MTO Registration Process - Multimodal Transport Operator

What are the eligibility criteria for MTO registration?

The business must have a company registration document and be financially stable in order to be eligible for registration. Furthermore, the company must have the resources, such as vehicles and equipment, to conduct international transportation activities.

Registered entity: Applicant should be duly registered as a company, partnership firm, or proprietary concern engaged in the business of shipping, logistics, or freight forwarding, further any foreign entity wishing to apply for an MTO license must establish a place of business in India first.

Turnover criteria: If the company is more than three years old, the sales turnover must be more than Rs 50 lakh in each of the previous 3 financial years.

If a company is less than three years old, it must have a turnover of more than Rs. 50 lakh in each consecutively completed financial year, including the year of incorporation.

To be eligible to apply for MTO registration, a newly registered company must complete one financial year with more than Rs 50 lakh in turnover or increase the authorized capital by more than Rs 50 lakh. However, this authorized capital increase option is only available to companies (private limited, LLP, OPC, limited company); it is not available to partnership firms or sole proprietorships.

Agency agreements: Applicant companies must have agency agreements with two different agencies based in two different countries.

For more details regarding the eligibility criteria for MTO registration of your company, you may contact our business specialist.

Steps Involved in the MTO Registration Process

1. Prepare the necessary documentation: In order to register as an MTO, you need to arrange all necessary documents, as stated below in this article.
2. Submit the documentation. The next step is to submit the completed MTO registration form and all the required documentation to DG Shipping.
3. Examination of the documentation: Once the documentation has been submitted, the DG shipping authorities will carry out a thorough examination of the information provided. This may involve an evaluation of the business's financial stability.
4. Approval of registration: If the examination is successful, the government authorities will approve the MTO registration. The business will then receive an MTO certificate, which must be displayed prominently on the business premises. The MTO registration number must be mentioned on every issued HBL.

Benefits of MTO Registration

1. Eligible to issue B/L: MTO-registered companies can operate as multimodal transport companies and issue a bill of lading.
2. Legal Compliance: MTO registration ensures compliance with the regulations set forth by the Director General of Shipping (DGS) and other regulatory authorities in India.
3. Facilitation of International Trade: An MTO registration allows a company to engage in the business of transporting goods by multiple modes of transport, which can facilitate international trade.
4. Increased Credibility: Having an MTO registration demonstrates a company's commitment to compliance and professionalism, which can increase its credibility with customers and other stakeholders.
5. Cost Savings: By using multiple modes of transport, an MTO can often provide more cost-effective transportation solutions for its customers.
6. Access to Government Schemes: MTOs are eligible for a variety of government programs, including the "Shipping and Logistics Parks" scheme, which provides infrastructure and other facilities to help the logistics sector grow. Registered MTOs may be eligible for government incentives and assistance, such as tax relief and funding.
7. Improved Logistics Chain: MTOs can offer integrated logistics solutions, which can improve the overall logistics chain and lead to increased efficiency and cost savings for customers.
8. Competitive Advantage: Businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors and position themselves as professional and trustworthy providers of international transportation services by registering as an MTO.
9. Fulfilling other registration criteria: To conduct logistics business, you must obtain registrations and associations from various bodies, and the MTO license is one of the most basic documents required to apply for all other registrations related to logistics business.
10. Increased protection for goods: By registering as an MTO, businesses can ensure that their international shipments are protected and insured during the transit of goods.

What are the document requirements for MTO registration?

1. Proof of incorporation of the company
2. PAN and GST registration certificates
3. The balance sheet of the company for the last 3 years
4. A certificate from CA showing annual turnover of company
5. Income tax return copies of the last 3 years.
6. A detailed project report of the operations
7. Financial statements of the company
8. Copies of agency agreements
9. MTO insurance policy
10. Office address proof