RCMC Registration

Do you want to export products from India? RCMC Registration enables exporters to acquire membership with the concerned Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board or other authorized registering authority. Agile Regulatory helps you with the entire process of registration with the RCMC online, right from identifying the right council, preparing the documents to filing the application. Our experts also help in RCMC certificate issuance, application queries, amendments and RCMC renewal. We make the process easier whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing certificate and walk you through the applicable requirements. Get professional help with your RCMC Application, Documentation and Certificate requirements.

RCMC full form is Registration Cum Membership Certificate . It is issued by the concerned Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, Development Authority or other authorized registering authority to eligible exporters.

The exporter is a member of the relevant council for his/her main business line, as stated in the certificate. Eligible exporters can now apply online for issuance, renewal, amendment, surrender and other RCMC related services through DGFT’s e-RCMC system.

Generally an exporter is required to have active IEC and updated IEC profile for making application under e-RCMC system. The appropriate registering authority will vary depending on the products or services exported.

If you're unsure which council applies to your business, Agile Regulatory can help you identify the correct EPC and assist you with the application.

Need help to choose the right EPC? Find Expert Help Today.

Securing an RCMC Certificate offers numerous advantages:

• Export Promotion Schemes: RCMC is mandatory to access export promotion schemes like Duty Drawback, Merchandise Export from India Scheme, MEIS, and Market Access Initiative,MAI.

• Trade Facilitation: This certificate makes the import and export process simpler by authenticating the exporter.

• Customs Clearance: It expedites customs clearance by proving compliance with governmental regulations.

• Enhanced Credibility: It enhances the exporter's credibility by demonstrating adherence to governmental standards.

• Market Information: RCMC holders receive market insights and updates through activities organized by EPCs and Commodity Boards.

Role of Export Promotion Councils

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are important players in the export industry of India. Typically these councils represent specific product or service sectors and offer exporters industry information, trade promotion activities, market opportunities and other export-related support.

It is an important step for RCMC Registration to choose the right EPC or authorized registering authority. Depending on the product or service to be exported, the exporter may be required to register with the concerned Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or Development Authority . The RCMC Certificate is issued by the concerned authority after due consideration of the application and applicable requirements.

It is important that you choose the correct council as registration requirements, membership conditions, documents and fees may vary between authorities.

List of Major Export Promotion Council

• Tobacco Board:

• Tea Board of India

• Coffee India Board

• Council of Leather Exporters

• Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

• Plastics Export Promotion Council

• Apparel Export Promotion Council

• Shellac Export Promotion Council

• Service Export Promotion Council

• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)

• Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)

• Export Promotion Council for Engineering

• Export Promotion Council for Sports Goods

• Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council

• Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FEIO)

• Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council

• Indian Council for Promotion of Exports

• GJEPC (Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council)

• Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) 

Not sure which EPC is right for your business? Contact Agile Regulatory for assistance with your RCMC registration and EPC selection.

• Tobacco Board
• Tea Board of India
• Coffee Board of India
• Council for Leather Exports
• Carpet Export Promotion Council
• Plastics Export Promotion Council  
• Apparel Export Promotion Council
• Shellac Export Promotion Council 
• Services Export Promotion Council 
• Handloom Export Promotion Council 
• Indian Silk Export Promotion Council 
• Engineering Export Promotion Council 
• Sports Goods Export Promotion Council 
• Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council
• Federation of Indian Export Organizations 
• Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Counci
• The Project Exports Promotion Council of India
• Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council 
• Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council 

To apply for an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate), businesses must meet basic criteria. This ensures that only genuine exporters or manufacturers get registered. Below are the eligibility norms:

Who Can Apply:

• Exporters of goods or services from India.
• Manufacturers producing items meant for export
• Merchant exporters trading in foreign markets
• Service providers dealing with international clients
• Business entities having an Import-Export Code (IEC)

Additional Conditions:

• Must belong to a sector represented by an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board
• Registered office must be in India.
• Business must not be blacklisted by any government body
• For services, business must fall under sectors notified by SEPC (Services Export Promotion Council).

In simple terms if a company plans to sell goods or services to clients outside India, it may be eligible to apply for RCMC.

RCMC registration follows rules set by the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and supervised by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Every council or board has its own registration method. Still, there are common official steps and compliance rules

Key Guidelines:

1. Mandatory IEC Code: No RCMC can be granted without a valid IEC from DGFT
2. Correct Council Selection: Exporters must apply to the council that represents their product/service line.
3. Digital Filing Through DGFT Portal: Applications must be submitted at DGFT Portal. 
4. Proper Documentation: Council asks for documents like GST certificate, IEC, PAN, company registration, etc.
5. Single RCMC Rule: One RCMC is enough for all products unless goods fall under different sectors.
6. Updated Profile: Exporters must update their business profile on the DGFT portal each year

These rules ensure RCMC holders are genuine and follow export regulations set by the Government of India.

Getting an RCMC certificate is simple if you follow the proper steps. The DGFT has brought the entire process online. This saves time and paperwork.

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Get IEC Code 

Obtain your Import Export Code from DGFT before starting any process.

