RCMC Certificate Registration Online in India - Process, Fees & Benefits

Applicants must submit listed below documents to the relevant Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board, or other authorized registering body for RCMC registration in India:

• Active Import Export Code (IEC)
• Business PAN
• GST Certificate
• Constitution Proof
• Bank Verification
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-signature
• Export turnover details for the previous financial year (Required specifically for renewal applications)
• Product License

Note: Document requirements vary slightly by council; documents must be verified on chosen council's official portal before submission. Documents such as PAN, firm name, registered address, branch records, GSTIN, bank details, MSME or UDYAM number are auto fetched.

Depending on the product category, membership type, and council policies, the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) fee may differ. It is determined by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.

RCMC Registration in India also known as Registration Cum Membership Certificate is a legal document issued by government authorized bodies that certifies a business as a registered exporter of specific services. Businesses or entities intending to export goods and services must obtain this certificate to avail benefits from the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of Indian govt.

Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC) was launched in India on 1st April, 1992 under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act. Accessing export incentives, applying for subsidies, attending international trade shows, and guaranteeing a seamless customs clearance process all depend on it, which is normally valid for five years. RCMC registration in India encourages credibility, legal compliance, and company expansion in global marketplaces.

RCMC certification offers several government-backed benefits and assists exporters in remaining compliant with applicable legal procedures:

• Legal Export Permission: By the Foreign Trade Policy, RCMC permits exporters to lawfully export goods and services.
• Claim Export Incentives by DGFT: Benefits include financial subsidies, RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme replacing MEIS for goods exporters; and RoSCTL for textile exporters
• Government Export Schemes Are Available: Permits involvement in the different export assistance and promotion programs provided by DGFT and associated councils.
• Attending International Trade Exhibitions: Qualified to participate in international trade shows and buyer-seller meetings organized by EPC.
• Increases the Credibility of Exporters: Improves your company's standing with foreign customers and governmental organizations.
• Quicker and Easier Export Processes: Minimizes delays associated with exports and guarantees more efficient customs clearance.
• Industry-Specific Advice and Assistance: Get sector-specific assistance, advisory services, and trade insights from the issuing board or council.
• Regular Policy Updates and Alerts: Keep abreast of international trade opportunities, regulatory changes, and circulars.
• Duty concession on imports used for export production: Manufacturer-exporters can import raw materials and components at reduced customs duty rates under the Advance Authorization scheme, which requires a valid RCMC.
• Market Development Fund (MDF) Assistance: EPCs use membership fees to fund participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and export promotion missions that RCMC holders can access.

Registration-cum-membership certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. As per the guidelines of DGFT e-RCMC Portal the certificate remains valid starting from April 1 of the issuing year to March 31 of the fifth year. Eligible exporters must apply for renewal at least 30 to 60 days before the March 31 expiry date to avoid trade disruption.

RCMC renewal process must be completed online through the DGFT Common Digital Platform. To initiate the renewal process, applicants must login to the portal online using IEC. System automatically fetches data from existing profiles and helps in updating or uploading current business data, such as recent export turnover statements, updated GST Certificate, and pan card information. Upon saucerful verification, application must be linked to the appropriate Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.

Any business or individual seeking to export goods or services from India and avail FTP benefits must obtain RCMC. Eligibility requirements for RCMC registration in India are:

Listed below are some of the common mistakes that must be avoided while applying for RCMC registration to prevent application rejections and delays:

• Selection of Wrong Export Promotion Council (EPC)
• Mismatched or Outdated IEC Details
• Submitting Inconsistent or Wrong Business Details
• Missing Renewal Dates or Address Amendments within a Month
• Treating RCMC as substitute for other Export related Registration or Licenses

Non-compliance with RCMC requirements attracts penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act):

• Suspension of RCMC by the issuing EPC
• Cancellation of IEC by DGFT for serious violations
• Financial penalties for false information in the application
• Recovery of all export incentives and duty concessions availed, with interest
• Blacklisting from future DGFT benefits for repeated violations
• Legal proceedings including prosecution under the FTDR Act
• Disqualification from government trade fairs
• Reduced credibility with international buyers
• Non-eligibility for DGFT authorizations and licenses

Each Export Promotion Council issues RCMC for its specific product or service sector. The issuing authority is determined by the primary line of business declared in the exporter's IEC. Given below is the list of export promotion councils that issue RCMC: