What is RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) Under Foreign Trade Policy.

For businesses engaged in international trade, especially imports/exports, navigating the compliance landscape under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) is crucial. Among the many regulatory requirements, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) plays a central role in enabling importers/exporters to access benefits under FTP and fulfill documentation obligations at various customs locations.

This blog provides a detailed understanding of RCMC, its purpose, issuing authorities, validity, and why it is essential for exporters in India.

What is an RCMC?

An RCMC, or Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, is a certificate issued by authorized Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or commodity boards. It serves as proof of registration with a relevant council and is required to avail various export promotion benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Any person applying for:

• An authorization to import/export goods (except those categorized as 'restricted' under ITC-HS)

• Any benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy

must furnish a valid RCMC issued by a competent authority unless specifically exempted.

In certain cases, statutory boards such as the Spices Board and the Coir Board issue similar certificates, known respectively as the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) and Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Coir and Coir Products, which are treated as equivalent to RCMC.

Who Issues RCMC? – The Role of Export Promotion Councils

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are non-profit organizations established by the Government of India to promote the export of specific product categories. Each EPC is responsible for a defined group of goods or services. EPCs are recognized as Registering Authorities for issuing RCMCs.

Here are a few major EPCs and their focus sectors:

• EEPC India – Engineering goods, renewable energy equipment, agricultural and food processing machinery

• CHEMEXCIL – Basic chemicals, dyes, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals

• PLEXCONCIL – Plastic products including raw materials, finished goods, and packaging

• SEPC – Services such as IT, healthcare, education, media, and more

• FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organizations) – Multi-product exporters or those whose goods are not represented by a specific EPC

  
  

If an importer/ exporter deals with multiple product categories or is unsure of their appropriate EPC, FIEO can issue an RCMC under the multi-product group classification.

Why is RCMC Important for Exporters?

Obtaining an RCMC is a mandatory compliance requirement for businesses looking to:

• Avail export incentive schemes like EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods), Advance Authorization, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), Duty Drawback Scheme etc.

• File applications with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

• Access benefits under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements

Even when importers/exporters are not availing any specific benefit, some customs ports require RCMC as a mandatory document for processing import/export shipments. Therefore, RCMC acts as both a compliance tool and an enabler for accessing FTP incentives.

General Guidelines for RCMC Holders

1. Main Line of Business: Exporters must declare their primary product line and obtain RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council.

2. Intimation of Changes: Any change in ownership, name, constitution, or address must be reported to the registering authority within 1 month.

3. De-Registration: The authority may suspend or cancel the RCMC for any violation of registration conditions.

Validity and Renewal of RCMC

Typically, the RCMC is valid for upto five financial years and needs to be renewed to maintain eligibility for FTP benefits and continued membership with the issuing EPC. Failure to renew the certificate on time may lead to denial of export benefits and procedural delays.

How CCC Can Help

At Commercial Consultancy Counsel (CCC), we assist importers and exporters in understanding and complying with the requirements under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), including:

• Identification of the appropriate Export Promotion Council

• Documentation and application for RCMC registration

• Renewals and amendments

• Assistance in DGFT licensing, EPCG, Advance Authorization, and other export-related schemes

We ensure your export business stays compliant while maximizing the benefits under FTP.

Conclusion

In summary, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an essential document for any importer/exporter looking to access incentives and maintain regulatory compliance under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. From choosing the correct EPC to timely renewals, proper handling of the RCMC process can significantly streamline your export operations and unlock government support.

For any assistance regarding RCMC registration, renewals, or Foreign Trade Policy schemes, get in touch with CCC – your trusted partner in trade compliance.