SEPC Registration: Services Export Promotion Council Membership and RCMC
SEPC registration is membership of the Services Export Promotion Council, the export promotion council for service exporters such as IT, healthcare, education and logistics firms. You apply on the DGFT portal with an IEC and a CA-certified turnover statement. We prepare the file, file it, and handle renewals.
What it is
The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) is the export promotion council for India’s services sector. It runs market research, country and sector reports, events and trade information for members. Membership gives you a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) as a service exporter.
DGFT asks for an RCMC when you claim a benefit or authorisation under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (para 2.57(a)). Our page on RCMC registration explains the full council map. SEPC is the council for services, while goods exporters join product councils. We check which fits you before filing.
Who it applies to
IT and software exporters
A Faridabad or Gurugram software firm billing clients abroad is a service exporter. You need an IEC, which our Import Export Code page explains.
Healthcare, education and logistics firms
Medical tourism providers, training institutes and logistics service companies selling to overseas clients also look at SEPC. The council lists these sectors among those it promotes.
Start-ups and MSMEs
SEPC has a start-up slab for turnover below ₹2 crore and a micro slab up to ₹10 crore. Bring your Udyam or start-up recognition certificate if you have one.
Why it matters
RCMC for DGFT work
Foreign Trade Policy benefits and authorisations ask for an RCMC. A service exporter who lacks one cannot support those applications.
Fee based on turnover
The fee scales with turnover, so a small start-up does not pay the amount a large exporter does.
Market intelligence
SEPC publishes country and sector reports and organises forums. For a first-time exporter, that information shortens the learning curve.
Documents required
Financial proof
- CA-certified annual turnover and foreign exchange earnings for the last three financial years
- Statement signed by a practising CA, which we help you prepare
Registrations
- Active IEC with DGFT profile
- Self-certified Udyam certificate, if MSME-registered
- Self-certified start-up recognition certificate, if applicable
Entity and signing
- PAN and constitution documents of the entity
- Class 2 or 3 DSC or Aadhaar authentication on DGFT
- Authorisation letter if we file for you
How it works
Check eligibility and slab
We read your turnover and foreign exchange figures and place you in the correct slab, from start-up to large.
Prepare the CA certificate and documents
We prepare the turnover statement for your CA to certify, and collect IEC, Udyam or start-up papers and entity documents.
File on the DGFT portal
We open the e-RCMC application with your IEC, select SEPC, attach documents, sign with DSC or Aadhaar and pay the fee.
Respond to queries and renew
We answer council queries, collect the RCMC and keep the renewal date in your compliance diary.
SEPC fee slabs for 2026-27
SEPC lists these fees for FY 2026-27, with 18% GST included in the totals. Admission fee applies only to new registrations.
| Category | Turnover | New member total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start-up | Below ₹2 crore | ₹11,800 | ₹8,850 |
| Micro | ₹2 to 10 crore | ₹15,340 | ₹11,800 |
| Small | ₹10 to 100 crore | ₹35,400 | ₹29,500 |
| Medium | ₹100 to 500 crore | ₹97,350 | ₹88,500 |
Larger slabs run up to ₹9,32,200 for new members above ₹5,000 crore turnover, and overseas members pay in US dollars. A start-up member pays ₹2,500 admission and ₹7,500 annual fee before GST. Here is the catch: your slab comes from certified turnover, so the CA certificate sets what you pay.
Timelines
Application
There is no single filing deadline for new members. You can apply when you need the RCMC, for example before an authorisation or scheme application.
RCMC validity
An RCMC issued through the DGFT e-RCMC system is valid for five financial years ending 31 March, subject to the council’s dues.
Renewal
Renewal fees are set by slab each year. We diarise the due date and confirm the amount from the council’s current notice.
What happens if you do not register or renew
No RCMC for DGFT claims
An exporter without a valid RCMC cannot support applications that ask for one under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Membership dues lapse
Unpaid renewal puts your membership out of good standing. Council services and your RCMC support then stop until you clear dues.
Wrong slab means rework
A turnover figure that does not match the CA certificate leads to queries and delay. We cross-check before filing.
Frequently asked questions
What is SEPC registration?
It is membership of the Services Export Promotion Council, the export promotion council for India’s services sector, which gives service exporters an RCMC. DGFT asks for this certificate when you apply for authorisations or benefits. You apply on the DGFT portal using your IEC. We prepare the documents and file the application for you.
Who needs SEPC registration?
Service exporters, such as IT, healthcare, education and logistics firms that bill overseas clients, should take it when they need an RCMC for DGFT work. The council lists these sectors among those it promotes. If you only sell goods, a product council fits you better. We check your income mix and tell you which council applies.
What does SEPC membership cost?
For FY 2026-27 a new start-up member pays ₹11,800 including GST and a micro member ₹15,340. A small member pays ₹35,400 and a medium member ₹97,350. Renewals are ₹8,850, ₹11,800, ₹29,500 and ₹88,500. Larger slabs also exist. We confirm the current figures before you pay.
What documents does SEPC ask for?
You need a CA-certified statement of annual turnover and foreign exchange earnings for the last three financial years. If you are MSME-registered, add a self-certified Udyam certificate, and a self-certified start-up certificate if that applies. You also need an IEC. We draft the turnover statement for your CA to review and sign.
How do I apply for the SEPC RCMC?
Apply on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in using your IEC. Sign with a Class 2 or Class 3 DSC or Aadhaar authentication, select SEPC and your category, upload the documents and pay the fee. We handle the whole process from a short authorisation letter, and we reply to council queries on your behalf.
Is the admission fee charged every year?
No. The admission fee applies only to new registrations. Renewals pay the annual fee with GST. For a start-up, that means ₹2,500 admission plus ₹7,500 annual fee for the first year, and ₹7,500 plus GST on renewal. We note the figure in your diary so you can plan the cash outflow.
How long is the RCMC valid?
An RCMC issued through the DGFT e-RCMC system is valid for five financial years ending 31 March under the Foreign Trade Policy. You still pay renewal dues to the council so that your membership stays in good standing. We record both dates and remind you ahead of time.
What does Taxhint do, and what does the CA do?
We check the slab, prepare the turnover statement and other documents, file on the DGFT portal, pay the fee and follow up with the council. The turnover certificate is signed by a practising CA, and the council issues the RCMC. This division keeps accountability clear and your application consistent.
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.
Ready to begin?
Send us your last three years of turnover and foreign exchange receipts, and we will tell you the slab and what the SEPC file needs.