Corporate Identity Number (CIN)

In this article, we will discuss the Unique Identification number issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) called Corporate Identification Number (CIN).

Corporate Identity Number (CIN) is an 21 digit alphanumeric code which is an unique identification number specified in the Certification of incorporation allotted to the concerned company registered under the companies act issued by the relevant Registrar of companies (ROC) operating in various states under the roof of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India (GOI).

Corporate Identity number shall be issued to each and every company incorporated in India irrespective of whether it is private or public or One Person company or listed or unlisted Company.

CIN number is primarily used for the purpose of finding details or information about the company incorporated in India under MCA, Government of India (GOI). It is mandatory to quote corporate Identification Number (CIN) for every private and public limited company on the company letterheads, invoices, notices and on all official documents or statements issued or published.

In case of non-compliance with the above-mentioned requirement, there shall be levied a penalty of Rs.1,000/- per day on the defaulting company and on it’s every officer in defaults till the default continues. However, the maximum penalty levied shall be limited to Rs.1,00,000/-

Corporate Identity Number Structure

Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is not just a unique alphanumeric combination code, it is also a combination of six vital information of the company which shall be segregated into six parts which shall be discussed as follows

For example, CIN Number of the XYZ Company is U12345TN2019PTC012345

Part 1: Listing Status of the company

The first character of the CIN Number resembles whether the concerned company is Listed or Unlisted in Stock Market.

If the company listed in stock exchange the CIN Number will start with a letter “L”

If the company Unlisted in stock exchange the CIN Number will starts with a Letter “U”

Part-2 Industry Code of the company

The next 5 numeric code reflects the unique Industry Code of the company. Industry code is determined based on the economic activity carried out by the business entity.

For example, 26951 is the Industry Code for Manufacture of plaster statues and 26952 is the Industry Code for Manufacture of other plaster products and likewise so on.,

Part-3 State Code

The next 2 alphabetical code represents the state code of the state where the Registered office of the company is situated. For example, TN is the state code for the state Tamil Nadu.

Part-4 Incorporation Year

The next 4 numeric digits represent the year in which the company has been incorporated or formed.

Part-5 Type of Ownership

The next 3 alphabets of the CIN number resembles the type of company.

For example

• PLC: For Public Limited Company
• PTC: For Private Limited Company
• NPL: For Not For Profits License Company
• ULL: For Public Limited Company with Unlimited Liability
• ULT: For Private Limited Company with Unlimited Liability
• GOI: For Companies owned by Government Of India
• SGC: Companies owned by State Government.
• FLC: For Finance Lease Company as Public Limited
• FTC: For Subsidiary of a Foreign Company as Private Limited Company
• GAP: For General Association Public
• GAT: For General Association Private

Part-6 Registration Number of the Company

The last six numeric digits of the CIN Number reflect the Registration Number of the company allotted by the concerned Registrar of Companies (ROC).