What Is RCMC?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
RCMC stands for Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. DGFT describes it as a certificate validating an exporter dealing with products registered with an authorised agency. Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards issue it. It is valid for five financial years, and applicants need an active IEC with an updated profile.
| Full form | Governed by | Best for | Where it is used | Related terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration-cum-Membership Certificate | Issued by Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards authorised by the Government of India; services on the DGFT portal | Goods exporters who need council membership for Foreign Trade Policy benefits | DGFT e-RCMC service and scheme applications | IEC, DGFT, export promotion council, RoDTEP |
What does RCMC mean in simple words?
An RCMC shows that an exporter is registered with the export promotion council or commodity board for their product. DGFT's e-RCMC page states that 26 Export Promotion Councils and 9 commodity boards act as Registering Authorities. The certificate is valid for five financial years. An applicant needs an active IEC with an updated profile and a digital signature token or Aadhaar e-signature. The application goes to the Registering Authority for the product category.
For example, an exporter of textiles applies on the DGFT e-RCMC service to the council that covers textile products. A software freelancer with no Foreign Trade Policy benefit may not need one.
Why does RCMC matter for Indian exporters and freelancers?
- Foreign Trade Policy: An RCMC may be asked for when claiming scheme benefits. Check the scheme rules on the DGFT portal.
- IEC link: An active IEC is a prerequisite for applying, per DGFT.
- Bank compliance: Your bank does not need an RCMC for a routine receipt. Ask your AD bank what it needs.
- GST and tax: The RCMC is separate from GST and income tax registrations.
How does RCMC work?
An exporter applies to the relevant council or board through the DGFT e-RCMC service. The authority reviews the application and issues the certificate.
- Hold an active IEC with an updated profile.
- Identify the Registering Authority for your product.
- Prepare a digital signature token or Aadhaar e-signature.
- Submit the e-RCMC application.
- Keep the certificate and track its five financial year validity.
How do you get an RCMC?
You apply through the e-RCMC service on the DGFT portal to the Registering Authority for your product. You need an active IEC and a digital signature token or Aadhaar e-signature.
- Check that your IEC is active and the profile is current.
- Find the council or commodity board for your product category.
- Log in to the DGFT portal and open the e-RCMC service.
- Fill in the application and sign it digitally.
- Note the validity period once issued. See the RCMC registration guide.
What do people get wrong about RCMC?
- Mandatory for all: Not every exporter needs one. Check whether your scheme or product requires it.
- Same as IEC: The IEC is issued by DGFT. The RCMC is issued by a council or board.
- Lifetime validity: DGFT states five financial years.
- For freelancers: Service exporters claiming no benefits may not need one.
How did we verify this?
Every rule and definition on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- DGFT e-RCMC, What is RCMC, authorities, prerequisites, validity (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- DGFT IEC Profile Management, IEC services exception (checked 9 Oct 2026)
FAQs about RCMC
Who issues an RCMC?
Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards authorised by the Government of India issue it. DGFT's e-RCMC page states there are 26 councils and 9 commodity boards acting as Registering Authorities. Confirm the current position on the official source listed on this page before you act, as rules and procedures can change.
How long is an RCMC valid?
DGFT's e-RCMC page says the certificate is valid for five financial years. Check the issued certificate for the exact dates before relying on it. Confirm the current position on the official source listed on this page before you act, as rules and procedures can change.
What do you need to apply for an RCMC?
DGFT states you need an active IEC with an updated profile and either a digital signature token or Aadhaar e-signature. You then submit to the Registering Authority for your product category. Confirm the current position on the official source listed on this page before you act, as rules and procedures can change.
Is an RCMC the same as an IEC?
No. An IEC comes from DGFT and identifies the business for foreign trade. An RCMC comes from an export promotion council or commodity board and shows membership for a product category. Confirm the current position on the official source listed on this page before you act, as rules and procedures can change.
Do service exporters need an RCMC?
The sources checked do not require one for every service exporter. DGFT says an IEC is not necessary for services exports without benefits. Check scheme rules on the DGFT portal. Confirm the current position on the official source listed on this page before you act, as rules and procedures can change.