What’s Included?
SHEFEXIL RCMC Certificate Online Portal Application & Filing IEC & Forest Product Document Support Export Incentive & MDA Programme Facilitation Natural Product Trade Fair Guidance CITES Compliance Advisory for Regulated Products EU Timber Regulation Guidance FSC Certification Pathway Advisory 5-Year Certificate with Renewal Expert Advisory & Compliance Handling
Get Expert Consultation
How to Register with SHEFEXIL for Exporting Shellac & Forest Products
Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) formerly known as the Shellac Export Promotion Council (SEPC) established in 1957, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce. SHEFEXIL, located at Vanijya Bhawan, ITFC, Kolkata, was established to promote the export of shellac and forest-based products.
Applications for SHEFEXIL RCMC are submitted through the DGFT e-RCMC Common Digital Platform, with SHEFEXIL serving as the registering council responsible for reviewing and approving applications. SHEFEXIL plays a crucial role in promoting the export of forest-based products and their derivatives by organizing promotional activities, participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and providing financial assistance to exporters and manufacturers. According to latest report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's forest and plant-based product exports reached US$ 81.1 million in FY25 and US$ 87.72 million in FY26, with exports totalling US$ 19.30 million in the first quarter of FY27 (April–June).
Professional Utilities, with hands on experience in handling export related compliance, assist manufacturers or exporters in completing their SHEFEXIL registration process without any hassle. Membership offers access to international markets and essential support to manage global trade complexities.
Shefexil Registration Sample
How to Apply for RCMC Registration with SHEFEXIL?
Applicants can complete the SHEFEXIL registration process through the DGFT portal by following the prescribed application steps:
- Access the e-RCMC Service on the DGFT Portal: Log in to dgft.gov.in and open the e-RCMC service to initiate a fresh application. As per DGFT Trade Notice No. 35/2021-2022 dated 24 February 2022, filing and issuance of RCMC through the DGFT common digital platform became mandatory from 1 April 2022.
- Verify Business Details: Review the auto-fetched IEC, PAN, firm name, registered address, bank details, director information, and branch records. Correct any errors in the IEC profile before proceeding.
- Enter SHEFEXIL Membership and Product Details: Select SHEFEXIL as the registering authority and enter the office, branch GSTIN, membership tenure, financial year, MSME status, exporter category, applicable zone, and fee slab. Add the relevant forest and shellac products with their ITC (HS) codes and destination countries, along with turnover, export performance, firm profile, production capacity where applicable, and authorized representatives’ contact details.
- Upload Documents, Pay the Fee, and Sign the Application: Enter TDS details, where applicable, and upload the required supporting documents in PDF format. Pay the applicable membership fee through the DGFT payment gateway, accept the declaration, review the application summary, and submit it using a DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign. Refer to the Documents Required section for the checklist.
- SHEFEXIL Review and RCMC Issuance: SHEFEXIL verifies the application, business credentials, product details, supporting documents, applicable clearances, and fee payment. Resolve any queries raised through the portal before resubmission. Once approved, the digital RCMC becomes available on the DGFT dashboard. Processing generally takes 7–10 working days, subject to verification and any queries. The RCMC is valid for five financial years, from 1 April of the year of issue to 31 March of the fifth financial year.
Documents Required for SHEFEXIL RCMC Registration
Documents required for SHEFEXIL RCMC registration include common business documents and category-specific supporting documents, depending on the applicant’s business structure and export products.
