The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a mandatory registration for Indian exporters who want to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board, RCMC establishes your credibility as a registered exporter and unlocks access to government incentives, trade delegations, and export promotion support. RASP International has been handling RCMC registrations across all 37 Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards since 2005.
What is RCMC and Why is it Required?
RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is a certificate issued by 37 notified Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards in India under the Foreign Trade Policy. It serves as proof that an exporter is a registered member of the concerned council for their main line of business. RCMC is mandatory for any exporter seeking to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, including duty drawback, RoDTEP scrips, EPCG license, Advance Authorization, Status Holder Certificate, and various other export incentive schemes. Without a valid RCMC, these benefits are not accessible.
Choosing the Right Export Promotion Council
India has 37 Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards, each covering specific product categories. Choosing the wrong EPC means you won’t get RCMC for your actual products and your benefit claims will be rejected. Major EPCs include EEPC India (engineering goods), AEPC (apparel), HEPC (handloom), FIEO (general exporters), CAPEXIL (chemical and allied products), PHARMEXCIL (pharmaceuticals), Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Leather Export Promotion Council (CLE), Spices Board, Coffee Board, Tea Board, Coir Board, Tobacco Board, Rubber Board, Cashew Export Promotion Council, Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council, and Handicrafts Export Promotion Council (EPCH). RASP International helps you identify the correct council based on your main line of business and product category.
Benefits of RCMC Registration
An active RCMC unlocks multiple benefits for your export business. It gives you eligibility to claim duty drawback on exports, RoDTEP and RoSCTL scrips, Status Holder Certificate (Export House recognition), and various incentive schemes announced by the government from time to time. It also provides access to export promotion support including participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, trade delegations abroad, market research reports, and export data. It establishes your credibility with international buyers and foreign missions, improves your chances of winning export orders, and simplifies dealings with DGFT, customs, and EPC authorities.
Documents Required for RCMC
The documentation for RCMC application includes a copy of valid IEC certificate, PAN card of the firm or proprietor, GST registration certificate, Bank certificate on the bank’s letterhead, latest audited financial statements (balance sheet and P&L), partnership deed or Certificate of Incorporation, list of directors/partners with their identity proof, manufacturing license or factory registration (if applicable), and photographs of the business premises. Specific EPCs may request additional documents based on the nature of products. We guide you through the exact requirements of your chosen council.
Our RCMC Registration Process
RASP International follows a simple, transparent process for RCMC registration. Step 1: Council Selection. We assess your products and identify the most appropriate Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board. Step 2: Documentation Support. We help you gather, verify, and properly format all required documents. Step 3: Application Filing. We fill the RCMC application form and submit it on the e-RCMC portal launched by DGFT. Step 4: Membership Coordination. We coordinate your Export Promotion Council membership formalities. Step 5: Follow-up and Delivery. We track the application, respond to any queries from the EPC, and deliver your RCMC certificate once approved, usually within 10 to 15 working days.
RCMC Validity and Renewal
RCMC is typically valid for five years from the date of issuance. However, your Export Promotion Council membership must remain active to keep the certificate valid. If membership lapses, the RCMC becomes invalid and you lose benefits. RASP International tracks your renewal dates and proactively handles renewal formalities so you never face a gap in your export compliance. We also handle RCMC amendments when your business details change, and transition to a different EPC if your main line of business shifts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is RCMC mandatory for all exporters?
RCMC is mandatory for any exporter who wants to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. If you only do exports without claiming any FTP benefits, RCMC is not technically mandatory, but most exporters claim at least some benefits, making RCMC practically essential.
Can one exporter have multiple RCMCs?
Generally, an exporter has one RCMC from the council covering their main line of business. If you export multiple product categories, you declare your main line in the application, and the chosen council covers you. For supplementary product lines, you may need associate membership with additional councils.
How long does RCMC registration take?
With complete documentation, RCMC registration typically takes 10 to 15 working days. Some councils are faster than others. RASP International ensures your application is complete and follow-up is done promptly.
What is the cost of RCMC?
The cost depends on the EPC and the membership category (small exporter, merchant exporter, manufacturer exporter, associate member). Contact us for exact membership details for your product category.
Can I switch my RCMC from one EPC to another?
Yes. If your main line of business changes, you can transition to a different EPC. We handle the transition process, cancellation at the previous EPC, and fresh registration at the new one.
Related Services
Complete your export setup with these related services: IEC Registration, RoDTEP Scheme, RoSCTL Scheme, Export House Certificate, AD Code Port Registration, DGFT Consulting, Customs House Agent Services.
Need RCMC registration? Contact RASP International today. Call +91 8218043048, WhatsApp us at wa.me/918218043048, or email [email protected].