RCMC Registration Online in India
RCMC Registration, or Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate, is an important certification for exporters in India. It is issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board, Development Authority or other authorised registering authority and confirms the exporter’s registration and membership with the concerned organisation.
RCMC is relevant for exporters seeking applicable benefits, authorisations, concessions or other facilities under India’s Foreign Trade Policy, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
NSC India provides professional assistance for RCMC Registration, documentation, EPC selection, online application filing, amendment, renewal and related export compliance support.
What is RCMC Registration?
RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It is a certificate issued by an authorised Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or other competent authority to an exporter based on the exporter’s main line of business.
The certificate establishes the exporter’s membership with the relevant registering authority and supports access to applicable export-related benefits and facilities under the Foreign Trade Policy. DGFT’s e-RCMC guidance states that the exporter must declare the mainstream business in the application and submit it to the appropriate registering authority.
What is the Full Form of RCMC?
RCMC Full Form: Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate.
It is commonly associated with Export Promotion Councils and other authorised export-related organisations in India.
Why is RCMC Required?
Under the Foreign Trade Policy framework, an RCMC may be required for exporters seeking certain authorisations, benefits or concessions. DGFT provisions state that a person applying for specified import/export authorisations or other benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy is required to furnish the RCMC granted by the competent authority, unless specifically exempted.
RCMC also establishes the exporter’s membership with the relevant EPC or registering authority and can provide access to export-promotion activities, trade information and sector-specific support.
Who Needs RCMC Registration?
RCMC may be relevant to:
- Manufacturer exporters
- Merchant exporters
- Service exporters
- Export-oriented businesses
- Proprietorship firms
- Partnership firms
- LLPs
- Private Limited Companies
- Public Limited Companies
- Other eligible exporters
The appropriate registering authority depends primarily on the exporter’s main line of business and the products or services being exported. DGFT guidance specifically requires an exporter to obtain RCMC from the council concerned with the product of the exporter’s main line of business.
RCMC Registration Eligibility
Before applying for RCMC, an exporter should generally:
- Have an active Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- Have an updated IEC profile
- Be engaged in an export-related business
- Identify the appropriate Export Promotion Council or registering authority
- Declare the main line of business/product or service
- Provide the documents required by the concerned EPC
- Comply with the applicable membership requirements
DGFT’s current e-RCMC user guidance specifically states that an active IEC is required to apply for RCMC and that the IEC profile should be updated before application.
Is IEC Required for RCMC?
Yes. An active IEC is a prerequisite for applying for e-RCMC through the DGFT platform. The IEC profile should also be updated, and the applicant must use the applicable authentication method required by the portal.
Businesses planning to obtain RCMC should therefore ensure that their IEC details are accurate before starting the application.
RCMC and Export Promotion Councils
Export Promotion Councils are organisations responsible for promoting and developing exports in particular product or service sectors.
Each EPC generally deals with specified products, services or industries. The exporter should select the council relevant to the main line of business declared in the RCMC application.
Where a product is not covered by a particular EPC or Commodity Board, the applicable registering authority may be determined under DGFT procedures. DGFT has also recognised FIEO as an option in specified circumstances.
Major Export Promotion Councils and Authorities
Some of the major export-related organisations include:
- APEDA – Agricultural and Processed Food Products
- EEPC India – Engineering Products
- GJEPC – Gems and Jewellery
- AEPC – Apparel
- MPEDA – Marine Products
- PHARMEXCIL – Pharmaceuticals
- CHEMEXCIL – Chemicals and related products
- EPCH – Handicrafts
- TEXPROCIL – Cotton Textiles
- FIEO – Federation of Indian Export Organisations
The appropriate authority depends on the product or service category and the applicable DGFT framework.
How to Select the Correct EPC for RCMC?
Selecting the correct EPC is an important part of the RCMC application.
The exporter should identify its main line of business and select the Export Promotion Council or registering authority responsible for that product or service.
Incorrect selection can result in application queries, rejection or the need for amendment.
NSC India can assist exporters in identifying the appropriate registering authority based on their principal export activity.
