RCMC Registration Online in India

The full form of RCMC is Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. This official certificate is issued by an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or a Commodity Board in India to its registered members. This certificate confirms that an exporter is a registered member of a government-approved organization.

The RCMC is governed by the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and issued following the guidelines set by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). To apply for an RCMC, you need a valid Import Export Code (IEC). The IEC is a mandatory 10-digit code required for all import and export activities in India. It serves as the basic registration for exporters.

This registration makes them eligible for a variety of benefits, financial incentives, and support under the FTP. In simple terms, it is your official proof of membership in the club of recognized Indian exporters.

An RCMC is more than just a regulatory formality. It gives access to financial benefits, policy-based incentives, and broader market access for Indian exporters.

1. Access to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) Schemes

With an RCMC, exporters can avail of government schemes such as:

• Advance Authorisation – Enables duty-free import of raw materials for manufacturing export goods.
• EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme – Allows import of machinery at zero duty for producing export items.

2. Eligibility for Export Refunds

To claim benefits under schemes like RoDTEP, which refund uncredited taxes and levies, exporters must have a valid RCMC. This improves cost efficiency and profitability.

3. Tax and Duty Exemptions

RCMC is often required to apply for exemptions from customs duties on imported goods used in export production.

Note: RCMC is mandatory, but not sufficient alone—you must apply under specific schemes.

4. Market Development Support

Exporters with RCMC can receive financial aid for:

• Stall rent and travel expenses at approved international trade fairs
• Participation in promotion schemes like MAI (Market Access Initiative) and MDA (Marketing Development Assistance)

5. Access to Training and Market Intelligence

Export Promotion Councils offer RCMC holders:

• Trade data and research reports
• Updates on regulatory changes
• Subsidized training sessions and expert-led webinars

6. Credibility and Networking

An RCMC enhances your reputation as a registered exporter. It helps in:

• Securing export financing from banks
• Building trust with overseas buyers
• Expanding business through council-supported networking platforms

7. Support in Trade Disputes

In the event of disagreements with foreign buyers, your EPC can offer official guidance and assist in resolving issues through recognized channels.

The RCMC is issued by government-approved bodies known as Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards. These organizations represent specific sectors and oversee exporters within their industry.

• Sector-Specific Registration: Exporters must register with the EPC or Commodity Board that corresponds to their primary product or service category.
• For Multi-Product Exporters: Businesses like e-commerce sellers or trading houses exporting a variety of products typically register with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), which covers multiple sectors.

In India, RCMC certificates are issued by various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), each specializing in different product sectors. Exporters must register with the council that aligns with their main line of business. Here are some of the major EPCs:

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): Fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, dairy, processed foods, and other agricultural exports.
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC): Ready-made garments, textiles, and apparel products.
• Chemicals and Allied Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL): Chemicals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and allied products.
• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India: Engineering goods, machinery, and industrial equipment.
• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC): Handloom textiles.
• Council for Leather Exports (CLE): Leather goods and footwear.
• Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil): Pharmaceuticals and bulk drugs.
• Plastic Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL): Plastic raw materials and finished products.
• Rubber Export Promotion Council (REPC): Responsible for promoting exports of rubber and rubber-based products in India.
• Spices Board India: Spices and related agricultural products.
• Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC): Synthetic and rayon textiles.
• Tropical and Agro Products Export Promotion Council (TAPPC): Coffee, tea, cocoa, and other tropical agro-products.
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO): Multi-product exporters, trading houses, and businesses with diverse product portfolios.
• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC): For service sector exports, including IT, education, healthcare, legal, and entertainment services.

To apply for an RCMC certificate online, exporters must fulfill certain conditions:

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC): You must have a valid IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is essential for all exporters.
• Type of Business: Any individual or company involved in exporting goods or services can apply.
• Relevant Council: You need to register with the Export Promotion Council or the Commodity Board that matches the products or services you export.
• Export Track Record: Some councils may ask for proof of previous exports or minimum turnover, especially when renewing your RCMC.
• Regulatory Compliance: Your business should follow all applicable rules, such as having GST registration and other required licenses.
• Clear Legal Status: Exporters should not have unresolved legal or compliance issues to be eligible for RCMC.

The standard documents required for RCMC registration are collected to verify your business's identity and operations. The common list includes:

Mandatory Documents

• Import-Export Code (IEC): A copy of your Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by the DGFT is required. Ensure that your IEC is current and linked either to a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or an Aadhaar e-signature.
• Business Registration Proof: This depends on the type of business entity:
  • Proprietorship Firm: PAN card of the proprietor, address proof.
  • Partnership Firm: Partnership Deed, PAN card of the firm and partners, address proof of partners, and the firm.
  • Company (Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd, OPC): Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), Certificate of Incorporation, PAN card of the company and directors, address proof of directors and the company.
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): LLP Agreement, PAN card of the LLP and partners, address proof of partners, and the LLP.
  • Trust/Society: Trust Deed/Registration Certificate, PAN card of the Trust/Society and trustees/members, and address proof.
• GST Registration Certificate: Proof of GST registration for tax compliance.
• Bank Certificate/Banker's Details: Verifying the exporter's bank account details.
• Proof of Manufacturing Unit (if applicable): If you are a manufacturer or exporter, you'll need documents like SSI Registration, SIA Certification, or factory registration.
• Export Turnover Details: Certified by a Chartered Accountant for the preceding three years (even if it's a "NIL" certificate for no exports).
• Board Resolution/Power of Attorney: If the signatory for the application is not listed in the IEC, MOA, partnership deed, or trust deed, an authorization letter is required.