1. Business & Registration Documents
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- Permanent Account Number (PAN)
- GST Registration Certificate
- Proof of constitution, as applicable:
- Proprietorship proof
- Partnership Deed
- LLP Agreement
- Certificate of Incorporation and MoA/AoA, for companies
- Udyam Registration Certificate, for MSMEs where applicable
2. Banking & Authorisation Documents
- Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter, where applicable
- Aadhaar of the authorised signatory, if required
- Cancelled Cheque or Bank Verification Document
- Proof of Registered Office Address
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign for final submission
3. SHEFEXIL-Specific Documents
- List of export products with applicable ITC (HS) codes
- Manufacturing Licence or Proof of Dealing in Forest Products, where applicable
- Forest Department Clearance or NOC, where required
- FSSAI Licence, where applicable
- CA-Certified Export Turnover Certificate, where required
4. Declaration & Supporting Documents
- Self-Declaration or Undertaking in the prescribed format
- Past Export Performance Statement, where required
- Self-Declaration of Multi-Product Status for eligible Northeastern Region exporters, with the applicable DGFT policy reference
- Previous RCMC Certificate, for renewal applications
Note: All documents must be uploaded in PDF format during the attachment stage of the application. The applicable document requirements may vary by business structure, product category, and membership type. The final submission requires authentication using DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign.
SHEFEXIL Membership Fee
Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) membership is based on export turnover and product category of merchant exporter, ranging from ₹1,180 to ₹35,400. For SHEFEXIL membership, Professional Utilities charges ₹7,499 + 18% GST for SHEFEXIL registration assistance, subject to eligibility and applicable category.
| Applicant Category | Government Fee (₹) | GST @ 18% (₹) | Total Payable (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross export turnover above ₹50 lakh New member fee including entrance fee | 35,400 | Included | 35,400 |
| Gross export turnover below ₹50 lakh New member fee including entrance fee | 29,500 | Included | 29,500 |
| Shellac & Lac-based products only New member fee including entrance fee | 26,550 | Included | 26,550 |
| North-East members Concessional new membership | 1,000 | 180 | 1,180 |
| Additional / Incidental fee Charged as and when necessary | 23,600 | Included | 23,600 |
| Professional Fees | 18% GST on Professional Fees | Total (Exclusive Govt. Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹7,499.00 | ₹1,350 | ₹8,849 |
Note: Fees marked as “included” already cover the entrance fee and applicable GST.
Product Panels Covered Under SHEFEXIL
Listed below are the eight main products in the SHEFEXIL products list, along with their corresponding HS codes.
Panel 1: Nutraceuticals
-
HS Codes: ITC (HS) Code 1302 or 2106
-
Products: Health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, prebiotics, probiotics, and botanical/isolated extracts.
Panel 2: Vegetable Saps & Extracts
-
HS Codes: 07129020 – 33012590 (including sub-ranges like 0909–1301 and 0902–3301)
-
Products: Dehydrated garlic, natural gums, resins, essential oils, menthol crystals, liquorice, belladonna, agar-agar, and botanical extracts
Panel 3: Plant and Plant Portion (Herbs)
-
HS Codes: 08072000 – 12119099 (including 0807–1211)
-
Products: Fresh or dried fruits, roots, leaves, seeds, barks, and herbal powders (such as Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, and Curcuma longa)
Panel 4: Guar Gum and Guar-Based Products
-
HS Codes: 13023210 – 13023230
-
Products: Guar meal, refined split, treated, and pulverised guar gum
Panel 5: Shellac & Lac-Based Products
-
HS Codes:Applicable codes under headings 1301, 1521 and 3302, as listed in SHEFEXIL's product classification.
-
Products: Shellac, seedlac, bleached lac, shellac wax and other lac derivatives.
Panel 6: Other Vegetable Materials
-
HS Codes: 14011000 – 14049090 (including 1401–1404)
-
Products: Bamboos, rattans, cotton linters, crude vegetable materials, and specialized leaves.
Panel 7: Fixed Vegetable Oils, Cake & Others
-
HS Codes: Applicable codes under headings 1515, 1517 and 2306, along with other relevant codes listed under this SHEFEXIL panel.
-
Products:Fixed vegetable oils, oil cakes, oil-cake meals and other products covered under the panel.
