Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Registration Online

The AEPC full form is Apparel Export Promotion Council and is the official apex body for apparel exporters in India. Incorporated in 1978 under Section 25 of the Companies Act, AEPC operates under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It serves as the single most important institution for anyone in India's garment and readymade clothing export sector.

AEPC's headquarters is located in Gurgaon (Haryana), with a registered office at Okhla, New Delhi, and regional offices across major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Surat.

The council's core mission is to promote Indian apparel exports globally, support member exporters with market access, and assist with regulatory compliance. In summary, it is established to promote and strengthen India’s apparel export industry. AEPC achieves this through:

• Organizing the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) — one of Asia's largest garment sourcing events, held twice a year.
• Leading trade delegations to international markets and buyer-seller meets.
• Providing skill development and training support through the Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC).
• Helping members access government schemes like Market Development Assistance (MDA).
• Supports government initiatives aimed at attracting FDI.
• Offering market intelligence, trade statistics, and regulatory guidance to members.

For any garment or apparel exporter in India, AEPC is not just a licensing body — it is a complete business enabler.

AEPC registration refers to the process of obtaining an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) from the Apparel Export Promotion Council. The AEPC RCMC certificate is an official document issued by AEPC that confirms your status as a registered member exporter in the apparel and garment sector.

The AEPC RCMC is issued under India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Since 2022, RCMC registration, including AEPC RCMC registration, has been done digitally through the DGFT's e-RCMC portal.

Key facts about the AEPC RCMC certificate are provided in the table below:

There are two types of AEPC membership:

1. Registered Exporter: For exporters who have already shipped garment goods and have an established export record.
2. Member Exporter: For manufacturers or merchants in the apparel trade who want full AEPC membership with access to all benefits, incentives, and scheme support.

Both categories require getting the AEPC RCMC certificate. The documents and fees differ slightly depending on the category you apply under.

Getting your AEPC RCMC certificate does a lot more than just keep you compliant. Here’s what AEPC registration can offer your export business:

1. Access to Government Export Incentive Schemes

AEPC members can avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, including:

• RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products),
• RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies),
• EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme),
• Advance Licence, and
• Duty Drawback.

These schemes can significantly reduce the cost of exports.

2. Market Development Assistance (MDA) Grants

Member exporters with an annual export turnover below ₹15 crore can apply for MDA grants to participate in overseas trade fairs and exhibitions. Here, the government covers a part of your travel and participation costs.

3. Participation in International Trade Fairs

AEPC regularly organizes India's participation at major global garment trade fairs. Only AEPC-registered exporters get access to these opportunities, which can directly connect you to international buyers.

4. Input Tax Credit and GST Benefits

Registered exporters can claim Input Tax Credit on inputs used in export production, reducing their effective tax burden.

5. Training and Skill Development Subsidies

AEPC members get a 40% rebate on tuition fees for core courses and 20% for flagship courses at ATDC centres. For overseas training programs at institutions like the Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA), Hong Kong, AEPC provides a 75% subsidy on training costs.

6. Financial Credibility and Trade Finance Access

Holding an AEPC RCMC certificate improves your credibility with banks and financial institutions. Lenders prefer businesses that are members of AEPC when considering requests for export bill discounting, working capital loans, and trade finance.

7. Customs Duty and Export-related Tax Benefits

AEPC members benefit from customs duties and tax benefits related to export, making their cost of production and export more competitive globally.

8. FDI Facilitation

AEPC actively works with the government to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the Indian garment sector. Member exporters benefit from this through expanded market opportunities and joint ventures.

9. Market Intelligence and Trade Data

Registered members get access to updated trade statistics, potential market analyses, buyer databases, and regulatory updates — all essential for strategic decision-making.

AEPC registration is relevant for any business or individual involved in manufacturing, trading, or exporting readymade garments and apparel products from India. Specifically, you need to apply for an AEPC RCMC certificate if you are:

• A manufacturer and exporter of readymade garments, woven or knitted apparel, ethnic wear, or fashion clothing.
• A merchant exporter dealing in garment exports (buying from manufacturers and selling to overseas buyers).
• A merchant-cum-manufacturer exporter doing both.
• An apparel business selling on international e-commerce platforms like Amazon Global, ASOS, or Zalando.
• An exporter seeking to claim government schemes like EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, or Advance Licence.
• A business wanting to participate in AEPC-organized trade fairs and buyer-seller meets in India and abroad.
• A garment exporter seeking MDA grants or trade finance support from banks.
• A new exporter (new AEPC registration) wants to enter the global apparel market with government backing.

Eligibility Conditions for AEPC Registration

The following criteria are required to be met for AEPC Registration:

• The applicant must be a manufacturer, exporter, or merchant exporter in the garment trade.
• Individual or sole proprietorship applicants must be above 21 years of age.
• The applicant or any partner must not have been declared insolvent or convicted for any offence involving moral turpitude by a Court of Law.
• For member exporters, the firm's aggregate export turnover must be above ₹1 crore in the preceding 3 financial years. A NIL turnover certificate is acceptable for new exporters applying under the registered exporter category.
• The applicant must hold a valid IEC issued by DGFT.

