RCMC Certificate

RCMC: Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate is an important document for Indian exporters. It grants access to benefits and concessions provided under the Foreign Trade Policy, FTP. Issued by Export Promotion Councils in short EPCs, Commodity Boards, and Export Development Authorities under the aegis of the Director General of Foreign Trade: DGFT, the RCMC serves as both an authorization to export restricted goods and a membership proof in these bodies.

RCMC Full form is Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It verifies an exporter’s registration with an authorized agency. RCMC Certificate is obligatory for businesses intending to export or import restricted products as delineated by the FTP.

• Authorization for Restricted Products: It legitimizes the import or export of restricted items under the Foreign Trade Policy.
   
• Proof of Membership: It serves as evidence of an exporter's registration with a particular EPC, Commodity Board, or Export Development Authority.
   
• Access to Benefits: It is essential to avail concessions and benefits stipulated in the FTP for importing or exporting restricted goods.

Securing an RCMC Certificate offers numerous advantages:

• Export Promotion Schemes: RCMC is mandatory to access export promotion schemes like Duty Drawback, Merchandise Export from India Scheme, MEIS, and Market Access Initiative,MAI.
• Trade Facilitation: This certificate makes the import and export process simpler by authenticating the exporter.
• Customs Clearance: It expedites customs clearance by proving compliance with governmental regulations.
• Enhanced Credibility: It enhances the exporter's credibility by demonstrating adherence to governmental standards.
• Market Information: RCMC holders receive market insights and updates through activities organized by EPCs and Commodity Boards.
   

Export promotion councils
 

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are important for Indian exports. Each council focuses on a specific product category and works towards market expansion for those products. The DGFT authorizes various bodies, including EPCs, Commodity Boards, and Development Authorities, to issue the RCMC certificate. It ensures that Indian exporters comply with international trade standards.

• Tobacco Board
   
• Tea Board of India
   
• Coffee Board of India
   
• Council for Leather Exports
   
• Carpet Export Promotion Council
   
• Plastics Export Promotion Council  
   
• Apparel Export Promotion Council
   
• Shellac Export Promotion Council 
   
• Services Export Promotion Council 
   
• Handloom Export Promotion Council 
   
• Indian Silk Export Promotion Council 
   
• Engineering Export Promotion Council 
   
• Sports Goods Export Promotion Council 
   
• Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council
   
• Federation of Indian Export Organizations 
   
• Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council
   
• The Project Exports Promotion Council of India
   
• Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council 
   
• Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council 

To apply for an RCMC Certificate, the following documents are required:

• Copy of Goods and service registration certificate
   
• Permanent Account Number of Authorized Signatory
   
• A duly signed copy of Partnership Deed
   
• Memorandum of Association for corporate entities.
   
• Import Export Code issued by the regional licensing authority.
   
• Certificate from the Registrar of Companies regarding registered office changes.
   
• Foreign Exchange Earnings Data which must be certified by a chartered accountant for the past three years.
   
•  Board Resolution or Power of Attorney, If not mentioned in the IEC, MOA, partnership deed, trust deed.

The RCMC registration process covers various types of exporters and importers, including:

Ordinary Membership: This is for a new business in the export and import industry who are looking for a basic membership.

Associate Membership: For established entities with significant experience in trade, offering more benefits than ordinary membership.

Premier Trading House (PTH) Membership: This is for companies with a substantial share in India's total exports.

Star Export House (SEH) Membership: For companies demonstrating consistent export growth.

Trading House (TH) Membership: For businesses with an annual turnover of at least INR 100 crores that are engaged in import and export activities.

The RCMC registration fee varies depending on the type of membership and the issuing authority. Generally, the fee includes a small amount of GST and is structured as follows:

Ordinary Membership: This is the basic fee for new entrants.

Associate Membership: It is higher fee due to added benefits.

Premier Trading House Membership: This is a significant fee reflecting the company's contribution to exports.

Star Export House Membership: This is the fee based on export performance.

Trading House Membership: The higher fee corresponds to substantial annual turnover.

Understanding and securing the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is crucial for Indian exporters and importers dealing with restricted products. This comprehensive guide outlines the significance, benefits, and requirements of RCMC Registration Online. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can ensure their credibility, streamline trade processes, and gain access to various export promotion schemes and benefits offered by the Indian government.