Panel 8: Products of North East Region of India
-
HS Codes:Vary according to the product and its classification under the applicable SHEFEXIL panels.
-
Products: Regional forest and specialized agro-produces originating from the North-Eastern states of India falling under the broader council purview, such as Agar Agar and cane.
Export Policy for Botanical Food Supplements: From 31 July 2023 (DGFT Notification No. 22/2023), exports of food supplements containing botanicals under ITC (HS) codes 1302 and 2106 to the EU and UK require an official certificate, initially issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs). Subsequently, DGFT Notification No. 31/2023, dated 11 September 2023, as amended by Notification No. 53/2023, dated 15 December 2023, authorized SHEFEXIL to issue these certificates, subject to prescribed requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for SHEFEXIL Membership Registration
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to obtain SHEFEXIL RCMC:
- Valid Import Export Code (IEC): Applicants must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- Legal Business Identity: Applicant must have a legally verified business entity registered in India. The business entity may be either sole proprietorship, Partnerships, LLPs, Private Limited Companies or Public Limited Companies.
- Eligible Products: Businesses applying for SHEFEXIL registration must manufacture
or export products that fall under:
- Shellac and lac-based products
- Vegetable saps, extracts, and medicinal or aromatic herbs
- Guar gum
- Fixed vegetable oils, oil cakes, and deoiled cakes
- Forest and non-timber forest products
- Vegetable fibres and other vegetable materials
- Nutraceuticals and natural ingredients
- Other products covered under SHEFEXIL's notified export panels
- Membership Category Eligibility: SHEFEXIL offers membership based on export
eligibility requirements:
- Associate Membership: Businesses with a valid IEC can apply as Associate Members.
- Ordinary Membership: Businesses that have completed the prescribed Associate Membership period and meet the applicable export eligibility requirements under SHEFEXIL's membership rules are eligible for Ordinary Membership.
- Statutory Registration: Applicants must have valid PAN and GST registration. Udyam Registration (for MSMEs, where applicable) may also be required. Based on the products being manufactured or exported, a valid FSSAI license may also be required.
- Export Turnover Requirement: Applicants seeking SHEFEXIL RCMC must provide a CA-certified export turnover certificate showing export turnover over the preceding 3 financial years. New exporters applying for Associate Membership are generally not required to meet the export turnover requirement
Benefits of SHEFEXIL Registration for Exporters
Registering with SHEFEXIL offers various benefits to manufacturers and exporters of shellac, forest-based products, and their derivatives. Some of the benefits are: -
- Gateway to FTP benefits such as RoDTEP
- Access to financial assistance schemes, including MAI and MDA
- Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions
- Assistance in resolving trade disputes
- Market development and promotion
- Access to market research reports
Renewal & Validity of SHEFEXIL RCMC Certificate
SHEFEXIL Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is valid for five financial years, from 1 April of the year of issue to 31 March of the fifth financial year. Members must pay the applicable annual membership fees to maintain their membership and continue receiving council’s export promotion services and benefits.
To renew their SHEFEXIL membership, exporters must visit DGFT Common Digital Platform and log in using existing IEC credentials. Supporting documents such as IEC, PAN, GST, MSME/Udyam Aadhaar must be uploaded along with applicable renewal fees.
Get Expert Assistance for SHEFEXIL Registration
Securing a SHEFEXIL RCMC facilitates eligible exporters of shellac, lac products, gums, resins, and other forest-based products meet applicable export registration requirements and access government aided export promotion support. Professional Utilities with more than a decade of experience assist exporters with SHEFEXIL RCMC documentation, application filing, and compliance coordination to streamline the registration process. We provide expert assistance to complete the application accurately and focus on expanding export opportunities.
FAQ’s On SHEFEXIL Registration
What is SHEFEXIL registration?
SHEFEXIL registration involves obtaining a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL). It enables exporters dealing in shellac and lac-based products, non-timber forest products, guar gum, herbs, and vegetable saps and extracts to access export promotion support and relevant services for international trade.
