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RCMC Registration

The RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is an authorization document for importing or exporting restricted products according to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Typically, the Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, and Export Development Authorities established by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for each restricted product issue this certificate.

Moreover, it functions as proof of membership or registration of an exporter with a specific EPC, commodity board, or export development authority. The RCMC is essential to benefit from concessions provided under the FTP for importing or exporting restricted goods.

IndiaFilings, as a professional service provider, can assist businesses in obtaining RCMC registration online quickly and efficiently. We have years of experience handling RCMC registration process and can provide end-to-end support to our clients.

What is RCMC Certificate?

Importers and Exporters must be aware of what is RCMC certificate. RCMC full form stands for  Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. The RCMC certificate validates an exporter dealing with products registered with an agency or organization authorized by the Indian Government. This certificate of RCMC meaning indicates that the exporter is registered with the authorized agency or organization.

Why RCMC Registration?

The RCMC registration process online serves several purposes.

  • Firstly, it authorizes importing or exporting products that fall under the restricted category per the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
  • Secondly, it is evidence of membership or registration of an exporter with a specific EPC, commodity board, or export development authority.
  • Thirdly, it is required to take advantage of concessions provided under the FTP for the import/export of restricted goods.

Eligibility for RCMC Registration Online

Exporter or Merchandiser (Merchant)

Before applying for RCMC registration, the exporter or merchandiser must confirm that their business deals with imports and exports. This is one of the key requirements for starting a manufacturing company in India. Additionally, the exporter must prove they have applied for an Import Export Code (IEC) from the authorized authority. The DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade) regulates the IEC.

Business Main Line Declaration

In the Business Main Line Declaration, the exporter or merchant must specify their primary business line. For instance, if their main business is dealing with coffee and tea products, they need to consult the Tea and Coffee Promotion Board. In case there is no export promotion board or regulatory agency for the commodities dealt with by the exporter, this needs to be mentioned as well.

Consent from the Board of the FIEO

The applicant must obtain the necessary board permission or clearance from FIEO. If no specialized board is available for a specific product, the applicant needs to apply for approval to FIEO. In addition, obtaining FIEO authorization is also required for RCMC registration online.

Benefits of Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)

Obtaining a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) offers several benefits to exporters. Some of these benefits include:

  • Access to export promotion schemes and benefits - RCMC is a mandatory requirement for availing export promotion schemes and benefits such as Duty Drawback, Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), and Market Access Initiative (MAI).
  • Facilitation in import and export - RCMC makes it easier for exporters to import or export restricted goods as the certificate validates the exporter's authenticity and products' authenticity.
  • Easier customs clearance - RCMC reduces the time and effort required for customs clearance as it proves the exporter's membership with a recognized authority and their compliance with government regulations.
  • Enhances credibility - RCMC enhances the credibility of the exporter as it is a testament to their compliance with government regulations and standards.
  • Access to market information - RCMC enables exporters to stay updated with the latest market information and developments through export promotion activities and programs organized by Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards.

RCMC Registering Authorities

The Registering Authorities responsible for issuing the RCMC Certificate are empowered by the DGFT. These authorities include the Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Export Development Authority.

Their primary function is to promote and develop the Indian export industry, and each authority is responsible for promoting a particular group of products.

The DGFT currently authorizes 35 organizations to issue the RCMC certificate, including 27 Export Promotion Councils, 6 Commodity Boards, and 2 Development Authorities, which work towards promoting the import/export of restricted items.

Export promotion councils

These authorities are categorized based on the type of products they deal with. Each of India's Export Promotion Councils and commodities boards categorizes itself according to the Type of products.

List of Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Development Authorities in India:

Export Promotion Councils:

  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
  • Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
  • Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL)
  • Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
  • Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)
  • Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
  • Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)
  • Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)
  • Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
  • Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
  • Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
  • Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India (HHEC)
  • Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)
  • Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)
  • Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL)
  • Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL)
  • Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC)
  • Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)
  • Shellac Export Promotion Council (SPEC)
  • Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC)
  • Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)
  • Tea Board of India
  • Tobacco Board
  • Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)
  • The Coffee Board of India
  • The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

Commodity Boards

  • Coir Board
  • Coffee Board
  • Rubber Board
  • Spices Board
  • Tea Board of India
  • Tobacco Board

Development Authorities

  • Electronics Industries Development of India (ELCID)
  • National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI)

If an export product is not covered by any Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board, the exporter can obtain the RCMC from the Federation of Indian Exporters Organization (FIEO).

If the exporter deals with multi-products and the situation are unresolved, they can also obtain RCMC from FIEO.

For multi-product exporters in the North Eastern States, the RCMC can be obtained from Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council (except for products managed by APEDA, Spices Board, and Tea Board).

For exporters of handicrafts and handloom products from Jammu & Kashmir, the Director of Handicrafts, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, is authorized to issue the RCMC.

Validity of RCMC

The RCMC remains valid starting from the issuance date on the 1st of April of the licensing year and is valid for five years, concluding on the 31st of March.

Documents Required for RCMC

The application form for RCMC must be accompanied by several mandatory documents, including:

  • An IEC number issued by the regional licensing authority
  • A Permanent Account Number (PAN) granted by the competent authority
  • The Memorandum of Association (MOA) for corporate, institutional, private limited, or limited companies
  • A self-certified copy of the partnership deed for partnership companies and individuals
  • The trust deed for trusts, institutional or corporate entities
  • A certificate from the Registrar of Companies regarding the registered office change of the company
  • Certified data on the company's foreign exchange earnings over the past three years, provided by the company's chartered accountant
  • A board resolution or power of attorney issued in favor of the signing authority, if the name of the signing authority is not mentioned in the IEC/MOA/partnership deed/trust deed of the company/firm/trust
  • A GST registration certificate.

