RCMC Certificate
Registration India —
Export Promotion Guide 2025
RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) is the mandatory export identity certificate issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards authorized by DGFT. Prerequisite for claiming RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, EPCG and all FTP benefits. Requires valid IEC first. 5-year validity (April 1 – March 31). Filed via DGFT e-RCMC portal using Form ANF 2C. TAXAJ handles EPC selection + complete filing.
2025-26 Update — DGFT e-RCMC Portal + Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28 + RoDTEP Rates Revised
DGFT e-RCMC Portal: All RCMC applications are now 100% digital via the DGFT e-RCMC portal (linked to the IEC portal) — no physical submission to EPCs. Application routes to the relevant EPC automatically based on declared product category. Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28: The current FTP extends RCMC validity through the policy period. RCMC is valid from April 1 of the licensing year for 5 years ending March 31. RoDTEP 2025-26: DGFT has revised RoDTEP rates for several product categories — RCMC holders benefit automatically when rates are updated. e-RCMC is issued electronically and linked to the exporter's IEC — no physical certificate required for customs clearance or DGFT benefit claims. Notify EPC of any business changes within 1 month as required.
RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) — Complete Export Guide 2025
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an official document issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, and Development Authorities authorized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The RCMC certifies that an exporter is officially registered with and a member of the appropriate council or board corresponding to their primary line of business or export product. It is the gateway to India's comprehensive export benefit ecosystem — without it, exporters cannot access the financial incentives, duty remissions, and policy concessions that make Indian exports globally competitive.
The RCMC serves a dual purpose — it is simultaneously a registration (confirming your status as a recognized exporter) and a membership certificate (confirming active membership with the relevant Export Promotion Council). The RCMC is valid for 5 financial years from April 1 of the issuing year to March 31 of the fifth year, aligned with India's Foreign Trade Policy cycle. The RCMC application is filed using Form ANF 2C on the DGFT's e-RCMC digital platform, which routes the application to the appropriate EPC based on the declared product category. The approved RCMC (in Appendix 2R format) is now issued as an e-RCMC — fully digital and linked to the exporter's IEC on the DGFT portal.
When Is RCMC Mandatory vs Optional?
RCMC is not required simply to export goods — you can physically export without an RCMC. However, RCMC becomes mandatory in these situations:
- Claiming RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products): RCMC is mandatory to access RoDTEP credits — exporters without RCMC cannot claim these duty credits on their export value
- EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme: RCMC is required to import capital goods at zero/reduced customs duty against export obligation under EPCG
- Advance Authorisation: RCMC required to import duty-free inputs for export production under Advance Authorisation scheme
- FTP Authorisations and Concessions: Any DGFT authorisation or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy requires valid RCMC
- Importing Restricted Items: Importing goods listed as 'Restricted' in ITC (HS) requires a valid RCMC
- Trade Fairs and EPC-organised Events: Participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets organised by EPCs requires RCMC membership
RCMC is NOT required for: Duty Drawback claims (post-export), RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) benefits, and other post-export remission-based schemes — these can be claimed without RCMC.
Which Export Promotion Council Issues Your RCMC? — Sector-wise EPC Guide
Selecting the wrong EPC is the most common RCMC application mistake — and can lead to rejection or delayed benefit claims. Selection must be based on your primary export product and HS code. Click your sector to find the right EPC.
