Structure and Components of a CIN
A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique 21-digit alphanumeric code assigned to companies registered in India by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
It's a crucial identifier for all registered companies, including Private Limited Companies (PLCs), One Person Companies (OPCs), government-owned companies, and others.
The CIN is provided when the company receives its Registration Certificate.
The CIN is structured into six sections, each providing specific information about the company:
Importance and Usage of CIN
Section 1: Listing Status: The first character indicates whether the company is listed ("L") or unlisted ("U") on the Indian stock market.
Section 2: Industry Code: The next five digits represent the industry classification based on the company's primary economic activity.
Section 3: State Code: The following two letters denote the state where the company is registered (e.g., KA for Karnataka, MH for Maharashtra).
Section 4: Year of Incorporation: The next four digits signify the year the company was incorporated.
Section 5: Company Type: The subsequent three letters specify the company's classification (e.g., PTC for Private Limited Company, PLC for Public Limited Company, GOI for Government of India-owned).
Section 6: Registration Number: The last six digits represent the unique registration number assigned by the ROC.
The CIN serves several critical functions:
CIN vs. LLPIN
The CIN is required on various documents, including invoices, bills, receipts, letterheads, annual reports, and e-forms submitted to the MCA portal.
Unique Identification: It uniquely identifies each registered company, aiding in distinguishing one from another.
Legal Compliance: It's essential for legal and regulatory compliance, used in various filings and correspondence.
Transparency: It promotes transparency by allowing stakeholders to access and verify company information through the MCA portal.
Tracking and Monitoring: The CIN is used to track all aspects and activities of a company from its incorporation.
Business Transactions: It facilitates business transactions by verifying a company's identity.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to include the CIN on mandatory documents can result in penalties, including a daily fine and a maximum penalty.
It's important to note that Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) do not receive a CIN. Instead, they are assigned a unique 7-digit LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number) by the ROC.
A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique 21-digit alphanumeric code assigned to companies registered in India by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).