Is RCMC Registration with an Export Promotion Council Needed for Indian Exporters?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
RCMC registration is needed when an exporter applies for an authorisation or any other benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy. An RCMC is not needed simply to export or to receive payment. Since 15 September 2026, consignments with an FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 are exempt. An RCMC is valid for five years.
| Applies to | Governed by | Deadline | Penalty | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exporters and importers who apply for an authorisation or any other benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, unless exempted | Foreign Trade Policy 2023, paras 2.56 and 2.57 (para 2.57(c) inserted by DGFT Notification 36/2026-27); Handbook of Procedures 2023, paras 2.77 to 2.85 | No fixed filing date; renew before the five-year validity ends on 31 March, and report changes in ownership, constitution, name or address within one month | Not applicable as a fine; the registering authority can de-register an RCMC holder for a set period for breach of registration conditions | 8 Oct 2026 |
What is RCMC registration with an Export Promotion Council?
RCMC registration is membership of an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or other registering authority, recorded in a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. Para 2.56 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 describes EPCs as organisations of exporters set up to promote Indian exports, each looking after a group of products, projects or services.
- Issuer: A registering authority notified by DGFT issues the RCMC. The list of notified registering authorities is Appendix 2T (HBP para 2.77).
- Form: An exporter applies in ANF 2C and, on admission as a member, gets the RCMC in the Appendix 2R format (HBP para 2.79(a)).
- Online filing: DGFT runs a common digital platform for issue, renewal and amendment of RCMCs in electronic form (FTP para 1.14; DGFT e-RCMC page).
- Validity: An RCMC is valid from 1 April of the licensing year of issue for five years, ending 31 March, unless otherwise specified (HBP para 2.81).
- Equivalents: A Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices from the Spices Board and a coir exporter registration from the Coir Board count as an RCMC (FTP para 2.57(b)).
- Number of bodies: DGFT's e-RCMC page says there are 26 Export Promotion Councils and 9 commodity boards in India that issue RCMCs.
An RCMC is a Foreign Trade Policy registration. It does not replace the IEC, GST registration, or the RBI rules on declaring exports and realising payment through an AD bank. For a short definition, see what RCMC means, and for the payment side see FEMA rules for freelancers.
Who needs RCMC registration under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023?
RCMC registration is needed by anyone applying for an authorisation to import or export, or for any other benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy, unless the policy exempts them (FTP para 2.57(a)). Authorisations for items listed as Restricted in ITC (HS) are outside this rule, and consignments up to ₹3,00,000 FOB are exempt.
| Exporter type | RCMC needed? | Why | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exporter applying for an FTP authorisation, benefit or concession | Yes, unless exempted | Required by FTP para 2.57(a) | Firms using schemes such as Advance Authorisation or EPCG |
| Exporter of a consignment with FOB value up to ₹3,00,000 | No | Exempted by para 2.57(c), inserted by DGFT Notification 36/2026-27 | Postal, courier and other small-value shippers |
| Exporter only shipping goods or invoicing services, with no FTP benefit claimed | Not required by para 2.57 | The RCMC rule in FTP para 2.57(a) is tied to authorisations, benefits and concessions | Freelancers and small exporters who only need to get paid |
| Spices exporter registered with the Spices Board | Already covered | The CRES is treated as an RCMC (FTP para 2.57(b)) | Spices exporters |
| Coir exporter registered with the Coir Board | Already covered | The Coir Board certificate is treated as an RCMC (FTP para 2.57(b)) | Coir and coir product exporters |
| Prospective exporter with no exports yet | Optional associate membership | Prospective exporters may register as associate members of an EPC (HBP para 2.79(b)) | New businesses planning to export |
How do you get RCMC registration on the DGFT portal?
You get RCMC registration by applying online on the DGFT e-RCMC platform to the registering authority that covers your main line of business (HBP para 2.80(a)). DGFT lists an active IEC, an updated IEC profile and a linked digital signature or Aadhaar e-signature as prerequisites (DGFT e-RCMC page).
- Check whether you need an RCMC at all: confirm that you are applying for an FTP authorisation, benefit or concession and that your consignments exceed ₹3,00,000 FOB (Notification 36/2026-27).
- Make sure your IEC is active and your IEC profile is updated, since both are prerequisites on the DGFT e-RCMC page. See how to apply for an IEC code.
- Set up a digital signature token linked to the IEC, or use Aadhaar e-signature, to sign the application (DGFT e-RCMC page).
- Identify the council for your main line of business, or FIEO if no council covers your product (HBP para 2.80).
- File the application in ANF 2C through the Apply for e-RCMC service, declaring your main line of business (HBP paras 2.79(a) and 2.80(a)).
