Silk Export from India 2026: ISEPC & RCMC Registration Guide

You can start exporting silk products from India in 2026 by following a clear six-step process. The first and most important requirement for silk export is securing the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC). This RCMC is the single key that unlocks all government export benefits including duty reductions and market access. India is the world’s second-largest producer of silk. Global demand for our high-quality silk fabrics like Tussar and Mulberry is very high 

Read More CEPC - Carpet Export Promotion Council

1. Establish Your Business Identity

You must first decide the legal type of your business. You can choose a Proprietorship, which is simple, or a Private Limited Company which is safer for your money.

• PAN and Bank Account: You must get a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for the company. This is your main tax number. You also must open a current bank account in the company’s name. This account must be specifically marked for export purposes to handle foreign payments easily.

2. Obtain Your Export Passport (IEC)

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is the most critical license you need. You cannot export silk or any other goods from India without this ten-digit code.

• Application: You apply for the IEC online. This is done through the official Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website
• Validity: Once you get it the IEC is valid for the entire life of your business. It must be updated every year but it does not expire which is good

3. Register for GST and Get Refunds

You must register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This is necessary even though your silk exports are tax-free.

• Zero-Rated: Exports from India are called Zero-Rated under the GST rules. This means you do not pay GST on the silk products you sell outside the country.
• Claiming Refunds: Having a valid GST registration allows you to get refunds. You get back the GST you paid on the raw materials (silk yarn, dyes) and services used to prepare your export shipment

4. Getting the ISEPC RCMC Certificate

You must secure the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC). This is not optional. It is required by the Foreign Trade Policy.

• ISEPC’s Role: ISEPC is the official council for silk. They manage all the government benefits for silk exporters. You need their RCMC to access schemes like duty drawback and other incentives.
• The Process: You apply for the RCMC online through the DGFT system. You select ISEPC as your primary Export Promotion Council. You choose the right membership category. This is either Associate Member (for new exporters) or Ordinary Member (for established exporters with a confirmed turnover).
• Annual Fee: You must pay the annual subscription fee every year. If you fail to pay this fee, your RCMC becomes inoperative. This means you lose all your benefits immediately.

5. Obtaining Silk Mark Certification

This certification is not legally mandatory for customs clearance but it is very important for selling silk to foreign buyers

• Silk Mark: The Silk Mark is a quality certification. It assures the buyer that the product is 100% natural silk. It is issued by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI)
• Trust: Buyers in Europe and the United States often look for the Silk Mark. It builds trust in the quality of your product

6. Find Buyers and Secure Payment

You must find buyers in countries where Indian silk is popular. The USA, UK, UAE, and Germany are top markets.

• Market Research: Use reports from ISEPC. They show current market demand and price trends. Use this data to target the right countries first.
• International Fairs: ISEPC helps members participate in global textile trade fairs. You should attend these. You meet many buyers directly there .
• Payment Terms: Always use safe payment methods for your silk exports. The best and safest choice is the Letter of Credit (LC). This is a promise from the buyer's bank to pay you

7. Logistics and Key Documents.

Shipping silk requires careful handling to prevent damage from moisture or pests.

• Freight Forwarder: You must hire a reliable Freight Forwarder. This company handles all the physical movement of the silk. They arrange the container and transport to the port.
• Customs: You also need a Customs House Agent (CHA). The CHA manages the complex customs clearance at the Indian port. They make sure the goods leave India quickly.
• Final Papers: The full set of documents includes the Commercial Invoice, the Packing List, the Bill of Lading (BL), the Certificate of Origin and the ISEPC RCMC copy.

Read More  Indian Silk Export Promotion Council

Final Words

Starting the silk export business means dealing with many rules and government portals. You need the IEC, the GST registration and the essential ISEPC RCMC. You must ensure that your turnover figures and documentation are perfect. Agile Regulatory specializes in simplifying this entire export compliance path.We are experts in all DGFT and Export Promotion Council procedures including the complex ISEPC RCMC application. Partner with Agile Regulatory today. This guarantees your journey to global silk trade is fast and successful