NADCORP

RCMC Registration (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate)

The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an official recognition granted by an Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board, or designated Export Promotion Organization to exporters operating in India. The certificate establishes the exporter’s membership with the concerned council and enables access to various export promotion schemes, benefits, and incentives announced under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

RCMC serves as an important compliance document for businesses involved in exporting goods or services. It confirms that the exporter is registered with the relevant industry body and is eligible to avail benefits offered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Export Promotion Councils, and other government authorities.

At Nadcorp Consultancy Services, we provide complete assistance for obtaining RCMC registration, selecting the appropriate Export Promotion Council, preparing documentation, filing applications, and ensuring smooth approval through the DGFT ecosystem.

Why is RCMC Registration Important?

RCMC registration is not merely a membership certificate; it serves as a gateway to multiple export-related advantages and government support schemes.

It helps exporters:

• Access benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
• Claim export incentives and rebates.
• Participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions.
• Receive export-related market intelligence and industry updates.
• Enhance credibility with overseas buyers and financial institutions.
• Obtain support from Export Promotion Councils for trade-related matters.
• Strengthen export compliance and business growth.

Benefits of RCMC Registration

1. Access to Export Promotion Schemes

RCMC holders can apply for various export promotion schemes introduced by DGFT and the Government of India, including:

• Advance Authorization Scheme
• EPCG Scheme (Export Promotion Capital Goods)
• Duty Exemption Benefits
• Export Promotion Incentives

2. Eligibility for RoDTEP and Other Export Benefits

RCMC registration is often required for claiming benefits under export incentive schemes, including:

• RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
• Sector-specific export promotion schemes
• Market access assistance programs

3. International Market Development Support

Registered exporters can receive assistance for:

• Participation in international trade fairs
• Overseas buyer-seller meets
• Trade delegations
• Export promotion events
• Product branding initiatives

4. Industry Representation and Networking

Membership with an EPC provides:

• Industry-specific updates
• Business networking opportunities
• Government policy representation
• Access to export forums and conferences

5. Access to Market Intelligence

Export Promotion Councils regularly provide:

• Market research reports
• International trade updates
• Product demand analysis
• Export opportunities in emerging markets
• Regulatory updates affecting exports

6. Increased Business Credibility

RCMC registration enhances the reputation of exporters by demonstrating compliance with export regulations and industry standards.

This helps in:

• Obtaining export finance
• Securing overseas buyers
• Building supplier confidence
• Expanding global business relationships

7. Assistance in Trade Disputes

Many Export Promotion Councils assist members in resolving trade disputes and provide guidance regarding international commercial practices and export-related challenges.

Who Can Apply for RCMC Registration?

The following categories of exporters may apply for RCMC registration:

• Merchant Exporters
• Manufacturer Exporters
• Proprietorship Firms
• Partnership Firms
• LLPs
• Private Limited Companies
• Public Limited Companies
• Startups Engaged in Export Activities
• Service Exporters
• E-Commerce Exporters
• Export Houses and Trading Houses

Eligibility Criteria for RCMC Registration

To obtain RCMC registration, an applicant must satisfy the following conditions:

Mandatory Requirements

✔ Valid Import Export Code (IEC)

✔ Active PAN

✔ Relevant business registration

✔ Compliance with applicable GST provisions (where required)

✔ Registration with the appropriate Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board

✔ Engagement in export of goods or services

Authorities Issuing RCMC Certificates

The RCMC is issued by various Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Export Promotion Organizations depending upon the nature of products or services exported.

