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RCMC Registration

What is RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate)?

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a crucial document required by exporters in India to avail various benefits and schemes provided by the government and export promotion councils. Issued by respective Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards, this certificate verifies that the exporter is registered and recognized under specific authorities, enabling smooth international trade operations.

Why do exporters need RCMC?

✈️ Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards in India:

India boasts a diverse array of EPCs and Commodity Boards, each dedicated to promoting specific product categories. Below is a comprehensive list detailing these organizations, the products they oversee, and the validity period of the RCMC they issue.

S. No. Export Promotion Council/Commodity Board Products Covered RCMC Validity
1
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, confectionery, bakery products, and other processed foods.
5 years.
2
Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
Readymade garments and apparel.
Not specified in the provided sources.
3
Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL)
Dyes, dye intermediates, basic inorganic and organic chemicals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, toiletries, essential oils, and castor oil
Not specified in the provided sources
4
Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
Handmade carpets, rugs, druggets, durries, and other floor coverings
Not specified in the provided sources
5
Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)
Cashew kernels and cashew nut shell liquid
Not specified in the provided sources
6
Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)
Products such as plywood, paper, books, ceramics, cement, glass, and graphite products
Not specified in the provided sources
7
Coconut Development Board
Coconut and coconut-based products
Not specified in the provided sources
8
Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)
Cotton textiles including yarn, fabrics, and made-ups
Not specified in the provided sources
9
Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
Leather products including footwear, garments, and accessories
Not specified in the provided sources
10
Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India)
Engineering goods, machinery, and equipment
Not specified in the provided sources
11
Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)
Electronics, computer software, and IT-enabled services
Not specified in the provided sources
12
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
Handicrafts and handloom products
Not specified in the provided sources
13
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
Multi-product exporters not covered by any specific EPC
1 to 5 years, depending on the application
14
Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
Gemstones, jewelry, and related products
Not specified in the provided sources
15
Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
Handloom products including fabrics and home textiles
Not specified in the provided sources
16
Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)
Oilseeds, oils, and related products
Not specified in the provided sources
17
Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)
Silk and silk products
Not specified in the provided sources
18
Jute Products Development & Export Promotion Council (JPDEPC)
Jute and jute products
Not specified in the provided sources
19
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
Seafood and marine products
Not specified in the provided sources
20
Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL)
Pharmaceuticals and drugs
Not specified in the provided sources
21
Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL)
Plastic products and raw materials
Not specified in the provided sources
22
Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL)
Powerloom textiles and products
Not specified in the provided sources
23
Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC)
Project exports including civil engineering and consultancy services
Not specified in the provided sources

Benefits of Having an RCMC Certificate

💡 Obtaining a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) offers significant advantages to Indian exporters. Here are the key benefits:

Access to Export Incentives & Schemes

Exporters holding an RCMC can access various government incentives under schemes such as: RoDTEP, MEIS, SEIS 

Eligibility for Government Grants & Subsidies

Exporters become eligible for government subsidies, financial grants, and funding for participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, and promotional events worldwide.

Enhances International
Credibility

RCMC is recognized globally, adding credibility and trustworthiness to your business, thereby enhancing your reputation in international markets.

Guidance & Support from Export Councils

Export Promotion Councils offer guidance, market intelligence, and advisory support, helping exporters stay competitive internationally.

Mandatory for Certain Export Operations

For specific product categories (like agricultural, processed foods, textiles), having an RCMC is mandatory to legally export from India.

Smooth Customs
Clearance

RCMC holders often experience easier and quicker customs clearance processes, reducing shipment delays.

Facilitates Visa Applications

An RCMC can enhance the exporter’s credibility while applying for business visas, especially when traveling abroad for trade fairs or business development.

Eligibility for Export Finance

Exporters with an RCMC can more easily avail of finance from banks and financial institutions due to verified authenticity and credibility.

Updates on Regulatory Changes

EPCs provide regular updates on regulatory changes, international trade developments, and compliance requirements, enabling exporters to adapt promptly.

Is RCMC Registration Mandatory?

Yes, RCMC Registration is mandatory for exporters dealing with specific categories of goods and services in India. According to the guidelines provided by India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), obtaining a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board is a legal requirement for:

Why Business Babu?

When it comes to RCMC Registration, choosing the right partner can save you time, ensure compliance, and provide peace of mind. At Business Babu, we combine deep industry knowledge with a client-first approach to make your RCMC registration process smooth, efficient, and error-free.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in foreign trade compliance and exporter registrations, we understand the nuances of RCMC requirements across all Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards.

Our streamlined process ensures fast-track submission and follow-up, enabling most clients to receive their RCMC certificate within 3 working days.

Our professionals handle the entire application process — from documentation to portal filing — so you can focus on growing your export business while we take care of the paperwork.

Every client gets access to a dedicated compliance expert for personalized guidance. Have questions? You’ll never be passed around — enjoy a single point of contact throughout your journey.

With us, what you see is what you pay. We believe in fair, upfront pricing with no last-minute surprises or confusing fee structures.

Thanks to our experienced team and internal checklists, your application is filed correctly the first time, reducing the chances of rejections or delays.

Book Appointment Now

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Types of RCMC & Registering Authorities

💡To facilitate and regulate exports from India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has authorized specific bodies to issue the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC). These registering authorities are grouped into three major categories:

Export Promotion Councils

These are sector-specific bodies dedicated to promoting the export of particular product categories such as textiles, electronics, engineering goods, leather, and more. There are 27 Export Promotion Councils currently empowered to issue RCMC for their respective sectors.