Types of Exporters/Importers Covered - RCMC

The online RCMC application process is available for various types of exporters and importers, including:

  • Ordinary Membership: This type of membership is suitable for businesses new to the export and import industry and looking for basic membership.
  • Associate Membership: This membership is for entities involved in the export and import trade for a significant period and has an established business. The fee for associate membership is higher than ordinary membership and includes a small amount of GST.
  • Premier Trading House (PTH) Membership: This membership is for companies with a significant share in India's total exports and substantially contributed to India's international trade.
  • Star Export House (SEH) Membership: This membership is for companies that have demonstrated consistent export growth and earned significant foreign exchange.
  • Trading House (TH) Membership: This membership is for companies engaged in import and export activities with an annual turnover of at least INR 100 crores.

Compliance with RCMC

Compliance with the RCMC Certificate is mandatory for exporters who wish to participate in various government schemes and programs related to exports. Some of the important compliance requirements related to RCMC are as follows:

  • Renewal of RCMC: The RCMC is valid for five years, after which it needs to be renewed. Failure to renew the RCMC can result in non-compliance.
  • Adherence to Export-Import Policy: Exporters must adhere to the export-import policy guidelines and conditions related to the RCMC issued by the DGFT.
  • Submission of Annual Export Data: Exporters must submit their annual export data to the DGFT as required. Failure to do so can result in the suspension or cancellation of the RCMC.
  • Compliance with Customs Regulations: Exporters must comply with the customs regulations and procedures related to the export of goods. Non-compliance can result in penalties and other legal actions.
  • Compliance with Foreign Trade Regulations: Exporters must comply with the various foreign trade regulations related to the export of goods, such as compliance with export control regulations, sanctions, and embargoes.
  • Adherence to Quality Standards: Exporters must adhere to the quality standards specified by the importing country for exporting goods.
  • Maintenance of Records: Exporters must maintain records related to their export transactions and comply with the record-keeping requirements of the DGFT.

Compliance with RCMC requirements is essential for exporters to participate in various export-related schemes and programs and to avoid penalties and legal actions.

RCMC Registration Procedure: DGFT Common Digital Platform for filing of RCMC

The DGFT has recently launched the e-RCMC module as part of its IT revamp project. This module is a common digital platform designed to provide exporters, importers, and issuing agencies with single-point access for RCMC/RC-related processes, including new/modified/renewal RCMC/RC applications. The primary aim of this platform is to offer an electronic, contactless single window for RCMC/RC-related processes, making obtaining RCMC certificates simpler and more efficient.

Get Your RCMC Certificate Quickly with IndiaFilings  

At IndiaFilings, We can assist in filing the RCMC application online through the DGFT's e-RCMC module. We can ensure that the application is filed correctly and that the applicant receives the RCMC certificate as soon as possible with reasonable RCMC registration fees.

IndiaFilings can provide reliable and efficient assistance to businesses seeking their RCMC registration with affordable RCMC registration fees. Our experience, expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction make us a good choice for businesses seeking RCMC registration online services.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about RCMC Registration: Process, Documents, and Benefits.

An RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is an authorization document issued by Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, or Export Development Authorities in India. It allows importers and exporters to trade in restricted products according to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). The RCMC certificate serves as proof of an exporter's registration with the authorized agency for their specific product category.
RCMC registration is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it authorizes the import or export of restricted products under the Foreign Trade Policy. Secondly, it acts as evidence of an exporter's membership with the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board. Thirdly, it is a mandatory requirement to avail various export promotion schemes and benefits offered by the government.
To be eligible for RCMC registration, an applicant must be an exporter or merchandiser (merchant) dealing with imports and exports. They must have an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Additionally, they must specify their main business line and obtain consent from the relevant board or FIEO if there is no specific board for their product category.
Some key benefits of having an RCMC certificate include access to export promotion schemes and benefits, facilitation in importing and exporting restricted goods, easier customs clearance, enhanced credibility as a compliant exporter, and access to market information and development programs organized by the issuing authorities.
RCMC certificates in India are issued by Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Export Development Authorities authorized by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Currently, there are 35 such organizations, including 27 Export Promotion Councils, 6 Commodity Boards, and 2 Development Authorities.
An RCMC certificate is valid for five years from the date of issuance, which is typically the 1st of April of the licensing year. The certificate remains valid until the 31st of March of the fifth year.
Some essential documents required for RCMC registration include an Import Export Code (IEC) number, Permanent Account Number (PAN), Memorandum of Association (MOA) or partnership deed, foreign exchange earnings data for the past three years, board resolution or power of attorney for the signing authority, and a GST registration certificate.
Various types of exporters and importers can apply for RCMC, including ordinary membership for new businesses, associate membership for established traders, Premier Trading House (PTH) membership, Star Export House (SEH) membership, and Trading House (TH) membership for high-turnover businesses.
RCMC holders must comply with several requirements, such as renewing the RCMC every five years, adhering to export-import policies and customs regulations, submitting annual export data, maintaining records, and complying with quality standards and foreign trade regulations.
IndiaFilings can assist businesses in filing the RCMC application online through the DGFT's e-RCMC module efficiently. They ensure that the application is filed correctly and that the applicant receives the RCMC certificate as soon as possible with reasonable RCMC registration fees.