De-coding Corporate Identity Number (CIN)

Have you ever come across a code like this?

CIN – L24246MH2000PLC129806

You must have seen a similar “code” on your restaurant or shopping bills, envelopes or letters from companies, annual report of companies, etc.

This alpha-numeric code is called Corporate Identity Number (CIN). This is assigned to every company which is incorporated in India. This code is unique to every company.

De-coding the code

The letters or numbers of the CIN have a meaning and significance. Take the number mentioned at the start  –  L24246MH2000PLC129806

This number belongs to Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

Let’s decode it.

* Click here to know the various industry codes.

CIN and the Companies Act, 2013

As per section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013 –

Every company shall get its name, address of its registered office and the Corporate Identity Number along with telephone number, fax number, if any, e-mail and website addresses, if any, printed in all its business letters, billheads, letter papers and in all its notices and other official publications;

This simply means that, with effect from April 1, 2014, every company is required to mention its contact details and CIN on every printed material including letter heads, bills, envelopes, invoices, etc. However “official publications” is not defined in the said Act.

Some companies have gone to the extent that the said details as well as CIN are also mentioned in any promotional emails sent to general public or any communications sent to their clients and third party.

Penalty for non-compliance

If the above mentioned requirements are not complied, there is a penalty of Rs. 1,000/-per day on the company and every officer who is in default, till the default continues. However the maximum limit of penalty is Rs. 1,00,000/-.

CIN is also required to be quoted on all e-forms on MCA portal. Once this number is filled, and the user clicks on the pre-fill option, the details of the company are automatically filled in the e-forms.

How to find CIN on MCA portal?

Any user can find CIN through MCA portal. The following are the steps:

1. Go to MCA website – www.mca.gov.in
2. Click on MCA Services tab
3. Click on Company Services tab
4. Click on Find CIN. You will reach the below page:

Alternatively you can also know CIN through “View Master Data of Company and LLP” option on MCA portal by clicking here.

So, wasn’t this an interesting bit of information? Let me know your thoughts.

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Note: Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are allotted LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identity Number) and Foreign Companies in India are allotted GLN (Global Location Number).

To know more about finding information about a company on MCA, click here.