RCMC is mandatory for company engaged in Import Export Business of restricted items and availing benefits under Foreign Trade Policy.

RCMC is acronym of Registration Cum Membership Certificate. Registration Cum Membership Certificates is a certificate given by Export Promotional Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards of India. RCMC is a permission to the exporters dealing with the products which are regulated by organizations authorized by the Indian Government. Normally exporters get RCMC registration to avail the benefits extended under Foreign Trade Policy like Duty Drawback, Duty Credit Scrips etc.

Exporter willing to obtain RCMC, are required to deliver their main line of business in application by submitting the Aayat-Niryat Form, which shall be made to Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board relating to that line of business. It is mandatory to obtain this certificate by all the firms and the companies who desire to apply for the IEC and avail the benefits of FTP but those who are exempted under the Export Import Policy they are not required to obtain the Certificate.

Exporters has to furnish the quarterly return/ details of the exports of different products to the competent registering authority, however, the status holder has to also send the quarterly returns to FIEO in the format that is specified by FIEO. Prospective or potential exporters may also file an application to become an associate member of EPC.

An Exporter has an option to obtain RCMC from Export Promotion Council or Federation of Indian Exporters organizations. There are total 26 Export promotion Council and 9 commodities board all over the country, Central Government authorizes these institutions to issue RCMC to an exporter.  Certificates of Registration issued by the Spices Board & Coir Board as an Exporter of spices and coir products are treated as Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for the purposes of this Policy.

Compliance after RCMC Registration

The License holders are required to submit a quarterly return of their exports of different commodities with the concerned registered authority. In case, the license holder is also registered with FIEO, then quarterly report is also required to be sent to FIEO in the specified format. In case of any change in ownership or constitution of business or address of exporter they will inform to the authority within 1 month of such change.

Competent Authority For RCMC

1. In case the Export product is not covered under any Export Council or in case of multi-product export, RCMC License can obtain by Exporters from Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations.

2. If the exporter deals with the forest produce and value added products he can obtain the RCMC Registration from Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL).

3. If the exporter dealing with the software have to get themselves registered with Electronic and Computer Software EPC (ESC).

4. If the exporter dealing with the 14 listed services then it has to be register with the services of Export Promotion Council (EPC) whereas other exporter required to register with FIEO.