RCMC Registration

RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards to exporters. It serves as proof of registration under the Foreign Trade Policy and is required to avail export incentives, participate in government schemes, and establish credibility with international buyers.

You should register with the EPC that covers your primary export product. For example, APEDA for agricultural products, FIEO for multi-product exporters, EEPC for engineering goods, SRTEPC for textiles. If no single EPC covers your products, register with FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations).

Benefits include eligibility for RoDTEP and MEIS schemes, duty exemptions, access to trade fairs and buyer-seller meets, export guidance and market intelligence, priority in government initiatives, networking opportunities with international buyers, and smoother customs clearance.

RCMC is typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue. It must be renewed before expiry to continue availing benefits. Renewal requires submission of updated documents and payment of renewal fees to the respective EPC.

Required documents include IEC (Import Export Code), PAN card, GST registration certificate, incorporation documents (partnership deed, MOA, AOA), bank account details, and identity/address proof of authorized signatory. Specific EPCs may have additional requirements.

RCMC is mandatory for exporters of notified products under EPCs to avail FTP benefits. While not legally mandatory for all exports, it is practically essential for claiming incentives, participating in government schemes, and establishing credibility with buyers and banks.

Fees vary by EPC. For example, APEDA charges ₹5,900 (including GST), while FIEO charges ₹1,000 processing fee plus annual membership fees based on turnover. Some EPCs offer reduced fees for businesses from North-Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim.

If you export products covered by different EPCs, you should register with the EPC covering your primary product. For multi-product exporters, FIEO is the appropriate body. Duplicate registration with multiple EPCs for the same product should be avoided.

If RCMC expires, you cannot claim export incentives or benefits under FTP until renewal. Renewal should be applied for before expiry to avoid discontinuation of benefits. Some EPCs may charge late renewal fees.

RCMC serves as proof of being a genuine registered exporter, facilitating smoother customs clearance. It helps in claiming duty drawbacks, exemptions, and other benefits at the port of export, reducing delays and documentation hassles.