Here is a complete masterclass on RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)

Here is a complete masterclass on RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) and Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in India.

This guide is designed to help you find the exact council for your product, understand the costs, and apply correctly without making expensive mistakes.

Part 1: What is RCMC and Why Do You Need It?

You might already have an IEC (Import Export Code), which allows you to ship goods. However, an RCMC is what allows you to get money back from the government.

• Definition: It is a certificate that proves you are a registered member of a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.

• Is it Mandatory?

  • For Exporting: Technically No (except for restricted items). You can ship goods with just an IEC.

  • For Incentives: Yes, Absolutely. You cannot claim RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, or SEIS benefits without a valid RCMC.

  • For Credibility: Yes. Serious international buyers often ask for your RCMC to verify you are a legitimate exporter, not a fly-by-night operator.

Part 2: The Master List of EPCs (By Product Category)

India has 30+ councils. Choosing the wrong one is a common error. Find your product category below to identify your specific council.

1. Engineering & Electronics

2. Agriculture & Food (The Most Confusing Category)

Note: This is split by product type.

3. Chemicals, Plastics & Pharma

4. Textiles & Apparel (Choose Carefully)

5. Lifestyle, Luxury & Others

6. The "Catch-All" Council: FIEO

• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO):

  • Who is it for?

    1. Multi-Product Exporters: If you export a mix of products (e.g., T-shirts AND Rice), you don't need two RCMCs. You can get one RCMC from FIEO.

    2. Unlisted Products: If your product doesn't fit into any of the lists above.

  • Note: While FIEO is convenient, specific councils (like APEDA or PHARMEXCIL) often provide better niche trade leads and support for their specific industries.

Part 3: Costs & Fees (2025 Estimates)

Fees are usually based on your Export Turnover.

• New Exporter (Turnover < ₹1 Crore):

  • Admission Fee: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 (One time)

  • Annual Fee: ₹5,000 - ₹8,000 per year (+18% GST)

• Large Exporter: Fees can go up to ₹30,000 - ₹50,000 per year.

• Note: Government fees are separate from "Consultant Fees." If you do it yourself online, you only pay the official fee.

Part 4: How to Apply (The Digital Process)

Since 2022, the process has moved entirely to the DGFT Common Digital Platform. You no longer send physical files to the council offices.

The Step-by-Step Workflow:

1. Login: Go to the DGFT Website and login with your IEC credentials.

2. Navigate: Go to Services > e-RCMC > Apply for e-RCMC.

3. Select Council: Choose the relevant EPC from the dropdown list.

4. Fill Details: The form will auto-fetch your IEC details. You just need to select your "Main Line of Business."

5. Upload Documents:

   • IEC Certificate.

   • PAN Card.

   • GST Certificate.

   • MSME/Udyam Certificate (if applicable, to get fee discounts).

   • Manufacturing proof (if applying as a Manufacturer Exporter).

6. Payment: Pay the membership fee online through the payment gateway.

7. Approval: The EPC usually approves it within 3-7 working days. You will get a digital certificate.

Part 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Manufacturer vs. Merchant:

   • If you are a Trader (buying and selling), register as a "Merchant Exporter."

   • If you have a Factory, register as a "Manufacturer Exporter."

   • Why it matters: Manufacturer exporters get different benefits and higher credibility.

2. Wrong Council: Applying to APEDA for Spices (instead of Spices Board) or AEPC for fabric (instead of TEXPROCIL). This causes rejection and refund delays.

3. Letting it Expire: RCMC is valid for 5 Years (usually April to March). However, you must pay the Annual Membership Fee every year in April. If you miss the annual fee, your RCMC gets suspended, and your export incentives (RoDTEP) will stop.

Next Step

Do you know which specific product category you are targeting? I can tell you exactly which council to pick and the approximate fee for that specific one.