RCMC Registration: Benefits, Authorities, and Online Process

If you are building an export business in India, RCMC is a term you usually encounter after the first few steps are already in motion. Orders are discussed, documentation begins, and then RCMC shows up in conversations around incentives, EPC registration, or DGFT compliance.

RCMC is not required to physically export goods. However, once an exporter plans to scale, claim benefits under foreign trade policies, or establish formal recognition with government-authorised bodies, this certificate becomes essential. It acts as a membership that links your business, product category, and registering authority under India’s export framework, enabling access to export schemes and long-term compliance.

This guide explains RCMC the way it is actually used in export operations. It covers what the certificate represents, who must obtain it, how to choose the correct authority, how the online registration works, and how RCMC fits into ongoing documentation, compliance, and incentive management as exports grow.

Key Takeaways

• RCMC is not mandatory to export goods, but it is required to access incentives, participate in EPC-led trade activities, and remain eligible under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• RCMC is issued by government-authorised bodies such as Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, or Development Authorities, based strictly on the exporter’s product category.
• Selecting the wrong EPC is a common and costly mistake. Authority selection must be based on HS code, product nature, and primary export activity, not convenience.
• RCMC is valid for five financial years and must be renewed on time. An expired or outdated RCMC can lead to loss of incentives and compliance issues.
• The entire RCMC application process is completed online through the DGFT portal, but approval depends on accurate product mapping and complete, entity-specific documentation.

What Is a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)

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Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an official registration issued under India’s foreign trade framework that recognises an exporter for a specific line of products. It is granted by government-authorised bodies such as Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, or Development Authorities.

India has multiple authorised registering bodies, including 26 Export Promotion Councils and nine Commodity Boards, each responsible for defined product categories. Exporters must select the authority that matches their declared main line of business.

For example, an exporter dealing in engineering goods such as industrial machinery or components would be mapped to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India).

Although the certificate is issued by the relevant council or board, the RCMC application is submitted online via the DGFT portal, which routes it to the designated registering authority for review and approval.

Why RCMC Is Required for Indian Exporters

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An exporter can carry out export business without an RCMC, but obtaining one opens access to several government-backed benefits that support your export expansion. Here are a few key benefits.

1. Access to Export Incentives and Policy Benefits

RCMC is a prerequisite for claiming benefits under export schemes notified under the Foreign Trade Policy, including RoDTEP, EPCG, and other incentive or duty remission mechanisms. Incentive eligibility is evaluated against the exporter’s registered product category and authority as recorded in the RCMC.

2. Government Recognition as a Registered Exporter

Holding an RCMC establishes the exporter as a recognised entity within a specific industry segment, confirming alignment with government-authorised trade bodies and export classifications.

3. Simplified Licensing and DGFT Approvals

An active RCMC signals that the exporter has already been vetted for their declared business line, which reduces friction while applying for licences, authorisations, and other DGFT-linked approvals.

4. Participation in Trade Promotion Activities

RCMC is required to participate in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets organised by Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards, which are often gateways to overseas buyers.

5. Ongoing Trade and Industry Support

Registered exporters gain access to sector-specific market intelligence, training programs, policy updates, and representation through their respective councils, supporting long-term export operations.

Also read: Applying for Import and Export License in India.

RCMC Registering Authorities in India

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RCMC is issued by government-authorised registering authorities operating under the framework of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). These authorities are responsible for specific product categories or sectors, and exporters must select the one that aligns with their declared main line of business.

1. Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

Export Promotion Councils are sector-focused bodies established to promote exports of specific product groups. Each EPC is mapped to defined industries, and exporters must apply through the council that corresponds to their primary export products.

Some key EPCs that issue RCMC include:

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
• Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
• Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)
• Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)
• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India)
• Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
• Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
• Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)
• Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)

2. Commodity Boards

Commodity Boards handle exports linked to specific agricultural or natural commodities. These boards function as both sector regulators and export promotion authorities, and exporters dealing primarily in these commodities must register through the relevant board rather than a general EPC.

Examples include:

• Coffee Board of India
• Tea Board of India
• Spices Board of India
• Rubber Board
• Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

These boards issue RCMC for exporters whose business revolves around cultivation-based or commodity-driven exports.

Exporters registered under such authorities must still apply for RCMC through the DGFT portal, selecting the appropriate authority based on their operational and product profile, without entering into SEZ-specific policy requirements unless explicitly applicable.

