Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from Coffee Board, Bengaluru

Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from Coffee Board, Bengaluru. The Coffee Board of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, is the primary regulatory authority overseeing the coffee sector in India. Any exporter dealing with coffee or allied products must obtain the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the Coffee Board. The RCMC is essential for exporting coffee from India and helps the Coffee Board maintain regulatory oversight, quality assurance, and promote Indian coffee globally.
This article provides a complete overview of the online application process for obtaining the RCMC, terms and conditions for exporters, necessary documentation, fee structure, and other important aspects.
Terms & Conditions to Become a Registered Exporter of Coffee
To ensure proper regulation and promote ethical export practices, the Coffee Board has set several terms and conditions that every applicant must agree to before being granted an RCMC. These are designed to ensure compliance with the Coffee Act, 1942 and promote the best business standards.

Compliance with Coffee Act, 1942: All applicants must agree to abide by the Coffee Act, 1942 and any amendments or rules framed by the Coffee Board. These include regulations about registration, suspension, and export of coffee and allied items.

Fair Business Practice: Exporters must conduct their business ethically and adhere to a code of fair business practice laid down by the Board.

Standard Contract Form: For every export transaction, exporters must use a contract form as prescribed by the Coffee Board. This ensures uniformity and legal protection for both parties.

Quality and Packing Standards: Exporters are expected to follow the quality and packing standards prescribed by the Coffee Board to maintain the international reputation of Indian coffee.

Submission of Information: Exporters must submit required statements and information in the prescribed format as and when required by the Coffee Board.

Right to Cancel Registration: The Secretary of the Coffee Board reserves the right to cancel the registration without assigning any reason by giving a one-month written notice. Exporters do have the right to appeal this decision.

Non-Transferability of RCMC: The issued RCMC is neither inheritable nor transferable under any circumstance.

Final Authority: The Secretary's decision in matters related to the registration is final and binding on the registered exporters.

Documents Required for Online Application
Before filling out the online application for a new RCMC, applicants should prepare and self-attest all required documents. All documents should be scanned and saved in PDF format for uploading. The Coffee Board has outlined different document requirements for fresh registration and for renewal or revival.
For Fresh RCMC
The following documents are mandatory and must be self-attested with the firm’s seal and signature:

IEC Certificate: This is the Importer Exporter Code issued by DGFT and is mandatory for any export activity.

GST Registration Certificate: A valid GST certificate is required to confirm that the exporter is registered under the Goods and Services Tax regime.

PAN Card: The applicant firm’s PAN card is mandatory for identification and tax compliance.

FSSAI or MSME Certificate: For manufacturer exporters, either the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India certificate or a valid MSME certificate is required.

Bank Performance Letter: A performance letter from the bank where the firm holds its account is mandatory. The format for this letter is provided by the Coffee Board.

Authorized Signatory of Bank: This document should confirm the signature and authority of the bank’s official signing the Bank Performance Letter.

Authorized Signatory of the Firm/Company: If applicable, this document confirms the authority of the individual submitting the application on behalf of the firm.

Certificate of Incorporation: This is applicable for Private Limited and Public Limited companies. Though not mandatory, it is recommended to include it.

For Renewal & Revival of RCMC
For those renewing or reviving an existing RCMC, the following documents are required:

Copy of Previously Issued RCMC: The existing certificate issued by the Coffee Board must be uploaded.

Import Export Code Certificate: As with fresh registration, a valid IEC is required.

GST Registration Certificate: A valid GST certificate is again necessary for renewal.

