RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate): Who Needs It and Who Issues It?
Exporters often hear "you need an RCMC" without being told why. Here is what the Foreign Trade Policy says.
- An RCMC is needed to apply for an import or export authorisation, or for any other benefit or concession under the Policy (Para 2.57(a)).
- There is an exception: it is not needed for items listed as Restricted in ITC(HS).
- Export Promotion Councils can issue it to their members (Para 2.56(b)).
What is an RCMC?
The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (Para 2.57) says it is a certificate granted by a competent authority under the Handbook of Procedures, and it is needed to claim benefits under the Policy.
When do I need one?
- When you apply for an import or export authorisation, except for items listed as Restricted in ITC(HS).
- When you apply for any other benefit or concession under the Foreign Trade Policy, unless the Policy specifically exempts you.
Who issues it?
Para 2.56(b) says Export Promotion Councils can act as Registering Authorities and issue RCMCs to their members. The criteria are in Para 2.78 of the Handbook of Procedures. DGFT also has an e-RCMC page on dgft.gov.in.
What is an Export Promotion Council?
Para 2.56(a) describes Export Promotion Councils as exporter organisations, each responsible for promoting a particular group of products, projects or services. The groups are listed in Appendix 2T.
Are there other certificates that count as an RCMC?
- The Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices issued by the Spices Board.
- The Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Coir and Coir Products issued by the Coir Board.
Para 2.57(b) says both are treated as an RCMC for the purposes of the Policy.
How long is it valid?
The Policy chapter we read does not state a validity period. Check the Handbook of Procedures and your Council's rules.
Can an RCMC be refused?
Para 2.14(c) says a firm on the Denied Entity List may be refused the grant or renewal of certificates and other instruments that confer fiscal benefits. Para 2.13 says an authorisation is not a right. Para 2.60 allows a personal hearing for grievances about decisions of DGFT or its authorities, on payment of the prescribed fee.
How do I choose the right Council?
By the product or service you export. Find your product group in Appendix 2T, and ask the Council what it needs from you. Our Product Guide helps you identify your tariff chapter first.
Do I need one to export at all?
To export you need an Importer-Exporter Code. Read our post on the IEC. The RCMC is needed for the benefits and authorisations above, so check it before you apply for a scheme such as Advance Authorisation or EPCG.
Can you help me find the right Council and apply?
Yes. Tell us what you export and we will point you to the right Council and the documents to prepare. We are just a call and a message away.
- DGFT: Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 2 (General Provisions Regarding Imports and Exports)
- DGFT: e-RCMC
- DGFT: Foreign Trade Policy and Handbook of Procedures
Every fact here is taken from Government of India sources, as we read them on 12 November 2026. Please confirm against the original notification for your own shipment before you act. Rules change, and the right answer depends on your product, origin and destination.
Not sure how this applies to your shipment? Send us the product and the route. A call or a message is all it takes, and we are with you at every step of the way, whether you are importing or exporting.
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Multimodal Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India. Written by Shankar Jha. We are consultants, not a law firm. This post is general information.