RCMC Registration: A complete guide for exporters in India

RCMC refers to registration cum membership certificate. Sometimes, registering the business under various authorities gives you an advantage. The same applies to RCMC registration. The Export Promotion Council (EPC) grants it. Outlined by the Foreign Trade Policy in India, the RCMC registration validates exporters’ status. It offers them access to various privileges.

What does RCMC registration refer to?

Registration cum Membership Certificate is often called RCMC. This is a certificate of authentication. It helps the exporters who deal with products and restricted Items

Hence, the exporters need to get registered with the government authorities. After RCMC registration, you receive the RCMC certificate. This is valid for five years. The EPC or Export Promotion Council grants you this certificate. This includes the commodity board, the development authority and so on. However, they need to be affiliated under the FTP (Foreign Trade Policy) under FTP in India, you, as an exporter, need to register with EPC. You must mention your area of business

From where can I get an RCMC Registration?

The registering authorities can issue the RCMC Registration to the exporters and importers. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) authorises it. It includes:

• Commodity Boards
• Export Development Authorities
• Export promotion councils

Currently, 35 institutions can be called as registering authorities. Among these, the 27 export promotion councils are given authority for the RCMC certification:

1. AEPC or Apparel Export Promotion Council
2. APEDA, also known as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
3. Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
4. Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
5. CHEMEXCIL
6. ESC
7. Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)
8. Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
9. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
10. PHARMEXCIL
11. PLEXCONCIL
12. SEPC
13. TEXPROCIL
14. SRTEPC
15. WWEPC
16. Tea Board of India
17. Tobacco Board
18. Coffee Board of India
19. Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
20. HHEC
21. IOPEPC
22. Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)
23. Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

There are two developmental authorities also:

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

The six commodity boards in India, under which one can validate their business

1. Coffee Board
2. Rubber
3. Tea
4. Tobacco
5. Coir
6. Spices

These organisations aim to promote the development of Indian exports. Besides this, it helps in the enhancement of exports within our country. It is divided into different sectors. Each one of these is responsible for a particular product.

What are the eligibility required for the RCMC registration?

1. Business Main Line Declaration

You need to specify your primary business line. For instance, if you are dealing with coffee and tea, you need to consult the commodity board. In case no export promotion board deals with your products, you need to mention this as well

2. Exporter or Merchandiser:

Before applying for the RCMC registration, you need to declare your business. The category, whether it is exports or imports, needs to be mentioned. It is a mandatory requirement. It also applies to businesses that want to start a manufacturing plant in India. The Director General of Foreign Trade regulates the IEC.  One must prove that they have applied for an IEC (Import Export Code).

3. Consent from the Board of FIEO (Federation of Indian Exports Organisation)

If there is no specialised board for your product, you have to obtain permission from FIEO. FIEO approval applies to online RCMC registration.  

The process for RCMC Registration?

An RCMC registration helps in getting an RCMC certificate. The process is mentioned below:

• Form ANF-2C
• You need to fill out this form
• After that, submit it with ESC

The following details need to be mentioned in the process of RCMC registration:

• Name and Address of the Export Promotion Council
• Your name (Or the applicant’s name)
• Office address (registered).
• Name and address of the branches (If applicable)
• Products’ Name
• Import export code number
• Details of the same
• Number of the export house certificate
• A declaration of the main line of business

What are the documents you need for RCMC Registration?

To get the RCMC certificate, the following documents are mandatory:

• Copy of the partnership deed
• Copy of Import Export code (Self-attested)
• Import Export code needs to be issued by the DGFT
• Copy of the trust deed (If applicable)
• Copy of MOA and AOA (In case of the company)
• For the manufacturers, a copy of the proof
• The SSI Registration and SIA certification (if applicable)
• Figure of the previous year's turnover
• A Chartered accountant must certify this.
• If there are no exports, you need to obtain a NIL certificate
• Details of the names
• Contact numbers
• Residential address
• Name of the partners (if applicable)
• Directors and their details (if applicable)
• The annual membership fee
• You need to pay this via a Demand Draft or a cheque

The benefits of the RCMC Registration

Having an RCMC registration gives you many benefits. You can export or import any item.

This includes accessing many concessions that help your business.  An advanced licence is one of the benefits of the RCMC registration. It allows you to opt for a Duty-free import authorisation (DFIA). Besides this, RCMC registration gives you access to various government schemes. These are listed below:

• Zero Duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)
• RODTEP scheme
• Deemed Export Benefit
• Duty Drawback scheme
• Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA)

Benefits after obtaining RCMC registration

After getting an RCMC registration, you are given a Registration cum membership certificate. It includes the following:

• It helps you to get the licenses for import and export.
• In the case of export, you need no guarantee from the bank.
• You will have access to trade fairs.
• Besides this, you can participate in the Catalogue Shows in India.
• Also, you can avail such benefits outside India.

The current digital method for RCMC Registration

Currently, the office of the Director General of Foreign Trade has introduced the e-RCMC module. It is a digital transformation initiative. It is a single window and a paperless process. Online filing of new and modified RCMC. Renewing RCMC is also possible under this. It is a contactless approval system. As a result, RCMC certificates are issued faster

Final Thoughts

In summary, the RCMC registration is a vital step for exporters. It helps in opening many doors for you. It includes the government schemes and incentives. The chances of trading are also an added benefit here. You can experience a long term business growth also.

If you want to scale your business, having an RCMC registration is your top priority.

So, what are you waiting for? If you still have not opted for this, you need to act now. .

For more information, contact Online Legal India.

FAQs

1. What is the full form of the RCMC Registration?

The full form of the RCMC registration is Registration cum Membership certificate.

2. How long is my RCMC registration valid?

The registration cum membership is usually valid for 5 years

3. Is the RCMC registration process online?

Yes, getting an RCMC registration process is entirely online.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Online Legal India is a digital platform. If you require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or law firm.