Council of Leather Exports Registration
CLE Registration
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What’s Included?
CLE RCMC Certificate Online Portal Application Filing IEC, GST & Factory Document Review International Trade Fair Support EU REACH Compliance Advisory Buyer Connect for Global Leather Markets Skill Development Scheme Assistance 5-Year Certificate with Renewal Support Expert Advisory & Document Handling
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Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Registration in India- Process, Fees
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE), established in 1984, is a government-supported organization that promotes and facilitates the export of Indian leather and leather products. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the council is headquartered at No. 1, Sivaganga Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, and serves as the apex export promotion body for the Indian leather industry. Leather exporters and manufacturers in India can access the council’s services by registering for membership.
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for leather exporters offer several benefits to Indian leather exporters and manufacturers. CLE members can access trade-related services, including market research, export intelligence, and export development programmes. Members are also kept informed about industry trends, policies, and regulations and have a platform to raise industry-related concerns. Indian leather industry is recognized as one of India’s top ten foreign exchange earners, with leather and leather product exports reaching USD 1.16 billion (₹10,948 crore) in Q1 FY 2026–27 (April–June 2026), according to data reported by IBEF.
Professional Utilities assist applicants in obtaining the Council for Leather Exports RCMC, helping eligible exporters strengthen their credibility and visibility in international markets and explore new business opportunities.
CLE Certificate Sample
How to Apply for CLE Registration Online?
The CLE registration process involves submitting the required details and documents through the designated online platform. Applicants can follow the prescribed steps to complete the registration and obtain the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC):
- Filing the Application Form: Log in to the official DGFT website and navigate to e-RCMC. Select the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) as the registering council, enter the required business and export details, and provide the applicable product information with HS codes.
- Digital Signing and Application Submission: Complete the application and submit it using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-sign. Upload the required documents, including IEC, GST registration details, and applicable manufacturer documents. e-RCMC filing has been mandatory since 1 April 2022 under DGFT Trade Notice No. 35/2021-22.
- Completing the CLE Membership Data Form: After submitting the e-RCMC application, enter the required membership and export data through the CLE Members Portal. This information helps CLE compile leather industry export statistics and assess export performance.
- Submitting Entity Documents to CLE: Send the signed application and applicable entity-specific documents to the concerned CLE regional office by post or courier within 3 working days. These may include the partnership deed for partnership firms, MOA and AOA for applicable entities, and income tax returns for the last 3 years for proprietorships.
- Payment of Membership Fee and Application Verification: Pay the applicable CLE membership fee through the DGFT portal. CLE verifies the application and supporting documents. If discrepancies are identified, the application may be returned for correction and resubmission.
- Issuance of e-RCMC: Upon successful verification and approval, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued online through the DGFT portal. CLE RCMC certificate remains valid for 5 years from 1 April of the year of issue to 31 March of the fifth financial year.
Documents required for leather exports in India
CLE registration documents required for membership include essential business, identity, and export-related records to verify applicant details and support the registration process:
Basic & Statutory Documents
- Membership Application Form (DGFT e-RCMC)
- PAN Card
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- GST Registration Certificate
- Udyam Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank or CA Certificate of Previous-Year Exports (NIL certificate, if no exports)
Manufacturer-Specific Documents
- Industrial Licence (where applicable)
- Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM), where applicable
Applicable to manufacturer exporters, as required by CLE.
