How to Apply for RCMC from Export Promotion Councils

What Is RCMC and Why It Matters

RCMC stands for Registration Cum Membership Certificate. It is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and commodity boards under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The certificate confirms that your firm is a registered exporter-member of a specific council aligned with your product category.

While you do not need an RCMC to physically export goods (an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is sufficient for that) you need an RCMC to claim virtually every export incentive the government offers. Without it, you are leaving money on the table.

Specifically, RCMC is required to:

• Claim RoDTEP credits on your shipping bills
• Avail Duty Drawback benefits
• Access the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme for overseas marketing support
• Get subsidized participation in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets
• Obtain Certificates of Origin (COO) from your EPC for preferential tariff treatment under FTAs
• Apply for export finance at concessional rates from banks

All Export Promotion Councils in India

India has 26+ Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards, each covering specific product sectors. Your RCMC must come from the council that covers your export products. Here is the complete list with their sectors.

In addition to EPCs, commodity boards like the Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board, Spices Board, and Tobacco Board also issue RCMC for their respective products.

How to Choose the Right EPC for Your Product

Choosing the right EPC is not arbitrary. It should match your primary export product. Here is how to decide.

Method 1: Match by HS Code

1. Identify the HS code for your primary export product.
2. Check the ITC-HS chapter (first 2 digits). This tells you the broad sector (e.g., Chapters 61-63 = textiles, Chapters 28-29 = chemicals, Chapter 72 = iron and steel).
3. Match the chapter to the EPC that covers that sector from the table above.
4. Visit the EPC's website and confirm they cover your specific product line before applying.

Method 2: Check DGFT's EPC Directory

1. Go to dgft.gov.in and log in with your IEC.
2. Navigate to Services > RCMC > Apply for RCMC .
3. The portal will suggest EPCs based on the HS codes linked to your IEC profile.
4. Select the most relevant EPC and proceed with the application.

Step-by-Step RCMC Application Process

Most EPCs now accept online applications, either through their own portals or through the DGFT portal. Here is the process.

1

Identify Your EPC Based on HS Code

Before anything else, determine which Export Promotion Council you need to register with. Use the HS code lookup tool to find your product's tariff classification, then match it to the relevant EPC from the table in Section 2.

If you are unsure, call the EPC directly. They are generally helpful in confirming whether your product falls under their jurisdiction.

2

Go to the EPC Website or DGFT Portal

You have two routes to apply:

• DGFT portal route: Log in at dgft.gov.in > Services > RCMC > Apply for RCMC. This route auto-populates your IEC details and lets you select the EPC.
• EPC website route: Many EPCs (FIEO, EEPC, CHEMEXCIL, CLE, etc.) have their own online membership portals. Go to the EPC's official website and look for "Membership" or "Apply for RCMC".

The DGFT portal route is generally smoother for first-time applicants since it pre-fills your firm details from the IEC database.

3

Fill the Membership Application

The application form requires the following information:

• IEC number. Your 10-digit Importer Exporter Code
• PAN. PAN of the firm (not the proprietor's personal PAN, unless it is a proprietorship)
• GSTIN. Your GST registration number
• Firm details. Name, constitution (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd, etc.), registered address, contact details
• Product details. HS codes and descriptions of products you export or intend to export
• Bank account details. The account linked to your IEC for receiving export proceeds
• Authorized signatory. Name, designation, and contact details

4

Upload Required Documents

Keep these documents ready as PDF scans (each typically under 2 MB):

5

Pay the Membership Fee

Fees vary by EPC and your firm's export turnover. Most accept online payment via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Here are typical fee ranges:

Fees are indicative and subject to change. GST at 18% applies on membership fees. Higher turnover slabs attract higher fees at most EPCs. Check the specific EPC's website for current fee schedules.

