Export Promotion Council (EPC) Registration Online in India

Export Promotion Council registration, often called RCMC registration, allows Indian exporters or importers to officially register with a recognized council. This process operates under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade guidelines within India’s structured Foreign Trade Policy framework.

Through Export Promotion Council registration, businesses receive an RCMC certificate confirming their membership and official recognition within the Indian export ecosystem. This certificate enables exporters to access government export benefits, schemes, and various trade-related financial concessions. As per Para 2.55 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), obtaining an RCMC is mandatory for exporters seeking benefits under DGFT schemes.

Without a valid RCMC, exporters cannot apply for duty exemptions, advance licenses, EPCG schemes, or other benefits under the policy. Therefore, businesses must complete EPC registration online to remain compliant and fully eligible for government-supported export advantages.

Since 2022, applicants must submit all RCMC requests through the DGFT’s centralized digital e-RCMC platform available on dgft.gov.in. The government has discontinued physical submissions, ensuring a streamlined, transparent, and fully digital process for all Export Promotion Council registrations.

Export Promotion Councils are non-profit organizations set up by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Each council covers a specific sector of Indian exports. Their primary role is to promote, support, and develop the export potential of their respective industries.

EPCs perform several important functions that directly benefit registered exporters:

• Issuing the RCMC to exporters in their sector, certifying their membership and eligibility for government benefits.
• Organizing and participating in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and export promotion events.
• Providing market intelligence, research reports, and trade data to members.
• Representing the interests of their sector to the government and regulatory authorities.
• Facilitating access to the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme grants for participation in overseas exhibitions.
• Assisting members with dispute resolution, quality certification, and compliance guidance.

As of March 2026, there are 26 Export Promotion Councils and 9 Commodity Boards functioning as Registering Authorities under the DGFT. Together, they cover every category of Indian exports.

The RCMC is an official certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board after successful RCMC Registration. It proves that the exporter is a recognized member of a government-authorised body and is eligible to claim benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.

This certificate is not merely a membership document; every exporter must hold on the date of applying for any authorization, concession, or benefit under the FTP. For example, exporters applying for an Advance Authorization, EPCG authorization, or RoDTEP benefit must have a valid RCMC on the application date.

The RCMC is valid from 1 April of the financial year in which it is issued and continues for five financial years, ending on 31 March of the fifth year. For instance, an RCMC issued in January 2026 will remain valid from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030, unless a different period is specified by the issuing authority.

EPC registration through the RCMC serves several important purposes for an Indian exporter:

• Legal recognition: The RCMC establishes the exporter as a formally recognized member of the Indian foreign trade ecosystem under the DGFT framework.
• Access to FTP benefits: Advanced Licence, Duty Drawback Scheme, Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA), and RoDTEP scheme benefits are all accessible only with a valid RCMC.
• Waiver of bank guarantee: Exporters holding a valid RCMC may receive relaxation or exemption from bank guarantees in certain cases at the time of export.
• Trade fair access: RCMC holders can participate in international and domestic trade fairs and catalogue shows organized or supported by their EPC.
• MAI Scheme benefits: Exporters holding an RCMC for at least one year can claim Market Access Initiative grants. These grants cover flight charges and reduce stall fees at overseas exhibitions.
• Buyer-seller matching: EPCs connect their registered members with foreign companies and overseas buyers through official trade delegation programs.
• Regulatory compliance: Registration confirms that the exporter's business activities comply with India's Foreign Trade Policy and DGFT guidelines.

EPC registration and the RCMC are required for any Indian business that exports or imports goods or services. A valid RCMC is necessary to access benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

The following businesses must obtain an RCMC:

• Exporters of products or services covered under any of the 26 EPCs or 9 Commodity Boards listed in Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy.
• Businesses applying for any authorization or benefit under the FTP, including Advance Licence, EPCG, and RoDTEP.
• Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, SEZ Developers, and Co-developers. These entities must obtain RCMC from EPCES (Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZ units) as per DGFT Trade Notice No. 35/2021-22.
• New exporters seeking to establish formal credibility with overseas buyers and government agencies
• Businesses participating in government-supported trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, or overseas exhibitions.

