An RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is the membership certificate an exporter gets from an Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or FIEO, and it is required to apply for most benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. It is valid for 5 years. Import Export Advisor identifies the right council for your product, files the application and follows up for a flat ₹999 professional fee, plus the council's own membership fee.
RCMC Registration: key facts
- Issued by
- Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or FIEO
- Applied through
- DGFT online platform (e-RCMC)
- Validity
- 5 years
- Our fee
- ₹999 flat professional fee
- Council fee
- Set by each council, paid separately
- Typical time
- 3 to 7 working days
Who is RCMC Registration for?
Right for you if
- Exporters applying for Advance Authorisation or other FTP schemes
- Exporters who want council support, trade fair access and market data
- Multi-product exporters choosing between a product council and FIEO
Not what you need if
- Businesses without an IEC: start with IEC registration
What documents are needed for RCMC Registration?
We send an exact checklist for your business type before filing. Typically you will need:
- IEC certificate
- PAN and GST details
- Details of products exported and HS codes
- Export turnover details, if any
- Class 3 DSC
Which council should issue your RCMC?
The RCMC should come from the council that covers your main export product. Multi-product exporters without a clear main product usually register with FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations).
| Product | Typical council or board |
|---|---|
| Readymade garments | Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) |
| Engineering goods | Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India) |
| Processed food and agri products | APEDA |
| Spices | Spices Board |
| Chemicals | CHEMEXCIL |
| Pharmaceuticals | Pharmexcil |
| Multi-product exporters | FIEO |
Why do exporters need an RCMC?
An RCMC is required to apply for authorisations and many benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, and it gives access to the council's market information and trade fair support.
What the ₹999 fee includes
- Council selection for your product
- Application on the DGFT platform
- Follow-up with the council
- Certificate delivered
Government and council fees, where they apply, are stated before filing. Compare every fee on the pricing page.
RCMC Registration: frequently asked questions
How long is an RCMC valid?
An RCMC is valid for 5 years from issue.
What is the RCMC fee?
Each council sets its own membership fee. Our professional fee is ₹999 flat on top of the council fee, which we confirm before filing.
Can I hold RCMCs from more than one council?
Yes, if you export products covered by different councils, though most exporters only need one.
Is RCMC mandatory for exporting?
You can export with just an IEC, but you need an RCMC to claim most Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
Guides for this service
Other export services
Sources and official portals
Import Export Advisor is a private consultancy, not a government body. Approval decisions rest with DGFT, Customs and the relevant councils.