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What is Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)? Meaning, benefits, and registration process

RCMC is a certificate that validates that an exporter has registered with a certain export promotion council (EPC) and is exporting products from India. Here’s a guide to understand what is RCMC and how to apply for it online.

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are set up by the Government of India to assist Indian exporters in expanding their businesses to international markets. These EPCs provide Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) to exporters to help them benefit from various schemes and assistance provided by these authorities.

An exporter who wants to obtain an RCMC has to declare the business in the application form submitted to the respective EPC. For instance, a handicraft exporter must follow the process and submit the application to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

What is Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)?

An exporter can become a member of any of the Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), after which an RCMC is granted by the EPC. To register as a manufacturer or exporter, the applicant must submit all the required documents as mandated by the EPC.

An RCMC is usually issued by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), respective export promotion councils, or Commodity Boards. These organizations work for the promotion and development of different export businesses across varied product categories. This certificate signifies that the holder is registered with the respective EPC or FIEO.

The importance of RCMC

RCMC is important for several reasons. Some of these are as follows:

Proof of legitimacy:

It establishes the business as a legitimate entity involved in international trade.

Access to benefits:

RCMC grants access to various benefits and incentives offered by the government to promote exports.

Simplified procedures:

It streamlines export-import procedures, reducing hurdles.

Enhanced credibility:

RCMC enhances the credibility of the business in the eyes of international buyers and partners.¹

Why is RCMC required?

Obtaining an RCMC can be beneficial for exporters. Some key benefits are:

1. Get authorization to export or import restricted items.

2. Avail various benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

3. Access benefits offered by the customs department and central excise authorities.

4. Export two or more products across different categories.

5. Claim export incentives and subsidies under schemes like Rebate of State and Central Taxes & Levies (RoSCTL), Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS).

6. Get Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST for export of goods without payment of duty.²

Benefits of RCMC

Obtaining an RCMC unlocks a host of advantages for businesses. These can include:

● Financial Incentives

Access to export incentives, subsidies, and duty drawbacks.

● Market access

Easier access to international markets and trade opportunities.

● Reduced transaction costs

Streamlined customs procedures and reduced paperwork.

● Technical assistance

Receive guidance and support from EPCs and Commodity Boards.³

Authorities that register RCMC

RCMC is issued by various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, and the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO). A list of major EPCs that issue RCMC can be found below.

List of Export Promotion Councils that provide RCMC

RCMC is issued to exporters by registering authorities under the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Some EPCs that provide RCMC are:

● Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

● Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

● Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

● Cashew Export Promotion Council of India

● Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

● Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)

● Coffee Board of India

● Electronic and Computer Software Export Promotion

● Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)

● Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

● Gems and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

● Handloom Export Promotion Council

● Handicrafts and Handloom Export Corporation

● Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

● Rubber Board

● Spices Board of India

● Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council

● Tea Board of India

● Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)

Eligibility criteria for RCMC registration

To be eligible for RCMC registration, an exporter must:

● Be a manufacturer exporter or merchant exporter.

● Hold membership with the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.

● Possess a Business Main Line Declaration specifying their primary business line.

● Possess necessary documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, and business address proof.⁴

Documents required for RCMC

The documents required to apply for RCMC include:

1. A Memorandum of Association (MoA) that defines the company's objectives and powers.

2. GST registration certificate

3. A Permanent Account Number (PAN).

4. Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.

5. A self-attested partnership deed for firms operating under a partnership or for individual proprietors.

6. A trust deed applicable to trusts and similar institutional or corporate entities.

7. A certificate from the Registrar of Companies confirming any change in the company's registered office address

8. Financial details of the company’s foreign exchange earnings for the last three years, certified by a chartered accountant.

9. A board resolution or power of attorney authorizing the signatory, in case their name is not listed in the IEC, MOA, partnership deed, or trust deed.

How to apply for RCMC: A step-by-step guide

The process for applying for RCMC registration typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the relevant EPC or Commodity Board

Determine the specific EPC or Commodity Board responsible for registering exporters of your products or services. This information can be found on the DGFT website or the websites of the respective EPCs and Commodity Boards.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Collect all the necessary documents as mentioned above. Ensure that all documents are complete and up-to-date.

Step 3: Fill the application form

You can visit the office of the concerned EPC to fill the registration form and submit it physically. If you want to register online, you can apply for e-RCMC through the DGFT’s Common Digital Platform. Fill the form accurately, providing all the required information.

Step 4: Pay the registration fee

Pay the prescribed registration fee as per the guidelines of the EPC or Commodity Board. The fee can be paid online or offline, depending on the authority's provisions.

Step 5: Verification and approval

The EPC or Commodity Board will verify the application and documents submitted. If everything is in order, the authority will approve the application and issue the RCMC.⁶

Validity of RCMC

The validity of RCMC varies depending on the registering authority. Generally, RCMCs are valid for five years from the date of issuance. However, some EPCs or Commodity Boards may issue certificates with a shorter validity period. It is essential to renew the RCMC before its expiry to continue availing of export benefits.⁷

Penalties for RCMC Violations

Non-compliance with RCMC regulations can lead to various penalties, including:

Suspension or cancellation of RCMC:

The registering authority may suspend or cancel the RCMC if the exporter is found to be violating the terms and conditions of the certificate.

Monetary penalties:

Exporters may be liable to pay monetary penalties for non-compliance with RCMC regulations.

Legal action:

In severe cases, legal action may be initiated against exporters for violating RCMC regulations.⁸

Latest notifications of DGFT on RCMC

The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) periodically issues notifications and updates related to RCMC. Exporters can stay informed about these notifications to ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Some recent updates include:

● Online RCMC application

The DGFT has encouraged online submission of RCMC applications through the DGFT Common Digital Platform to streamline registration.

● Digitalization of RCMC

The DGFT is working towards digitalizing RCMC certificates to facilitate easier verification and authentication.⁹

Visit the DGFT website for the latest notifications and updates on RCMC

Conclusion

RCMC is a vital document for businesses engaged in international trade from India. It provides access to various export benefits, enhances credibility, and facilitates networking opportunities. Indian businesses interested in launching or scaling their exports business from India can consider the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who issues RCMC to exporters?

Commodities Boards, Export Promotional Councils, and FIEO can issue RCMC.

2. What is the cost of RCMC in India?

The RCMC registration fee varies based on the Export Promotion Council (EPC) and the type of membership chosen.

Published on May 24, 2022.
Updated on April 28th, 2025

Sources:
1. https://vakilsearch.com/blog/advantages-of-rcmc-in-india/
2. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-in/logistics-advice/logistics-insights/why-do-you-need-rcmc
3. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/rcmc-registration
4. https://vakilsearch.com/blog/eligibility-criteria-for-rcmc-registration/
5. https://www.indiafilings.com/rcmc-registration
6. https://www.dgftguru.com/how-to-do-rcmc-registration-online-in-dgft/
7. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=e-rcmc
8. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/rcmc-for-exporters-how-to-obtain-it-and-why-its-important
9. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=trade-notice

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.

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