Overview of RCMC Registration:

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is an essential authorization document for importing or exporting restricted products under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). It is typically issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards or Export Development Authorities which are established by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to oversee specific categories of restricted goods.

The RCMC not only serves as proof of an exporter’s registration or membership with a designated EPC, commodity board or export development authority, but it is also crucial for availing concessions and benefits offered under the FTP for restricted imports or exports.

iKargos, as a professional service provider, offers comprehensive assistance in obtaining RCMC registration online. With years of experience in handling RCMC registrations, we provide end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and efficient process for our clients.

Why Obtain RCMC Registration?

RCMC registration serves multiple key purposes for businesses involved in international trade:

1. It grants permission to import or export products classified as restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
2. RCMC serves as formal evidence that an exporter is registered with the appropriate Export Promotion Council (EPC), commodity board or export development authority thereby aligning with the sector-specific regulatory requirements.
3. It is essential for businesses seeking to access the various concessions and incentives provided under the FTP for the import or export of restricted goods, allowing them to operate more competitively in the global market.

Obtaining RCMC registration ensures your business is equipped to navigate the complexities of restricted trade while benefiting from government-backed advantages.

Eligibility Criteria for RCMC Registration Online:

To apply for RCMC registration, exporters or merchants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be actively engaged in the import or export business. This is a fundamental requirement for starting a manufacturing or trading business in India. Additionally, the exporter must have already applied for or obtained an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as the IEC is a mandatory prerequisite for international trade.
2. Exporters or merchants are required to declare their primary line of business. For instance, if their core business involves products like coffee and tea, they must register with the Tea and Coffee Promotion Board. If no specific Export Promotion Council (EPC) or regulatory authority exists for the goods being exported, this should be clearly indicated in the application.
3. The applicant must secure approval or clearance from the relevant authority. If no specific promotion board or EPC oversees the product category, the exporter must seek registration from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Additionally, FIEO's authorization is mandatory when there is no specialized board for the exporter’s product. This consent is essential for completing the RCMC registration process online.

Meeting these eligibility requirements ensures that exporters are in compliance with the necessary regulations and can benefit from government incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

Benefits of Obtaining an RCMC:

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) provides numerous advantages for exporters, enabling them to enhance their trade operations and capitalize on government-backed incentives:

• An RCMC is crucial for accessing a variety of export promotion schemes offered by the government including Duty Drawback, the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and the Market Access Initiative (MAI). These programs provide financial benefits, support and incentives to help exporters remain competitive in global markets.
• RCMC registration streamlines the import and export process for goods that are classified as restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy. By verifying an exporter’s compliance with trade regulations, the certificate facilitates the approval process and ensures smoother international transactions.
• Possessing an RCMC speeds up the customs clearance process as it confirms the exporter’s legitimacy and membership with an authorized Export Promotion Council (EPC) or commodity board. This recognition helps customs authorities process shipments more efficiently, reducing delays.
• RCMC enhances the exporter’s credibility by showcasing their compliance with government standards and trade regulations. This not only strengthens relationships with customs authorities but also builds trust with international buyers and partners, creating new business opportunities.
• Exporters with an RCMC gain access to valuable market insights and updates through the activities of EPCs and commodity boards. These organizations regularly provide data on industry trends, trade opportunities and developments, helping exporters stay informed and adapt to changing market conditions.

In summary, obtaining an RCMC enables exporters to benefit from government incentives, streamlines the import and export of restricted goods, improves credibility in international markets and ensures access to critical market information for better business decisions.

Export promotion councils:

These authorities are categorized based on the type of products they deal with. Each of India's Export Promotion Councils and commodities boards categorizes itself according to the Type of products.

List of Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and Development Authorities in India:

Export Promotion Councils:

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
• Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL).
• Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC).
• Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL).
• Council for Leather Exports (CLE).
• Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).
• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC).
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
• Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC).
• Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India (HHEC).
• Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC).
• Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC).
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
• Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL).
• Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL).
• Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC).
• Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC).
• Shellac Export Promotion Council (SPEC).
• Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC).
• Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC).
• Tea Board of India.
• Tobacco Board.
• Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC).
• The Coffee Board of India.
• The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL).

Commodity Boards:

• Coir Board.
• Coffee Board.
• Rubber Board.
• Spices Board.
• Tea Board of India.
• Tobacco Board.

Development Authorities:

• Electronics Industries Development of India (ELCID).
• National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI).

If an export product is not covered by any Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board, the exporter can obtain the RCMC from the Federation of Indian Exporters Organization (FIEO).

If the exporter deals with multi-products and the situation are unresolved, they can also obtain RCMC from FIEO.

Validity of RCMC:

The RCMC remains valid starting from the issuance date on the 1st of April of the licensing year and is valid for five years, concluding on the 31st of March.

Documents Required for RCMC:

The application form for RCMC must be accompanied by several mandatory documents including:

• An IEC number issued by the regional licensing authority.
• A Permanent Account Number (PAN) granted by the competent authority.
• The Memorandum of Association (MOA) for corporate, institutional, private limited or limited companies.
• A self-certified copy of the partnership deed for partnership companies and individuals.
• The trust deed for trusts, institutional or corporate entities.
• A certificate from the Registrar of Companies regarding the registered office change of the company.
• Certified data on the company's foreign exchange earnings over the past three years, provided by the company's chartered accountant.
• A board resolution or power of attorney issued in favor of the signing authority, if the name of the signing authority is not mentioned in the IEC/MOA/partnership deed/trust deed of the company/firm/trust.
• A GST registration certificate.

Types of Exporters/Importers Covered – RCMC:

The online RCMC application process is available for various types of exporters and importers including:

• Ordinary Membership: This type of membership is suitable for businesses new to the export and import industry and looking for basic membership.
• Associate Membership: This membership is for entities involved in the export and import trade for a significant period and has an established business. The fee for associate membership is higher than ordinary membership and includes a small amount of GST.
• Premier Trading House (PTH) Membership: This membership is for companies with a significant share in India's total exports and substantially contributed to India's international trade.
• Star Export House (SEH) Membership: This membership is for companies that have demonstrated consistent export growth and earned significant foreign exchange.
• Trading House (TH) Membership: This membership is for companies engaged in import and export activities with an annual turnover of at least INR 100 crores.

Compliance with RCMC:

Compliance with the RCMC Certificate is mandatory for exporters who wish to participate in various government schemes and programs related to exports. Some of the important compliance requirements related to RCMC are as follows:

• Renewal of RCMC: The RCMC is valid for five years, after which it needs to be renewed. Failure to renew the RCMC can result in non-compliance.
• Adherence to Export-Import Policy: Exporters must adhere to the export-import policy guidelines and conditions related to the RCMC issued by the DGFT.
• Submission of Annual Export Data: Exporters must submit their annual export data to the DGFT as required. Failure to do so can result in the suspension or cancellation of the RCMC.
• Compliance with Customs Regulations: Exporters must comply with the customs regulations and procedures related to the export of goods. Non-compliance can result in penalties and other legal actions.
• Compliance with Foreign Trade Regulations: Exporters must comply with the various foreign trade regulations related to the export of goods, such as compliance with export control regulations, sanctions, and embargoes.
• Adherence to Quality Standards: Exporters must adhere to the quality standards specified by the importing country for exporting goods.
• Maintenance of Records: Exporters must maintain records related to their export transactions and comply with the record-keeping requirements of the DGFT.

Compliance with RCMC requirements is essential for exporters to participate in various export-related schemes and programs and to avoid penalties and legal actions.

Fees:

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).