Comprehensive Guide on Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) in India

1. Introduction

Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a mandatory registration required for businesses engaged in the export of goods and services in India. It is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards authorized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The RCMC enables exporters to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), including duty drawbacks, subsidies, and access to international trade fairs.

2. Governing Authority

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) regulates the issuance of RCMC under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). The certificate is issued by 26 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and 9 Commodity Boards, each responsible for specific industries or products.

3. Importance of RCMC

• Eligibility for government incentives, subsidies, and schemes.
• Authorization to import/export restricted items.
• Recognition as a registered exporter.
• Access to international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets.
• Facilitates smoother compliance with DGFT and Customs regulations.

4. Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards Issuing RCMC

5. Eligibility Criteria for RCMC

• Exporters of goods or services must be engaged in international trade.
• The applicant must register with an appropriate EPC or Commodity Board based on the nature of their products/services.
• The business entity should have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.

6. Application Process for RCMC

7. Validity and Renewal of RCMC

• RCMC is valid for five years from the date of issue.
• Renewal must be initiated before expiry through the respective EPC or Commodity Board.
• Non-renewal may lead to ineligibility for export benefits.

8. Benefits of RCMC

• Access to Export Incentives: Duty Drawback (DBK), Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), etc.
• Government Support: Eligibility for schemes like RoSL (Rebate of State Levies) and Duty Credit Scrips.
• Trade Promotion: Participation in global trade fairs and exhibitions.
• Ease of Compliance: Smooth trade operations through EPC assistance.

9. Case Study: How RCMC Helped an Indian Exporter

Case Study: XYZ Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd. XYZ Handicrafts, a Jaipur-based small enterprise, obtained RCMC from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). This enabled them to:

• Export handicrafts to the USA and Europe.
• Avail subsidies on international trade fairs.
• Benefit from the MEIS scheme, receiving duty credit scrips.
• Expand their global footprint and increase annual revenue by 40%.

10. Common Challenges in RCMC Registration

• Choosing the Right EPC: Multiple councils may seem applicable; consulting DGFT is recommended.
• Document Submission Issues: Incomplete applications can delay processing.
• Timely Renewal: Missing renewal deadlines may lead to loss of benefits.

11. Conclusion

RCMC is an essential certification for Indian exporters, providing numerous benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Proper registration and compliance help businesses expand globally while enjoying government incentives. Exporters should stay updated with the latest DGFT guidelines to ensure continued eligibility for trade benefits.

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12. Additional Resources

For further reading, explore the following topics:

• How to Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC).
• FSSAI Registration and Food Business Compliance.
• How to apply for GST Amnesty Scheme and reduce late fees?
• Startup Registration: Process, Eligibility, Benefits, and Compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) in India

A. General Information about RCMC

1. What is a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)?

A Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council (EPC) in India. It certifies that a particular exporter is a member of that EPC and is registered to export specific products or services.

2. Why is an RCMC required?

An RCMC is often mandatory for exporters to avail certain benefits under India’s export promotion schemes, such as:

2. • Export incentives.
   • Duty drawback schemes.
   • Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions organized by the EPC.
   • Access to export-related information and assistance.
3. Who needs an RCMC?

Any exporter who wishes to avail benefits under export promotion schemes or requires membership with a specific EPC for their export product category generally needs an RCMC.

4. What are Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)?

EPCs are non-profit organizations set up by the Government of India to promote and develop exports of specific products or groups of products. Each EPC focuses on a particular sector (e.g., textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals).

5. What are the benefits of having an RCMC?

Benefits include:

5. • Eligibility for export incentives and schemes.
   • Access to export promotion programs and trade fairs.
   • Networking opportunities with other exporters.
   • Export-related guidance and support from the EPC.
   • Recognition as a registered exporter.

B. Application Process and Requirements

6. Where should I apply for an RCMC?

You apply for an RCMC with the Export Promotion Council (EPC) that is relevant to your primary export product or service. Each EPC has its own application process, which is often done online through their respective websites.

7. What is the process for obtaining an RCMC?

The process typically involves:

7. • Identifying the appropriate EPC for your export product.
   • Filling out the RCMC application form (online or offline, depending on the EPC).
   • Submitting the required documents.
   • Paying the membership fee.
   • Receiving the RCMC after verification.
8. What documents are required for an RCMC application?

Document requirements vary by EPC but often include:

8. • IEC (Import-Export Code) certificate.
   • PAN card.
   • GST registration certificate (if applicable).
   • Proof of export performance (e.g., export invoices, shipping bills).
   • Bank details.
   • Details of the export product(s) or service(s).
   • Company registration documents (if applicable).
9. How much does an RCMC cost?

The RCMC fee varies depending on the EPC and the category of membership.

10. How long does it take to get an RCMC?

The processing time varies depending on the EPC and the completeness of the application. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

C. Renewal and Other Aspects

11. How often do I need to renew my RCMC?

RCMC validity and renewal procedures are determined by each EPC. It is typically an annual renewal.

12. What is the process for renewing an RCMC?

The renewal process generally involves submitting a renewal application, paying the renewal fee, and providing updated information about export performance.

13. Can I have multiple RCMCs?

Generally, no. You should register with the EPC that covers your primary export product.

14. What if I change my export product?

You may need to update your RCMC or register with a different EPC if your primary export product category changes significantly.

D. Other generally asked questions related to Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC):

           15.   How do I get an RCMC certificate in India?

            Apply to the relevant EPC.

16. What are the benefits of RCMC registration?

Access to export incentives and schemes.

17. Which EPC should I register with?
    The EPC that covers your primary export product.
18. What documents are required for RCMC application?

Check with the specific EPC.

19. How much does RCMC registration cost?

Varies by EPC.

20. How long is the RCMC valid for?

Typically one year; check with the EPC.

21. What is the full form of RCMC?

Registration-cum-Membership Certificate.

22. How do I renew my RCMC?

Contact the EPC for their renewal process.

23. Can I export without an RCMC?

You can export, but you might not be eligible for certain export benefits without it.