CEPC Registration: Carpet Export Promotion Council Membership and RCMC
CEPC registration is membership of the Carpet Export Promotion Council, which issues the RCMC for handmade carpet, rug and floor-covering exporters. You apply on the DGFT portal and send physical papers within 15 days.
We prepare the file, file it on the portal, track the council and handle each year’s renewal. The 2026-27 renewal subscription is ₹6,000 plus GST.
What it is
The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) was set up in 1982 by the Ministry of Textiles to promote exports of handmade and hand-knotted carpets, rugs, floor coverings and allied products. Its working office is in Delhi, its registered office is in Noida, and it has regional offices at Bhadohi and Srinagar.
Membership gives you an RCMC, which DGFT asks for when you apply for an export authorisation or a benefit under the Foreign Trade Policy. The application is made through the e-RCMC service on the DGFT portal, where you select the Carpet Export Promotion Council. See our page on RCMC registration for how the council system works.
Who it applies to
Manufacturer exporters
Merchant exporters
Existing members
Why it matters
RCMC for DGFT schemes
Access to council services
Low cost, once organised
Documents required
Core documents
- Active IEC with updated DGFT profile
- PAN
- GST registration certificate
- Affidavit accepting the CEPC Code of Conduct
Proof of business
- Bank soundness certificate
- Udyam certificate with NIC code 1393, or manufacturing shown on GST registration, for manufacturers
- Star Export House certificate, if you hold one
- Udyam certificate if you claim MSME status
By type of entity
- Proprietorship: PAN of the owner
- Partnership: partnership deed
- LLP: incorporation documents
- Private limited company: MOA, AOA and director details
How it works
Confirm your category
We decide whether you apply as manufacturer, merchant-cum-manufacturer or merchant exporter, and check that the papers support it.
Prepare the document set
We collect the IEC, GST, PAN, affidavit, bank soundness certificate and entity papers. In practice, a bank or practising professional issues the certificates the council needs, and we coordinate them.
File on the DGFT portal
Under Services, we choose Apply for e-RCMC, select the Carpet Export Promotion Council, upload documents, sign with DSC or Aadhaar e-sign and pay the fee online.
Send physical papers and renew
The council asks for physical documents within 15 days, and failure can lead to suspension. We courier them and set your renewal reminder.
CEPC renewal 2026-27: fees and dates
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual subscription, all categories | ₹6,000 plus ₹1,080 GST, total ₹7,080 |
| Last date without late fee | 30 June 2026 |
| Late fee window | 1 July to 30 September 2026, ₹500 plus GST |
| Suspension if unpaid | From 1 October 2026 |
| Payment mode | Only through the DGFT portal |
Picture a Faridabad rug trader who renewed in August 2026. The late fee of ₹500 plus GST was added to ₹7,080, and any benefit file waited until the membership was current again.
Renewal needs a CA-certified export certificate for FY 2025-26, which the council uses to fix your membership category. Members can also pay in advance for RCMC validity of up to three years. Before 31 March, select Upcoming Financial Year on the portal. After 1 April, select Current Financial Year.
Timelines
New application
For a new CEPC registration, apply on the DGFT portal, and send physical documents to the council within 15 days of applying.
Annual renewal
Each financial year, with the 2026-27 deadline for no late fee at 30 June 2026 and a late fee of ₹500 plus GST until 30 September 2026.
Validity
An e-RCMC is valid from 1 April of the licensing year for five financial years ending 31 March. The CEPC subscription is still collected each year.
What happens if you miss the dates
Late fee
Paying between 1 July and 30 September 2026 attracted ₹500 plus GST on top of ₹7,080.
Suspension
The council suspends members who have not paid by 1 October 2026. In practice, a suspended RCMC cannot support a benefit application.
Physical papers pending
New members who do not send physical documents within 15 days may be suspended. We track this date for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for CEPC membership?
Log in to the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in, choose Apply for e-RCMC, select the Carpet Export Promotion Council, fill the form, upload documents and pay online. Physical documents then reach the council within 15 days. We prepare the whole file, make the portal filing and chase the council for you.
What is the CEPC renewal fee for 2026-27?
The annual subscription is ₹6,000 plus ₹1,080 GST, which is ₹7,080, for all categories. It can only be paid through the DGFT portal. The last date without late fee was 30 June 2026. If you have missed it, we check your status and bring your membership back in order.
Which documents does CEPC ask for?
New members need an IEC, GST registration certificate, PAN, an affidavit accepting the Code of Conduct, and a bank soundness certificate. Manufacturers add a Udyam certificate with NIC code 1393 or manufacturing shown on GST. Entity papers depend on your constitution. We check each document before upload.
What is the late fee for CEPC renewal?
For 2026-27, paying between 1 July and 30 September 2026 attracted a late fee of ₹500 plus GST. Members who had not paid by 1 October 2026 face suspension. If you are in that position now, tell us and we will handle the payment and the reply to the council.
Can I pay for more than one year of CEPC membership?
Yes. CEPC now lets members pay in advance for RCMC validity of up to three years. You pay through the DGFT portal when you renew. The exact amount for your category is on the DGFT payment screen. We tell you whether a multi-year payment suits your cash flow.
Who can join CEPC?
Exporters of handmade and hand-knotted carpets, rugs, floor coverings and allied products can join, either as manufacturers or merchant exporters. You need an IEC first. We confirm your product list against the council’s scope before filing.
What is the difference between a manufacturer and a merchant exporter?
A manufacturer or merchant-cum-manufacturer shows manufacturing proof, such as a Udyam certificate with NIC code 1393 or manufacturing on GST. A merchant exporter sources from others and needs no extra proof. Your category affects the papers, so we decide it before you apply.
What does Taxhint do and what does CEPC do?
We prepare documents, coordinate with you, file on the DGFT portal, courier physical papers and handle renewals. CEPC reviews the application and issues the RCMC. A bank or practising CA issues the certificates the council needs, and we coordinate them so the file goes in complete.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Government fees are the council subscription of ₹6,000 plus 18% GST for 2026-27 renewal, as listed above. The entrance fee for a new member is shown on the DGFT payment screen when you apply, so we confirm it with you before paying.
Ready to begin?
Tell us whether you make or trade carpets and we will list the papers, the fee and the dates for your case.