What is RCMC Registration? Know Eligibility, Benefits and Online Application Process

The Registration-Cum-Membership (RCMC) is granted by the Export Promotion Council or Commodity Boards across India. When handling goods under restriction or strict regulation, exporters typically need this approval. Authorization comes solely from bodies recognized by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Such councils and boards operate under official designation to issue these papers.

Take pharmaceutical imports as an example, as such an import requires an RCMC document. Without it, delays typically occur at customs checkpoints. Even compliant batches face custom holds if paperwork lacks approval stamps by a DGFT recognized body. A registered business usually finds it easy to pass checkpoints with a RCMC certificate.

What is RCMC Registration?

The RCMC registration process offers goods that are restricted or regulated by law enforcement to be traded. For example, exchange of specific materials including raw harvests, cooked provisions, combat tools need authorization from the Indian government before being cleared at checkpoint.

Let's consider the Indian firms that handle farm goods or packaged foods. These firms must firts get an RCMC permit through APEDA. Firms trading tea, on the other hand, operate under rules set by the Tea Board of India. As for those trading spices, official consent by the Spices Board is required instead.

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What Are The Benefits of RCMC?

India's total exports reached a record high of $824.9 billion in FY 2024-25, with a compound growth of 6.01% from the previous year, which shows the exponential growth in global trade. With an RCMC certificate, your business can easily capitalize on this growth.

Let’s know all the main benefits of having an RCMC registration certificate:

Easy Access to Export Support Programs

RCMC holders can avail themselves of benefits under various government schemes such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), Duty Drawback, and Market Access Initiative (MAI). These schemes offer traders substantial financial relief through duty exemptions and reimbursements for participating in international trade fairs.

Faster Customs Clearance

When a company holds an RCMC certificate, customs procedures move more quickly. Since the document verifies affiliation with an official body, border inspections take fewer steps. For businesses in India, this means shorter delays and lower expenses in transport operations.

Complying With Legal Rules

Those who hold an RCMC license receive higher consideration compared to non-licensed traders, since the document confirms adherence to official rules. Trust from overseas purchasers grows as a result, creating room for stronger terms when arranging financial support for exports.

Earning Incentives and Trade Fair Participation

Access to trade data, sector updates, and evolving markets becomes possible through online RCMC registration. Participation in global trade becomes easier for businesses that hold a RCMC certificate. It also offers rewards that follow gaining entry this way alters how traders engage with worldwide commerce networks.

Avail Government Subsidies

Businesses that have an RCMC license can access government subsidies and financial assistance more easily. Some EPCs offer their respective member businesses discounts and corporate concessions on flight tickets. Even banking institutions and NBFCs offer credit facilities for granting commercial loans.

What Types of Goods Are Covered By RCMC?

The RCMC registration process covers all these types of goods:

1. Agricultural and Processed Food Products

Agricultural and processed food products are categorized into the APEDA RCMC registration process. This includes:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat and meat products
• Poultry products
• Dairy products
• Confectionery items
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

2. Engineering Products

• Machinery
• Industrial equipment
• Automobiles
• Railway equipment
• Two and three-wheelers,
• Textile machinery

3. Textile Products

• Cotton textiles
• Synthetic and rayon textiles
• Wool and woolen products
• Silk and silk products
• Carpets and floor coverings

4. Pharmaceutical Products

• Organic and inorganic chemicals
• Dyes and intermediates
• Drugs and pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Pesticides

5. Products

• Computer hardware
• Software products
• Consumer electronics

6. Gems and Jewellery

• Cut and polished diamond
• Colored gemstones
• Gold and diamond-studded jewelry

Also read how to start an import export business in India.

What is the Eligibility to Get RCMC?

Check the required eligibility criteria for having an RCMC registration below:

• The business applying for RCMC registration online needs to have a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) as issued by the DGFT.
• A proprietorship business needs a PAN card and address proof.
• Each partner must provide a PAN card as identification and proof of residence that shows verified location details from every involved partner.
• Private limited companies must provide the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), Certificate of Incorporation, and PAN cards of directors.
• A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP business) needs an LLP Agreement, Certificate of Incorporation, and PAN cards of partners.
• The business needs a GST registration certificate.
• For businesses with prior export history, a certification from a Chartered Accountant certifying the preceding three years' foreign exchange earnings is required.
• For a manufacturing business, the required RCMC registration documents are the SSI Registration certificate, SIA Certification, or factory license.

How To Do Online RCMC Registration?

Businesses can now complete the RCMC registration online through the DGFT's Common Digital Platform. Here are some easy steps to complete the process: Step 1 Proceed to the official website of DGFT and check for e-RCMC under the Services section. You will find a section on Apply for e-RCMC. Click on it.

Step 2 You will be directed to a new tab where you can find the Fresh Application section. Click on it to proceed.

Step 3 The next step is to fill in all the required information, such as IEC number, PAN number, Exporter category, and firm address. Carefully check all the information and fill each of them in details.

Step 4 This is when you have to fill in the RCMC details. From the category Nature of Export Promotion Council, choose the industry your business deals with. For example, if your business is about trading in tea, choose a tea board.

Step 5 You will be directed to the TDS section, Attachments and Declaration point, where you have to fill in the details as per your business details. For TDS, you have to fill in the 3-year tax declaration details, and for attachments, you have to upload the ID documents of yourself and business partners.

Step 6 Review all terms and conditions applicable by DGFT in this step. Check all the terms, and proceed carefully only if you accept them.

Step 7 In the end step, you will be directed to the payment gateway where you have to pay the RCMC registration fees, which depend on your business and industry.

Conclusion

RCMC registration certificate is the license that shows that the business is authorized to participate in the trade of restricted and highly regulated commodities. Moreover, the digitization of the RCMC registration process through the DGFT's Common Digital Platform has made the process easier and highly efficient too. For businesses aiming to globally scale their export operations, RCMC registration is a legal complaint standard to follow. If you are an Indian trader, this certificate will offer you resources, various networking opportunities, and access to valuable market insights.