- If you want registration as a manufacturer exporter, attach evidence that you manufacture the goods (HBP para 2.79(a)).
- Pay the membership fee the council asks for. The DGFT pages relied on here do not set a fee, so check it with the council.
- Download the RCMC once admitted, and use the View RCMC Details service on the DGFT e-RCMC page to confirm the record.
Which Export Promotion Council issues the RCMC for a given exporter?
The RCMC comes from the council concerned with the product of the exporter's main line of business (HBP para 2.80(a)). Each council covers a group of products, projects or services listed in Appendix 2T (FTP para 2.56(a)).
- Product not covered by any council or commodity board: RCMC from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) (HBP para 2.80(b)).
- Multi-product exporter not registered with any council and with no settled main line of business: option to take the RCMC from FIEO (HBP para 2.80(b)).
- Multi-product exporter with head office or registered office in the North Eastern States: RCMC may come from the Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council, except for products looked after by APEDA, the Spices Board and the Tea Board (HBP para 2.80(c)).
- Handicrafts and handloom exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: the Director, Handicrafts, Government of Jammu and Kashmir issues the RCMC (HBP para 2.80(d)).
What benefits does RCMC registration give an exporter?
The main benefit of RCMC registration is eligibility: an RCMC is the document the policy asks for before granting an authorisation, benefit or concession under the FTP (FTP para 2.57(a)). The RCMC record is also used inside scheme procedures.
- Advance Authorisation: where the applicant is a branch office or manufacturing unit, its name must appear in the electronic RCMC and in the IEC (HBP para 4.03).
- EPCG: capital goods may be shifted during the export obligation period to other units mentioned in the IEC and RCMC, with a fresh installation certificate (HBP para 5.04(a)). See the EPCG scheme.
- Trade disputes: DGFT's quality complaints committee may take the help of Export Promotion Councils, FIEO or commodity boards to settle disputes (FTP para 8.04(c)).
- Policy input: DGFT consults Export Promotion Councils and trade bodies on trade matters (FTP para 1.07).
How do you renew or amend an RCMC on the DGFT portal?
You renew or amend an RCMC through the Renewal of RCMC and Amendment for RCMC services on the DGFT e-RCMC page. A change in ownership, constitution, name or address must be told to the registering authority within one month (HBP para 2.82).
What documents and details does an RCMC application need?
An RCMC application needs an active IEC, an updated IEC profile, a digital signature or Aadhaar e-signature, and a declaration of the main line of business (DGFT e-RCMC page; HBP para 2.80(a)). A manufacturer exporter also needs proof of manufacturing. Councils may ask for more, so check the council's checklist.
| Item | What it is | Source | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active IEC | The 10-character Importer Exporter Code of the firm | DGFT e-RCMC page | Every applicant |
| Updated IEC profile | IEC details updated on the DGFT portal before applying | DGFT e-RCMC page | Applicants whose IEC details have changed |
| Digital signature or Aadhaar e-signature | Used to sign and submit the online application | DGFT e-RCMC page | Every applicant |
| ANF 2C application | The prescribed application form for EPC membership | HBP para 2.79(a) | Every applicant |
| Main line of business | Declaration that decides which council you join | HBP para 2.80(a) | Multi-product exporters choosing a council |
| Manufacturing evidence | Proof needed to register as a manufacturer exporter | HBP para 2.79(a) | Manufacturers claiming manufacturer status |
What happens if an exporter does not have a valid RCMC?
Without a valid RCMC, an exporter cannot meet the condition for FTP authorisations, benefits and concessions that require one (FTP para 2.57(a)). The rules relied on here set no fine for not holding an RCMC. A registering authority can de-register a holder who breaks the registration conditions (HBP para 2.83).
- Scheme applications: Applications for FTP benefits and concessions need the RCMC unless an exemption applies (FTP para 2.57(a)).
- De-registration: The registering authority may de-register an RCMC holder for a specified period after a show cause notice and a chance to respond (HBP para 2.83).
- Other authorities told: On de-registration, the council informs all registering authorities (HBP para 2.83).
- DGFT directions: DGFT may direct any registering authority to register or de-register an exporter (HBP para 2.85).
If an RCMC has lapsed, apply for renewal on the DGFT e-RCMC page before filing a scheme application. If you disagree with a council's decision on your RCMC, you may appeal to DGFT or a designated officer within 45 days, and that decision is final (HBP para 2.84).
What is the timeline for RCMC registration, renewal and changes?
