RCMC Registration Online in India – Process, Fees & Documents

Who Needs RCMC Registration in India?

RCMC registration may be required for Indian exporters who want to claim certain benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or must hold a certificate under an applicable export requirement.

However, RCMC is not compulsory for every exporter or every export shipment. Whether you need it depends on your products, export value and the rules that apply to your business.

Is RCMC Mandatory in 2026?

In September 2026, the Government of India introduced an important exemption for small-value export consignments. Under the updated rule, an RCMC or Certificate of Registration is not required for an export consignment with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of up to 3 lakh, wherever such a certificate would otherwise be required under the relevant Foreign Trade Policy provision.

For consignments above 3 lakh, the RCMC requirement continues wherever it is otherwise applicable. FOB value means the value of goods at the point of export, calculated according to the applicable export terms.

Simple Example

Suppose you have a small business selling handmade products to customers outside India.

If you export a consignment worth 1.5 lakh, you may qualify for the small-value RCMC exemption. If you export a consignment worth 5 lakh, you must check whether RCMC is required for your products and the applicable export rules.

Remember that the exemption is based on the value of the export consignment. It does not automatically remove separate registration or membership requirements under other applicable rules.

Who Should Check Their RCMC Requirement?

The following businesses should check whether registration applies to them:

• Manufacturers exporting their own products.
• Merchant exporters buying goods in India and selling them abroad.
• Agricultural and food product exporters.
• Engineering goods exporters.
• Handicraft and textile exporters.
• Service exporters seeking benefits or council membership where applicable.
• Businesses applying for export benefits that require RCMC.

If you are unsure whether your business needs the certificate, check the current DGFT rules and the requirements of the relevant council before applying.

Benefits of RCMC Registration

RCMC registration can be useful for exporters who want to grow their business in international markets. The benefits depend on the issuing organisation and the rules that apply to the exporter.

Access to export promotion support: Many Export Promotion Councils organise trade fairs, buyer meetings, business events and other activities to help Indian exporters connect with international customers.

Information about foreign markets: Councils may provide information about overseas markets, export opportunities, product demand and trade requirements.

Support for eligible government schemes: A valid RCMC may be required to claim benefits under certain export promotion schemes. However, registration does not automatically make every exporter eligible for every benefit.

Business networking: Council membership may help exporters connect with other businesses, trade organisations and potential buyers.

Official membership record: The certificate confirms the exporter's registration with the relevant authorised organisation.

For example, an engineering goods exporter registered with EEPC India may be able to participate in relevant export promotion activities offered to eligible members.

The exact services and benefits depend on the council and membership category.

RCMC Issuing Authorities – Which Council Should You Choose?

One of the most important steps in RCMC registration is selecting the correct issuing authority. Different Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards deal with different products. You should generally apply to the organisation that covers your main export business.

Your main line of business simply means the main type of product or service your company exports.

Common RCMC Issuing Authorities in India

This table provides general guidance. The correct authority depends on the products covered by each organisation and the rules in force when you apply.

What if You Export Different Products?

Suppose your company exports several types of goods and does not have one clear main product category.

In some cases, you may be able to obtain an RCMC from FIEO. However, you should first check whether a specific Export Promotion Council covers your main export activity. Choosing the wrong authority can delay your application or result in a request for corrections.

Compliance Calendar LLP can help you identify the relevant council based on your export business.

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

The documents required for RCMC registration depend on the issuing council, the type of business and the membership category.

Most exporters should keep their business and IEC details ready before starting the application.

Common Documents for RCMC Registration

1. Import Export Code (IEC): A valid IEC issued by DGFT.
2. PAN details: PAN of the business or applicant, as applicable.
3. Business registration proof: Such as a Certificate of Incorporation, partnership deed or other applicable document.
4. GST registration details: Wherever required by the relevant council.
5. Business address details: Address proof or supporting records, if requested.
6. Bank details: Business bank information or supporting documents, where required.
7. Product details: Information about the goods or services you export.
8. Authorisation letter: Required where an authorised person applies on behalf of the business.
9. Export turnover details: Previous export information, if requested for the membership category.
10. Other council-specific documents: Any additional declarations or records required by the issuing organisation.

Not every exporter must submit every document listed above. Some details may already be available through the linked IEC profile.

Important Before Applying

Make sure your business name, PAN, IEC and address details are correct.

For example, if your company's address has changed but your IEC details have not been updated, you may need to correct the relevant records before completing the RCMC application.

Keeping your documents ready can help avoid unnecessary delays.

RCMC Registration Online Process Through DGFT

Exporters can apply for an electronic RCMC certificate through the DGFT portal.

The process is online, but the application is checked by the relevant Export Promotion Council or other registering authority.

