GLOBAL SELLING BLOG

What is FIEO? Know its role, benefits, and registration process

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations helps exporters improve their export businesses. Learn more about its services, role, and benefits in the blog.

India’s exports are on a steady upwards trajectory, creating fresh opportunities for MSMEs. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) directly and indirectly serves the interests of over 200,000 exporters across all goods and services sectors in the country, providing essential support and benefits to enhance their export activities.¹ In this blog post, we will delve into the role of this apex body in India's export trade.

What is the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)?

Established by the Ministry of Commerce in 1965, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) serves as an apex body representing the interests of Indian exporters by advocating for favorable trade policies, providing essential services, and acting as a bridge between the government and the export community. It assists businesses in navigating complex trade regulations, exploring global market opportunities, and staying competitive in international markets. Through a wide range of programs, workshops, and trade delegations, FIEO empowers Indian exporters with the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed globally.²

Role of FIEO in India's export trade

FIEO plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s export landscape, acting as a central coordinator for exporters and enabling their integration into global markets. Some of its key responsibilities are as follows:

Advocacy: Represents the interests of exporters to the government and other relevant stakeholders like the international trading community.

Support services: Provides assistance with market research, trade information, and export promotion activities.

Training: Offers training programs to enhance exporters' skills and knowledge.

Organizing events: Facilitates exporters’ participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions.

Policy input: Advises on policies that affect export trade and works to improve the export environment in India.³

Services offered by FIEO

Some key services offered by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations are as follows:

● Information access: FIEO provides comprehensive access to updated trade policies, global business opportunities, and a searchable directory of exporters on its website. It also publishes weekly and monthly bulletins to keep the exporter community informed.

● Interactive meetings: FIEO facilitates discussions between exporters and policymakers, ensuring critical trade issues are addressed promptly.

● Indian Trade Portal: This portal offers detailed tariff information, trade analysis for 100+ countries, policy updates, and government schemes, serving as an essential resource for exporters.

● Indian Business Portal: This B2B marketplace empowers SMEs, artisans, and farmers to identify new global markets for business expansion.

● International marketing initiatives: FIEO organizes trade delegations, MoUs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets, strengthening exporters' global reach.⁴

What are the benefits of FIEO membership?

FIEO membership provides exporters with valuable support through access to global trade insights, government advocacy, and exclusive networking opportunities. Members benefit from resources like the Indian Trade Portal, training sessions, and international trade fair participation.⁵Additionally, FIEO membership enhances credibility, opening doors to new markets and partnerships globally.

Eligibility for Federation of Indian Export Organisations membership

To be a member of the FIEO, it is essential to file for a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) which is mandatory for all exporters. The eligibility criteria for FIEO membership includes the following:

● Must be an Indian exporter.
● Membership fees are based on exporter turnover and vary accordingly.
● Entities without an IEC, who are ineligible for e-RCMC, can still join FIEO as individual members.
● If an export product is not covered by any Export Promotion Council, the RCMC must be obtained from FIEO.
● Multi-product exporters can obtain their RCMC from FIEO if their primary product is not yet determined.⁶

Documents required for FIEO registration

Exporters applying for FIEO membership must submit the filled and signed RCMC application form, along with self-attested copies of the following documents:
1. IEC number
2. PAN card
3. GST registration certificate
4. Bank statement of the business
5. Certificate of incorporation
6. Business’s address proof ⁷

Step-by-step process for FIEO registration

Here is an overview of the steps involved in FIEO registration:

Online application

Visit the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) website and fill out the online membership application form. This form requires details such as the business profile, export turnover, export performance, and export registration.

Submit documents

After completing the online application, submit the necessary documents such as the export registration certificate, bank statement, and export invoices.

Pay membership fee

Pay the membership fee, which varies based on the category of membership. FIEO offers different membership categories tailored to the size and nature of the business, each with its own fee structure.

Approval

Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the membership committee at FIEO reviews the application for approval or rejection. If approved, the applicant will be notified and can begin enjoying the benefits of FIEO membership.8

Conclusion

Becoming a member of FIEO offers exporters a range of advantages that enhance their business potential. Membership provides access to vital resources, including updated trade policies, market insights, and networking opportunities with industry peers. Additionally, FIEO supports members in navigating the complexities of international trade, offering guidance and advocacy to address their concerns. If you’re an e-commerce exporter looking for tailored guidance and support on how to export products via e-commerce, you can explore the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

How to export from India through Amazon Global Selling?

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products across the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your exports journey – documents and licenses, logistics, payments, advertising, and more.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfilment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

More blogs on Export Promotion Councils

1. 10 Export Promotion Councils of India you must know about

2. All you need to know about Cashew Export Promotion Council of India

3. What is the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES)?

4. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts: Role and importance

5. Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC): Steps to register

6. Plastic Export Promotion Council: How to become a member?

7. All you need to know about APEDA and its registration process

8. Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC): Benefits and registration process

9. How to become a member of the Carpet Export Promotion Council?

10. Indian Silk Export Promotion Council: Steps to register

11. All you need to know about Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council

12. All you need to know about Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council

13. Everything you need to know about Handloom Export Promotion Council

14. Everything you need to know about Apparel Export Promotion Council

15. Sports Goods Export Promotion Council: How to register?

16. Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL): How to register?

17. Export Promotion Councils in India: Steps to register

18. Council for Leather Exports: How to register?

Frequently Asked Questions

How is FIEO registration beneficial for exporters?

FIEO membership provides exporters with access to vital resources, including updated trade policies, market insights, and networking opportunities, while offering support in navigating international trade complexities. This membership enhances business growth and facilitates global expansion.

What is the function of FIEO?

FIEO is an apex body of the export promotion organizations in the country and acts as a bridge between the government and the exporting community. It provides various services such as policy advocacy, market intelligence, training, and networking opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in global markets.

Is FIEO an Export Promotion Council?

FIEO is an apex body of all export promotion councils in India.

Is RCMC with FIEO mandatory?

Yes, as per the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), every exporter must obtain Registration-cum-Membership Certificate to receive benefits under the FTP.

What are the benefits of FIEO in export and import?

FIEO provides exporters and importers with market intelligence, regulatory compliance assistance, and access to trade fairs for networking. It offers training programs to enhance trade skills and advocates for favorable policies, helping businesses navigate the export-import landscape effectively.

What is the difference between FIEO and the Export Promotion Council?

Export Promotion Council is a non-profit organization established under the Indian Companies Act that performs executive and advisory functions for exporters. On the other hand, FIEO is an apex body established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1965 and functions as a partner of the Government of India to promote Indian exports.

What is the fee for FIEO registration?

Membership fee varies based on the category of membership. FIEO offers different membership categories tailored to the size and nature of the business, each with its own fee structure. Visit the official website of FIEO for more details.

Published on Apr 25, 2021

Sources:

1. 1https://www.commerce.gov.in/about-us/export-promotion-councils/federation-of-indian-export-organisation/
2. 2 https://fieo.org/view_section.php?lang=0&id=0,2596,2597
3. 3.https://commerce.gov.in/about-us/export-promotion-councils/federation-of-indian-export-organisation/
4. 4.https://fieo.org/uploads/files/file/FIEO_Annual_Report_2024.pdf
5. https://fieo.org/FIEO-FAQs.pdf
6. https://fieo.org/FIEO-FAQs.pdf; https://fieo.org/view_section.php?lang=0&id=0,31,32
7. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fieo-federation-of-indian-export-organisations
8. https://corpbiz.io/learning/federation-of-indian-export-organisations-promoting-indias-exports/

Understanding export incentives in India: What are the benefits for exporters?

Export from India: A guide on how to export products from India