India Exempts Small Exports Under Rs 3 Lakh From Registration

The Government of India has exempted small-value export consignments with a free-on-board value of up to Rs 3 lakh from the requirement of a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate or Certificate of Registration. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade implemented the change by amending Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.

This measure targets the reduction of compliance burdens for MSMEs, artisans, and first-time exporters to facilitate easier entry into international markets through courier, postal, and e-commerce channels. Exporters whose consignments exceed the Rs 3 lakh threshold must continue to obtain the required certificates to access market access services and institutional support.

Government data from 2021-22 to 2025-26 supports the move, showing that consignments up to $3,000 account for 43 percent of shipping bills but only 0.86 percent of total merchandise export value. This indicates the exemption will streamline a high volume of transactions while having a minimal effect on the total value of national exports.