Everything You Need to Know About RCMC Certificate: Benefits, Process & Requirements

What is RCMC?

RCMC Stands For: Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) The RCMC certificate is a required document for Indian exporters. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issues it. Related Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards in India also issue it.

This certificate confirms an exporter’s membership with a relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board. It allows them to access benefits for international trade, subsidies, and government programs. 

This certification is valid from April 1st to March 31st each year. You must renew it every year. Whether you are a first-time exporter or an experienced business, knowing the RCMC registration process is important. You should also understand the fees and compliance requirements for smooth global trade.

Why Do You Need an RCMC Certificate for Export?

1. Legal Compliance: The RCMC certificate is mandatory under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. Exporters cannot claim benefits like Duty Drawback or Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) without it.
2. Access to Incentives: Avail duty drawbacks, export subsidies, promotional schemes, and priority access to government tenders. 
3. Global Credibility: Enhances trust with international buyers, banks, and logistics partners by proving affiliation with recognized trade bodies. 
4. Streamlined Processes: Required for customs clearance, shipping documentation, and participation in trade fairs organized by EPCs. 
5. Membership Privileges: Gain networking opportunities, market insights, and training programs from your Export Promotion Council (EPC).

Without an RCMC, exporters risk penalties, shipment delays, and loss of government-backed trade benefits. For instance, customs authorities may hold consignments lacking this certification.

RCMC Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Follow these steps to apply for RCMC and ensure compliance:

Step 1: Obtain Essential Documents

Prepare the required documents:

• GST Registration Certificate: Proof of Goods and Services Tax compliance. 
• Permanent Account Number (PAN): Mandatory for all financial transactions. 
• Import Export Code (IEC): A 10-digit code issued by DGFT for cross-border trade. 
• Partnership Deed (for partnership firms) or Incorporation Certificate (for companies/LLPs). 
• Bank Certificate: Confirming export-related transactions. 
• Product Details: HS codes, manufacturing processes, and export markets.

Step 2: Choose the Relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC)

Identify your product’s Commodities Board in India or affiliated EPC. Examples: 

• Federation of Indian Exporters (FIEO): For general merchandise exporters. 
• Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC): For gems, jewelry, and precious metals. 
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): For agricultural goods. 
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): For seafood exporters. 

Pro Tip: Cross-check your product category with the DGFT’s official list to avoid delays.

Step 3: Submit the RCMC Application

• Form A: For merchant exporters (traders). 
• Form B: For manufacturer exporters (producers). 
• Submit physical or online applications to the registering authority (EPC or Commodity Board)

Key Fields in the Application:

• Business type (proprietorship, partnership, company). 
• Export turnover details. 
• Product descriptions and HS codes.

Step 4: Pay RCMC Registration Fees

• RCMC Registration Fees: Ranges from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on the council and exporter type. MSMEs may receive concessions. 
• Payment Methods: Digital platforms (NEFT/RTGS) or bank drafts.

Step 5: Receive Your RCMC Certificate

After verification, the competent authority issues the RCMC, typically within 15–30 days. Track your application status via the EPC’s portal.

Key Requirements for RCMC Registration

• Valid IEC: Ensure your Import Export Code (IEC) is active and linked to your GSTIN. 
• Updated GST Registration: Exporters must file GST returns regularly to maintain compliance. 
• Membership with EPC: Align with the correct Export Promotion Council based on your product category. For example, textile exporters must register with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). 
• Product-Specific Compliance: Certain goods (e.g., pharmaceuticals, organic products) require additional certifications.

RCMC Certificate Fees and Renewal Process

Fee Structure 

• Initial RCMC Registration Fees: ₹500–₹5,000 (varies by EPC). 
• RCMC Renewal Fees: Often 50–75% of the initial fee. 
• Late Renewal Penalties: Up to ₹1,000 for applications submitted after 31st March of the licensing year.

Renewal Process

1. Submit Form H: Available on the EPC’s portal. 
2. Attach Updated Documents: Latest GST returns, bank certificates, and export data. 
3. Pay Renewal Fees: Online via UPI, net banking, or demand draft. 
4. Receive Updated RCMC: Valid for the next licensing year (1st April to 31st March). 

Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders 60 days before expiry to avoid disruptions

Common Mistakes to Avoid During RCMC Registration

1. Incorrect Council Selection: Working with the wrong EPC can cause delays in certification. For example, applying to FIEO instead of APEDA for agricultural exports can lead to issues. 
2. Missing Documents: Double-check GST certificates, partnership deeds, and PAN copies. 
3. Late Renewals: Letting your RCMC expire disrupts export operations and forfeits incentives. 
4. Mismatched Product Details: Ensure HS codes align with your export items.

Role of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards

EPCs, such as the Federation of Indian Exporters and the Commodity Board Development Authority, connect exporters with the government. They: 

• Offer trade insights, market data, and buyer databases. 
• Facilitate RCMC issuance and compliance with DGFT guidelines. 
• Organize international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and training workshops.
• Advocate for policy changes to boost international trade. 

The Shellac Export Promotion Council (SEPC) helps exporters of lac-based products. It provides RCMC and connects them to buyers worldwide.

Understanding the Licensing Year and Validity

The RCMC is valid from 1st April of the licensing year to 31st March of the licensing year, aligning with India’s financial year. Exporters must:

• Plan renewals in Q4 (January to March) to avoid lastminute delays. 
• Update product lists or business details during renewal (e.g., new HS codes).

Note: If you apply mid-year, the RCMC will still expire on 31st March.

Integrating RCMC with Other Export Documents

• Import Export Code (IEC): The RCMC application requires a valid IEC. 
• GST Registration Certificate: Exporters must file GST returns to claim zero-rated supplies. 
• Partnership Deed: Required for partnership firms to prove business legitimacy. 

Case Study: A textile exporter in Surat streamlined customs clearance by linking their RCMC, IEC, and GSTIN on the DGFT portal.

Digital Initiatives for RCMC Registration

The DGFT and EPCs have digitized processes to simplify compliance: 

• Online Portals: Submit applications, track statuses, and download certificates. 
• Automated Notifications: Receive renewal reminders via email or text. 
• E-Signatures: Digitally sign Forms A/B for paperless processing.

Why Partner with a Competent Authority?

Working with experienced consultants, such as a PSR Compliance Consultant, or the registering authority ensures: 

• Faster RCMC Processing: Experts verify documents and resolve discrepancies. 
• Error-Free Documentation: Prevent rejections by ensuring partnership deeds and GST certificates are current. 
• Policy Updates: Stay informed about changes in export subsidies, HS codes, or DGFT regulations.