Benefits of RCMC Registration
RCMC can provide exporters with several business and compliance advantages, subject to the applicable rules:
- Supports access to applicable export benefits
- Helps establish EPC membership
- Supports applications for specified export authorisations
- Provides access to sector-specific export information
- Enables participation in certain trade-promotion activities
- Provides access to EPC events and programmes
- Supports participation in trade fairs and buyer-seller meets
- Helps exporters connect with industry-specific export bodies
- Strengthens formal export documentation
- Supports compliance with applicable Foreign Trade Policy requirements
RCMC for Export Incentives
A valid RCMC may be required for accessing certain benefits, schemes, authorisations or concessions under the Foreign Trade Policy, subject to the specific scheme requirements.
Exporters should verify the eligibility conditions of the particular benefit before relying on RCMC as the only requirement. DGFT’s Foreign Trade Policy provisions expressly refer to RCMC in connection with specified authorisations and benefits.
RCMC Registration for Manufacturer Exporters
Manufacturer exporters can obtain RCMC from the EPC or registering authority relevant to their principal export product.
The exporter may need to provide business registration documents, IEC, GST details, product information and other documents required by the concerned council.
RCMC Registration for Merchant Exporters
Merchant exporters can also apply for RCMC where eligible.
The appropriate EPC is generally determined according to the exporter’s principal product or business line.
Merchant exporters should ensure that their IEC, GST, bank and business information is consistent across the application documents.
RCMC Registration for Service Exporters
Service exporters may require registration with the relevant authority depending on their service category and the applicable Foreign Trade Policy requirements.
The appropriate registering authority and documents can differ from those applicable to goods exporters.
Documents Required for RCMC Registration
The exact document checklist varies according to the EPC and applicant structure.
Common documents may include:
- Active IEC Certificate
- Updated IEC profile
- PAN Card
- GST Registration Certificate, where applicable
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Partnership Deed, where applicable
- LLP Agreement, where applicable
- Proprietorship proof
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- Address proof
- Authorised signatory details
- Identity proof
- Product/service details
- Export-related information
- Digital Signature Certificate or Aadhaar e-Signature, as applicable
- Other documents requested by the concerned EPC
DGFT’s e-RCMC guidance confirms that an active IEC and updated IEC profile are prerequisites, with linked DSC token or Aadhaar e-Signature used for submitting the application.
Documents for Private Limited Company
Common documents may include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- PAN Card
- MOA and AOA
- GST Certificate, where applicable
- Active IEC
- Bank certificate/cancelled cheque
- Registered office proof
- Director details
- Authorised signatory details
- Product/service details
- DSC or applicable e-signature
Documents for Partnership Firm
Common documents may include:
- Partnership Deed
- PAN of Firm
- GST Certificate, where applicable
- Active IEC
- Address proof
- Bank details
- Partner details
- Authorised signatory details
- Product/export details
Documents for LLP
Common documents may include:
- LLP Incorporation Certificate
- LLP Agreement
- PAN
- GST Certificate, where applicable
- Active IEC
- Registered office proof
- Designated partner details
- Bank details
- Authorised signatory details
Documents for Proprietorship
Common documents may include:
- Proprietor PAN
- Aadhaar/identity proof
- Business address proof
- GST Certificate, where applicable
- Active IEC
- Bank details
- Export product/service information
RCMC Registration Process Online
The e-RCMC application is processed through the DGFT common digital platform. DGFT made electronic filing through the common e-RCMC platform mandatory for issue, renewal and amendment applications from 1 April 2022.
Step 1 – Obtain IEC
Ensure that the business has an active Importer Exporter Code.
Step 2 – Update IEC Profile
Check that the IEC profile contains accurate and current business information.
Step 3 – Identify Main Business Activity
Determine the primary product or service being exported.
Step 4 – Select the Appropriate EPC
Select the Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or other registering authority relevant to the main line of business.
Step 5 – Login to DGFT Portal
Access the DGFT portal and navigate to the Services → e-RCMC section.
Step 6 – Start e-RCMC Application
Select the option to apply for a new Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate.
Step 7 – Enter Business Details
Provide the required exporter, IEC, business, product/service and contact information.
Step 8 – Upload Documents
Upload the documents requested by the concerned registering authority.
Step 9 – Authenticate Application
Use the applicable DSC or Aadhaar e-Signature method supported by the DGFT platform.
Step 10 – Pay Applicable Fees
Pay the applicable EPC or registering-authority membership/registration charges, where required.
Step 11 – Submit Application
Review the application and submit it electronically through the DGFT e-RCMC platform.
Step 12 – EPC Verification
The concerned registering authority reviews the application and documents.
