MPEDA RCMC Registration Online for Export: Fees, Process & Docs
Promoting and controlling the export of marine products from India is a major responsibility of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which is housed within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. To engage in lawful export operations, seafood exporters, processors, fishing vessels, and associated enterprises must register with the MPEDA. The registration process is now entirely online, quicker, and easier thanks to the introduction of the e-MPEDA portal.
Exporters can apply digitally and avoid the burden of extensive paperwork by registering online with MPEDA. Transparency, prompt approvals, and adherence to global trade laws are all guaranteed by the system. After registering, companies in the seafood sector are eligible for government programs, export aid, quality certification, and market development support.
Exporters can easily submit applications, upload necessary documents, and monitor their registration status using the e-MPEDA platform's user-friendly interface. In addition to bolstering India's seafood export sector, this action guarantees quality, sustainability, and credibility to buyers around the world.
e-MPEDA Certificate [Sample]
How to Apply for RCMC Registration with MPEDA
Before filing the MPEDA application, applicants shall fulfill three essential requirements: an active IEC, an updated IEC profile on the DGFT portal, and a valid DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign linked to the DGFT account. The system runs a check on each of these before letting the application proceed further.
- Log on to the DGFT site and begin the e-RCMC application: The application is filed online through the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. MPEDA also requires a separate MPEDA Exporter Registration on e-mpeda.nic.in before the RCMC filing on DGFT. After login, the applicant enters the e-RCMC service to start a fresh application.
- Review the Auto-Fetched business information: In the first section of the form, the data is automatically fetched from the IEC profile. This includes the IEC, PAN, firm name, registered address, bank details, director information, and branch records. Each entry needs to be checked carefully, since the RCMC form locks these fields once the next section is opened. Incorrect entries can only be corrected on the IEC module.
- Select MPEDA and Enter Marine Export Information: In the RCMC Details section, the applicant marks MPEDA as the registering authority, then enters the office for filing, the branch GSTIN, the membership tenure (1 to 5 years), the financial year, the MSME status, the exporter category (Manufacturer Exporter, Merchant Exporter, Route-through Merchant Exporter, or Ornamental Fish Exporter), the zone (EOU or SEZ where applicable), and the relevant fee slab. Marine export products are captured with their ITC (HS) codes, covering frozen seafood, shrimp, prawns, fish, squid, cuttlefish, surimi, value-added marine products, and ornamental fish, along with the destination countries. The annual turnover, previous-year export performance, firm profile, and contact details of authorized representatives are also entered here.
- Upload Attachments, Pay the required Fees, and e-sign the application: If TDS rules apply, the applicant fills in the Tax Deducted at Source details first. The Attachments section follows, where supporting documents are uploaded in PDF format. The exact paperwork to be uploaded is listed out in the Documents Required section below. The membership fee is then paid through the DGFT payment gateway. Once cleared, the applicant accepts the declaration, goes through the application summary, and validates the application with a DSC or Aadhaar e-sign before final submission.
- Get the Digital RCMC Once MPEDA Approves: After submission, MPEDA verifies the application and checks the business credentials, IEC and GST records, marine product list with ITC (HS) codes, EIA approval, PCB consent, supporting documents, and fee payment. Where clarification is needed, MPEDA posts a query through the portal, which the applicant resolves before resubmission. Once cleared, the RCMC certificate gets generated on the DGFT dashboard in about 7 to 10 working days. The validity window runs from 1 to 5 financial years, starting from 1 April of the issuance year and ending on 31 March of the fifth year, regardless of the actual month of issue.
Documents Required for MPEDA RCMC Registration
The MPEDA RCMC application has a unique flow: you must first obtain MPEDA Exporter Registration (filed online at e-mpeda.nic.in) before applying for the RCMC on the DGFT portal. The document set is split into common documents that every exporter submits, and MPEDA-specific documents verified directly from the MPEDA official site (mpeda.gov.in).
1. Common Documents
These are the standard documents required for any RCMC application on the DGFT portal:
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the firm
- GST Registration Certificate of the registered office and branches
- Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or LLP Agreement depending on entity type
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA) for companies
- Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter for the authorised signatory
- Aadhaar of the authorised signatory
- Cancelled cheque or Bank Performance Letter for bank verification
- Self-Declaration / Undertaking in the prescribed format
- Last RCMC Certificate (only for renewal applications)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign linked to your DGFT account for final submission
2. MPEDA-Specific Documents
These are the documents specifically required by MPEDA. The exact set depends on your exporter category (manufacturer exporter, merchant exporter, route-through merchant exporter, or ornamental fish exporter).