Step 2: Access Council information at both Council Website and DGFT Portal.

You should either select a relevant council or directly access the DGFT platform.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Start by inputting basic information which includes business name, organizational type, PAN number and IEC number and GST registration status and export business activities

Step 4: Attach Documents

Next submit scanned copies of mandatory documents which follow below.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Make the payment online. Fee varies by council and sector.

Step 6: Get RCMC Certificate

After they review everything. The council will issue a digital RCMC.

To apply for an RCMC Certificate, the following documents are required:

• Copy of Goods and service registration certificate
• Permanent Account Number of Authorized Signatory
• A duly signed copy of Partnership Deed
• Memorandum of Association for corporate entities.
• Import Export Code issued by the regional licensing authority.
• Certificate from the Registrar of Companies regarding registered office changes.
• Foreign Exchange Earnings Data which must be certified by a chartered accountant for the past three years.
•  Board Resolution or Power of Attorney, If not mentioned in the IEC, MOA, partnership deed, trust deed.

The RCMC registration process covers various types of exporters and importers, including:

1. Ordinary Membership: This is for a new business in the export and import industry who are looking for a basic membership.

2. Associate Membership: For established entities with significant experience in trade, offering more benefits than ordinary membership.

3. Premier Trading House (PTH) Membership: This is for companies with a substantial share in India's total exports.

4. Star Export House (SEH) Membership: For companies demonstrating consistent export growth.

5. Trading House (TH) Membership: For businesses with an annual turnover of at least INR 100 crores that are engaged in import and export activities.

The RCMC registration fees differ for different exporters as the charges applicable are generally fixed by the respective Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board or any other registering authority. The fee may vary depending on the nature of products or service being exported, the category of membership, nature of business and the fee structure prescribed by the respective council.

In addition to council or government charges, professional service charges may also be on the cards for exporters who engage an RCMC consultant to help them with the application.

Agile Regulatory can help you understand the applicable RCMC fees, service charges and documentation requirements before you submit your application. This will give you a better idea of what the likely cost is before you go ahead and make your application.

What is covered by our RCMC registration service?

Agile Regulatory can help you with the entire process of RCMC registration like:

• RCMC eligibility check for your export business

• EPC or council ID depending on your main product or service

• Application document checklist - what you have to give us

• RCMC Application Preparation & Information Review

• Assistance in filing RCMC online

• Application status tracking and follow up support

• Assistance with answering queries if the relevant authority requires clarification

• RCMC certificate issuance guidelines

• RCMC certificate help download

• Support RCMC Amendments and Renewals

To make it easier for you to complete the required formalities, our team is ready to help you manage the application from the initial document review to certificate-related assistance.

Looking for the applicable cost of RCMC for your business? Get a personalized fee and documents checklist from Agile Regulatory.

After registration RCMC holders must follow ongoing rules and responsibilities. These post-registration tasks are important to keep the certificate valid and to avoid penalties.

Compliance Duties:

• Annual Update:

   Every year, members must update their business profile on DGFT’s website.

• Payment of Annual Subscription Fees:

  Most councils require yearly membership renewal by paying a nominal fee.

• Filing of Export Returns:

  Some councils may ask for a report of yearly export performance.

• Notify Any Change in Business: 

  If there's a change in PAN, GST, partners, or company name, the council must be informed within 30 days.

• Participation in Export Promotion Activities:

   Members may be required to attend seminars or trade shows.

If you do not obey RCMC regulations it leads to significant problems for exporters. Noncompliance with RCMC rules will trigger penalties and cancellation along with potential scheme disqualification by DGFT

Violation	Penalty Type
Expired RCMC but still exporting.	Warning + cancellation of benefits
Falsified documents	Legal action + certificate revoked
Not paying annual fee	Certificate gets suspended
Misuse of export schemes	Blacklisting by DGFT

To avoid penalties, exporters must act on time and follow rules strictly.

An RCMC certificate doesn’t last forever. It comes with an expiry 

Validity Period:

• It is valid for 5 years from date of issue.

Renewal Process:

1. Visit Council or DGFT Website
2. Log in using IEC and PAN
3. Select Renewal Option
4. Upload Fresh Documents if Needed
5. Pay Renewal Fees
6. Receive Updated Certificate

Choosing the right EPC and preparing accurate documents can make your RCMC registration process easier. Agile Regulatory provides end-to-end assistance to exporters looking to apply for RCMC certificate online.

Expert Application Support

We guide you from eligibility assessment and document preparation to application submission.

EPC Selection Assistance

Our team helps identify the appropriate Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board based on your export products or services.

Documentation Guidance

Get a customised checklist of the documents required for RCMC registration and assistance with preparing them.

Online Filing & Query Support

We assist with online filing, document submission, application tracking, and responding to authority queries.

Renewal & Amendment Support

Our services also cover RCMC renewal, amendments, and certificate-related assistance.

From RCMC application preparation to certificate issuance and download guidance, Agile Regulatory supports your complete registration journey.

Ready to apply for RCMC? Contact Agile Regulatory for expert assistance.