Step 13 – Receive RCMC
After approval, the RCMC is issued electronically through the applicable system.
RCMC Validity
DGFT’s e-RCMC guidance states that the RCMC is generally issued for five financial years. It is deemed valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued and continues for five financial years ending on 31 March, unless otherwise specified.
Exporters should check the validity shown on their certificate and initiate renewal within the applicable period.
RCMC Renewal
An existing RCMC can be renewed through the e-RCMC platform.
The renewal process generally involves:
- Checking the existing RCMC
- Confirming IEC details
- Reviewing business information
- Updating changes, if any
- Providing required export/member information
- Uploading supporting documents
- Paying applicable renewal charges
- Submitting the renewal application
- Obtaining approval from the concerned registering authority
DGFT provides a specific Renewal of RCMC service through the e-RCMC system.
RCMC Amendment
An RCMC amendment may be required when important business or registration details change.
Common situations include:
- Change in business name
- Change in registered address
- Change in authorised signatory
- Change in constitution
- Change in product/service category
- Change in contact information
- Changes in IEC-linked information
- Other changes required to keep the certificate accurate
DGFT’s e-RCMC platform provides a dedicated amendment facility for existing RCMCs.
RCMC Surrender
Where an exporter no longer requires its RCMC or the applicable circumstances change, the certificate may be surrendered according to the procedure prescribed through the e-RCMC system and concerned registering authority.
DGFT’s e-RCMC platform includes a Surrender of e-RCMC service.
RCMC Suspension and Revocation
An RCMC may be subject to suspension or other action by the concerned registering authority where applicable.
The DGFT e-RCMC system provides a facility for requesting revocation of suspension for an applicable suspended RCMC.
RCMC Compliance
After obtaining RCMC, exporters should maintain accurate business and membership information with the concerned EPC.
Important compliance activities may include:
- Keeping IEC details updated
- Maintaining accurate business information
- Updating changes with the EPC
- Renewing RCMC before expiry
- Providing information requested by the EPC
- Maintaining applicable membership requirements
- Complying with relevant Foreign Trade Policy requirements
RCMC Registration Fees
RCMC fees are not necessarily uniform across all Export Promotion Councils.
The applicable registration or membership fee depends on the concerned EPC, Commodity Board or registering authority and the applicant category.
Professional service fees charged by consultants are separate from government/EPC charges.
NSC India can provide the applicable service and statutory fee details after identifying the correct registering authority.
RCMC Registration Timeline
The processing time depends on:
- Correct EPC selection
- Completeness of documents
- Accuracy of IEC information
- Application verification
- EPC processing
- Payment and membership requirements
- Queries raised by the registering authority
Therefore, a fixed approval time should not be assumed for every RCMC application.
Common Problems During RCMC Registration
Exporters may face issues because of:
- Inactive IEC
- Incorrect IEC details
- Incorrect EPC selection
- Incomplete documents
- Product classification issues
- Name mismatch
- Address mismatch
- GST/PAN inconsistencies
- DSC or e-Signature issues
- Incorrect business information
- Pending EPC membership requirements
- Application queries from the registering authority
Ensuring that the IEC profile and supporting documents are accurate before submission can help reduce avoidable delays.
RCMC vs IEC
| Particular | IEC | RCMC |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Importer Exporter Code | Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate |
| Issued/Managed Through | DGFT | EPC/Commodity Board/Authorised Authority through e-RCMC |
| Main Purpose | Identifies importer/exporter | Establishes registration and membership with relevant export body |
| Requirement | Generally required for import/export activities | Required for specified benefits/authorisations, subject to applicable rules |
| Validity | Subject to current DGFT rules | Generally five financial years |
| Product Specific | No | Generally linked to main line of business |
An active IEC is required before applying for e-RCMC.
RCMC vs GST Registration
GST Registration and RCMC serve different purposes.
GST Registration relates to indirect-tax compliance under the GST framework.
RCMC relates to exporter registration/membership with the relevant Export Promotion Council or registering authority.
An exporter may require both depending on its business and applicable laws.
RCMC for MSMEs
MSMEs involved in exports can obtain RCMC where applicable.
RCMC can help an MSME establish its membership with the relevant export promotion body and access applicable export-related programmes, information and benefits.
NSC India can assist MSME exporters with EPC selection, documentation and e-RCMC filing.