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Address proof (PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport) of the applicant
- Bank certificate from a Scheduled Bank showing financial soundness
- Purchase order copy confirming the export transaction
- EIA Approval from the Export Inspection Agency (mandatory after MPEDA registration is issued)
- GST Registration, Local Body Approval, and PCB (Pollution Control Board) Consent for Manufacturer Exporters and Processing Units
- Written agreement for utilisation of surplus capacity of an approved Processing Plant and Handling Facility (Merchant Exporters only)
- Joint undertaking by the owner of the Processing Plant and Handling Facility (Merchant Exporters only)
- Original Registration Certificate of Processing Plant, Handling Facility, and Storage Premises for endorsement (Merchant Exporters only)
- Bank guarantee as prescribed by MPEDA (Merchant Exporters only)
- DGFT Approval Letter (Route-through Merchant Exporters only — Export House, Trading House, or Star Trading House)
- List of marine export products with HS Codes, covering frozen seafood, shrimp, prawn, fish, squid, cuttlefish, surimi, value-added marine products, and ornamental fish
- Star Export House Certificate issued by DGFT, where applicable
Note: All documents must be uploaded in PDF format during the Attachments stage of the DGFT e-RCMC application.
MPEDA Registration Fees & payment
MPEDA registration fees is ₹8000, which includes a government fee of ₹5000 and a professional fee of ₹3000. The registration process typically takes 7 to 10 working days.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government Fees | ₹5000 |
| Professional Fees | ₹3000 |
| Total Cost | ₹8000 |
Note: The above-mentioned MPEDA registration fees are applicable per certificate. Processing time may vary depending on document verification and approval by MPEDA authorities.
What is MPEDA Registration?
All companies and individuals involved in the export of marine products from India must register with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). This registration, which was created under the MPEDA Act of 1972, guarantees that exporters adhere to appropriate quality, hygienic, and international trade standards.
Before beginning operations, all seafood exporters, aquaculture facilities, processing facilities, cold storage facilities, and fishing vessels engaged in the marine export industry must register with the MPEDA. Exporters can now apply, monitor, and manage their registration digitally thanks to the e-MPEDA (online portal), which has made the registration process easier.
In addition to meeting legal requirements, exporters who register online with MPEDA are eligible for a number of advantages, including financial aid, trade show participation, support for international markets, and quality certification.
MPEDA Registration Validity and Renewal
Generally, an MPEDA registration is good for three years after it is issued. To continue exporting marine products uninterrupted, exporters must make sure that renewals are made on time.
Validity period: three years from the date of registration.
Application for Renewal: Must be submitted via the e-MPEDA portal prior to expiration.
Requirements include a copy of the original certificate, current company information, and the required renewal fee.
Late Renewal: Could result in fines or registration cancellation.
Note : Prompt renewal guarantees seamless export processes and adherence to MPEDA rules.
Exemptions of MPEDA Registration
The Export of Marine products without registering as an exporter under MPEDA is allowed under the following conditions:
- Personal Use: If marine products are exported for personal use and not for any commercial purpose.
- Passenger's Personal Effects: Export carried as personal effects of passengers.
- Exhibitions or Trade Fairs: Marine products exported specifically for exhibitions or fairs abroad
- Government Exemption: The central government, any government authority, or any person authorized by the central government is exempted from obtaining an MPEDA registration while exporting marine products.
- Gift Parcels or Samples: Export done as a gift parcel or by sending a few samples of the marine products.Gift Parcels or Samples: Export done as a gift parcel or by sending a few samples of the marine products.
| MPEDA Exemption category | Maximum Limit(In terms of value) |
|---|---|
| Non- Commercial Export | ₹25,000 |
| Export for Exhibition/Fair Abroad | ₹1,00,000 |
| Personal effects of passengers | ₹5,000 |
| Gift Parcels/ Exporting Samples | ₹10,000 |
The above list of exporters is exempted from registering with MPEDA. To strengthen the exemption policy and to avoid any unethical export of fisheries, the authority has set a maximum limit of marine products in terms of value that can be exported under the exemption policy.