APEDA
Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
Fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy, meat, processed food, honey, organic products
AgricultureSpices Board
All spice exporters — pepper, cardamom, turmeric, chilli, cumin, ginger, coriander
Note: CRES (Certificate of Reg. as Exporter of Spices) from Spices Board = automatic RCMC
SpicesMPEDA
Marine Products Export Development Authority — fish, prawns, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, frozen seafood
Marine ProductsCoffee Board
Coffee Board — all coffee exporters (green, roasted, instant coffee)
CoffeeTea Board
Tea Board of India — all tea exporters (CTC, Orthodox, Green Tea)
TeaRubber Board
Rubber Board — natural rubber and rubber products exporters
RubberEEPC India
Engineering Export Promotion Council — machinery, equipment, steel, iron, vehicles, auto components, electronics
EngineeringCHEMEXCIL
Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council — chemicals, dyes, agrochemicals
ChemicalsCAPEXIL
Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council — paints, ceramics, glass, building materials
Chemicals + MineralsHandicrafts
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) — handicrafts, home furnishings, gifts, decor
HandicraftsHEPC
Handloom Export Promotion Council — handloom fabrics, sarees, home textiles
HandloomPLEXCONCIL
Plastics Export Promotion Council — plastic products, granules, films, pipes
PlasticsGJEPC
Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council — diamonds, gold jewellery, silver jewellery, coloured gemstones, studded jewellery
Gems & JewelleryAEPC
Apparel Export Promotion Council — readymade garments, apparel, fashion clothing for all markets
ApparelTEXPROCIL
Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council — cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, grey cloth, made-ups
Cotton TextilesSRTEPC
Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council — synthetic fibre, filament yarn, blended fabrics
Synthetic TextilesWDMA
Wool and Woollen Textiles, Carpets — woollen yarn, blankets, carpet, shawls, woollen fabrics
Wool & CarpetsCLE
Council for Leather Exports — leather, leather garments, leather goods, footwear, saddlery
LeatherPharmexcil
Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council — bulk drugs, formulations, API, nutraceuticals, medical devices
PharmaceuticalsPDB
Plantation Board — cashew, arecanut, cocoa, and other plantation crops
PlantationSTPI / SEPC
Services Export Promotion Council — IT services, software exports, ITES, consulting services
Software / IT ServicesIEPD
India Organic Food — organic products requiring special certifications for export
Organic ProductsSRTEPC
Basic chemical raw materials, dyes, intermediates — exporters of speciality chemicals
Speciality ChemicalsCoconut Board
Coconut Development Board — coconut oil, coconut products, copra, coir exporters
CoconutFIEO
Federation of Indian Export Organisations — fallback council for multi-product exporters, unclassified products, or when the primary product isn't covered by any specific EPC
FIEO — General / Multi-ProductSEPC
Services Export Promotion Council — IT, software, ITES, consulting, tourism, education, healthcare services exports
Services / IT / ITESSFSFEPC
Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council — multi-product exporters in North-East India use this council
North-East Multi-ProductJ&K Handicrafts
Director, Handicrafts, Govt. of J&K — authorised to issue RCMC for handicraft and handloom exporters from J&K and Ladakh
J&K / LadakhECGC / Other
For e-commerce exporters, export of services, and businesses that are new to exports with evolving product lines — FIEO is typically the right starting point
E-Commerce / New ExportersMulti-Product Rule
Key Rule: One RCMC covers all products in that EPC's category. If exporting across multiple unrelated sectors, FIEO membership covers all unlisted categories
Single RCMC Rule7 Key Benefits of RCMC for Indian Exporters — Why Every Exporter Needs It
RCMC is the master key to India's export benefit ecosystem. Here's what it unlocks.
RoDTEP — Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products
RCMC is mandatory to claim RoDTEP credits — transferable duty credit scrips issued as a percentage of FOB export value. RoDTEP reimburses central, state, and local taxes embedded in export costs that are otherwise not refunded. Without RCMC, exporters cannot access this key export incentive that saves 0.5%–4.5% of export value depending on product category.
RoDTEP mandatoryEPCG — Zero Duty Capital Goods Import
RCMC is required to apply for EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) authorisation — which allows importation of capital goods (machinery, equipment, technology) at zero customs duty against an export obligation of 6× the duty saved. This enables manufacturers to upgrade production capabilities at massively reduced cost. TAXAJ handles EPCG applications post-RCMC.
EPCG zero duty capital goodsAdvance Authorisation — Duty-Free Inputs for Export
RCMC enables access to Advance Authorisation (AA) — allowing duty-free import of raw materials, components, and inputs that are physically incorporated in export products. AA eliminates the working capital impact of paying customs duty on imported inputs and waiting for a refund after export — a significant cash flow advantage for manufacturers who import to export.
AA duty-free inputsInternational Trade Fairs & Buyer-Seller Meets
RCMC membership qualifies exporters for EPC-organised international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets — including government-subsidised participation in major global fairs like Hannover Messe, Canton Fair, Dubai Expo, and sector-specific exhibitions. These events provide unparalleled access to international buyers without the full cost of independent exhibition participation.
