Government Eases Export Rules for Small Traders, Waives Registration for Shipments Up To ₹3 Lakh

The government has simplified overseas shipping for small exporters by exempting consignments valued up to ₹3 lakh from mandatory registration certificate requirements. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade amended Paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, to introduce this exemption, which applies wherever Registration-cum-Membership Certificates or Certificates of Registration are otherwise required.

The move aims to reduce entry barriers for MSMEs, artisans, small manufacturers, entrepreneurs and first-time exporters using postal, courier, e-commerce and other emerging channels. Shipments exceeding ₹3 lakh in free-on-board value will still require applicable registration documents.

Government data shows low-value consignments represented 43% of shipping bills from 2021-22 to 2025-26 but contributed only 0.86% of overall merchandise exports, making this exemption significant in supporting numerous transactions with minimal impact on aggregate export value.