Who is eligible for SHEFEXIL RCMC registration?
Any manufacturer, merchant, or trader involved in export of shellac, forest products and its derivatives are eligible to get SHEFEXIL registration cum membership certificate (RCMC).
What documents are required for SHEFEXIL registration?
Mandatory documents for SHEFEXIL registration include a self-certified copy of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC), PAN, GST details, MSME/Udyam registration certificate, and an FSSAI license, where applicable, along with other supporting documents.
What is the SHEFEXIL registration fee?
Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) membership fee depends on the applicant's export turnover and product category, ranging from Rs 1,180 to Rs 35,400 (inclusive of 18% GST). For SHEFEXIL membership, Professional Utilities charges ₹7,499 + 18% GST for SHEFEXIL registration assistance, subject to eligibility and applicable category.
How can I apply for SHEFEXIL RCMC online?
Eligible exporters intending to apply for SHEFEXIL RCMC online must log in to the official DGFT platform using login credentials. Applicants must select SHEFEXIL as the relevant Export Promotion Council and fill in the required details including the necessary documents and payment of applicable fees. SHEFEXIL issues the RCMC on the DGFT platform after successful submission and verification of the application.
What is the validity of a SHEFEXIL RCMC certificate?
The SHEFEXIL RCMC Certificate is valid for 5 financial years; however, exporters must pay annual membership fees every year to keep their active council membership and continue receiving export benefits.
How long does it take to get a SHEFEXIL certificate?
Obtaining a SHEFEXIL Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) generally takes around 7–10 working days after successful submission of the application through the DGFT Common Digital Platform.
Which products are covered under SHEFEXIL registration?
Product panels covered under SHEFEXIL registration are Nutraceuticals, Vegetable Saps & Extracts, Plant and Plant Portions (Herbs), Guar Gum, Shellac & Lac, Other Vegetable Materials, Fixed Vegetable Oil, Cakes & Others, and Products of the North East Region.
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
Disclaimer:The information provided on this website is intended for general information purposes only. Although all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the information provided is correct and reliable, it is not advised to be used as a substitute for professional advice. The information herein is not to be used in place of seeking professional services, counsel, or guidance. We highly advise that you consult a professional before you make any business or legal decisions regarding the information presented on this website. This website and its contents are given "as is", and we do not take any responsibility for any action that is taken based on information given on this website.
- Written by: Anuja Sahi
- Fact-checked: Sahil Singh
- Updated on: October 26, 2026
Testimonials
"Explore how Professional Utilities have helped businesses reach new heights as their trusted partner."
It was a great experience working withProfessional Utilities. They have provided the smoothly. It shows the amount of confidence they are having in their field of work.
Atish Singh
It was professional and friendly experience quick response and remarkable assistance. I loved PU service for section 8 company registration for our Vidyadhare Foundation.
Ravi Kumar
I needed a material safety data sheet for my product and they got it delivered in just 3 days. I am very happy with their professional and timely service. Trust me you can count on them.
Ananya Sharma
Great & helpful support by everyone. I got response & support whenever I called to your system. Heartly thanx for Great & Super Service. Have a Great & Bright future of team & your company.
Prashant Agawekar
Thank you so much Professional Utilities team for their wonderful help. I really appreciate your efforts in getting start business. Pvt Ltd company registration was smooth yet quick.
Abhishek Kumar
I applied for Drug licence and company registration and their follow-up for work and regular updates helped me a lot. They are happily available for any kind of business consultancy.
Vidushi Saini
Great experience went to get my ITR done, process was quite convenient and fast. Had a few queries, am happy about the fact those people explained me all things I wanted to know.
Taniya Garyali
Great services provided by Professional Utilities. They are best in this industry and the best part is their prices are so affordable. Kudos to you. Now you guys are my full-time consultant.
Aftab Alam
Trusted By
