FIEO REGISTRATION

What is FIEO?

FIEO which stands for Federation of Indian Export Organization is an apex organization instituted under the aegis of Ministry of Trade and Commerce in 1965. It mainly ensures promoting the international trade and is held responsible for representing and assisting entrepreneurs/ exporters in foreign market. The FIEO actively works in order to extend and enhance India's market and exports.

The organization represents the interest of government recognized exporting firms viz. Export House/Star Export House/Trading House. FIEO is not only involved in promoting the export of merchandise but also involved in promoting the export of services.

The primary purpose of FIEO online registration is to promote the business internationally and proactively take up the problems/ difficulties of export. FIEO further provides crucial interface between international trading community of India and the Central/ State governments, financial institutions, ports, railways, surface transport, and all other engaged in export trade facilitation.

According to the Indian 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 Memorandum and Articles of Association of FIEO. There are two kinds of membership for the registration of RCMC under FIEO:

1.    Ordinary Membership: Ordinary membership also known as entry-level membership signifies that the membership is a basic membership, especially for organizations or firms recently entered into the export and import business.

2.    Associate Membership: Associate membership is an expanded version of ordinary membership, especially applicable to the organizations previously indulged in the business of export and import. The charges imposed for the associate membership is more on the basis of the fee in additional to the nominal rate of GST.

Given below are the benefits of FIEO registration online for your export business-

1.    Exposure to Trade Opportunities: The exporters or members who are FIEO registration holders enjoy guaranteed exposure to global/ international trade opportunities.

2.    Guidance via Online Chat: The members/ exporters seeking FIEO registration holds the full access to necessary guidance through online chat on issues like FTP & corporate laws etc.

3.    Free Online Business: The members seeking Federation of Indian Export Organizations Registration enjoys exclusive benefits like six months of free online store access on eBay and three months on Amazon.

4.    Subsidy On Air Travel: The exporters seeking FIEO registration online are eligible to avail the benefit of 10% discount on all domestic & international air-tickets.

5.    Easy & Affordable Credit Rating: The exporters seeking Federation of Indian Export Organizations Registration can avail of a 10% discount on credibility analysis services offered by the prominent credit rating agency, CRISIL.

6.    Compliance with the Government: The exporters/ companies seeking FIEO registration ensure easy compliance with the government rules and regulations through guidance from FIEO.

7.    Updates from FIEO: In addition to various concessions, FIEO members also receive updates on India’s foreign trade policy. 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.

To apply for FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) Membership, please keep the following documents ready. All documents should be self-attested unless stated otherwise.

Mandatory Documents

Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT

PAN Card of the business / applicant

GST Registration Certificate (if applicable)

Aadhaar Card of Proprietor / Partner / Director

🏢 Business Registration Proof

(Any one, as applicable)

Proprietorship: Shop Act / Udyam Registration

Partnership Firm: Partnership Deed

LLP: LLP Agreement & Certificate of Incorporation

Private/Public Limited Company: Certificate of Incorporation & MOA/AOA

🏦 Bank & Financial Documents

Cancelled Cheque (firm’s bank account)

Bank Certificate (as per FIEO format, if required)

📄 Address Proof of Business

(Any one)

Electricity Bill

Telephone Bill

Rent Agreement / Lease Deed

Property Tax Receipt

🧾 Export-Related Documents (If Available)

Shipping Bill / Bill of Export

Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC)

Export Invoice

(New exporters can apply without export turnover)

📸 Additional Requirements

Passport-size photograph of authorized signatory

Authorization Letter (if application is signed by someone else)

📝 Notes

Documents must be clear and legible

File formats accepted: PDF / JPG

Processing time usually 5–7 working days

Membership certificate issued digitally

FIEO registration online comes with certain compliance requirements that exporters must follow to maintain their membership and enjoy the associated benefits. Some of the compliance requirements under FIEO are discussed below:

Change in Constitution

If there is an adjustment in possession, constitution, name or address of an exporter, it is compulsory for the RCMC holder to imply the change to the enrolling authority within a month from the date of such change. Enlisting authority acknowledges defers that are made on merits.

Quarterly Returns

If there is an adjustment in possession, constitution, name or address of an exporter, it is compulsory for the RCMC holder to imply the change to the enrolling authority within a month from the date of such change. Enlisting authority acknowledges defers that are made on merits.

Issue Resolution

The FIEO assists exporters in guiding them to the appropriate authorities for the resolution of issues and international problems which requires clarification.

Organizes High-Level Meetings

The FIEO exporters ensures organizing high-level meetings between government officials and exporters for addressing the trade-related issues/ providing information on current trade-related policies.

Reduced Trade Barriers

FIEO ensures providing guidance and processing trade-related matters, including export regulations, customs, procedures, documentation, and tariff rates, for reducing the trade barriers for exporters.

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.

Services of Federation of Indian Export Organization in India

The activities/ services of Export Promotion of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) in India, are as discussed below:

1.    e-Bulletin for Regular Updates: FIEO proposes an e-bulletin weekly to keep the traders updated with the worldwide developments that are affecting the country's foreign trade-related information and international trade as well.

2.    Fee Service Online: Free Service Online is accessible on the Indian Trade Portal, which is a knowledge platform for MFN Tariffs, Preferential Tariffs, SPS/TBT, and Rules of Origin of 65 countries, Import statistics of 87 countries and India's contribution in the imports.

3.    Chat Services: The council has two more chat services on the FIEO website to clarify the queries on Corporate Legal Affairs, Arbitration, International Agreement, Technology Transfer, Patents, Trade Marks, Brand Management, Copyright, and related topics and to clarify the queries on quality standards.

4.    Provides Press Clippings: The exports who are registered members FIEO provide press clippings on issues related to international trade are available on FIEO's website.

5.    FOREX Services:FIEO had started FOREX Services which includes Spot rates, Forward rates, Forward Calculator, FOREX Matrix, Pivot Points, LIBOR Rate, Historical Data, Currency Source, and Chart.