Types of Exporters Covered Under RCMC

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The RCMC framework covers exporters across different stages of scale and export performance. The same DGFT online application process applies to all categories, with classification based on experience, turnover, and contribution to exports.

• Ordinary Membership: For first-time or early-stage exporters entering international trade and seeking basic registration and recognition.
• Associate Membership: For exporters with an established export track record and ongoing participation in international trade. This category carries a higher membership fee than ordinary membership.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Correct EPC

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Selecting the right registering authority is one of the most error-prone steps in RCMC registration. Exporters often handle multiple products, overlapping categories, or products that do not clearly fit within a single category. The steps below explain how to choose the correct authority without misclassification.

Step 1: Identify Your Primary Export Product

Start by clearly defining the main goods or services you plan to export. Authority selection is based on your primary export line, not occasional or secondary products.

Step 2: Check DGFT Appendix 2T

Refer to Appendix 2T on the DGFT portal, which lists all recognised Export Promotion Councils along with the product categories they cover. This serves as the official reference for EPC jurisdiction.

Step 3: Match Your Product to the Relevant EPC

From Appendix 2T, identify the council whose scope aligns with your product category. For example, exporters of software or IT-enabled services are mapped to the Electronic and Computer Software Export Promotion Council.

Step 4: Use FIEO for Mixed or Unclassified Products

If your exports span multiple product categories or do not clearly fall under a single EPC or Commodity Board, you can register through the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), which acts as a residual registering authority.

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

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RCMC applications are submitted online through the DGFT portal, but approval depends on whether the supporting documents correctly establish the exporter’s identity, business structure, and authorised signatory. The exact document set varies slightly by entity type, but the following are commonly required.

Core Documents (Mandatory for All Applicants)

• Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the relevant licensing authority.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business entity.
• GST registration certificate, where applicable.

Business Constitution Documents (Based on Entity Type)

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) for companies, including private limited, public limited, and institutional entities.
• Partnership deed, self-certified, for partnership firms and individual exporters.
• Trust deed for trusts or institutional entities.

Authorisation and Declaration Documents

• Board resolution or power of attorney authorising the signatory, if the signatory’s name is not already reflected in the IEC, MOA, partnership deed, or trust deed.
• Registrar of Companies (ROC) certificate in case of a registered office address change.

Financial and Compliance Declarations

• Certified statement of foreign exchange earnings for the previous three financial years, attested by a chartered accountant, where required by the registering authority.

Note: Export Promotion Councils or Commodity Boards may request additional documents depending on the product category or sector. Incomplete or mismatched documentation is one of the most common reasons for RCMC application queries or delays.

Related: Essential Shipping Documents Every Importer and Exporter Should Know

Step-by-Step Online Application Flow for RCM

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RCMC applications are filed entirely online through the DGFT Common Digital Platform. Below is the exact application flow exporters follow on the portal, aligned with the official DGFT process.

1. Access the DGFT portal: Visit the DGFT website and log in as an Importer/Exporter using your registered username, password, and CAPTCHA.
2. Navigate to the e-RCMC service: From the dashboard, go to Services → e-RCMC → Apply for e-RCMC.
3. Start or continue an application: Choose Start Fresh Application to begin a new request, or select Proceed with Existing Application to continue a saved draft.
4. View the applicant dashboard and basic details: After selection, the system displays the applicant dashboard along with basic profile details linked to the IEC.
5. Confirm IEC profile update: The system prompts for confirmation on whether the IEC profile has been updated. Select the radio button, click Yes, then choose Save & Next.
6. Enter RCMC details like authority and fee: Under the RCMC Details section:
   • Select the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.
   • Review and confirm fee details.
7. Add export products or services: Select the export products or services applicable to the business and click Add to save the details.
8. Add authorised representatives or contact persons: Select authorised representatives, department heads, or contact persons for the chosen council and click Add Details.
9. Provide additional export information: Enter other required information, including the countries to which the company exports, then click Save & Next.
10. Upload supporting documents: In the Attachments section, upload all required documents from the local system. Click Upload Attachments, then Save & Next.
11. Review declarations: Read all declaration statements displayed on the screen.
12. Accept declaration and proceed: Accept the declaration by checking the confirmation box, and click Save & Next.
13. Review application summary and sign: The system displays the complete application summary along with uploaded documents. Proceed with the digital signing of the application.
14. Initiate payment: Click Payment for RCMC to proceed to the payment stage.
15. Complete payment via gateway: You are redirected to the payment gateway. Complete the transaction and click Submit.
16. Confirm payment response: After payment, the system displays the Payment Response page with the transaction ID. Click Submit to confirm.
17. Receive payment receipt: Upon successful submission, an e-payment receipt is generated, confirming that the RCMC application has been filed.

