In India’s fast-expanding export sector, compliance with government-mandated registration processes is critical for growth and legitimacy. One such essential compliance is obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the appropriate Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.
Whether you’re exporting textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, or agricultural produce, having an RCMC Registration is often mandatory to receive export incentives, participate in trade fairs, and access various schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
This article offers a detailed walkthrough of the RCMC registration process, its legal basis, documentation, and strategic importance for exporters in India.
What is RCMC?
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a certificate issued to exporters by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
RCMC certifies that an exporter is registered with the relevant council or board dealing with the product category they are exporting. It is a key requirement under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 (and continued through extensions) for availing benefits under various export promotion schemes.
Who Needs RCMC Registration?
RCMC registration is mandatory for all exporters who want to:
- Claim benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (such as MEIS, RoDTEP, etc.)
- Participate in government-organized international exhibitions or trade fairs
- Apply for export incentives and duty exemptions
- Establish credibility with buyers and customs authorities
Exporters involved in specific product categories must register with the corresponding Export Promotion Council. A few examples include:
| Product Category | Relevant EPC/Board |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | APEDA |
| Textiles | TEXPROCIL |
| Engineering Goods | EEPC India |
| Pharmaceuticals | PHARMEXCIL |
| Plastics | Plexconcil |
| Chemicals & Allied Products | CAPEXIL |
| Handicrafts | EPCH |
| Leather Products | CLE |
For multi-product exporters, registration can be done with the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO).
Legal Framework and Compliance
RCMC registration is governed by Para 2.55 of the Foreign Trade Policy, which mandates exporters to register with the relevant EPC/Board to access policy-related benefits.
While RCMC is generally mandatory, it is optional in the following cases:
- If the export turnover is below the threshold set by the relevant council (typically for MSMEs)
- Exporters dealing in services, where registration is handled separately by bodies like SEPC
However, having an RCMC even in optional cases is considered best practice, especially for exporters planning long-term trade operations.
Benefits of RCMC Registration
Securing an RCMC opens the door to numerous advantages:
- Access to Incentives: Enables eligibility under key export incentive schemes such as RoDTEP, Advance Authorization, and EPCG.
- Recognition as a Registered Exporter: Establishes your business as a legitimate entity with export capability.
- Participation in EPC-led Initiatives: Includes trade fairs, expos, buyer-seller meets, and outbound delegations.
- Advisory and Policy Support: Exporters can benefit from insights, updates, and representations made by the EPCs to the government.
- Ease of Documentation and Custom Clearance: Having an RCMC is often necessary for smooth processing of documents at customs and DGFT.
Prerequisites for RCMC Registration
Before applying for RCMC, an exporter must:
- Hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
- Be a registered business entity (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd, etc.)
- Have an active bank account in the business name
- Determine the appropriate EPC or board based on the product category
Step-by-Step Procedure for RCMC Registration
The RCMC registration process involves a combination of online application and submission of documents to the respective EPC or Commodity Board. Here’s a breakdown:
Step 1: Identify the Appropriate EPC
Visit DGFT’s list of EPCs to determine the right council based on your primary export product.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare scanned copies of the following:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| IEC Certificate | Mandatory for all exporters |
| PAN Card | Of the business and/or signatory |
| GST Certificate | Valid GSTIN for the business |
| Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque | Proof of banking operations |
| Company Registration/Incorporation Certificate | As applicable |
| Address Proof | Utility bill or lease agreement |
| MOA/AOA/Partnership Deed | For registered firms or companies |
| Passport-sized Photo & ID Proof | Of authorized signatory |
Some EPCs may request additional documents such as product catalogues, turnover declarations, or past export data.
Step 3: Online Application
Most EPCs have dedicated portals where exporters can register online by creating an account, uploading documents, and completing the application form. In some cases, the form must be downloaded, filled, and submitted manually or via email.
Step 4: Payment of Registration Fee
The registration fee varies by EPC and the type/size of exporter (e.g., MSME vs. large enterprise). It usually ranges between ₹3,000 – ₹10,000, and may include a one-time registration fee and annual membership charges.
Step 5: Approval and Issuance
After verification of submitted documents and fee receipt, the EPC issues the RCMC, typically within 7–15 working days. Some councils also offer a digital certificate for download.
Validity and Renewal of RCMC
- RCMC is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
- Exporters must apply for renewal before expiry to maintain continuous access to export-related benefits and avoid compliance gaps.
- Renewal may require submission of updated turnover details, membership fee, and KYC documents.
Amendment and Cancellation
If there is any change in company details—such as address, directors, product category, or bank information—it is mandatory to update the RCMC by submitting an amendment request along with supporting documents.
RCMC may be cancelled or suspended if:
- Exporter violates the terms and conditions of the EPC
- The certificate is found to have been obtained fraudulently
- The business ceases export operations
Conclusion
RCMC is not just a legal requirement—it is a strategic export tool. It builds your business’s credibility in the global market and provides access to a vast ecosystem of export benefits, advisory services, and government incentives. Whether you are a first-time exporter or an established business expanding into new markets, securing an RCMC is essential.
At CertificationsBay, we offer end-to-end assistance with RCMC registration, amendments, and renewals. Our expert team ensures that your documents, application, and follow-up are managed efficiently—so you can focus on scaling your export operations.
