No RCMC needed for export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3 lakh: DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27 amends FTP para 2.57
DGFT has inserted sub-paragraph (c) in paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023: the requirement of a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate or a Certificate of Registration does not apply to an export consignment whose FOB value does not exceed ₹3,00,000. The change has immediate effect from 15 September 2026.
Key facts
- In force
- Immediate effect from 15 September 2026
- Who it affects
- Small exporters, exporters using postal and courier channels, e-commerce exporters, Export Promotion Councils
- What it is
- Relief
- Section
- Foreign Trade
- Published
- 15 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- Notification No. 36/2026-27 is dated 15 September 2026 and takes immediate effect.
- A new sub-paragraph (c) is inserted in paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
- RCMC or Certificate of Registration is not required for an export consignment with FOB value not exceeding ₹3,00,000.
- The stated objective is to promote small-value exports, especially through postal, courier and other emerging channels.
- Consignments with FOB value above ₹3,00,000 continue to need a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration wherever otherwise applicable.
हिंदी में सार
DGFT ने Notification 36/2026-27 (15 सितंबर 2026) से विदेश व्यापार नीति 2023 के पैरा 2.57 में नया उप-पैरा (c) जोड़ा है: जिस निर्यात खेप का FOB मूल्य ₹3,00,000 से अधिक नहीं है, उस पर RCMC या Certificate of Registration की शर्त लागू नहीं होगी। यह तुरंत प्रभाव से लागू है। ₹3 लाख से ऊपर की खेप पर RCMC पहले की तरह ज़रूरी रहेगा, जहाँ नीति में यह शर्त है।
What has changed
By Notification No. 36/2026-27 dated 15 September 2026, issued under section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 read with paragraph 1.02 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, the Central Government has amended the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 with immediate effect.
In paragraph 2.57, after sub-paragraph (b), a new sub-paragraph (c) is inserted. It reads, in substance: notwithstanding anything contained in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), the requirement of a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or a Certificate of Registration shall not apply to an export consignment where the Free-on-Board (FOB) value of the consignment does not exceed ₹3,00,000.
How the threshold works
| FOB value of the export consignment | RCMC / Certificate of Registration |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding ₹3,00,000 | Not required |
| Exceeding ₹3,00,000 | A valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration continues to be required, wherever such requirement is otherwise applicable under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 |
The test in the new sub-paragraph is applied to the consignment: it speaks of “an export consignment” and the FOB value “of the consignment”.
Why DGFT has done this
The notification states its own objective: to promote small-value exports, especially exports through postal, courier and other emerging channels. It is issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.
What the notification does not change
It does not alter sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 2.57; the new sub-paragraph overrides them only for consignments within the ₹3,00,000 limit. It also does not deal with any requirement other than the RCMC or Certificate of Registration.
What exporters should do
- For each export consignment, check its FOB value. If it does not exceed ₹3,00,000, the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement does not apply to that consignment.
- If the FOB value of a consignment exceeds ₹3,00,000, keep a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration wherever the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 otherwise requires it.
- Small exporters using postal or courier channels should note that the exemption is available from 15 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Is RCMC required for small export consignments?
Not where the FOB value of the export consignment does not exceed ₹3,00,000. Sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, inserted by Notification No. 36/2026-27, removes the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement for such consignments.
From when does the exemption apply?
The amendment is made with immediate effect; the notification is dated 15 September 2026.
What if the consignment value is more than ₹3 lakh?
Export consignments with an FOB value exceeding ₹3,00,000 continue to require a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration wherever such requirement is otherwise applicable under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
Why was the exemption given?
The notification states the objective as promoting small-value exports, especially exports through postal, courier and other emerging channels.
Published 15 September 2026. Updated 6 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.