RCMC for Startups
Startups entering international markets should assess whether RCMC is required for their intended export benefits, authorisations or schemes.
Before applying, the startup should ensure that its IEC and business details are accurate and identify the correct EPC according to its primary export activity.
RCMC for Merchant Exporters
Merchant exporters can apply for RCMC based on their main export product/category.
The correct EPC should be selected according to the applicable DGFT framework and the exporter’s principal line of business.
RCMC for Manufacturer Exporters
Manufacturer exporters can apply to the EPC or relevant registering authority connected with their principal export product.
Manufacturing and product-related documents may be required depending on the EPC’s membership criteria.
RCMC for Service Exporters
Service exporters should identify the appropriate registering authority based on their service category.
The requirements can differ from those applicable to exporters of physical goods.
How NSC India Can Help With RCMC Registration
NSC India provides end-to-end assistance for RCMC Registration and related export documentation.
Our assistance can include:
- IEC verification
- EPC identification
- Eligibility assessment
- Document checklist
- Application preparation
- DGFT e-RCMC filing assistance
- DSC/e-Signature guidance
- EPC application support
- Application follow-up
- RCMC renewal
- RCMC amendment
- Export compliance guidance
Our objective is to make the RCMC process simple, organized and convenient for exporters.
Why Choose NSC India?
Professional Assistance
We help exporters understand the RCMC process and documentation requirements.
EPC Selection Support
Selecting the appropriate EPC is important. We help identify the relevant registering authority based on the exporter’s main line of business.
Documentation Support
We assist in preparing and organizing the required documents before submission.
Online Filing Assistance
We help exporters complete the DGFT e-RCMC application process.
Renewal and Amendment Support
We also assist existing exporters with RCMC renewal, amendment and other applicable e-RCMC services.
Pan-India Service
NSC India provides export registration and business compliance assistance to clients across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RCMC Registration?
RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It is issued by an authorised Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or other competent authority to eligible exporters.
Is RCMC mandatory for exporters?
RCMC is required for certain exporters seeking specified authorisations, benefits or concessions under the Foreign Trade Policy, subject to applicable exemptions and requirements.
Is IEC required for RCMC?
Yes. DGFT’s current e-RCMC guidance states that an active IEC is required to apply for RCMC.
Who issues RCMC?
RCMC is issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, Development Authority or other authorised registering authority.
How do I select the correct EPC?
The EPC should generally correspond to the exporter’s main line of business/product or service category.
Can a proprietorship obtain RCMC?
Yes, an eligible proprietorship engaged in export activity can apply where the applicable EPC and Foreign Trade Policy requirements are satisfied.
Can a private limited company obtain RCMC?
Yes. An eligible private limited company can apply for RCMC based on its export activity and the requirements of the relevant registering authority.
What documents are required for RCMC?
Common documents include active IEC, PAN, GST details where applicable, business constitution documents, bank details, authorised signatory information and documents required by the concerned EPC.
Is RCMC registration available online?
Yes. RCMC applications for issue, renewal and amendment are processed through the DGFT e-RCMC digital platform.
How long is RCMC valid?
DGFT’s e-RCMC guidance states that RCMC is generally valid for five financial years, subject to the terms applicable to the certificate.
Can RCMC be renewed online?
Yes. DGFT’s e-RCMC platform provides a renewal facility for existing RCMCs.
Can RCMC details be amended?
Yes. Existing RCMC holders can submit amendment requests through the e-RCMC platform where applicable.
Can RCMC be surrendered?
Yes. The e-RCMC platform provides a surrender facility for applicable RCMCs.
What happens if the RCMC expires?
An expired RCMC may affect eligibility for benefits, authorisations or facilities where a valid RCMC is required. Exporters should monitor the validity period and complete renewal as required.
Is RCMC the same as IEC?
No. IEC identifies the importer/exporter, while RCMC establishes registration and membership with the relevant export promotion authority.
Is RCMC the same as GST Registration?
No. GST Registration and RCMC serve different regulatory purposes and may both be applicable to an exporter.
Can NSC India help with RCMC Registration?
Yes. NSC India can assist with EPC selection, documentation, DGFT e-RCMC filing, renewal, amendment and related export compliance support.
Get RCMC Registration Assistance from NSC India
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NSC India can help you with RCMC Registration, EPC selection, documentation, DGFT e-RCMC application filing, renewal and amendment support.
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