RCMC Registration: Registration-cum-Membership Certificate for Exporters
RCMC from the right Export Promotion Council or commodity board, so you can use export promotion benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
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A Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued by an Export Promotion Council or commodity board to exporters of the products it covers, and it is a basic requirement for claiming many benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. It is meant for manufacturers and merchant exporters who already hold an Importer-Exporter Code. Each council covers a defined set of products, so choosing the correct one is the first and most important decision. Our team identifies the council for your goods, prepares the membership application and documents, and follows up until the certificate is issued.
Who provides this service: our team of Company Secretaries and compliance specialists.
Who Needs RCMC Registration?
- Manufacturer exporters who want to claim export promotion benefits
- Merchant exporters trading in goods covered by an Export Promotion Council
- Startups beginning exports with a valid IEC
- Exporters planning to take part in council-organised fairs and delegations
- Businesses asked for an RCMC by a scheme, buyer or bank
Key Benefits
- Identification of the correct Export Promotion Council or commodity board for your product, so you do not apply to the wrong body
- Application prepared with IEC, bank and constitution details that match, which is the most common source of queries
- Advice on whether you need more than one RCMC when you export different product groups
- Guidance on how the RCMC supports claims under the Foreign Trade Policy, without overstating what it unlocks
- Clear separation between RCMC, IEC and FIEO membership so each registration is used for its proper purpose
- Renewal tracking according to the validity rules of the issuing council
How It Works
Product and council mapping
We map your export items by their tariff classification to the Export Promotion Council or commodity board listed in the policy documents for those goods, and confirm its eligibility conditions.
IEC and profile check
An RCMC application needs a valid IEC and consistent business details. We verify your DGFT record, PAN, GST and bank information so the council receives matching data.
Application and document upload
We complete the council membership form, attach the documents it lists, and submit the application through its online system or office, together with the membership fee set by the council.
Scrutiny and queries
The council examines the application, sometimes asking for export intent, product details or additional proof. We reply with supporting papers so the file does not lie idle.
Certificate issue
On approval, the council issues the RCMC with a membership number and product scope. We check the name, address, product description and validity on the certificate before you use it.
Use, renewal and amendments
We explain where to present the certificate and set renewal reminders as per the council rules. If your products or address change, we help amend the certificate.
Documents Required
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) certificate
- PAN of the business
- GST registration certificate, where applicable
- Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, LLP agreement or proprietorship proof
- Address proof of the business premises
- Bank certificate or details showing the authorised dealer branch of the business
- Cancelled cheque of the business current account
- Details of the products to be exported with tariff classification
- Identity proof and photograph of the authorised signatory
- Manufacturing licence or Udyam registration, if the exporter is a manufacturer
Timeline and Fees
Indicative timeline: Typically one to a few weeks after a complete application, depending on the council and any queries raised.
Professional fee: Membership fees are set by each council and vary by category. Our professional fee depends on the number of product groups, how many councils are involved and the readiness of your IEC and bank records. Contact us for a quote.
What Can Go Wrong if This Is Missed or Done Incorrectly
- Claiming an export benefit that requires RCMC without holding a valid one can lead to rejection of the claim
- Applying to the wrong council wastes fees and time, and the application may be returned
- An expired certificate can interrupt access to schemes you were relying on
- Mismatched details between IEC, bank records and the RCMC can delay scheme processing at the port or with DGFT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RCMC and who issues it?
An RCMC is a membership certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council, commodity board or other body notified under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as those for engineering, textiles, agricultural and processed food, marine, spices or pharmaceutical exports. It shows that you are a registered exporter of the products that body covers.
Is RCMC mandatory for every exporter?
Not for every export. It is required when you want to claim export promotion benefits or participate in schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy that ask for it. Whether you need it depends on the scheme, so check the conditions of each benefit you plan to use instead of treating it as a general export licence.
Do I need an IEC before applying for RCMC?
Yes. The IEC from DGFT is the base identity of an Indian exporter, and the council checks it while processing membership. If you do not have one yet, obtain the IEC first. Keeping the IEC details identical to those on your PAN and bank records avoids avoidable queries from the council.
Is FIEO membership the same as an RCMC?
No. FIEO is a federation of export organisations and is not an Export Promotion Council. Its membership certificate cannot replace the RCMC of the council or board that covers your product. You may hold both, but they serve different purposes, so apply to the body that the policy documents assign to your goods.
What if I export products covered by different councils?
Councils are product-based, so a merchant exporter dealing in several product groups may have to register with more than one body, depending on the policy and the scheme being claimed. Confirm with the councils concerned, and match each export claim to the RCMC that covers that product.
How long is an RCMC valid?
Validity and renewal terms are set by the issuing council and the Foreign Trade Policy in force, and they can change. The certificate shows its period, and a renewal application is usually needed before it ends. Putting the expiry date on your compliance calendar prevents benefits from being declined for an expired certificate.
Official Sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Check the current position on the official portal:
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Last reviewed: . Laws, fees and procedures change; check the official portal before you act.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements vary by situation. Please consult a qualified CA or CS for advice specific to your needs. Government fees and timelines are subject to change; verify with the relevant authority before proceeding.