01Overview
What is RCMC registration in India?
RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It is issued by an Export Promotion Council (EPC), commodity board, or other authorised export promotion agency recognised under India's Foreign Trade Policy, depending on the products or services being exported.
RCMC establishes an exporter's registration or membership with the relevant organisation and serves as evidence of that registration. Eligible exporters may need an RCMC to apply for specific export promotion benefits, government assistance schemes, or other facilities under the Foreign Trade Policy, subject to the applicable requirements.
Membership in a general local chamber of commerce does not automatically qualify as RCMC registration. The certificate must be obtained from the relevant Export Promotion Council, commodity board, or authorised agency.
02Who Issues It
Who issues the RCMC certificate?
RCMC certificates are issued by recognised Export Promotion Councils, commodity boards, and other authorised agencies responsible for particular product categories or sectors. Examples include:
- APEDA: Agricultural and specified processed food products. See APEDA registration.
- EEPC India: Engineering goods and related products.
- CHEMEXCIL: Chemicals and allied products.
- PHARMEXCIL: Pharmaceuticals and related products.
- FIEO: Supports exporters across sectors and provides export-related services.
03Benefits
Benefits of RCMC registration for Indian exporters
Depending on the applicable rules and schemes, RCMC can help businesses access export promotion initiatives, industry guidance, and government support programmes.
Access to eligible export incentives
RCMC may be required when applying for certain export promotion schemes and benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy, subject to each scheme's conditions.
Support for market development
Exporters may access trade fairs, buyer-seller meetings, international exhibitions, and market development initiatives organised or supported by their councils.
Assistance with export compliance
Obtaining RCMC from the appropriate authority can help exporters meet membership or registration requirements for specific schemes and activities.
Enhanced business credibility
RCMC evidences registration with a recognised export promotion organisation, which may support your standing with prospective partners.
Training and export guidance
Councils may provide sector-specific training, market information, policy updates, and guidance on export procedures.
Government and industry updates
Members may receive information about export policies, trade developments, promotional events, and assistance programmes.
04Eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria for RCMC registration?
Before applying, check the eligibility and membership requirements of the relevant council, commodity board, or agency. The following may apply, depending on the applicant and the issuing authority:
- Valid Import Export Code (IEC): Applicants generally need a valid IEC issued by DGFT where required.
- Eligible business structure: Proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, companies, and other eligible entities may apply, subject to the council's rules.
- Relevant export activities: The applicant's products or services should fall within the jurisdiction of the selected council or agency.
- Required documentation: The prescribed business details, export-related information, and supporting documents must be provided.
- Membership and fee requirements: Applicants must meet membership conditions and pay the prescribed fees, and address any outstanding dues where required.
- Compliance with applicable regulations: Applicants should meet the Foreign Trade Policy requirements and any additional conditions of the selected council.
05Documents
What documents are required for RCMC registration?
Exporters must submit the documents required by the relevant council or agency. Commonly requested documents and details include:
- Import Export Code (IEC): Valid IEC details issued by DGFT.
- PAN card: PAN details of the applicant or business entity.
- GST registration certificate: Where applicable or required by the relevant authority.
- Business constitution documents: Certificate of Incorporation, partnership deed, LLP agreement, or other accepted proof, as applicable.
- Bank account proof: Cancelled cheque, bank certificate, or other accepted banking document, if required.
- Authorised signatory details: Identity proof and authorisation documents for the person submitting the application.
- Export details: Product information, export turnover, or previous export records, where requested.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): If required for the online application or authentication.
- Photograph: Recent photograph of the applicant or authorised person, if requested.
06Process
What is the RCMC registration procedure?
The process involves identifying the right export promotion authority, submitting the application and documents, and completing verification and membership formalities.
Step 1: Obtain a valid IEC
Ensure your business has a valid Import Export Code, where required under the applicable rules.Step 2: Visit the official DGFT portal
Access the DGFT website (opens in a new tab) and log in to explore the available RCMC-related services.Step 3: Identify the relevant council
Select the Export Promotion Council, commodity board, or authorised agency that covers your products or services.Step 4: Complete the RCMC application
Fill in the application with accurate business details, product or service information, and other required particulars.Step 5: Upload the required documents
Submit the supporting documents in the formats specified by the portal or issuing authority.Step 6: Pay the applicable fees
Pay the prescribed registration or membership fee using the payment method provided.Step 7: Submit and track the application
Review and submit the application, and retain the acknowledgement or reference number for tracking.Step 8: Receive your RCMC certificate
The authority reviews the application and may request more information. Once approved, the certificate can be accessed or downloaded.
07Portals
Official government portal
RCMC-related services are available on the DGFT portal.
08Why Tax Uncle
Get RCMC registration assistance with Tax Uncle
Tax Uncle helps exporters understand the applicable registration requirements, identify the appropriate Export Promotion Council or authorised agency, and prepare the necessary documentation for the application.
From verifying basic eligibility and organising supporting documents to guiding you through submission, we aim to make RCMC registration simpler. We also help businesses understand related export compliance, including IEC obligations and applicable certificate renewal or update requirements.