Some major authorities include:

Agricultural Products

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

Engineering Products

• EEPC India

Textile & Apparel Sector

• AEPC
• TEXPROCIL
• HEPC
• SRTEPC

Pharmaceuticals

• Pharmexcil

Leather Products

• Council for Leather Exports (CLE)

Chemicals & Allied Products

• CHEMEXCIL
• CAPEXIL

Plastic Industry

• PLEXCONCIL

Services Sector

• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

Multi-Product Exporters

• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

Business Constitution Documents

Proprietorship Firm

• PAN Card of Proprietor
• Address Proof

Partnership Firm

• Partnership Deed
• PAN Card of Firm
• Partner KYC Documents

LLP

• LLP Incorporation Certificate
• LLP Agreement
• PAN Card of LLP

Company

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN Card
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Director KYC Documents

Common Documents

• IEC Certificate
• GST Registration Certificate
• PAN Card
• Bank Certificate / Cancelled Cheque
• Export Product Details
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
• Authorization Letter / Board Resolution (if applicable)
• Proof of Business Address

Additional Documents (Where Applicable)

• Manufacturing License
• Factory Registration Certificate
• MSME/Udyam Registration
• Previous Export Performance Details
• Chartered Accountant Certified Export Turnover Certificate

RCMC Registration Process

Step 1 – Obtain IEC

Ensure that a valid Import Export Code (IEC) is available.

Step 2 – Identify Appropriate EPC

Determine the Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board based on the products or services being exported.

Step 3 – Prepare Documentation

Compile all supporting documents and membership-related information.

Step 4 – Online Application Filing

Submit the RCMC application through the DGFT e-RCMC system or through the designated Export Promotion Council portal.

Step 5 – Verification by EPC

The concerned authority verifies the documents and business details.

Step 6 – Payment of Membership Fees

Membership and admission fees are paid as prescribed by the concerned council.

Step 7 – Issuance of RCMC Certificate

Upon approval, the RCMC certificate is issued electronically.

Latest Update on RCMC Registration

Under the digital trade facilitation framework introduced by DGFT, most Export Promotion Councils are now integrated with the e-RCMC module on the DGFT portal, making registration, renewal, certificate issuance, and verification largely paperless.

Exporters are advised to maintain updated IEC details and ensure consistency between DGFT, GST, and business registration records to avoid delays in approval or renewal.

RCMC Registration Fees

There is no uniform government fee for RCMC registration.

Fees vary depending on:

• Export Promotion Council selected
• Nature of products/services
• Business category
• Export turnover
• MSME status

Professional fees depend on:

• Nature of exporter
• Council selection
• Documentation complexity
• Turnover certification requirements

Validity of RCMC Certificate

The RCMC certificate is generally valid for five financial years, unless otherwise prescribed by the concerned Export Promotion Council.

The validity period usually runs from:

1st April to 31st March

Renewal must be completed before expiry to continue enjoying export-related benefits.

Renewal of RCMC Registration

RCMC renewal generally requires:

• Renewal application
• Updated business details
• IEC verification
• Membership fee payment
• Export performance details (if required)

Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted eligibility for export promotion schemes.

Post-Registration Compliance

After obtaining RCMC, exporters should:

• Maintain valid IEC status.
• Inform EPC about changes in business constitution.
• Update address and contact details.
• Submit annual declarations if required.
• Maintain export documentation and records.
• Comply with Foreign Trade Policy provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is RCMC mandatory for every exporter?

RCMC is generally required for availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy and for obtaining membership with the concerned Export Promotion Council.

Can I apply for RCMC without IEC?

No. A valid Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory before applying for RCMC.

What is the difference between IEC and RCMC?

IEC is a basic authorization to conduct import-export activities, whereas RCMC is a membership certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.

Can service exporters obtain RCMC?

Yes. Service exporters can obtain RCMC through the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) or other designated authorities.

How long does it take to obtain RCMC?

Generally, approval is granted within 3 to 15 working days, depending upon the council and document verification process.

Is RCMC transferable?

No. RCMC is issued specifically to the registered exporter and cannot be transferred to another entity.

Can one exporter obtain multiple RCMCs?

Yes. In certain cases involving multiple product categories, registration with more than one council may be required depending upon export activities.

Can RCMC be renewed online?

Yes. Most Export Promotion Councils now facilitate online renewal through their portal or the DGFT e-RCMC platform.

What happens if RCMC expires?

An expired RCMC may affect eligibility for export incentives, scheme benefits, and membership privileges until renewal is completed.