Note: If a business exports products that do not fall under any specific EPC or Commodity Board category, it must register with FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organizations). If a business exports multiple unrelated product categories, FIEO registration is also available as an alternative to registering with multiple councils.

The 26 Export Promotion Councils in India are divided by product sector. Each council covers a specific range of goods or services. The following are the major EPCs:

In addition to EPCs, 9 Commodity Boards cover specific products such as coffee, tea, rubber, spices, tobacco, and coir. Exporters in these sectors must register with the relevant Commodity Board rather than an EPC.

Holding a valid RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council offers several practical advantages for exporters:

• Access to Advanced License: Exporters can import raw materials duty-free for manufacturing export products if the RCMC is valid on the application date.
• Duty Drawback Scheme: Customs duties paid on imported inputs used for export production are refunded only to RCMC holders.
• EPCG Scheme Access: Exporters with a valid RCMC can import capital goods at zero duty for use in export production.
• RoDTEP Scheme Benefits: Remission of duties and taxes on exported products is available only to compliant RCMC holders.
• No Bank Guarantee Required: RCMC holders are exempt from providing bank guarantees for most standard export transactions, easing cash flow.
• MAI Scheme Grants: Exporters with RCMC for at least one year can claim reimbursement for flight charges and get concessions on exhibition stall fees.
• Trade Fair Participation: RCMC holders get priority access, subsidised stalls, and government support at international trade shows organised by EPCs.
• Market Intelligence and Export Guidance: EPCs provide members with research reports, tariff information, import regulations, and product-specific advisory services.

Before beginning the RCMC application on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in), the exporter must have the following documents ready for upload in PDF format:

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants:

Additional Documents for Specific EPCs:

The entire RCMC registration process is conducted online through the DGFT's common digital e-RCMC platform (dgft.gov.in). The process follows these steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Valid IEC and Update the Profile

Before applying for RCMC, the business must hold a valid Import Export Code issued by DGFT. The IEC profile on the DGFT portal must be fully updated with the current business address, bank details, and GST number.

The IEC profile must be linked to the portal login. Any mismatch between the IEC details and the GST certificate or business address proof will result in application rejection.

Step 2: Register and Log In on the DGFT Portal

Visit dgft.gov.in and log in using your IEC-linked username and password. If not registered, click Register and create an account using:

• Business PAN
• IEC details

After logging in, register a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), Class 2 or Class 3, or enable Aadhaar e-Sign for authentication during submission.

Step 3: Navigate to the e-RCMC Module

• From the DGFT dashboard, go to Services in the top navigation menu and select the e-RCMC option.
• Click on Apply for e-RCMC.
• The portal will ask whether to start a fresh application or continue a saved draft.
• Select the Start Fresh Application for a new registration.

Step 4: Select the Correct Export Promotion Council

Choose the EPC, Commodity Board, or Development Authority that corresponds to your main export product or service. Declare your main line of business accurately. If your product does not fall under any specific EPC, select FIEO.

Step 5: Fill Form ANF-2C

Complete Form ANF-2C with required details, including:

• Name and address of the selected EPC
• Applicant’s name, registered address, and branch addresses
• IEC number and Export House Certificate number (if applicable)
• Product category for registration
• Main line of business declaration
• Details of authorized representative or contact person

Ensure that all entries match your supporting documents exactly.

Step 6: Select Service Categories and Upload Documents

For sector-specific EPCs like SEPC, select the applicable service categories. Upload all required documents in PDF format. Documents must be clear, complete, and current. For SEPC registration, include Format-A, a CA-certified certificate showing foreign exchange earnings. Blurry or expired documents can delay processing by 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 7: Pay the Registration Fee

Pay the applicable membership or registration fee directly through the DGFT portal payment gateway using Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. Alternatively, offline payments through NEFT/RTGS to the EPC’s designated account are also allowed. Enter the NEFT/RTGS reference number in the application and email the payment confirmation to the EPC accounts team immediately.

Step 8: Sign and Submit the Application

Review all details carefully:

• Accept the DGFT terms and conditions
• Sign the application digitally using DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign
• Submit the application

After submission, the DGFT portal generates an acknowledgement with an application reference number. Save this reference number for tracking the application status.