RCMC registration has no fixed filing date, but its timeline runs on the licensing year. An RCMC starts on 1 April of the year of issue and runs for five years to 31 March (HBP para 2.81). For example, an RCMC issued in August 2026 counts from 1 April 2026 and runs to 31 March 2031.
| Trigger event | Due date | Filed where | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applying for an FTP authorisation, benefit or concession | Before or with the scheme application | DGFT e-RCMC platform | Exporters starting to use FTP schemes |
| RCMC reaching the end of its five-year term | Before 31 March of the final licensing year | DGFT e-RCMC platform (renewal) | Existing RCMC holders |
| Change in ownership, constitution, name or address | Within one month of the change | Registering authority (HBP para 2.82) | Firms that restructure or move |
| Council refuses, de-registers or otherwise decides against you | Appeal within 45 days of the decision | DGFT or designated officer (HBP para 2.84) | Exporters disputing a council decision |
| Show cause notice before de-registration | Within the time the notice gives | Registering authority (HBP para 2.83) | RCMC holders facing de-registration |
What are the common mistakes with RCMC registration?
- Assuming it is mandatory: Treating an RCMC as a condition for every export. The RCMC rule in FTP para 2.57 is linked to authorisations, benefits and concessions under the policy.
- Old exemption limit: Relying on an older ₹10,000 limit shown in the July 2026 consolidated FTP chapter. Notification 36/2026-27 of 15 September 2026 sets the limit at ₹3,00,000 FOB.
- Wrong council: Joining a council that does not cover the main line of business, when HBP para 2.80(a) ties the RCMC to that product.
- Late change report: Not reporting a change in name, address, ownership or constitution within one month (HBP para 2.82).
- Stale IEC profile: Applying before updating the IEC profile, which DGFT lists as a prerequisite (DGFT e-RCMC page).
- Missed renewal: Forgetting that validity ends on 31 March of the fifth licensing year (HBP para 2.81).
- Mixing up registrations: Assuming an RCMC replaces the IEC, a GST LUT or the AD bank's export reporting. Each is a separate requirement under a different law.
How did we verify this?
Every rule, deadline and form on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 (revised version v1.2.2), Paras 2.56 and 2.57 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 1 (revised version v1.2.2), Para 1.14 (online facility for e-RCMC); para 1.07 (consultation with Export Promotion Councils) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 8 (revised version v1.2.2), Para 8.04(c) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 2 (DGFT, version 07/2026), Paras 2.77 to 2.85 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 4 (DGFT, version 07/2026), Para 4.03 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Chapter 5 (DGFT, version 07/2026), Para 5.04(a) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Notification No. 36/2026-27: De minimis exemption from RCMC requirements for low-value exports, 15 September 2026, Inserts FTP para 2.57(c) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT: e-Registration Cum Membership Certificate (e-RCMC), Prerequisites, validity, apply, renew, amend and view services (checked 8 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do freelancers exporting services need RCMC registration to receive foreign payments?
No. The RCMC rule in FTP para 2.57(a) applies when someone applies for an authorisation, benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy. Receiving payment for services is handled under RBI rules through an AD bank. A freelancer who claims no FTP benefit is not asked for an RCMC by para 2.57.
What does the ₹3,00,000 RCMC exemption in DGFT Notification 36/2026-27 cover?
Notification 36/2026-27 inserted para 2.57(c) into the Foreign Trade Policy on 15 September 2026. It removes the RCMC or Certificate of Registration requirement for an export consignment whose FOB value does not exceed ₹3,00,000. Consignments above that value still need an RCMC wherever the policy requires one.
Can an exporter get an RCMC from FIEO instead of a product council?
Yes, in two cases under HBP para 2.80(b). FIEO issues the RCMC when no Export Promotion Council or commodity board covers the export product. A multi-product exporter not registered with any council, whose main line of business is not yet settled, may also choose FIEO.
Is an IEC required before applying for an RCMC on the DGFT portal?
Yes. DGFT's e-RCMC page says an applicant needs an active IEC and an updated IEC profile to apply for an RCMC. The application is signed with a digital signature token linked to the IEC or with Aadhaar e-signature. See what an IEC code is for the basics.
How long is an RCMC valid after it is issued?
An RCMC is treated as valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued. It stays valid for five years, ending on 31 March of the final licensing year, unless otherwise specified (HBP para 2.81). Renewal is filed on the DGFT e-RCMC platform.
Does a Spices Board CRES count as an RCMC for FTP benefits?
Yes. Under FTP para 2.57(b), the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices issued by the Spices Board is treated as an RCMC for the purposes of the policy. The same applies to the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Coir and Coir products issued by the Coir Board.
Can a business that has not exported yet join an Export Promotion Council?
Yes. HBP para 2.79(b) allows prospective or potential exporters to apply, register and become associate members of an Export Promotion Council. Full membership with an RCMC follows the ANF 2C application route in HBP para 2.79(a), which ties the council to the main line of business.