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RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) is an official authorization document issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards in India to registered exporters. It serves as proof that an exporter is a recognized member of a government-approved organization under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
This certificate is mandatory for exporters dealing with restricted products and is essential for availing various government schemes, incentives, and benefits. Without an RCMC, exporters cannot access crucial export promotion programs and financial incentives.
The RCMC certificate validates that an exporter is registered with an authorized government agency and deals with products approved under India's export regulations. It's your official entry ticket to the community of recognized Indian exporters.
Authorizes import/export of restricted products as per Foreign Trade Policy guidelines.
Confirms membership with specific Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.
To apply for RCMC, you must first obtain a valid Import Export Code (IEC) - a 10-digit code mandatory for all import/export activities in India.
Enables participation in government schemes like Advance Authorization (duty-free raw material imports) and EPCG Scheme (zero-duty machinery imports).
Mandatory for claiming benefits under RoDTEP and other export refund schemes that reimburse uncredited taxes and levies.
Financial assistance for international trade fairs, participation in MAI (Market Access Initiative) and MDA (Marketing Development Assistance) schemes.
Access to trade data, research reports, regulatory updates, and subsidized training sessions from Export Promotion Councils.
Builds trust with overseas buyers, facilitates export financing from banks, and provides networking opportunities through council platforms.
Official guidance and assistance from EPCs in resolving disagreements with foreign buyers through recognized channels.
Must possess a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT - the basic registration for all exporters.
Individuals, companies, partnerships, LLPs, trusts, or any entity involved in exporting goods/services.
Must register with the Export Promotion Council/Commodity Board matching your primary export product/service category.
Some councils require proof of previous exports or minimum turnover, especially during renewal.
Business must comply with all applicable regulations including GST registration and other required licenses.
No unresolved legal or compliance issues that could affect eligibility for registration.
Based on Business Type:
RCMC certificates are issued by DGFT-approved Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, and Development Authorities. Choose the authority matching your primary export product category.
Visit the official DGFT website (dgft.gov.in) and log in using your IEC-linked credentials.
Go to 'Services' menu and select 'e-RCMC' option. This is DGFT's common digital platform for RCMC processes.
Complete the online application form with accurate business details. Select the correct Export Promotion Council from dropdown list.
Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents in specified formats (usually PDF).
Pay applicable fees through DGFT portal's online payment gateway. Fees vary by council.
Submit application electronically using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-signature.
After verification, download your digitally signed RCMC certificate from DGFT portal.
For Aadhaar-based e-signature, ensure director's/proprietor's Aadhaar is linked to current mobile number for OTP verification. Note: Not all councils support Aadhaar e-sign feature.
| Export Promotion Council | Approximate Fees (INR) | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| FIEO | ₹7,000/year + ₹1,000 admission + GST | Annual |
| APEDA | ₹5,999 for 5 years | 5 years |
| EEPC India | ₹6,500/year + ₹2,000 admission + GST | Annual |
| CHEMEXCIL | ₹6,500/year + ₹2,000 admission + GST | Annual |
| PHARMEXCIL | ₹12,000/year + ₹6,000 admission + GST | Annual |
| SEPC | ₹3,540 - ₹59,000 (based on size) | Annual |
| TEXPROCIL | ₹9,000 - ₹17,000 + GST | 5 years |
Note: Fees vary based on exporter's turnover, MSME status, and council policies. Check specific council website for latest fees.
Providing incorrect/misleading information can lead to fines and certificate cancellation.
Failure to follow council terms may result in penalties under Foreign Trade Act, 1992.
Authorities can cancel/suspend RCMC and IEC for serious violations (Section 11(1)(c)).
Severe breaches may lead to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment for company directors.
Late renewal may attract additional fees (approximately ₹500 + GST depending on council).
RCMC certificate is typically valid for 5 financial years (April to March). Some councils may have different validity periods - always check with your specific EPC.
Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry date to avoid interruptions in export benefits.
Submit renewal application with required documents and fees through DGFT portal's e-RCMC module.
Pay renewal fees which are often based on annual turnover and MSME status.
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted access to export incentives, subsidies, and promotion schemes.
Submit annual reports or export updates to your Export Promotion Council as required. Some councils mandate regular reporting.
Inform EPC and DGFT about business changes: address, ownership, products, or other significant modifications.
Maintain export-related documents: invoices, shipping papers, certificates for future verification and audits.
Comply with Foreign Trade Policy guidelines, export-import regulations, and council-specific rules.
Pay annual membership fees and other charges promptly to avoid registration suspension.
Respond promptly to notices, queries, or communications from EPCs or government authorities.
The RCMC certificate is digitally signed and contains essential details: business name, registration number, issue date, validity period, issuing authority, and covered products/services. It serves as official proof for claiming export incentives.
Access dgft.gov.in and log in with your IEC-linked username and password.
Navigate to 'My Dashboard' and select 'Submitted Applications' section.
Find your approved RCMC application from the list of submitted applications.
Click on 'Print Certificate' option to download your digitally signed RCMC certificate.
Certificate is digitally signed and secure, eliminating need for physical copies.
Authenticity can be verified anytime on DGFT portal by customs or banks.
To check RCMC application status, login to DGFT portal → e-RCMC section → View current status (pending/approved/rejected). Most councils now issue RCMC through DGFT portal since April 1, 2022.
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Examples: FIEO, APEDA, MPEDA, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Spices Board, etc.
| Aspect | IEC | RCMC |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Import Export Code | Registration Cum Membership Certificate |
| Issued by | DGFT | Export Promotion Councils |
| Purpose | Basic permission to export/import | Product-specific export authorization |
| Validity | Lifetime | 5 years (needs renewal) |
| Mandatory for | All exporters/importers | Exporters of restricted products |
Note: One RCMC can cover multiple products under same council's jurisdiction.
We help you identify the correct Export Promotion Council based on your product category and export activity.
Our team assists in collecting, verifying, and preparing all required documents as per DGFT and EPC guidelines.
We ensure error-free filing by carefully filling and cross-checking every detail before submission.
We actively monitor your application status and handle queries raised by the Export Promotion Council.
You receive timely updates at every stage, ensuring transparency and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Our streamlined approach saves your time and effort, allowing you to focus on expanding your export business.
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