Entity-Specific Documents
- Partnership Deed – Partnership Firms
- MOA and AOA – Companies, LLPs and Cooperatives, as applicable
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Last 3 Years – Proprietorships
Important Application Requirements
- Valid IEC issued by DGFT
- Previous-year export details supported by a Bank or CA certificate
- Entity documents as applicable to the business structure
Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Registration Fees
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) charges a new membership fee of ₹10,030 (inclusive of 18% GST) for all exporter categories. New MSME members, however, are eligible for a concessional membership fee of ₹1,180 (including 18% GST). Professional Utilities charges a professional fee of ₹7,499 + 18% GST for CLE RCMC registration fees in India, subject to eligibility.
| Applicant Category | Government Fee (₹) | GST @ 18% (₹) | Total Payable (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Member Turnover below ₹15 lakh in the previous financial year | 8,500 | 1,530 | 10,030 |
| Ordinary Membership Previous-year export FOB value from ₹15 lakh to ₹1 crore | 13,000 | 2,340 | 15,340 |
| New MSME Members Concessional fee for newly registered MSME exporters | 1,000 | 180 | 1,180 |
| Professional Fees | 18% GST on Professional Fees | Total (Exclusive Govt. Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹7,499.00 | ₹1,350 | ₹8,849 |
Note: All exporter categories, including Manufacturer Exporters, Merchant-cum-Manufacturer Exporters, Merchant Exporters, and Service Providers, are covered under the same fee structure. The joining fee of ₹1,000 is a one-time payment. Professional fees are payable in addition to the CLE government membership fee.
Products Covered Under Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
Council for Leather Exports membership registration covers a wide range of leather, non-leather, and allied products, including the following categories:
- Finished Leather: Tanned leather, crust leather, and wet blue leather
- Footwear: Leather shoes, sandals, chappals, shoe uppers, socks/soles, and non-leather footwear
- Leather Goods and Accessories: Handbags, wallets, purses, cardholders, key cases, pouches, belts, and small leather goods
- Leather Garments: Jackets, vests, coats, and other apparel made from leather
- Gloves: Industrial gloves, fashion gloves, specialized golf gloves, and driving gloves
- Saddlery and Harness Products: Horse saddles, bridles, harness equipment, and pet leather accessories
Who can Apply for Council for Leather Exports registration?
Manufacturers and merchant exporters dealing in leather, leather products, and footwear in India can apply for Council for Leather Exports registration, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria
- Manufacturer Exporters: Businesses involved in manufacturing leather goods, finished leather, footwear, or saddlery and harness items are eligible to apply for CLE membership registration.
- Merchant Exporters:Traders and exporters involved in source and export of leather products, wallets, belts, and fashion accessories.
- Merchant-cum-Manufacturer Exporters: Businesses engaged in both manufacturing and exporting eligible leather products can apply for CLE membership.
- Service Providers: Service providers can apply where eligible under CLE's applicable membership criteria.
- Membership Tiers
- Associate Member: Exporters with a previous-year export FOB value below ₹15 lakh can apply for Council for Leather Exports registration as Associate Members.
- Ordinary Member: Exporters with a previous-year export FOB value of ₹15 lakh and above can apply for Council for Leather Exports registration as Ordinary Members.
Note: A valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT is mandatory for the CLE registration process.
Types of CLE Membership
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) offers membership across three categories, each suited to a different stage of export activity. The table below compares them so leather exporters can identify the right category before applying for the RCMC.
| Membership Type | Who It Suits | Export (FOB) Threshold | New-Member Fee (Including 18% GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Member | Smaller and newer leather exporters seeking market access and promotional support | Below ₹15 lakh | ₹10,030 |
| Ordinary Member | Established leather exporters seeking full membership and voting rights | ₹15 lakh and above | Based on the applicable export slab (₹15,340–₹1,82,900) |
| New MSME (Concessional) | Eligible new members holding a valid MSME/Udyam registration | As per applicable CLE eligibility criteria | ₹1,180 |
Validity and Renewal of Council for Leather Exports (CLE) RCMC
Council for Leather Exports (CLE) RCMC is valid for five years, from 1 April of the year of issue to 31 March of the fifth year, under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. However, membership subscription fees must be paid annually, with each subscription year ending on 31 March. Failure to renew the membership subscription within the prescribed period may result in the cessation of membership and affect access to applicable government benefits, including RoDTEP. Applicants can manage CLE RCMC renewal and membership-related requirements through the DGFT Common Digital RCMC Portal. Any amendments to RCMC details must also be completed through the prescribed procedure.
