Updated on August 23, 2025 05:25:48 PM
To prove their status as certified exporters and be eligible for benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Keralan exporters must obtain an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate). The RCMC, which is issued by Commodity Boards or authorized Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), serves as official documentation of registration and allows exporters to access export promotion programs, duty drawbacks, subsidies, and participation in international trade shows.
Kerala makes a substantial contribution to India's export industry thanks to its robust base in cashew nuts, spices, seafood, coir products, rubber, handlooms, and ayurvedic goods. The appropriate EPC, such as the Spices Board for spices, the MPEDA for marine products, the Coir Board for coir exports, the EPCH for handicrafts, or the FIEO for multi-sector goods, requires exporters operating in these sectors to register.
Kerala's RCMC registration procedure is simple and can be finished online via the corresponding EPCs' portals. Along with the relevant membership fee, exporters must provide documentation such as their Import Export Code (IEC), GST registration, PAN card, product details, and proof of business establishment.
Kerala exporters can increase their trade presence in foreign markets, establish credibility, and obtain government-backed export benefits by obtaining an RCMC. For companies looking to improve their reputation internationally and take full advantage of the FTP's trade facilitation programs, it is an essential certification.
RCMC Sample Certificate
Registration Cum Membership Certificates, or RCMCs for short, are required documents that are issued by Commodity Boards or Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in India. Businesses or individuals who export goods or services and want to benefit from the Government of India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) must have it.
The RCMC attests that the exporter is registered with the appropriate board or council for their product category, such as the Spices Board, APEDA, Tea Board, etc. 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.
The exporter must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) and provide the necessary paperwork, application, and fee to receive RCMC. RCMC registration encourages credibility, legal compliance, and company expansion in global marketplaces.
Exporters can align with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and access several benefits that facilitate international business expansion by obtaining an RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) in Kerala. These are the main advantages:
Businesses must prepare and submit several necessary documents to receive an RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) in Kerala from the appropriate Export Promotion Council (EPC).
The process of obtaining an RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) in Kerala involves a few structured steps through the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC). Here's a step-by-step guide:
Find the Export Promotion Council (such as FIEO, APEDA, ESC, Tea Board, etc.) that is pertinent to your goods or services.
Gather all required paperwork, including the product list, GST, PAN, business proof, IEC certificate, and other documents listed on the checklist.
Visit the concerned council's official website or, if they accept offline applications, stop by their Kerala office.
Fill out the RCMC application, which is available online or in the format specified. Only digital applications are needed for certain EPCs.
If applying online, attach scanned copies of the necessary paperwork, or if submitting offline, attach hard copies.
As directed by the EPC, pay the relevant membership and registration fee online or by demand draft.
The documents will be checked by the council. Your application will be accepted if all the information is accurate.
The RCMC certificate is issued after approval, typically in 7-10 working days. It is good for five years after it is issued.
The fees for RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) registration in Kerala vary depending on the Export Promotion Council (EPC) you register with and your business type (e.g., manufacturer, merchant exporter, MSME).
Export Promotion Council (EPC) | Applicable Product Categories | Government Fee ($) |
---|---|---|
FIEO | General multi-sector exporters | ₹9,440 (₹7,000 membership + ₹1,000 admission fee + 18% GST) May increase based on turnover |
APEDA | Agriculture & processed food exporters | ₹5,999 (valid for five years; GST included) |
EEPC / CAPEXIL / CHEMEXCIL | Engineering, chemicals & pharma goods | ₹10,030 (₹6,500 subscription + ₹2,000 one-time entry + GST) |
PHARMEXCIL | Pharmaceutical & biotech exporters | ₹21,240 (₹12,000 membership + ₹6,000 admission + GST) |
Note: Professional Fee for RCMC Registration in Kerala starts from @5,000.
To be recognized as certified exporters and receive benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Keralan exporters must first obtain an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate). Registering with the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC), such as the Spices Board, MPEDA, Coir Board, EPCH, or FIEO, allows access to incentives like duty drawbacks, subsidies, and opportunities in international trade fairs and government-backed export schemes, regardless of whether the export is for spices, seafood, cashew nuts, coir products, handlooms, or ayurvedic products.
In addition to helping exporters stay in compliance, timely RCMC registration and renewal also improve credibility, open up international trade opportunities, and foster company expansion.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Yes, exporters who want to register with an Export Promotion Council or claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy must have RCMC.
The majority of RCMCs have a five-year validity period, though this can vary slightly based on the EPC.
Yes, you can register with the appropriate EPCs for each product category if you deal with more than one.
The majority of EPCs do provide online application services via their official websites.
You might no longer be eligible for DGFT benefits and might not be permitted to take part in activities connected to EPC.
The Export Promotion Council that corresponds with your main product or service line is the one you should select. For instance, ESC is for electronics and IT, FIEO is for general or multi-product exporters, and APEDA is for food and agricultural products.
Yes, a valid IEC issued by DGFT is a prerequisite for RCMC registration with any Indian EPC.
Definitely. In actuality, after RCMC registration, MSME exporters frequently qualify for additional government assistance and reduced fees through programs offered by EPCs.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured
Industries Served by
Professional Utilities
Apparels
Footwear
Furniture
Gems and Jewellery
Tourism & Hospitality
Consumer Electronics
Chemicals
Telecom
Oils & Gas
Hotel
Railways
Liquor
Health & Medical
Food Processing
Dangerous/ Haz. Goods
Tea & Coffee
Capital Goods
Recycling
Rubber
NGOs
Silk
Handloom
IT & BPM
Steel
Automobile
Tobacco
Constructions