Step 9: Verification and Issuance of RCMC

The selected EPC reviews the application and documents. If everything is complete, the EPC approves the application, and the DGFT system issues the RCMC digitally. If there are deficiencies, the EPC issues a query notice. The applicant must resolve the deficiencies through the portal within the specified timeline to avoid rejection.

The EPC registration process online typically completes within 10–20 working days, depending on document accuracy and EPC verification speed.

Each Export Promotion Council (EPC) sets its own membership fee based on the applicant’s export turnover during the previous financial year. Applicants pay the fee either for the entire RCMC validity period (5 years) or on an annual basis, depending on the council’s policy. All fees attract GST at 18%:

Note: The fees stated above are indicative. Each EPC revises its fee structure annually. Always verify the current fee with the specific EPC website or the DGFT portal before making payment.

The RCMC is issued digitally through the DGFT portal after the EPC approves the application. The certificate contains the following information:

• Name and registered address of the exporter
• Import Export Code (IEC) of the exporter
• Name of the issuing Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board
• RCMC registration number
• Products or services for which registration is granted
• Main line of business as declared by the exporter
• Validity period
• Date of issue and digital signature of the issuing authority

How to Download the EPC Registration Certificate?

The RCMC can be downloaded directly from the DGFT portal after issuance:

• Log in to dgft.gov.in using the IEC credentials.
• Navigate to Services and then e-RCMC.
• Select View RCMC Details and enter the IEC number and the first three characters of the firm name.
• The portal displays the RCMC details and provides an option to download the certificate in PDF format.

Note: The RCMC is a digital document and does not require a physical stamp or signature.

The RCMC does not renew automatically. The exporter must submit their RCMC renewal application at least 30–60 days before the current certificate expires. An expired RCMC disqualifies the exporter from claiming any FTP benefits until the renewal is approved. Renewal applications are submitted through the same DGFT e-RCMC portal.

Renewal of RCMC Certificate

Follow these steps to renew your RCMC certificate:

1. Log in to the DGFT Portal

• • Go to Services → e-RCMC → Renewal of RCMC.
  • Select the existing RCMC certificate you want to renew.

2. Update Business Details

• • Check and update any changes in your business, such as:
    • Registered address
    • Bank account details
    • Product range or export turnover
  • Ensure all details match supporting documents.

3. Upload Current Documents

• • Upload all updated PDF documents, including: IEC, PAN, GST certificate, bank proof, and sector-specific certificates if applicable.

4. Pay Renewal Fee

• • Pay the applicable renewal fee online via the DGFT portal or offline via NEFT/RTGS to the EPC’s designated account.
  • Some EPCs, like EPCES, offer three-year renewal packages, covering multiple financial years in a single application.

5. Application Review and RCMC Issuance

• • The EPC reviews the submitted renewal application.
  • If complete, the EPC approves it and issues the renewed RCMC digitally, downloadable from the DGFT portal.

6. Inform EPC of Business Changes

• • Notify the EPC within one month of any changes in name, ownership, constitution, or address to maintain compliance and uninterrupted RCMC validity.

Holding an RCMC comes with ongoing compliance obligations that the exporter must fulfil throughout the certificate's validity period:

• Quarterly export returns: Exporters must submit quarterly returns detailing their export quantities and values to the relevant EPC in the prescribed format.
• Annual membership fee renewal: Some EPCs require annual subscription renewal even though the RCMC is valid for 5 years. Exporters must pay the fees on time to avoid suspension of membership.
• Reporting changes within 30 days: Exporters must report any change in business name, ownership, constitution, registered address, or product range to the EPC within 30 days. Updates are submitted through an amendment application on the DGFT portal.
• Record maintenance: Exporters must maintain all export-related documents, including:
  • Shipping Bills
  • Invoices
  • Bills of Lading
  • Bank Realisation Certificates

These documents must be available during audits or inspections by the EPC or DGFT.

Non-compliance with these obligations can lead the EPC to issue a Show-Cause Notice to the exporter. The EPC may suspend or de-register the RCMC if the exporter fails to respond adequately. Authorities can cancel the IEC under Section 11(1)(c) of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act.