Here is a complete document checklist for the AEPC registration process based on your applicant category:

Documents Required for All Applicants

• Self-certified copy of IEC (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT
• PAN card of the business entity
• GST Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Duly notarized undertaking on non-judicial stamp paper
• Bank account statement or cancelled cheque of the business account
• Export Turnover Certificate for the last 3 financial years, certified by a Chartered Accountant or banker (NIL certificate acceptable for new exporters)
• Passport-size photograph of the proprietor/partners/directors

Based on Business Type

For Sole Proprietors:

• Aadhaar card and PAN card of the proprietor
• Proof of business address (electricity bill, rent agreement, or property documents)

For Partnership Firms:

• Self-certified copy of the Partnership Deed
• PAN and address proof of all partners

For Private Limited / OPC / Public Limited Companies:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Board Resolution authorizing the authorized signatory to apply for AEPC RCMC registration
• PAN and Aadhaar of all directors

For Manufacturer Exporters (additionally):

• Self-attested copy of Small Scale Industry (SSI) Registration Certificate, Industrial License, or Letter of Intent issued by the concerned authority

For Member Exporters (additionally):

• Copy of existing RCMC issued to the Registered Exporter
• Export turnover certificate for the last 3 financial years, certified by a Chartered Accountant or banker

Note: All documents must be self-attested. Documents submitted for the notarized undertaking must be on non-judicial stamp paper. RegisterKaro's team will help you prepare and verify every document before submission. Get started by filling out the form now!

The process for AEPC registration is now fully online, thanks to the DGFT's e-RCMC platform launched in 2022. Here is the step-by-step process to register for AEPC:

Step 1: Obtain Your IEC

Before you apply for AEPC RCMC registration, you must have a valid IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). If you do not have an IEC yet, RegisterKaro can help you get one quickly.

Step 2: Update Your IEC Profile on the DGFT Portal

Log in to the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) and ensure your IEC profile is up to date. Link your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign to your profile. This is mandatory for submitting the AEPC registration form online.

Step 3: Navigate to the e-RCMC Section

On the DGFT portal, go to Services → e-RCMC → Apply for New RCMC. Select the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) as your registering authority and choose your product category (readymade garments/apparel).

Step 4: Fill the AEPC Application Form

Complete the AEPC application form online with accurate details, including: business name, date of commencement, IEC number, export turnover for the preceding 3 financial years, product categories, and details of all partners/directors.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents in the specified format (usually PDF). Ensure scanned copies are clear, legible, and properly attested before uploading.

Step 6: Pay the AEPC Registration Fees

Pay the applicable AEPC registration fees online through the portal. Payment can be made via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.

Step 7: Submit and Track the Application

After submission, you receive an acknowledgement reference number. AEPC then reviews your application and documents. You can track your application status on the DGFT portal.

Step 8: Receive Your AEPC RCMC Certificate

Once AEPC approves your application, the system generates your AEPC RCMC certificate digitally on the DGFT portal. The process typically takes 7 to 15 working days from the date of submission of complete documents.

RegisterKaro manages the process mentioned above entirely on your behalf. You just need to share the documents, and we'll take care of the rest. Contact us now to get your AEPC registration process started.

AEPC registration fees consist of two components:

1. A one-time entrance fee for new registrations and
2. An annual subscription fee that must be renewed every year.

Note: Some sources indicate a combined certification fee of ₹13,570 (including 18% GST), which may cover first-year registration plus subscription bundled together. Fee structures are occasionally revised by AEPC. RegisterKaro will confirm the current applicable fee before you make any payment.

AEPC Renewal Charges

The AEPC renewal charges (annual subscription) are the same as the subscription component:

 ₹8,000 + 18% GST = ₹9,440 per year. 

AEPC RCMC renewal online must be done before the expiry of the current year's subscription to avoid cancellation of registration.

Note: Applicants from Jammu & Kashmir, North-Eastern States, or Sikkim may be eligible for a reduced fee. Please check with our team or AEPC directly for the applicable rate.

Once AEPC approves your application and processes the registration, your AEPC RCMC certificate is available for download directly from the DGFT e-RCMC portal. Here is how to download it:

1. Log in to the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in using your IEC-linked credentials.
2. Navigate to Services → e-RCMC → View RCMC Details.
3. Enter your IEC number and at least the first three characters of your firm name.
4. Your AEPC RCMC certificate details will appear on screen.
5. Click on Download Certificate to save the digitally signed PDF copy.

The AEPC RCMC certificate download is completely free and available 24x7 on the DGFT portal. You can download it any number of times. There is no need to visit the AEPC office to collect a physical copy, as the digital certificate is legally valid for all purposes.

If you face any issues with the AEPC RCMC certificate download, such as login problems, profile mismatches, or the certificate not reflecting, RegisterKaro's team can assist you in resolving them quickly. Just fill the form and get your Free Consultation today.

The AEPC RCMC certificate is valid for 5 financial years (from 1st April of the year of issue to 31st March of the 5th financial year). However, the annual subscription must be renewed every year to keep the membership active.

If you fail to renew your AEPC annual subscription on time, your AEPC RCMC registration gets suspended or becomes inactive until renewal is completed. This means you lose access to all export benefits, schemes, and the ability to issue AEPC-backed documentation to buyers, i.e., until you reapply.

The step-by-step process for AEPC RCMC Renewal Online is as follows:

1. Log in to the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in.
2. Navigate to Services → e-RCMC → Renewal of RCMC.
3. Verify your existing registration details and update if required.
4. Upload any updated documents if your business details have changed.
5. Pay the AEPC renewal charges online (₹8,000 + 18% GST = ₹9,440).
6. Submit the application and download your renewed AEPC RCMC certificate once processed.

It is best to initiate the AEPC RCMC renewal online at least 30 days before the current annual subscription's expiry date to avoid any gap in your membership status.

If you need to reach AEPC directly for queries related to your registration, membership, or certificate, here are the official contact details:

• AEPC Head Office: Apparel House, Institutional Area, Sector-44, Gurgaon – 122003 (Haryana)
• Phone: 0124-2708000
• Email: administrator@aepcindia[dot]com
• Website: www.aepcindia.com
• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-7000

AEPC Regional Offices: AEPC has offices across India, including Jaipur, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Tiruppur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Delhi/Okhla.

Tip: For your AEPC registration process, it is simpler to let RegisterKaro handle all communication with AEPC on your behalf.