RCMC stands for Registration Cum Membership Certificate. It is issued by Export Promotion Councils, commodity boards, and other organizations recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The certificate serves as proof that an exporter is a registered member of a council associated with their products or services.
The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an essential certificate for exporters in India who want to claim export-related incentives, benefits, concessions, and support available under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Issued by authorized Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and commodity boards, the RCMC certificate confirms that an exporter is registered with the appropriate council and is eligible to access various government-backed export schemes.
TaxAbide helps businesses complete RCMC registration quickly and ensures compliance with all DGFT and export regulations.
Obtaining an RCMC certificate provides several financial and operational benefits for exporters.
Importers and exporters can receive concessions on customs duties for eligible transactions.
Businesses can claim benefits under schemes such as RoDTEP and other government export promotion programs.
Exporters can receive assistance for participating in international exhibitions, trade missions, and business development activities.
RCMC helps businesses comply with DGFT and Foreign Trade Policy requirements.
The certificate increases trust among foreign buyers and trade partners.
Members can participate in seminars, workshops, and export development programs organized by EPCs.
Exporters receive regular updates on trade policies, incentives, and global market opportunities.
To obtain an RCMC certificate, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements prescribed by DGFT and the respective Export Promotion Council.
Valid Import Export Code (IEC)
Registered business entity in India
Engagement in export or import activities related to the chosen EPC
No major compliance issues with the council
GST registration where applicable
Compliance with export regulations and legal requirements
RCMC certificates are available for exporters operating across multiple industries. Different councils issue certificates for specific product and service categories.
| Sector | Activity | Issuing Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | Export | APEDA |
| Engineering Goods | Export & Import | EEPC India |
| Gems & Jewellery | Export | GJEPC |
| Textiles & Apparel | Export | AEPC / TEXPROCIL |
| Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals | Export | PHARMEXCIL / CHEMEXCIL |
| Marine Products | Export | MPEDA |
| IT & Software Services | Export | STPI / NASSCOM |
| Handicrafts | Export | EPCH |
India has multiple recognized councils and commodity boards authorized to issue RCMC certificates.
APEDA
EEPC India
GJEPC
AEPC
MPEDA
PHARMEXCIL
CHEMEXCIL
FIEO
TEXPROCIL
EPCH
SRTEPC
CAPEXIL
The appropriate council depends on the exporter’s primary product or service category.
Applicants must submit supporting documents while applying for RCMC registration.
Import Export Code (IEC) Certificate
GST Registration Certificate
PAN Card
Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed
Business Address Proof
Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
Aadhaar Card of Authorized Signatory
Export Performance Details (for renewal applications)
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Passport-size Photograph
The DGFT portal provides a streamlined process for obtaining an RCMC certificate online.
Ensure your Import Export Code is active and valid.
Log in to the DGFT online portal using your credentials.
Choose the Export Promotion Council related to your business category.
Enter business details and export information accurately.
Attach all required supporting documents.
Make the prescribed payment online.
Submit the completed application and save the acknowledgement number.
After verification, the council issues the RCMC certificate electronically.
Obtaining the certificate is only the first step. Exporters must maintain compliance throughout the validity period.
RCMC remains valid for five years
Annual export data may need to be submitted
Business information must remain updated
Renewal should be completed before expiry
Export compliance requirements must be followed continuously
Failure to comply with RCMC regulations can result in serious consequences.
Suspension of RCMC certificate
Cancellation of Import Export Code
Financial penalties and fines
Recovery of wrongly claimed incentives
Restriction from future export benefits
Legal proceedings under applicable laws
Businesses must update their RCMC whenever important details change.
Change in company name
Change in business address
Addition of product categories
Change in authorized signatory
Changes in IEC details
Updated banking information
Modification in GST details
Change in business constitution
Log in to the DGFT portal.
Open the RCMC amendment section.
Select amendment category.
Update required information.
Upload supporting documents.
Pay applicable fees.
Submit the request.
EPC reviews the application.
Updated certificate is issued.
RCMC certificates generally remain valid for five years and must be renewed before expiry.
Check certificate validity date
Log in to DGFT portal
Select RCMC renewal option
Verify existing business details
Update information if necessary
Upload required documents
Pay renewal charges
Submit application
EPC verification process
Download renewed certificate
Timely renewal helps avoid interruptions in export operations and access to benefits.
Exporters operating without a valid RCMC may face multiple challenges.
Inability to claim export incentives
Loss of customs duty benefits
Restriction from government export programs
Reduced trust among international buyers
Difficulty obtaining DGFT approvals
Potential legal and compliance issues
Limited access to export development support
TaxAbide provides complete assistance for RCMC registration, renewal, amendment, and compliance management. Our experts handle documentation, council coordination, and application filing to ensure a smooth registration process.
Experienced export compliance professionals
End-to-end registration support
Accurate documentation and filing
Fast processing and regular updates
Assistance with DGFT and IEC-related requirements
Transparent pricing with dedicated support
Whether you are applying for RCMC for the first time or renewing an existing certificate, TaxAbide helps you complete the process efficiently and remain compliant with all export regulations in India.
Contact TaxAbide today for professional assistance with RCMC Registration, Renewal, Amendment, and Export Compliance Services.
