RCMC Certificate: Importance for Exporters

The RCMC certificate, or Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, is an official document that certifies an exporter’s registration with an authorized trade body in India.

In simple terms, what is RCMC in export? It is proof that your business meets the government’s export compliance requirements. Holding an RCMC validates your company’s eligibility to participate in regulated trade activities and access export incentives.

RCMC is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, or recognized authorities under the DGFT. These bodies monitor export performance, ensure compliance with policies, and provide membership benefits to registered exporters.

This article will guide exporters through the benefits of RCMC, the registration process, amendment steps, and renewal instructions, helping businesses stay compliant while optimizing their export operations.

Benefits of the RCMC Certificate for Exporters

Official Recognition in Global Trade

An RCMC certificate officially identifies your business as a registered exporter under India’s trade framework. It assures global buyers and authorities that your operations meet the government’s compliance standards.

Access to Government Incentives

Exporters with an RCMC can access a wide range of Foreign Trade Policy incentives, including duty drawbacks, tax exemptions, and export subsidies. These benefits help reduce financial burdens and enhance market competitiveness.

Simplified Licensing Procedures

The RCMC certificate simplifies the process of acquiring export-related licenses and permits. As your business is already verified by an authorized council, additional approvals often take less time.

Opportunities for Market Expansion

RCMC holders gain access to market development assistance programs that promote participation in global trade fairs and exhibitions. These initiatives help exporters showcase products, connect with buyers, and strengthen their global presence.

Introduction to the DGFT Portal

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) manages India’s export and import policies through its online portal. This platform enables exporters and importers to complete trade-related procedures digitally, including the RCMC registration process.

To simplify compliance, DGFT introduced the e-RCMC module as part of its IT Revamp project. The goal is to offer a seamless, paperless experience for businesses applying for or managing their Registration-cum-Membership Certificates.

Launched officially on 6 December 2021 under Trade Notice No. 27/2021-2022, the module allows the electronic filing of RCMCs or Registration Certificates (RCs) through a common digital platform. It replaced manual paperwork with a streamlined online process accessible to all exporters.

The e-RCMC module offers several key features:

• Paperless and real-time issuance of RCMC certificates.
• Auto-authentication of IEC details to ensure consistency across the trade ecosystem.
• Integration with CBDT and MCA systems for automatic PAN and DIN validation.
• Auto-generation of invoices reduces manual errors.
• Single source of information for exporter credentials and updates.

Logging Into the New DGFT Portal

Exporters must have an active internet connection and valid login credentials, including a registered User ID and password created during the IEC registration process, to access the DGFT portal.

Follow these steps to log in to the system:

1. Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in.
2. Click on Login or New User Registration if you are accessing it for the first time.
3. Enter your User ID, password, and the captcha code displayed on the screen.
4. Click on the Login button to access your account.

Once logged in, the Dashboard displays essential details, including your IEC number, its validity, and current status. You can also view issued authorizations and pending applications directly from this panel.

The left pane of the dashboard shows important FYA notifications and system updates related to export documentation and RCMC management. Exporters can navigate to the RCMC registration process section from this dashboard to apply, renew, or download their RCMC certificate.

Registration-cum-Membership Certificate

The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an official document that verifies an exporter’s status as a registered member of an authorized trade body in India. It is issued to exporters dealing in products governed by a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board, or Development Authority.

While applying for an RCMC certificate, exporters must declare their main line of business. Based on this, they need to register with the council that manages the export of those products.

If the product category does not fall under any specific EPC or Board, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) issues the certificate. For multi-product exporters with headquarters in the North-Eastern States, RCMC may be obtained from the Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council, except for items managed by APEDA, Spices Board, or Tea Board.

Exporters of handicrafts and handloom products from Jammu & Kashmir can obtain RCMC from the Director, Handicrafts, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The RCMC certificate is valid for five financial years, starting on 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued and ending on 31 March of the fifth year. The certificate remains valid unless otherwise specified by the issuing authority.

Issuance of Registration-cum-Membership Certificate: Step-by-Step

Follow the steps below to complete your RCMC registration process:

Step 1: Log In to the DGFT Portal

• Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in.
• Click on the Login button at the top-right corner.
• Enter your Username, Password, and CAPTCHA code, then click Login.
• Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard that displays your basic details, such as your IEC Number, validity status, and issued authorizations.

Step 2: Navigate to the e-RCMC Section

• From the main menu, go to Services → e-RCMC → Apply for e-RCMC.
• You can either click Start Fresh Application or continue with an existing draft by selecting Proceed with Existing Application.

Step 3: Update and Verify Profile Details

• The system will prompt you to declare whether your profile is updated.
• Select Yes, ensure your profile information is accurate, and then click Save & Next to proceed. 

Step 4: Fill in RCMC Details

• Under the RCMC Details section, choose the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board (CB).
• Provide the required details related to your product category and business line.
• If any RCMC certificate fees were already paid outside the DGFT portal, select Yes under the “Fee Details” option, and enter the payment details, including the transaction number, date, and amount.

Step 5: Specify Office, Branch, and Product Information

• Select the office of submission and the branch through which you are applying for the RCMC certificate.
• Add details of export products or services by clicking Add to save each entry.
• Next, provide the contact details of authorized representatives or department heads for the chosen council, then click “Add Details”.

Step 6: Enter Company and Export Information

• Under the Other Information section, specify the countries your company exports to, add your firm profile, and mention your website URL.
• After reviewing all information, click Save & Next.

Step 7: Upload Required Attachments

Go to the Attachments section. Upload documents such as:

• IEC certificate
• PAN card
• GST registration
• Bank certificate or canceled cheque
• Upload files from your system, click Upload Attachments, and then Save & Next to proceed.

Step 8: Accept the Declaration

• Read through all declaration statements displayed on the screen.
• Check the box to confirm your acceptance, enter your place of signing, and click Save & Next.

Step 9: Review Application Summary

• The system will show your filled-out application and uploaded documents under the Application Summary tab.
• Verify all details before final submission.
• When ready, click Sign to digitally sign the application.

Step 10: Complete Payment

• Click Payment for RCMC to proceed to the payment gateway.
• Enter payment details and click Submit.
• After the transaction, a Payment Response Page will appear, displaying the transaction ID.
• Click Submit again to confirm.

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