Trade fairs + exhibitionsMarket Intelligence & Export Support Services
EPC membership provides access to sector-specific market intelligence, buyer databases, export training programs, policy advocacy, and technical assistance. EPCs lobby for better export policies, organise reverse buyer-seller meets in India (bringing foreign buyers to Indian exporters), and provide regular updates on trade regulations, tariff changes, and market opportunities in key export destinations.
Market intelligence + trainingGlobal Credibility & Buyer Trust
RCMC membership with a recognized EPC significantly enhances credibility with international buyers, foreign banks, and trade finance providers. Many overseas buyers, particularly in regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals), actively verify RCMC status before placing orders. Banks providing export credit and trade finance also look for RCMC as part of their due diligence on exporters.
Buyer trust + trade financeRestricted Goods — Import & Export Authorisation
RCMC is a prerequisite for obtaining DGFT authorisations to import or export goods listed as 'Restricted' in the ITC (HS) Schedule. Restricted goods cannot be freely imported or exported — they require an authorisation from DGFT, and a valid RCMC is a key eligibility criterion for obtaining such authorisations. This is particularly relevant for certain chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and dual-use items.
Restricted goods auth.How to Apply for RCMC — 6-Step DGFT e-RCMC Portal Process
All RCMC applications are filed online via the DGFT e-RCMC portal. TAXAJ manages the complete process — EPC selection, ANF 2C filing, document upload, and e-RCMC delivery.
Obtain Valid IEC — Mandatory Prerequisite Before RCMC
A valid IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT is the non-negotiable prerequisite for any RCMC application. Your IEC must be active, linked to your GSTIN on the DGFT portal, and updated with your current business details (name, address, bank account). If your IEC has been deactivated due to failure to complete the annual update, reactivate it before applying for RCMC. The RCMC application is linked to your IEC number — all FTP benefit claims are subsequently processed against this IEC-RCMC combination. TAXAJ handles IEC registration and annual updates before initiating RCMC applications.
Identify the Correct EPC / Commodity Board Based on Your HS Code
This is the most critical decision in the RCMC process — selecting the wrong EPC leads to rejection or inability to claim sector-specific benefits. Identification process: (1) Identify your primary export product, (2) Find the HS code for that product (Schedule B / ITC-HS code), (3) Match the HS code to the relevant EPC using DGFT's Appendix 2T (list of registering authorities), (4) If your product falls under a specific EPC — apply there. If it doesn't fall under any specific EPC, or if you're a multi-product exporter — apply to FIEO. Special cases: Spice exporters → Spices Board (CRES serves as RCMC, no separate RCMC needed), J&K/Ladakh handicraft exporters → Director Handicrafts J&K, Multi-product exporters in North-East → SFSFEPC (except APEDA/Spices/Tea Board products). TAXAJ maps your HS code to the correct EPC as part of the RCMC service.
Compile Documents for RCMC Application
Core documents required for RCMC application across all EPCs: (1) Self-certified copy of IEC issued by DGFT regional licensing authority, (2) Copy of PAN card of the business entity, (3) Copy of GST Registration Certificate (GSTIN), (4) Business registration document — Certificate of Incorporation (companies), LLP Deed (LLPs), Partnership Deed (partnership firms), Proprietorship declaration, (5) Memorandum of Association (for companies), (6) Bank Certificate from the banker on bank letterhead certifying export-related transactions, (7) If registering as Manufacturing Exporter: evidence of manufacturing facility — factory registration, industrial licence, pollution NOC, (8) Details of products for export with HS codes, (9) Address of all offices, branches, factories, and warehouses. Document requirements vary slightly by EPC — TAXAJ provides an EPC-specific checklist.
File Form ANF 2C on DGFT e-RCMC Portal
All RCMC applications are filed online using Form ANF 2C (Aayaat Niryaat Form 2C) on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) under the e-RCMC section. Log in to DGFT portal using your IEC credentials → Services → RCMC/RA → Apply for RCMC. Fill in ANF 2C with: business entity details, IEC number, GST number, primary line of business declaration, product group identification (as per Appendix 2T), type of exporter (manufacturer or merchant), address details of all establishments, and partner/director details. The form is submitted digitally with Aadhaar OTP or DSC-based e-sign. The portal automatically routes the application to the selected EPC/Commodity Board for review. TAXAJ prepares and files ANF 2C on behalf of clients — you provide documents, TAXAJ handles the portal.
