Expert Assistance

The RCMC is a crucial document for exporters in India. It serves as a valid proof that an exporter is registered with a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC), Commodity Board, or other authority authorized by the Indian Government. This registration is essential for availing various benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and for smooth customs procedures. The certificate is generally valid for five financial years.

 

Significance and Benefits of RCMC

• Eligibility for Export Promotion Schemes: Holding an RCMC makes exporters eligible for various government incentives, subsidies, and schemes aimed at promoting exports, such as the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), the Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), and duty drawback schemes.

• Smoother Customs Clearance: It often facilitates faster and smoother customs procedures for export shipments as it validates the exporter's authenticity.

• Enhanced Business Credibility: An RCMC adds credibility to an exporter's profile in the international market, assuring buyers of their legitimacy and compliance with export regulations.

• Access to Market Information: EPCs and Commodity Boards often provide market intelligence, trade data, and other valuable information to their registered members, helping them make informed business decisions.

• Participation in Trade Events: RCMC holders often get opportunities to participate in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets organized or supported by the EPCs.

• Networking Opportunities: Membership with an EPC provides a platform to network with other exporters and industry stakeholders.

• Policy Advocacy: EPCs act as a bridge between the government and exporters, addressing their concerns and suggesting policy changes to promote trade.

• Bank Guarantee Exemption: In some cases, members with a valid RCMC may be exempt from providing bank guarantees under certain export schemes.

 

Registration Procedure for RCMC

The RCMC registration process is primarily online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal:

1. Obtain an Import-Export Code (IEC): Before applying for RCMC, you must have a valid IEC. You can apply for IEC on the DGFT website (https://www.dgft.gov.in/).

2. Register on the DGFT Website: If you haven't already, register on the DGFT portal as an Importer/Exporter. You'll need to provide your email ID and mobile number for registration.

3. Login to Your DGFT Account: Use your registered credentials to log in to the DGFT portal.

4. Select 'Services' and then 'e-RCMC': Navigate to the 'Services' tab and find the 'e-RCMC' option. Click on "Apply for e-RCMC".

5. Choose the Relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board: You need to select the EPC or Commodity Board that is relevant to your primary line of export business. There are numerous EPCs covering different product categories (e.g., APEDA for agricultural products, AEPC for apparel, EEPC India for engineering goods). If your product line isn't covered by a specific EPC, you might need to register with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

6. Fill in the RCMC Application Form: Complete the online application form with all the required details about your business, including your IEC, company name, address, contact information, and main line of business.

7. Upload Required Documents: You will need to upload scanned copies of certain documents, which typically include:

   • Copy of your IEC certificate.

   • PAN card of the company/firm.

   • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) for companies, Partnership Deed for partnership firms, or Trust Deed for trusts.

   • GST Registration Certificate.

   • Bank certificate verifying your bank details.

   • Address proof of your business premises.

   • Board Resolution or Power of Attorney authorizing the signatory (if applicable).

   • Self-certified copies of the last 3 years' export data (foreign exchange earnings), certified by a Chartered Accountant (may be required by some EPCs).

   • Aadhaar card, Passport, or Voter ID of the authorized signatory.

8. Pay the Membership Fee: You will need to pay the membership fee to the selected EPC or Commodity Board online through the DGFT portal. The fee structure varies depending on the council and the type of membership.

9. Submit the Application: After filling in all the details, uploading documents, and paying the fee, submit your RCMC application online.

10. Verification by the EPC/Commodity Board: The selected EPC or Commodity Board will review your application and the submitted documents. They may contact you for clarifications or additional information if needed.

11. Issuance of RCMC Certificate: Upon successful verification, the EPC or Commodity Board will issue your RCMC certificate digitally through the DGFT portal. You can download it from your DGFT account.

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

 

EPCs are non-profit organizations registered under the Companies Act or Societies Registration Act, serving as a liaison between the government and the exporting community. They are mainly concerned with manufactured products, services, and diverse export groups.

 

Key Functions of EPCs

 

• Export Promotion: They organize and participate in International Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, send trade delegations, and arrange buyer-seller meets abroad to explore and expand international markets for their members.

• Market Intelligence: They provide valuable market information, trade statistics, and data on tariff and non-tariff barriers to their member exporters.

• Advisory Role: They act as an advisory body to the government on matters of trade policy, incentives, and export infrastructure.

• RCMC Issuance: They are the authority to grant the mandatory RCMC to exporters for products falling under their jurisdiction, enabling access to benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

• Capacity Building: They conduct seminars, training programs, and workshops to help exporters comply with international quality standards and procedures.

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Commodity Boards (CBs)

Commodity Boards are statutory bodies established by specific Acts of Parliament to focus on the production, development, and export of traditional, major, or plantation-based agricultural and primary commodities.

 

Key Functions of CBs

• Integrated Development: Unlike EPCs which focus primarily on exports, Commodity Boards manage the entire value chain—from cultivation and production to processing, quality improvement, marketing, and finally, export.

• Quality Control: They are deeply involved in setting and enforcing quality and hygiene standards for their respective commodities to maintain the reputation of Indian products in the global market.

• Research & Development: They undertake or sponsor R&D activities related to better farming practices, pest control, and processing techniques.

• RCMC Issuance: They also issue the RCMC for exporters dealing with their specific controlled commodity.

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Who Issues RCMC?

RCMC is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards based on the product or service you export.

Here are some examples:

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Product/Service                                    Issuing Council

Engineering goods                                 EEPC India

Apparel                                                             AEPC

Pharmaceuticals                                     Pharmexcil

Chemicals                                                 CHEMEXCIL

Agriculture products                       APEDA or Spice Board

IT & ITES                                                             ESC 

Handicrafts                                                      EPCH

Services                                                             SEPC

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Full list: https://dgft.gov.in

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Important Points

• Choosing the Right EPC: It's crucial to select the EPC that aligns with your primary export product. If you export multiple products falling under different EPCs, you need to declare your main line of business. In some cases of multi-product exports where no single EPC covers the majority of products, FIEO may be the appropriate authority.

• Validity: The RCMC is typically valid for five financial years from the date of issuance, unless specified otherwise by the issuing authority.

• Renewal: You need to renew your RCMC before its expiry to continue enjoying the benefits. The renewal process is similar to the initial registration and is also done through the DGFT portal.

• Amendments: If there are any changes in your business details (e.g., address, authorized signatories, main line of business), you need to apply for an amendment to your RCMC through the DGFT portal.

• Compliance: RCMC holders need to comply with the rules and regulations of the issuing EPC and the DGFT, including submitting annual export data as required.