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The Indian Government is heavily invested in promoting exports from India. They help the RBI acquire crucial foreign currency assets. As such, there are various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in India, and registering your business with them provides benefits like incentives, duty exemptions, and participation in trade fairs.
For Indian exporters, getting an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) is a must to establish credibility and receive export benefits. Issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards, RCMC is proof of registration under the Foreign Trade Policy and is often mandatory to receive incentives..
This guide will help you understand the importance of RCMC registration, the role of EPCs, and how to select the right council for your export products, so that the application process is smooth and hassle-free.
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an official document that certifies an exporter’s registration with a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board in India. It is a mandatory requirement for exporters seeking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
The main purpose of RCMC registration is:
RCMC registration operates under a well-defined regulatory framework under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The DGFT looks after export policies and EPCs, and the Commodity Boards issue RCMCs to exporters in their respective sectors.
Each EPC is industry-specific, so exporters get relevant guidance, trade facilitation, and access to global markets. Some key EPCs are:
Here is a full list of export promotion councils in India - https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/2T.pdf
RCMC registration is required for:
Having the right connections is essential to the success of your business. An RCMC with the right EPC can give you access to various industry leaders and international customers interested in your product.
Now that you have an understanding of EPCs and RCMC registration, let’s talk about how much it costs to get registered and get all the benefits.
The fees associated with your Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) can be confusing. Mentioned below are the fees for some of the major Export Promotion Councils in India:
Note: Applicants from Jammu & Kashmir, North-Eastern states, or Sikkim may have a reduced fee of ₹1,000.
Some important things to keep in mind: RCMC registration fees vary based on your turnover, membership category, and the EPC's guidelines. Professional service providers may charge extra for helping you with the registration process. EPCs occasionally revise their fee structures, so it's a good idea to check their official websites or get in touch with them directly for the latest information.
Securing an RCMC Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate is a crucial step for exporters looking to make the most of India's Foreign Trade Policy. That process requires preparation and a bit of patience. To get started, you'll need to gather some essential documents. The documents needed for RCMC registration include:
(While the above is fairly exhaustive, some EPCs will have additional document requirements. It's a good idea to check the respective EPC's guidelines.)
Once you have all those documents ready, you can apply online through the DGFT portal. Here's how:
That's it. By following these steps and double-checking your documentation, you can ensure a smooth RCMC registration process. And that unlocks a lot of benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy.
Understanding the timeline and duration of the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is crucial for exporters to ensure continuous compliance and to avail themselves of the benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy.
Processing time for an RCMC usually takes between 7 to 10 working days. That timeframe can vary depending on which Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board you're working with—and how complete your application is. Providing all the necessary documents accurately can certainly help speed up the process.
The validity period for an RCMC is five years. It starts on April 1st of the licensing year it's issued in—and ends on March 31st of the fifth year. You'll want to keep track of that.
To renew your RCMC, you'll need to submit the necessary documents and pay the renewal fee before the certificate expires. You can do that online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade's (DGFT) e-RCMC platform. Log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC, and follow the instructions.
Renewing your RCMC on time is essential. That way, you can stay eligible for government incentives and avoid any disruption in your export operations.
By following these timelines and procedures, exporters can maintain uninterrupted compliance—and continue to benefit from the various schemes and incentives offered under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Indian exporters operate in a global trade environment where efficiency, credibility, and quality of product are all equally important. What really sets successful exporters apart is having the right relationships in place. That means getting the right RCMC registration.
When you partner with the right Export Promotion Council (EPC), you get tailored support and strategic advantages. The right EPC can put you in touch with trade fairs, government grants-and the export intelligence you need to succeed in those markets. That's what gives Indian exporters an edge in international markets.
1. How do I know which EPC is right for my export business?
You'll want to match your business with the right EPC. Each one focuses on a specific sector—engineering, textiles, agriculture, and so on. The DGFT website will provide an extensive list of EPCs in India. If you export products across multiple categories, you might find the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) a better fit.
2. Can you have multiple RCMCs?
No, you can't hold multiple RCMCs for the same product category. But if your business exports different products across various sectors, you can apply for separate RCMCs from different EPCs. Each one would cover a distinct product line. FIEO can also be an option for exporters dealing in multiple product lines.
3. Is RCMC mandatory for all exporters?
RCMC is a must-have for exporters who want to benefit from the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). That includes duty exemptions, export incentives, and trade fairs. If you don't need those benefits, getting an RCMC is optional.
What if you choose the wrong EPC?
If you register with an EPC that doesn't cover your product category, your application might be rejected, or you will run into issues with policy benefits. It's worth double-checking your product classification before you apply. If you've already registered under the wrong EPC, you might need to apply for a fresh RCMC with the right council.
5. Can I transfer my RCMC from one EPC to another?
RCMCs aren't transferable. If you need to switch EPCs, you'll need to apply for a new RCMC with the right council and cancel the existing one. Some EPCs might let you update your registration details if your business has expanded into a new category, but a full transfer isn't possible.
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