Pay EPC Membership Fee
Pay the applicable membership fee to the relevant EPC or Commodity Board as part of the RCMC application. Fees range from ₹500 to ₹5,000 depending on the EPC and the type of exporter (manufacturer vs merchant). MSMEs may receive concessions on membership fees at some EPCs. Payment is made online through the DGFT portal or the EPC's own payment gateway. The payment receipt is required as part of the application package. Annual renewal of membership fee may be required at some EPCs to keep the RCMC active (separate from the 5-year RCMC validity — some EPCs require annual membership renewal). TAXAJ advises on the applicable fee for your EPC selection and manages payment confirmation.
EPC Review & e-RCMC Issuance (Appendix 2R Format)
The EPC or Commodity Board reviews the application, verifies documents, and issues the e-RCMC in Appendix 2R format once the exporter is admitted to membership. Under the DGFT rules, the EPC must grant the RCMC "forthwith" once membership conditions are satisfied. The approved e-RCMC is digitally linked to the exporter's IEC on the DGFT portal — no physical certificate needed for DGFT filings or customs purposes. The e-RCMC is valid from April 1 of the licensing year in which it was issued to March 31 of the 5th year. Post-RCMC obligation: Any change in ownership, constitution, company name, address, or product line must be intimated to the registering authority within 1 month of the change — TAXAJ sets up a compliance calendar for this.
Which Export Schemes Require RCMC? — Complete FTP Eligibility Reference
| Export Scheme / Benefit | RCMC Required? | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| RCMC MANDATORY — Cannot Claim Without Valid RCMC | ||
| RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) | Mandatory | RCMC required; duty credit scrips 0.5%–4.5% of FOB value by product |
| EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) | Mandatory | Zero/reduced duty on capital goods; 6× export obligation of duty saved |
| Advance Authorisation (AA) | Mandatory | Duty-free imports of inputs for manufacturing exports; pre + post export |
| DFIA (Duty Free Import Authorisation) | Mandatory | Post-export duty-free input import; transferable after export obligation completed |
| Status Holder Certificate (One Star to Five Star) | Mandatory | Status Holder benefits under FTP — self-certification, priority processing |
| EPC Trade Fair Participation | Mandatory | Government-subsidised participation in international fairs requires RCMC membership |
| Importing Restricted Goods (ITC-HS Restricted) | Mandatory | RCMC required to apply for authorisation from DGFT to import restricted items |
| RCMC NOT REQUIRED — Can Claim Without RCMC | ||
| Duty Drawback (post-export) | NOT Required | Post-export remission scheme; claimed via CBIC/customs without RCMC |
| RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) | NOT Required | Post-export rebate for apparel/made-ups; claimed via customs without RCMC |
| Basic Physical Export (without incentives) | NOT Required | Can export goods without RCMC — but cannot claim any FTP incentives |
| Software Export Remittance (general SWIFT) | Generally Not Required | Service exports without FTP claims don't need RCMC; SEPC RCMC needed for FTP |
RCMC Certificate Registration — Frequently Asked Questions
RCMC Registration — TAXAJ Service Packages
TAXAJ's CA + CS export team handles everything — IEC check, EPC selection, ANF 2C filing, document preparation, payment, and e-RCMC delivery. Covers all EPCs and Commodity Boards.
- ✓HS code mapping + EPC identification
- ✓Form ANF 2C preparation + DGFT filing
- ✓Document compilation + upload
- ✓EPC follow-up + query response
- ✓e-RCMC delivery + compliance calendar
- ✓All RCMC Registration services
- ✓IEC Registration (₹500 govt. fee incl.)
- ✓LUT (Letter of Undertaking) for GST
- ✓Export benefit eligibility review
- ✓RoDTEP + EPCG strategy consultation
- ✓RCMC renewal before March 31 expiry
- ✓Updated documents + ANF 2C filing
- ✓Change notifications to EPC
- ✓EPC membership fee renewal
- ✓New e-RCMC certificate delivery