How to Get CLE Membership with Professional Utilities?
Step 1:
Get in touch via call or contact form
Step 2:
Provide necessary documents
Step 3:
Get your RCMC certificate
Benefits of CLE Membership
The benefits of having a registration with the council for leather exports for exporters and manufacturer exporters are as follows: -
- Access to market information and intelligence: The CLE regularly provides its members with information about trends and developments in the global leather market, as well as updates on government policies and regulations that may affect the industry.
- Promotion and marketing support: The CLE helps its members to promote their products in international markets by organizing participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
- Networking opportunities: The CLE organizes various events and initiatives to promote networking and collaboration among its members, including industry-specific seminars, conferences, and roundtable discussions.
- Support in resolving disputes: The CLE provides assistance to its members in resolving disputes related to trade and commerce
- Access to finance: The CLE provides its members with access to various financial institutions and schemes to help them finance their export activities.
- Technical assistance: The CLE also provides technical assistance to its members in areas such as product development, design, and quality control to improve the competitiveness of their products in the global market.
In short the council of leather export helps the Indian leather industry and its exporters to grow and improve their competitiveness in the global market by providing them with the above services, which they might not be able to access individually.
Obtain CLE RCMC Certificate with Expert Assistance
Applying for a Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a crucial step for leather exporters and manufacturer-exporters in India. The certificate demonstrates compliance with industry requirements and supports credibility in international markets. CLE provides a range of services, including market intelligence, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and assistance with technical and commercial matters. Professional Utilities facilitate in RCMC registration process, enabling exporters to focus on their business while receiving assistance with compliance-related requirements.
FAQ’s On Council of Leather Exports Registration
What is Council for Leather Exports (CLE) registration?
Council for Leather Exports (CLE), established in 1984, is a government-supported organization that promotes and facilitates the export of Indian leather and leather products.
Who is eligible for CLE registration in India?
All manufacturer or merchant exporter dealing in leather, leather products and footwear in India are eligible for Council for Leather Exports registration.
How can I apply for CLE registration online?
To apply for CLE registration, online applicants must submit the required details and documents through the official DGFT platform.
What documents are required for CLE registration?
Documents required for CLE registration include PAN Card, GST Registration Certificate, Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), Letter of Undertaking among other mandatory documents.
What is the fee for Council Leather Export registration in India?
Council for Leather Exports (CLE) charges a new membership fee of ₹10,030 (inclusive of 18% GST) for associate member category. New MSME members, however, are eligible for a concessional membership fee of ₹1,180 (including 18% GST). Professional Utilities charge a professional fee of ₹7,499 + 18% GST for registration assistance, subject to eligibility.
How can I renew my CLE membership online?
To renew their Council for Leather Exports membership, exporters must visit DGFT Common Digital Platform and log in using existing IEC credentials. Supporting documents such as IEC, PAN, GST, MSME/Udyam Aadhaar must be uploaded along with applicable renewal fees.
What is the validity of a CLE RCMC certificate?
Council for Leather Exports (CLE) RCMC is valid for five years, from 1 April of the year of issue to 31 March of the fifth year, under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. However, membership subscription fees must be paid annually, with each subscription year ending on 31 March.
Is an Import Export Code (IEC) required for CLE registration?
Yes, an Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory document for Council for Leather Exports Registration.
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Disclaimer:The information provided on this website is intended for general information purposes only. Although all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the information provided is correct and reliable, it is not advised to be used as a substitute for professional advice. The information herein is not to be used in place of seeking professional services, counsel, or guidance. We highly advise that you consult a professional before you make any business or legal decisions regarding the information presented on this website. This website and its contents are given "as is", and we do not take any responsibility for any action that is taken based on information given on this website.
- Written by: Anuja Sahi
- Fact-checked: Sahil Singh
- Updated on: October 23, 2026
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