All the documents must be self-attested and uploaded during the online application process.
Fee Structure for RCMC
The fee for obtaining or renewing an RCMC is fixed at Rs. 6,200 plus applicable GST at 18%. The payment must be made online. Exporters should keep the remittance details ready when filling the application form.
RCMC Certificate and e-Permit Portal
Once the application is processed and approved, the Registration cum Membership Certificate is issued digitally and made available on the e-permit portal of the Coffee Board. Exporters can download the RCMC by visiting: https://coffeeboard.gov.in/permit/
After successful registration, login credentials are shared via the registered email address. It is very important to provide a correct and properly formatted email ID in the online application. Exporters should avoid using special characters like @ and . directly. Instead, use the format provided by the Coffee Board.
Example:
 For the email ID exporter.coffee@gmail.com, enter it in the form as exporter[dot]coffee[at]gmail[dot]com.
Failure to enter the email ID correctly may result in non-receipt of login credentials.
FAQs on RCMC from Coffee Board, Bengaluru
Q1. What is the purpose of obtaining an RCMC from the Coffee Board?
Ans. The RCMC authorizes an entity to export coffee and allied products legally. It ensures that the exporter complies with regulations and is recognized by the Coffee Board.
Q2. Is RCMC mandatory for all coffee exporters?
 Ans. Yes, any individual or business intending to export coffee from India must obtain an RCMC.
Q3. Can I transfer my RCMC to another person or firm?
 Ans. No, the RCMC is neither inheritable nor transferable under any circumstance.
Q4. How is the fee for RCMC paid?
 Ans. The fee must be paid online. The total fee including GST is Rs. 7,316, irrespective of the applicant’s location.
Q5. What is the validity period of RCMC?
 Ans. The validity period is usually one year. Exporters must renew the RCMC annually by submitting the renewal documents and applicable fee.
Q6. Can the Coffee Board cancel my RCMC?
 Ans. Yes, the Secretary of the Coffee Board reserves the right to cancel an RCMC with a one-month notice. The exporter has a right to appeal this decision.
Q7. Where will I receive my RCMC after approval?
 Ans. The RCMC will be available for download from the e-permit portal: https://coffeeboard.gov.in/permit/
Q8. Can I use any email ID to register?
 Ans. Yes, but you must enter the email ID in the prescribed format (e.g., exporter[dot]coffee[at]gmail[dot]com) while filling the application.
Q9. What if I am a manufacturer exporter? Do I need additional documents?
 Ans. Yes, in addition to standard documents, manufacturer exporters must submit either an FSSAI certificate or an MSME certificate.
Q10. How do I ensure successful registration?
 Ans. Ensure all documents are self-attested, fees are paid online, and email ID is correctly formatted. Follow the Coffee Board’s guidelines strictly while filling the application.

The Coffee Board of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, is the primary regulatory authority overseeing the coffee sector in India. Any exporter dealing with coffee or allied products must obtain the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the Coffee Board. The RCMC is essential for exporting coffee from India and helps the Coffee Board maintain regulatory oversight, quality assurance, and promote Indian coffee globally.

This article provides a complete overview of the online application process for obtaining the RCMC, terms and conditions for exporters, necessary documentation, fee structure, and other important aspects.

Terms & Conditions to Become a Registered Exporter of Coffee

To ensure proper regulation and promote ethical export practices, the Coffee Board has set several terms and conditions that every applicant must agree to before being granted an RCMC. These are designed to ensure compliance with the Coffee Act, 1942 and promote the best business standards.

Compliance with Coffee Act, 1942: All applicants must agree to abide by the Coffee Act, 1942 and any amendments or rules framed by the Coffee Board. These include regulations about registration, suspension, and export of coffee and allied items.
Fair Business Practice: Exporters must conduct their business ethically and adhere to a code of fair business practice laid down by the Board.
Standard Contract Form: For every export transaction, exporters must use a contract form as prescribed by the Coffee Board. This ensures uniformity and legal protection for both parties.
Quality and Packing Standards: Exporters are expected to follow the quality and packing standards prescribed by the Coffee Board to maintain the international reputation of Indian coffee.
Submission of Information: Exporters must submit required statements and information in the prescribed format as and when required by the Coffee Board.
Right to Cancel Registration: The Secretary of the Coffee Board reserves the right to cancel the registration without assigning any reason by giving a one-month written notice. Exporters do have the right to appeal this decision.
Non-Transferability of RCMC: The issued RCMC is neither inheritable nor transferable under any circumstance.
Final Authority: The Secretary's decision in matters related to the registration is final and binding on the registered exporters.

Documents Required for Online Application

Before filling out the online application for a new RCMC, applicants should prepare and self-attest all required documents. All documents should be scanned and saved in PDF format for uploading. The Coffee Board has outlined different document requirements for fresh registration and for renewal or revival.