6

EPC Verification and Approval (7-15 Days)

After you submit your application and payment, the EPC reviews your documents. The typical timeline:

• Day 1-2: EPC acknowledges receipt and assigns a reference number.
• Day 3-7: Document verification. The EPC cross-checks your IEC, PAN, and GST details with government databases.
• Day 7-10: If documents are in order, the EPC issues the RCMC digitally and links it to your IEC on the DGFT portal.
• Day 10-15: For applications requiring additional verification (new exporters, high-value memberships), the EPC may request clarifications or additional documents.

Once approved, you will receive the RCMC certificate via email. The RCMC number is also reflected on the DGFT portal under your IEC profile.

RCMC Renewal Process

RCMC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal must be done before the expiry date to avoid a gap in your incentive eligibility.

How to Renew

1. Log in to the DGFT portal or your EPC's membership portal.
2. Navigate to RCMC > Renewal and select your existing RCMC.
3. Update any changed details (address, bank account, product lines).
4. Upload updated documents if the EPC requires them (latest GST certificate, updated IEC, bank details).
5. Pay the renewal fee (same as annual membership fee for most EPCs).
6. The EPC processes the renewal within 5-7 working days.

Benefits Unlocked with RCMC

A valid RCMC opens the door to multiple export incentives and support programs. Here is what you get.

RoDTEP Access

RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) credits are generated on your ICEGATE ledger for every qualifying shipping bill. Rates typically range from 0.5% to 4.3% of FOB value depending on your product. Without a valid RCMC linked to your IEC, the RoDTEP claim process will not generate credits.

Trade Fair Subsidies

EPCs organize or coordinate India's participation in international trade fairs. RCMC members get subsidized booth space (often 50-75% of the cost), travel support, and buyer matchmaking. Major fairs like Canton Fair, Ambiente, MAGIC, and sector-specific exhibitions are covered.

Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

The MAI scheme reimburses exporters for overseas marketing expenses. Setting up showrooms, participating in trade fairs, running product campaigns, and conducting market studies. RCMC membership is a prerequisite for applying. Reimbursement can be up to 75% of eligible expenses.

Certificate of Origin (COO) Issuance

EPCs are authorized to issue non-preferential Certificates of Origin. Some EPCs also issue preferential COOs under specific Free Trade Agreements . A COO confirms the Indian origin of your goods and is required by buyers and customs authorities in the destination country for preferential tariff treatment.

Duty Drawback

While Duty Drawback is administered by Customs (not EPCs), a valid RCMC is required for the drawback claim to be processed. The RCMC confirms your status as a registered exporter and is cross-verified during drawback disbursement.

Industry Representation and Advocacy

EPCs represent exporters' interests before the government on policy matters. Trade negotiations, tariff changes, regulatory issues, and anti-dumping investigations. As a member, you have a voice through your council. EPCs also provide market intelligence reports, buyer directories, and trade data.

Common Mistakes and Rejection Reasons

RCMC applications are generally straightforward, but these mistakes cause delays and rejections:

IEC Not Updated

The most common rejection reason. If you have not completed your IEC registration on the DGFT portal, your IEC may show as "DEL" (deactivated) status. EPCs cannot issue RCMC against a deactivated IEC.

PAN Mismatch

The PAN on your IEC, GST registration, and RCMC application must all match. If your firm's PAN has changed (due to conversion from proprietorship to Pvt Ltd, for example), update IEC and GST first before applying for RCMC.

Wrong EPC Selected

Applying to an EPC that does not cover your product leads to rejection. For example, a garment exporter applying to EEPC (engineering goods) will be turned away. Always verify the EPC's product coverage before applying.

Incomplete or Blurry Documents

Uploading scanned documents that are blurry, cut off, or in the wrong format causes delays. Ensure all uploads are clear, complete PDFs under the specified file size limit. Some EPCs require self-attested copies.

Bank Details Do Not Match IEC

The bank account on your RCMC application must match the bank details in your IEC profile. If you have changed banks or added a new account, update your IEC first through the DGFT portal .

GST Return Filing Not Current

Some EPCs verify that your GST returns are filed up to date. If you have pending GST returns, file them before applying for RCMC to avoid queries during verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Update history

• 2026-08-12 First published.