RCMC Registration: Step-by-Step Process Explained

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a mandatory certificate for exporters in India, confirming their membership with an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). It validates that the exporter is authorised to trade specific goods under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

This registration is essential because it enables exporters to access various benefits, incentives, and government schemes. Without RCMC registration, exporters cannot avail duty exemptions, export subsidies, or participate in global trade promotions through EPCs.

In this blog, we will explain what RCMC registration is, including the required documents, applicable fees, and a step-by-step procedure for online registration. This guide will help exporters understand how to obtain RCMC efficiently and stay compliant with the FTP.

Why Do Exporters Need RCMC Registration?

RCMC registration is important for exporters because it provides legal authorisation to trade under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. It acts as proof that the exporter is registered with a recognised Export Promotion Council or FIEO.

One major benefit of RCMC registration is the ability to export or import restricted items, provided proper approval is obtained. Exporters also become eligible for various government incentives and schemes that reduce export costs and improve competitiveness.

Through RCMC online registration, exporters can claim benefits under schemes like RoDTEP, RoSCTL, and SEIS. They also gain access to a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST, which enables them to export goods without incurring duties.

The certificate helps simplify customs procedures, reduce transaction costs, and ease compliance. Exporters can also trade in multiple product categories without restriction.

Additionally, RCMC registration connects exporters with EPCs and Commodity Boards, giving them access to technical support, guidance, and global market opportunities.

RCMC Registration Online Process: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to apply, here is a comprehensive explanation of the RCMC registration process, step by step.

Step 1: Identify the Relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC)

The first step is to find out which EPC, Commodity Board, or Export Development Authority is responsible for your product category. Each restricted product comes under the jurisdiction of a specific council approved by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Once identified, exporters must apply to the respective authority for their RCMC. This certificate also works as proof of membership and is necessary to avail concessions under the FTP.

Step 2: Gather the Documents Required for RCMC Registration

Before filling out the RCMC registration form, it is important to prepare all the documents. Exporters must have an active Import Export Code (IEC), an updated IEC profile, and a linked Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Signature.

The complete list of documents required for RCMC registration includes:

• IEC number issued by the regional licensing authority.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the competent authority.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) for corporate, institutional, or limited companies.
• Partnership Deed for partnership firms and Individuals.
• Trust Deed for Trusts and Institutional Entities.
• Certificate from the Registrar of Companies for registered office change (if applicable).
• Certified data on foreign exchange earnings for the last three years, issued by a chartered accountant.
• Board resolution or power of attorney in favour of the signing authority, if not mentioned in the IEC or MOA.
• GST registration certificate.
  

Step 3: Fill Out the RCMC Registration Form

After gathering the documents, exporters must fill out the RCMC registration form. This form can be obtained from the respective EPC or completed online via the DGFT portal.

Step 4: Submit Letter of Authority for RCMC Registration (If Applicable)

In certain cases, exporters may need to provide a letter of authority. This is especially relevant if the application is submitted by someone other than the official signatory of the business.

The online submission can be made through DGFT’s e-RCMC portal.

Step 5: Pay the RCMC Registration Fees

The RCMC registration fees vary depending on the EPC and the business type (manufacturer, merchant exporter, or service exporter). The fees are generally nominal and are paid directly during the online application.

Step 6: Complete RCMC Online Registration on the DGFT Portal

The final step is to complete the RCMC registration process online via the DGFT portal. Exporters must upload scanned copies of all supporting documents, pay the fees, and digitally sign the application.

RCMC Registration Fees and Validity

The RCMC registration fees differ across Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards. The amount depends on various factors, including export turnover, product category, MSME status, and the duration of membership. 

For example, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) charges a one-time admission fee plus an annual term fee, while the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) follows a fixed annual fee model.

The cost ranges from a few thousand to over ten thousand rupees, with an additional 18% GST applied. 

Exporters should check the respective EPC’s official fee structure before applying. Some councils also offer discounts for multi-year membership payments, making long-term registration more economical.

The validity of RCMC registration is usually five years. Exporters must renew their certificate before expiry to continue accessing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Comparison Table: RCMC Registration Fees & Validity (Major EPCs)

Note: The fees and validity mentioned above are approximate values. Exporters should always refer to the official EPC or Commodity Board website for the latest fee structure and renewal guidelines.

Power Export Growth With WareIQ Beyond RCMC Registration

Once exporters complete their RCMC registration, the next challenge is ensuring smooth operations across the supply chain, fulfillment, and compliance. 

This is where WareIQ, a Y Combinator-backed e-commerce full-stack platform, comes into play. 

WareIQ enables multi-channel fulfillment across D2C, Marketplaces, Quick Commerce, and B2B channels, helping exporters expand globally with efficiency and scale.

Key Solutions Offered by WareIQ

Pan-India Fulfillment Network

• Operates Seller Flex & FAssured compliant centres across 12+ cities, supported by shipping partners delivering to 27,000+ pin codes.

Multi-Channel Fulfillment Platform

• Plug-and-play integrations with marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa), D2C platforms (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce), WMS, and ERPs. 
• Exporters can manage fulfillment across distributors, flagship stores, and eCommerce channels with built-in analytics.

Inventory LogIQ

• An AI-driven inventory planning tool that minimises stockouts, automates replenishment, and ensures products are always export-ready.

Tech-Enabled Returns QC

• Captures and stores high-definition evidence of damaged or missing returned products, reducing disputes and preventing marketplace claims rejections.

Seller Enablement & Compliance Support

• Services include dedicated account management, APOB/PPOB registrations, GST registration, NDR & COD verification, and more.

Seller of Record Solution

• Allows exporters to go live rapidly on multiple marketplaces with premium-tier access, simplified operations, and zero compliance risks.

FAQs

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