Commodity Boards

These are statutory organizations under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry or Agriculture, responsible for the development and regulation of exports of specific commodities like tea, spices, coffee, rubber, and tobacco. There are 6 Commodity Boards that issue RCMC for related products.

Export Development Authorities

These are specialized authorities created to promote export capabilities in niche or strategic sectors. There are 2 Development Authorities recognized for issuing RCMC, focusing on information and electronics trade.

RCMC Registering Authorities in India

Here’s a complete list of the current RCMC-issuing organizations, authorized by DGFT:

  • APEDA – Agricultural and Processed Food Products
  • AEPC – Apparel
  • CHEMEXCIL – Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics
  • CEPC – Carpets
  • CAPEXIL – Allied Products like Plywood, Paper, Graphite
  • CLE – Leather & Footwear
  • ESC – Electronics and Computer Software
  • EEPC – Engineering Goods
  • FIEO – Multi-Product Exporters (Fallback Option)
  • GJEPC – Gems & Jewellery
  • HEPC – Handloom Products
  • HHEC – Handicrafts & Handlooms
  • IOPEPC – Oilseeds & Produce
  • ISEPC – Silk Products
  • MPEDA – Marine Products
  • PHARMEXCIL – Pharmaceuticals
  • PLEXCONCIL – Plastics
  • PEPC – Project Exports
  • SEPC – Services
  • SHEFEXIL – Shellac & Forest Products
  • SGEPC – Sports Goods
  • SRTEPC – Synthetic & Rayon Textiles
  • TEXPROCIL – Cotton Textiles
  • WWEPC – Wool & Woollen Products
  • Coir Board
  • Coffee Board
  • Rubber Board
  • Spices Board
  • Tea Board
  • Tobacco Board
  • ELCID – Electronics Industries Development Council of India
  • NCTI – National Centre for Trade Information

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

To obtain your Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), you need to submit a set of documents to the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board, or Development Authority. While the requirements may vary slightly depending on the authority, the following is a standard checklist of documents commonly required for RCMC registration in India:

Basic Documents


  • Import Export Code (IEC) – Issued by DGFT
  • PAN Card – In the name of the business or proprietor
  • GST Registration Certificate
  • Business Registration Proof - Certificate of Incorporation/Partnership Deed/MSME/Udyam Certificate
  • Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
  • Address Proof of Business Place - Utility bill/rent agreement/property tax receipt, etc.
  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Board Resolution / Authorization Letter - Applicable for companies and LLPs to authorize a signatory
  • Self-Declaration / Undertaking

Additional Documents


  • APEDA - online form only
  • Pharmexcil - Drug License
  • MPEDA - Processing Unit Approval / Exporter Code
  • Spices Board - CRES Application Form & Exporter Registration Fee
  • Tea Board - Exporter License Form & Registration
  • Tobacco Board - Exporter License Form + Approval
  • EPCES - Letter of Approval (LOA) from SEZ/Development Commissioner
  • IOPEPC - FSSAI License
  • SHEFEXIL - Forest Product Declaration
  • PLEXCONCIL - No special requirements
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Any Questions?

RCMC stands for Registration Cum Membership Certificate, issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards. It certifies that the exporter is registered with the council/board for specific product categories.

Yes, RCMC is mandatory for exporters who wish to avail benefits under Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) or who deal in products regulated by specific EPCs or Boards.

RCMC is issued by DGFT-authorized bodies, including:

  • Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
  • Commodity Boards
  • Export Development Authorities (like APEDA, MPEDA, Spices Board)

There are 35 recognized authorities, including:

  • 27 Export Promotion Councils
  • 6 Commodity Boards
  • 2 Development Authorities

No. IEC is mandatory to apply for RCMC. Without IEC, RCMC cannot be issued.

Most RCMCs are valid for 5 years. However, councils like FIEO allow RCMC to be issued for 1 to 5 years, based on preference.

Yes. Service exporters must obtain RCMC from the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC).

You can apply online via the DGFT’s e-RCMC module. Alternatively, firms like Business Babu assist with documentation and filing.

Yes, if you export products falling under multiple sectors, you can obtain multiple RCMCs from relevant EPCs.

In such cases, you can obtain RCMC from FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations).

RCMC is not transferable. However, you can request amendments for changes like business address, contact details, etc.

Key documents include:

  • IEC certificate
  • PAN and GST
  • Business registration documents
  • Bank certificate/cancelled cheque
  • Authorization letter or board resolution
  • Product list and category

Yes, for filing RCMC online on DGFT portal, a valid Class 3 DSC is required.

Yes. Sole proprietors can apply with their business PAN, GST, and IEC.

Yes. Each EPC or Board charges a membership/registration fee, which may vary. Some councils also charge annual renewal fees.

Technically yes, for a few general categories. But if you want incentives, subsidies, or regulatory clearance, RCMC is essential.

Yes. RCMC must be renewed before expiry, typically after 5 years. Renewal can be done online through the DGFT portal.

Yes. Any change in IEC, GST, address, or ownership must be updated with the registering authority.

If you’re exporting via e-commerce and want benefits like RoDTEP, you’ll still require an RCMC. For small-value casual exports, it may not be mandatory.

Because we offer:

  • 10+ years of export compliance expertise
  • Quick filing with zero errors
  • Approval in 3 working days
  • Transparent pricing and full support