How do I get an RCMC?

What is RCMC and why do I need it?

RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is a certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or a Commodity Board. It serves two purposes:

• Membership proof. Confirms you are a registered exporter with a sector-specific council
• Incentive eligibility. Mandatory to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy: RoDTEP, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, Status Holder recognition, and market access initiatives

RCMC at a glance

Issued by

Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board

Validity

5 years from date of issue (coterminous with FTP)

Cost

Rs 2,500. 70,800 depending on council and turnover slab

Pre-requisite

Valid IEC (Import Export Code)

Application

Online via DGFT portal or individual EPC portals

Which Export Promotion Council should I register with?

India has 26+ EPCs and commodity boards, each covering specific product categories. Register with the council that matches your primary export product. The major ones:

What documents do I need for RCMC?

Required documents

• IEC certificate (valid, not suspended or cancelled)
• PAN card of the firm / company
• GST registration certificate
• Certificate of incorporation / partnership deed / proprietorship declaration
• Bank certificate or cancelled cheque (for bank account verification)
• Export turnover details (if existing exporter. Last 3 years)
• Self-declaration of principal products / services for export
• Passport-size photograph of authorised signatory
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorised signatory

How do I apply for RCMC online?

Most EPCs now accept applications through their own portals or via the DGFT system. The general process:

Application steps

1. Identify your EPC. Match your primary export product/service to the right council (see table above)
2. Visit the EPC portal. Go to the council's website and navigate to the membership/RCMC section. Some councils accept applications directly on DGFT's portal (dgft.gov.in → Services → RCMC)
3. Create an account / login. Use your IEC number and DSC to authenticate
4. Fill the application form. Enter firm details, export products (with HS codes), bank details, and upload required documents
5. Pay the membership fee. Online payment via net banking, UPI, or demand draft
6. Submit and track. Application is reviewed by the EPC (typically 3. 7 working days). Some councils issue provisional RCMC immediately
7. Receive RCMC. Digital certificate issued with your RCMC number, valid for 5 years

Timeline

Document preparation

1. 2 days

Application submission

30 minutes (online)

EPC review & approval

3. 7 working days

Total

5. 10 working days end-to-end

What are the RCMC fees?

Fees vary by council and are typically based on your export turnover slab. The fee covers the full 5-year validity period. It's not annual.

Typical fee structure (FIEO example)

How do I renew RCMC?

RCMC is valid for 5 years, coterminous with the Foreign Trade Policy period. Renewal is straightforward:

1. Apply for renewal through the same EPC portal 1. 2 months before expiry
2. Update export turnover data and upload latest documents
3. Pay the renewal fee (same slab structure as new registration, based on current turnover)
4. EPC issues renewed RCMC. Typically within 3. 5 working days

Sources & citations

• Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2. General Provisions Regarding Imports and Exports.
• Handbook of Procedures, Para 2.89. 2.92. Individual EPC websites for fee structures and application processes.
• DGFT Trade Notice on RCMC digitisation..

Update history

• 2026-08-10 First published.