Other Supporting Documents (may be requested by specific EPCs/Commodity Boards)

• Details of Partners/Directors: Names, residential addresses, contact numbers.
• Consent from FIEO Board: If no specialized export promotion board or regulatory agency exists for the commodities you deal with, you may need consent from the FIEO.
• Annual Membership Fees: Payment proof (DD/Cheque or online payment) as applicable to the chosen Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.

The RCMC online registration steps are as follows:

1. Go to the DGFT Website: Open the official DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) on your browser.
2. Login: Sign in using your IEC-linked username and password.
3. Find e-RCMC: In the 'Services' menu, find and select the 'e-RCMC' option.
4. Start Application: Click the button to start a new application for RCMC.
5. Fill the Form: Carefully complete the online application (form ANF-2C) with your business details, and be sure to select the correct EPC from the dropdown list.
6. Upload Documents: Upload clear, readable scanned copies of all the required documents in the specified format (usually PDF).
7. Pay Fees: Pay the required RCMC registration fees directly on the portal using their online payment gateway.
8. Submit: Double-check all entered information and then submit the application electronically using either a DSC or an Aadhaar-based e-signature.

Pro Tip: For Aadhaar-based e-signing, the director's or proprietor's Aadhaar must be linked to their current mobile number. The OTP for verification is sent only to this number.

Disclaimer: The Aadhaar e-sign feature may not be available or supported by all Export Promotion Councils.

The fees for obtaining the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) depend on the Export Promotion Council or the Commodity Board issuing the certificate. Below is a summary of typical fees and important details:

Fees Charged by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

Note: Renewal fees for most councils are determined by the exporter's annual turnover and MSME status. Please check the official websites of the respective EPCs for the latest and most accurate figures.

Breaking the rules by providing false information or not following the terms is taken seriously. Penalties are governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and can include heavy fines, cancellation of your RCMC, and even legal action against the company directors.

Penalties for RCMC Registration Violations

Violations related to the RCMC can lead to serious penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Key points include:

• False Information: Providing incorrect or misleading information during the RCMC application or renewal process can result in fines and cancellation of the certificate.
• Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the RCMC or the Export Promotion Council’s rules may lead to penalties.
• Cancellation or Suspension: Under Section 11(1)(c) of the Foreign Trade Act, authorities can cancel or suspend your RCMC and Import-Export Code if violations occur.
• Legal Action: Serious breaches may also attract prosecution, which could include fines or imprisonment for company directors responsible for the misconduct.

The RCMC certificate is usually valid for five years from its financial year, i.e., from April to March. It is important to keep track of the expiry date and apply for renewal on time to continue enjoying the benefits without interruption. Renewal does not happen automatically and must be applied for by the exporter.

Important points about RCMC validity and renewal

• The certificate is valid for 5 financial years in most cases. Check with your specific EPC, as this may vary.
• Renewal requires applying along with the necessary documents and payment of fees through the official DGFT portal.
• It is advisable to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date.
• Late renewal can result in penalties, such as a late fee of around ₹500 plus GST, depending on the EPC.
• Timely renewal ensures continuous access to export incentives, subsidies, and other benefits.
• If renewal is not done on time, the RCMC may be suspended or cancelled.
• Cancellation or suspension of the RCMC may cause loss of benefits and complicate export compliance.

Apart from online renewal of the RCMC certificate, it is important to follow some ongoing rules after getting your RCMC. These steps help keep your registration active and your export benefits safe:

• Submit Annual Reports: Some Export Promotion Councils ask for yearly reports or updates on your exports.
• Inform Changes: Let the EPC and DGFT know if your business details change, like your address, ownership, or products.
• Keep Records: Maintain all documents related to your exports, such as invoices and shipping papers, for future checks.
• Follow Export Rules: Always obey the rules set by the Foreign Trade Policy and export laws.
• Pay Fees on Time: Make sure you pay any fees required by the EPC to avoid losing your registration.
• Answer Communications: Reply quickly to any notices or questions from the EPC or government authorities.

RCMC Certificate is the final document you receive after successful registration. It is usually provided in a digital format and follows a standard layout set by the EPC or the Commodity Board. This certificate serves as official proof that your business is a registered member eligible for various export benefits.

Key details included in the RCMC certificate:

• Your business name and registration number
• Date of issue and validity period (usually five years)
• Name of the issuing EPC or Commodity Board
• Unique membership or registration number
• List of products or services covered (in some cases)
• Terms and conditions for the use of the certificate

This certificate must be kept safely and produced whenever required for claiming export incentives or participating in export promotion activities. Many councils also allow you to download a copy anytime from their online portal.

How to Download RCMC Registration Certificate?

Once your application is approved, the RCMC certificate download is easy. Here’s how to download rcmc certificate online:

1. Log in to the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in).
2. Go to 'My Dashboard' and select 'Submitted Applications'.
3. Find your approved RCMC application and click on it.
4. Select the 'Print Certificate' option. This is how you finally download the RCMC certificate.

Good to know: The certificate is digitally signed and secure. Its authenticity can be checked online on the DGFT portal anytime. This means you don't need physical copies for verification with customs or banks.

How to Check the Status of the RCMC Certificate?

To check the status of your RCMC certificate, follow these steps:

1. Visit the DGFT Website: Open dgft.gov.in in your browser.
2. Log In: Use your IEC Code-linked credentials to log into your account.
3. Go to e-RCMC Section: Find and click on the ‘e-RCMC’ option under the ‘Services’ or ‘Applications’ menu.
4. Check Status: View the current status of your RCMC application or renewal. It will show if it is pending, approved, or rejected.
5. Download Certificate: Once approved, you can download your RCMC certificate from the portal.

Remember: Starting April 1, 2022, most Export Promotion Councils require RCMC issuance through the DGFT portal. Only a few EPCs are still not integrated with DGFT.