RCMC Registration

RCMC Registration

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an authorization document required for importing or exporting restricted products under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). The certificate is generally issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, or Export Development Authorities authorized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

RCMC also serves as proof of membership or registration of an exporter with the appropriate Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, or Development Authority. It is mandatory for availing various concessions and benefits available under the Foreign Trade Policy.

LegallensIndia simplifies the RCMC Registration process by providing complete assistance from documentation to successful certificate issuance.

What is RCMC Certificate?

RCMC stands for Registration Cum Membership Certificate. It is an official certificate that validates an exporter dealing with products registered under an agency or organization authorized by the Government of India.

The certificate confirms that the exporter is registered with the relevant Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, or Development Authority and is eligible to receive benefits available under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Why is RCMC Registration Required?

RCMC Registration serves multiple purposes for importers and exporters engaged in international trade.

• Authorizes the import or export of products classified as restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
• Acts as proof of membership with the relevant Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, or Export Development Authority.
• Enables exporters to claim concessions, incentives, and other benefits available under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Eligibility for RCMC Registration

Exporter or Merchant Exporter

Before applying for RCMC Registration, the applicant must be engaged in import or export activities and possess a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Business Main Line Declaration

The exporter must declare the primary line of business while applying for RCMC. Depending on the nature of products, the applicant must register with the appropriate Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.

If no specific Export Promotion Council exists for the products, the applicant must mention the same during registration.

Consent from FIEO

Where no specialized Export Promotion Council is available, the applicant must obtain the necessary approval from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). FIEO authorization is mandatory for obtaining RCMC in such cases.

Benefits of Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)

Obtaining an RCMC Certificate offers several advantages to exporters engaged in international trade.

• Access to Export Promotion Schemes: Become eligible for benefits under schemes such as Duty Drawback, Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), and Market Access Initiative (MAI).
• Simplified Import & Export: Facilitates import and export of restricted goods by validating the exporter's registration.
• Faster Customs Clearance: Reduces delays during customs clearance by proving compliance with government regulations.
• Enhanced Business Credibility: Demonstrates compliance with DGFT regulations and improves the credibility of the exporter.
• Access to Market Information: Enables exporters to participate in export promotion activities, industry programs, and market development initiatives organized by EPCs and Commodity Boards.

RCMC Registering Authorities

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) authorizes various organizations to issue the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC). These organizations are responsible for promoting exports of specific product categories and supporting exporters.

At present, the DGFT authorizes 35 organizations to issue RCMC Certificates, including:

• 27 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).
• 6 Commodity Boards.
• 2 Export Development Authorities.

Major Export Promotion Councils

Export Promotion Councils are categorized according to the products they promote and support.

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
• Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL)
• Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
• Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)
• Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
• Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)
• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
• Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
• Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India (HHEC)
• Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)
• Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
• Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL)
• Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL)
• Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC)
• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)
• Shellac Export Promotion Council (SPEC)
• Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC)
• Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)
• Tea Board of India
• Tobacco Board
• Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)
• The Coffee Board of India
• The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

Commodity Boards

• Coir Board
• Coffee Board
• Rubber Board
• Spices Board
• Tea Board of India
• Tobacco Board

Development Authorities

• Electronics Industries Development of India (ELCID)
• National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI)

If an export product is not covered by any Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board, the exporter can obtain the RCMC Certificate from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Multi-product exporters whose products are not covered under any specific council can also obtain RCMC through FIEO.

For multi-product exporters in the North Eastern States, the Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council is authorized to issue RCMC, except for products governed by APEDA, the Spices Board, and the Tea Board.

Exporters of handicrafts and handloom products from Jammu & Kashmir can obtain RCMC from the Director of Handicrafts, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Validity of RCMC

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) becomes effective from the date of issue and is generally valid from 1st April of the licensing year until 31st March after completion of five years.

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

The application for Registration Cum Membership Certificate should be accompanied by the following supporting documents.

• Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN).
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) for companies and corporate entities.
• Self-certified Partnership Deed for partnership firms.
• Trust Deed for trusts.
• Certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies for any registered office change.
• Chartered Accountant's certified statement of foreign exchange earnings for the previous three years.
• Board Resolution or Power of Attorney in favor of the signing authority, wherever applicable.
• GST Registration Certificate.

Types of Exporters / Importers Covered under RCMC

The RCMC Registration process is available for different categories of exporters and importers depending on the scale and nature of their business activities.

• Ordinary Membership: Suitable for businesses that are new to import and export activities and require basic membership.
• Associate Membership: Intended for businesses that have been engaged in international trade for a considerable period. The membership fee is comparatively higher and includes applicable GST.
• Premier Trading House (PTH): Designed for companies that contribute significantly to India's total exports and international trade.
• Star Export House (SEH): Applicable to exporters that have demonstrated consistent export performance and generated substantial foreign exchange earnings.
• Trading House (TH): Suitable for companies engaged in import and export activities with an annual turnover of at least ₹100 Crores.

Compliance Requirements for RCMC

Compliance with the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is mandatory for exporters who wish to continue enjoying export-related benefits and government incentives.

• Renewal of RCMC: The certificate must be renewed after the completion of its five-year validity period.
• Compliance with Export-Import Policy: Exporters must comply with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and DGFT guidelines applicable to their products.
• Submission of Annual Export Data: Annual export information must be submitted to the DGFT whenever required.
• Compliance with Customs Regulations: Exporters must adhere to all customs procedures governing export transactions.
• Compliance with Foreign Trade Regulations: All applicable export control regulations, sanctions, embargoes, and foreign trade laws must be followed.
• Adherence to Quality Standards: Products exported should comply with the quality standards prescribed by the importing country.
• Maintenance of Records: Proper records relating to export transactions should be maintained in accordance with DGFT requirements.

Compliance with RCMC requirements enables exporters to participate in various export promotion schemes while avoiding penalties, suspension, or cancellation of the certificate.

RCMC Registration Procedure

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the e-RCMC Module as part of its digital transformation initiative. The platform provides exporters, importers, and issuing agencies with a common digital window for applying for new, modified, and renewal RCMC Certificates.

The e-RCMC platform offers a completely electronic and contactless registration process, making it easier for businesses to obtain their Registration Cum Membership Certificate efficiently.

Get Your RCMC Certificate Quickly with LegallensIndia

LegallensIndia provides complete assistance for filing your RCMC application through the DGFT e-RCMC Module. Our professionals ensure that your application is prepared accurately, submitted correctly, and processed without unnecessary delays.

From document verification and application filing to continuous follow-up with the issuing authorities, we offer end-to-end support to help businesses obtain their Registration Cum Membership Certificate quickly and efficiently.

Partner with LegallensIndia for reliable RCMC Registration services and focus on growing your international business while we handle the registration process..