Marine Products List under MPEDA Registration
The following products shall be mentioned in the MPEDA registration certificate. An exporter can export more than one product mentioned below with a single registration certificate
- Fish and Frozen Seafood: Includes products like shrimp, prawns, cuttlefish, crab, and lobsters in frozen form.
- Shellfish & Mollusks: Includes both live and processed forms.
- Canned and Freeze-Dried Marine Products: These value-added forms also require MPEDA compliance.
- Live Marine Products (excluding ornamental fish): Any live seafood meant for consumption must be registered.
- Dried & Chilled Marine Products: Includes sun-dried fish or chilled storage seafood.
- Ornamental Fish: Even though for decoration, these require separate MPEDA registration.
- Other Marine Categories: Any other marine product classified under MPEDA’s export scheme.
Categories of Marine Product Exporters under MPEDA Registration
There are various exporter categories in the marine products export sector that are registered with MPEDA:
Owners or tenants of authorized processing plants and handling facilities are known as Manufacturer Exporters (MT).
2. Merchant Exporter:
Exporters utilizing the excess capacity of authorized processing facilities are known as merchant exporters (MEs) only one plant is permitted.
3. Route Through Merchant Exporter:
Route Through Merchant Exporter: With DGFT approval, exporters trade goods through MT/ME. consists of Star & Super Star Trading House, Export House, and Trading House.
4. Ornamental Fish Exporter:
Exporters of aquarium fish, ornamental fish, or aquatic plants are known as Ornamental Fish Exporters (OF).
Note: Before exporting, each exporter category needs to register with e-MPEDA.
Declarations Required in MPEDA Registration Application
The following declarations must be made when applying for MPEDA registration:
- Whether the applicant entity is a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, or a private Limited company.
- Total Capital Employed
- Details of any foreign holding, if applicable
- Copy of the last 2 year's balance sheet
- Total Turnover expected in the next 3 years
- Clearly indicate any connection with any other seafood processing unit.
- Whether the applicant is a Merchant Exporter or manufacturer exporter, or Route-through Merchant exporter or an Ornamental fish exporter
- Registration number of the processing plant( in case of manufacturer exporter)
- SSI Registration Number
- EIA code of the plant
- Brand name (if any) of the product being exported
- Whether the applicant has already registered for MPEDA before or not?
- SSI registration number
- Items processed
Functions of MPEDA
In order to increase India's seafood exports and improve global trade ties, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is essential. Among its primary duties are:
- Participation in International Expos: To boost demand, Indian seafood, particularly value-added products, is displayed at significant international fairs.
- Promotion of Indian Seafood Exporters: Provides trade inquiries through the MPEDA Newsletter and assists exporters as co-exhibitors.
- Advertisements in International Magazines: Posts advertisements in reputable international trade and fisheries magazines.
- Buyer-Seller Meetings: Arranges face-to-face meetings to link Indian exporters with buyers around the world.
- Global Trade Delegations: Hosts international delegations in India and dispatches delegations to nations that import seafood.
Conclusion
Businesses and exporters that deal in marine products in India must register for MPEDA online. In addition to guaranteeing adherence to export laws, it gives Indian seafood international recognition. Exporters can effortlessly finish the registration process and take advantage of opportunities like buyer-seller meetings, promotional activities, and international trade fairs with the help of e-MPEDA services. Whether you are an ornamental fish exporter, merchant exporter, or manufacturer exporter, MPEDA registration provides access to smooth international trade and sustained business expansion.
FAQ’s for MPEDA Registration
Which Entities are registered by MPEDA?
MPEDA registers the following type of entities
- Processing plants
- Fishing Vessels
- Exporters of Marine products
- Cold Storages
- Live Fish Handling Facility
- Storage Premises
- Processing Plants
- Dried Fish Handling Facility
How much does it cost to get MPEDA registration?
It costs a total of ₹8000 to become a registered exporter of marine products. The government fee for MPEDA registration is ₹5000, and the professional fee for MPEDA registration is ₹3000 per Certificate.
What is meant by Joint Undertaking?
The exporter utilizing the surplus capacity must undertake a joint undertaking with the owner of the processing plant or handling facility on stamp paper worth 200/-, stating that they would be totally liable for the maritime products processed, packed, and kept on their premises.
How can I apply for REX registration in India?
To apply for REX registration in India, exporters must submit an online application on the DGFT portal, provide IEC and business details, and complete verification under the Registered Exporter System. Step-by-step assistance is available at REX Registration in India.
RCMC Board Registrations for Various Export Promotion Councils
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