What is RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate)?

RCMC stands for Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. It is a certificate an Export Promotion Council issues to an exporter who joins it as a member. In simple terms, it shows that you are a registered exporter of a particular product group and a member of the council that looks after that sector.

Why it matters for exporters

Once you have an Import Export Code, the next question is which council you belong to. DGFT’s procedure says an exporter should apply to the council that matches the main products or services they export. If you export many unrelated products with no single council covering them, you can register with FIEO. If you are still at the first step, our import export registration service covers the IEC before you apply for membership.

Many export benefits and schemes ask for an RCMC as proof of membership, so it is worth sorting out early rather than when a shipment is waiting.

Where and when you need it

• When claiming benefits under export promotion schemes that ask for council membership proof.
• When you want trade fair, market-development or buyer-seller meet support that councils organise.
• When a bank, buyer or scheme officer asks for proof of your sector membership.
• When your main line of business changes, so ask the council about updating your membership.

How to pick the right council

Start from your product. Garments point to AEPC, engineering goods to EEPC, and gems and jewellery to GJEPC. Others, such as FIEO, PHARMEXCIL and TEXPROCIL, cover their own sectors. DGFT sets the validity: an RCMC runs from 1 April of the year it is issued for five years, ending 31 March. Fees and documents differ from council to council, so check the council’s current rules. Our RCMC registration team handles the application end to end.

Common mistakes

• Applying to a council that does not match the main product.
• Using a mismatched HS code or product description between the IEC, invoices and RCMC application.
• Forgetting to renew or update the certificate when the validity ends.
• Assuming one RCMC covers every product you export.

Related guides: DGFT and IEC, Trademark classes list, Madrid Protocol

FAQs

Who issues an RCMC?

Export Promotion Councils issue it. You apply to the council that matches your main export product or service.

Do I need an IEC before an RCMC?

Councils generally ask for your Import Export Code along with other business documents, so get the IEC first.

Can I hold RCMCs from more than one council?

Your RCMC must come from the council for your main line of business. Check with the council before taking a second membership.

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