtain an RCMC from FIEO or any other EPC if the products exported by him relate to those EPCs.  If the export product is that it is not covered by any EPC, RCMC in respect thereof may be issued by FIEO.

An application for registration should be accompanied by a self-certified copy of the Importer-Exporter Code Number issued by the Regional Licensing Authority concerned and bank certificate in support of the applicant’s financial soundness.  If the applicant is already registered with any other EPC, a copy of RCMC should be furnished.  In case an exporter desires to get registration as a manufacturer exporter, he should furnish evidence to that effect.  In the case of a manufacturer exporter the licensing authority may seek copy of registration with SSI/any other sponsoring authority in addition to the application in the prescribed form.  Membership fee should be paid in the form of cheque/draft after ascertaining the amount from the EPC concerned.  If the application for registration is granted, the EPC or FIEO shall issue the RCMC indicating the status of the applicant as merchant exporter or manufacturer exporter.  The RCMC shall be valid for five years ending 31^st March of the licensing year.  The certificate shall be deemed to be valid from 1^st April of the licensing year in which it was issued.

IV.               REGISTRATION WITH SALE TAX AUTHORITIES

Goods which are to be shipped out of the country for export are eligible for exemption from both Sales Tax and Central Sales Tax.  For this purpose, you should get yourself registered with the Sales Tax Authority of your State after following the procedure prescribed under the Sales Tax Act applicable to your Sate.