For Fresh RCMC

The following documents are mandatory and must be self-attested with the firm’s seal and signature:

IEC Certificate: This is the Importer Exporter Code issued by DGFT and is mandatory for any export activity.
GST Registration Certificate: A valid GST certificate is required to confirm that the exporter is registered under the Goods and Services Tax regime.
PAN Card: The applicant firm’s PAN card is mandatory for identification and tax compliance.
FSSAI or MSME Certificate: For manufacturer exporters, either the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India certificate or a valid MSME certificate is required.
Bank Performance Letter: A performance letter from the bank where the firm holds its account is mandatory. The format for this letter is provided by the Coffee Board.
Authorized Signatory of Bank: This document should confirm the signature and authority of the bank’s official signing the Bank Performance Letter.
Authorized Signatory of the Firm/Company: If applicable, this document confirms the authority of the individual submitting the application on behalf of the firm.
Certificate of Incorporation: This is applicable for Private Limited and Public Limited companies. Though not mandatory, it is recommended to include it.

For Renewal & Revival of RCMC

For those renewing or reviving an existing RCMC, the following documents are required:

Copy of Previously Issued RCMC: The existing certificate issued by the Coffee Board must be uploaded.
Import Export Code Certificate: As with fresh registration, a valid IEC is required.
GST Registration Certificate: A valid GST certificate is again necessary for renewal.

All the documents must be self-attested and uploaded during the online application process.

Fee Structure for RCMC

The fee for obtaining or renewing an RCMC is fixed at Rs. 6,200 plus applicable GST at 18%. The payment must be made online. Exporters should keep the remittance details ready when filling the application form.

RCMC Certificate and e-Permit Portal

Once the application is processed and approved, the Registration cum Membership Certificate is issued digitally and made available on the e-permit portal of the Coffee Board. Exporters can download the RCMC by visiting: https://coffeeboard.gov.in/permit/

After successful registration, login credentials are shared via the registered email address. It is very important to provide a correct and properly formatted email ID in the online application. Exporters should avoid using special characters like @ and . directly. Instead, use the format provided by the Coffee Board.

Example:

For the email ID exporter.coffee@gmail.com, enter it in the form as exporter[dot]coffee[at]gmail[dot]com.

Failure to enter the email ID correctly may result in non-receipt of login credentials.

FAQs on RCMC from Coffee Board, Bengaluru

Q1. What is the purpose of obtaining an RCMC from the Coffee Board?

Ans. The RCMC authorizes an entity to export coffee and allied products legally. It ensures that the exporter complies with regulations and is recognized by the Coffee Board.

Q2. Is RCMC mandatory for all coffee exporters?

Ans. Yes, any individual or business intending to export coffee from India must obtain an RCMC.

Q3. Can I transfer my RCMC to another person or firm?

Ans. No, the RCMC is neither inheritable nor transferable under any circumstance.

Q4. How is the fee for RCMC paid?

Ans. The fee must be paid online. The total fee including GST is Rs. 7,316, irrespective of the applicant’s location.

Q5. What is the validity period of RCMC?

Ans. The validity period is usually one year. Exporters must renew the RCMC annually by submitting the renewal documents and applicable fee.

Q6. Can the Coffee Board cancel my RCMC?

Ans. Yes, the Secretary of the Coffee Board reserves the right to cancel an RCMC with a one-month notice. The exporter has a right to appeal this decision.

Q7. Where will I receive my RCMC after approval?

Ans. The RCMC will be available for download from the e-permit portal: https://coffeeboard.gov.in/permit/

Q8. Can I use any email ID to register?

Ans. Yes, but you must enter the email ID in the prescribed format (e.g., exporter[dot]coffee[at]gmail[dot]com) while filling the application.

Q9. What if I am a manufacturer exporter? Do I need additional documents?

Ans. Yes, in addition to standard documents, manufacturer exporters must submit either an FSSAI certificate or an MSME certificate.

Q10. How do I ensure successful registration?

Ans. Ensure all documents are self-attested, fees are paid online, and email ID is correctly formatted. Follow the Coffee Board’s guidelines strictly while filling the application.