RCMC Certification: Process, Documents, Fees & Compliance

In India’s export ecosystem, regulatory compliance and proper documentation are essential for ensuring smooth international trade operations. One such important compliance requirement for the exporters seeking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) is the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) Issued by designated Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards or other authorities notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), RCMC serves as formal recognition of an exporter’s registration with the relevant export promotion body.

This blog provides a detailed overview and guide to RCMC certification, including its meaning, legal basis, eligibility, benefits, application process, validity and compliance requirements, in alignment with the official DGFT sources. 

What is RCMC Certification?

RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) is a certificate issued to exporters by Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, Development Authorities or other bodies authorised under the Foreign Trade Policy.

The certificate serves two primary purposes: -

1. Registration of the exporter with the relevant export promotion authority, and
2. Confirmation of membership, which enables the exporter to claim benefits, concessions or authorisations under the Foreign Trade Policy.

While exporters can technically export goods or services without RCMC, a valid RCMC is mandatory for claiming benefits or incentives under the FTP and for participating in export promotion activities offered by the concerned council.

Legal Basis of RCMC Certification

RCMC certification is governed by the following legal and policy frameworks: -

1. Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
2. Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) issued by DGFT
3. Handbook of Procedures (HBP)

As per the FTP and HBP provisions, any exporter intending to claim benefits, concessions or authorisations under the policy must register with the appropriate authority and obtain a valid RCMC.

Who Needs RCMC Certification?

RCMC certification is required by exporters who wish to avail the provided benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, including: -

• Merchant exporters
• Manufacturer exporters
• Service exporters
• Export-oriented units
• Start-ups and MSMEs engaged in exports

It applies across all forms of business organisations, such as: -

• Proprietorships
• Partnership firms
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
• Private Limited Companies
• Public Limited Companies

Any entity engaged in or intending to engage in exports and seeking policy-linked benefits must obtain RCMC.

Export Promotion Councils and Issuing Authorities

RCMC is issued by the export promotion body relevant to the exporter’s product or service category. Some major issuing authorities include: -

• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
• Spices Board of India
• Tea Board of India
• Coffee Board of India
• Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil)
• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

If no specific Export Promotion Council or Board exists for a particular product or service, exporters may apply for RCMC through FIEO, which acts as the default authority in such cases

Benefits of RCMC Certification

Obtaining RCMC certification provides several advantages: -

1. Eligibility for Export Incentives

RCMC is required to claim various benefits under various export promotion schemes notified under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as duty-related incentives and other authorised concessions (as applicable from time to time).

2. Recognition as a Registered Exporter

RCMC establishes the exporter’s official registration with a government-recognised export promotion body.

3. Access to Trade Facilitation Support

Export Promotion Councils offer members access to: -

• International trade fairs and exhibitions
• Buyer-seller meets
• Export market intelligence
• Capacity-building programmes

4. Policy and Compliance Support

Members receive updates and guidance on: -

• DGFT notifications and policy amendments
• Export procedures and documentation
• International trade regulations

5. Enhanced Credibility

RCMC enhances credibility with foreign buyers, financial institutions and regulatory authorities.

Eligibility Criteria for RCMC Registration

To apply for RCMC, an applicant must: -

• Hold a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
• Be engaged in or intending to engage in the export of goods or services
• Apply to the appropriate Export Promotion Council or Board based on the export category

IEC is a mandatory prerequisite for RCMC registration.

Documents Required for RCMC Certification

The documents generally required include: -

• Copy of Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
• PAN card of the business entity
• Certificate of incorporation or registration
• Address proof of business premises
• Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
• Digital signature of authorised signatory
• Details of export products or services
• Membership application form of the concerned council

Additional documents may be required depending on the internal rules of the issuing authority.

RCMC Application Process

RCMC registration is now largely digital and follows a common electronic system. The process involves: -

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Authority

Determine the relevant Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or FIEO based on the export category.

Step 2: Online Application

Submit the RCMC application through the DGFT e-RCMC portal or the respective council’s platform by entering IEC, business details and product or service classification.

Step 3: Document Upload and Fee Payment

Upload required documents and pay the prescribed membership fee, which varies across councils.

Step 4: Verification

The issuing authority verifies the application and supporting documents.

Step 5: Issuance of e-RCMC

Upon approval, the RCMC is issued electronically and linked to the exporter’s IEC.

Validity and Renewal of RCMC

RCMC is generally valid for five years, aligned with the Foreign Trade Policy period (typically from 1 April of the licensing year).

Exporters must: -

• Renew the RCMC before expiry
• Maintain active membership with the issuing council

Failure to renew may result in denial of export benefits under the FTP.

RCMC for Service Exporters

Service exporters seeking benefits under the FTP must also obtain RCMC, typically through: -

• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), or
• FIEO, where applicable

Applicants must provide details of the nature of services exported and relevant business information.

Consequences of Not Having RCMC

If an exporter does not hold a valid RCMC: -

• Export incentives under the FTP cannot be claimed
• Applications for export benefits may be rejected
• Access to trade facilitation services of EPCs is restricted

However, exporters who do not seek policy-linked benefits may still carry out export transactions without RCMC.

Conclusion

RCMC certification is a foundational compliance requirement for the exporters in India who intend to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. It ensures formal registration with export promotion authorities, facilitates access to government incentives and provides various valuable trade support services. With increasing emphasis on the export-led growth and regulatory transparency, obtaining and maintaining a valid RCMC is essential for businesses aiming to expand and build their global presence.

Whether you are a new exporter or an already established enterprise, timely RCMC registration and renewal will help you remain compliant, competitive and well-positioned in international markets.