After submission, the application is routed electronically to the selected registering authority for verification and issuance.

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Compliance Obligations Under RCMC

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Exporters holding an RCMC are required to maintain ongoing compliance to remain eligible for government export schemes and to avoid regulatory action. RCMC compliance is not a one-time requirement and extends across renewal, reporting, and adherence to trade regulations.

1. Renewal and Validity Management

RCMC is issued for a fixed period of five financial years and must be renewed before expiry. An expired RCMC can lead to non-eligibility for incentives and suspension of benefits.

2. Adherence to Foreign Trade Policy Conditions

Exporters must comply with the conditions and guidelines prescribed under the Foreign Trade Policy and DGFT notifications applicable to their registered product category.

3. Submission of Export Performance Data

Exporters are required to submit export-related data to DGFT as and when mandated. Non-submission or incorrect reporting may result in suspension or cancellation of the RCMC.

4. Compliance With Customs and Trade Regulations

All exports must adhere to customs procedures, export controls, sanctions, and other applicable foreign trade regulations. Violations can attract penalties and enforcement action.

5. Product Quality and Destination Requirements

Exporters are responsible for meeting quality standards and regulatory requirements specified by the importing country for their products.

6. Record Maintenance and Audit Readiness

Export-related documents and transaction records must be maintained in line with DGFT requirements to support audits, verifications, or post-export reviews.

Manage Export Shipments After RCMC With Pazago

RCMC enables exporters to access incentives and formal recognition, but it does not address the day-to-day execution challenges that affect shipment timelines and buyer commitments.

After registration, exporters still need to manage freight availability, container booking, loading coordination, documentation handovers, and shipment visibility across long export cycles. These execution gaps are where delays and avoidable disruptions usually occur.

Pazago supports exporters at this stage by strengthening logistics execution through:

• Competitive freight rates across key trade lanes, helping exporters plan shipments without last-minute pricing volatility
• Assured container booking and coordinated factory or CFS loading to protect gate close and vessel cut-offs
• Daily Status Reports (DSRs) covering container movement, ETD/ETA changes, transshipment updates, and BL status
• Hands-on pre-shipment and post-shipment support to resolve issues before they affect buyer timelines
• Consistent operational support regardless of shipment size or export volume

By strengthening execution at the logistics layer, Pazago helps exporters maintain execution reliability after RCMC registration.

Conclusion

RCMC plays a critical role in enabling exporters to access incentives, participate in trade promotion programs, and remain compliant under India’s foreign trade framework. However, registration alone does not ensure smooth export execution.

As shipments increase, exporters face operational pressure around freight availability, booking confirmation, loading coordination, documentation handovers, and shipment visibility. Gaps at any of these stages can lead to missed timelines and buyer escalations.

Pazago supports exporters beyond RCMC by focusing on execution reliability. Through stable freight rates, assured container booking, coordinated loading, daily shipment status reporting, and hands-on logistics support, Pazago helps exporters manage export shipments more consistently across complex international supply chains.

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FAQs About RCMC

1. Is RCMC mandatory for all exporters?

RCMC is not mandatory to physically export goods from India. However, it is required if an exporter wants to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, participate in EPC-led trade activities, or obtain scheme-related approvals linked to DGFT.

2. What is the fee for RCMC registration?

The registration fee varies based on the selected Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board. Fees are set by the registering authority and may differ by exporter category and membership type.

3. Can RCMC be applied fully online?

Yes. RCMC applications are submitted entirely online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Common Digital Platform, including document upload, digital signing, and payment.

4. What happens if my product category changes?

If an exporter’s primary product category changes, the RCMC must be updated or reissued under the appropriate authority. Continuing with an outdated product declaration can lead to incentive rejection or compliance issues.

5. Which authority should I choose if unsure?

If a product does not clearly fall under a specific Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board, exporters can apply through the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), which acts as a fallback registering authority for unclassified or mixed-product exports.