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Portal

Open the official DGFT website and sign in using your registered account.

If you do not have an account, complete the required registration process.

Step 2: Check Your IEC Details

Make sure your IEC is active and correctly linked to your DGFT account.

Check your business name, address and other important information before continuing.

Step 3: Open the e-RCMC Service

Go to the Services section and select the e-RCMC option.

Choose the option to apply for a new certificate.

Step 4: Select the Issuing Authority

Choose the Export Promotion Council, Commodity Board or other authorised organisation that covers your business.

This is an important step because the selected authority will review your application.

Step 5: Fill in the Application

Enter the required business and export details.

You may need to provide information about your products, main line of business, membership category and export turnover.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload the documents requested by the selected authority.

Make sure the files are clear and the information matches your business records.

Step 7: Complete Authentication and Payment

Complete the required application authentication and pay the applicable membership or registration fee.

The authentication method and charges depend on the current portal process and selected authority.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Check the information carefully and submit the application.

The relevant authority will review your details and supporting documents.

Step 9: Track Your Application

You can check your application status through the DGFT portal.

If the authority requests a correction or an additional document, respond through the available application process.

Step 10: Download Your RCMC Certificate

Once the application is approved, the electronic certificate becomes available through the relevant DGFT services.

You can download it and keep a copy for your business records.

Need help with the application? Compliance Calendar LLP can assist with document preparation, council selection, online filing and application follow-up.

RCMC Registration Fees in India

There is no single fixed RCMC registration fee for every exporter in India.

The official charges depend on the Export Promotion Council or registering authority you select. Some councils also have different membership categories and payment rules.

What Determines the RCMC Registration Fee?

The total cost may depend on:

• The issuing Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.
• Your business or membership category.
• Applicable admission and membership charges.
• GST, where applicable.
• Any additional charges prescribed by the authority.
• Professional assistance fees, if you hire a consultant.

Example: APEDA Registration Fee

APEDA's published registration fee is 5,000 plus 18% GST, making a total of 5,900.This is an APEDA-specific charge. It should not be treated as the standard fee for all RCMC registrations.

Other councils may charge different amounts.

Are Government Fees and Consultant Fees the Same?

No.

Official registration or membership fees are paid according to the requirements of the issuing authority. If you use professional assistance, the consultant may charge a separate service fee for preparing documents, filing the application and providing support.

Compliance Calendar LLP can help you understand the applicable charges before starting the process

RCMC Certificate Validity, Renewal and Amendment

What Is the Validity of an RCMC Certificate?

Under the general DGFT framework, an RCMC certificate is valid for five financial years, unless a different rule applies. The validity is counted from 1 April of the licensing year in which the certificate is issued and normally ends on 31 March of the fifth financial year.

For example, an RCMC issued during the financial year 2026–27 would ordinarily remain valid until 31 March 2031, subject to the relevant authority's conditions.

Always check the validity dates shown on your certificate.

How to Renew an RCMC Certificate

If your certificate is approaching expiry, you can apply for renewal through the DGFT e-RCMC service. The general process involves signing in, selecting the renewal option, checking your business details, providing the required information and paying the applicable charges.

The issuing authority may request updated documents or membership information.

It is better to check renewal requirements before your certificate expires.

What Is RCMC Amendment?

An amendment means updating information on an existing certificate.

You may need an amendment when there is a change in your:

• Business name.
• Registered address.
• Business constitution.
• Other certificate details.

Under the general DGFT rules, certain changes to business details must be reported to the registering authority within one month.

The exact documents and amendment process depend on the type of change.

Can You Download an RCMC Certificate Online?

Yes. After approval, exporters can access their electronic RCMC information through the DGFT portal.

You should keep a digital copy and check that the certificate details are correct.

Common RCMC Registration Problems and How Compliance Calendar Helps

Although the application is online, exporters sometimes face problems because of incorrect information, missing documents or selection of the wrong authority.

Wrong Export Promotion Council

A business may select a council that does not cover its main export products.

How to avoid it: Check your product category and main line of business before applying.

IEC and Business Details Do Not Match

An application may require corrections if the information in your business records is inconsistent.

How to avoid it: Review your IEC, PAN, business name and address before submitting the application.

Missing Documents

Some councils require additional documents depending on the membership category.

How to avoid it: Follow the document checklist provided by the selected authority.

Incorrect Membership Category

Choosing the wrong membership category can create payment or application problems.

How to avoid it: Read the relevant council's membership conditions before selecting a category.

Application Returned for Correction

The issuing authority may ask for clarification or additional documents.

How to avoid it: Check your application status regularly and respond to requests within the required time.

How Compliance Calendar LLP Can Help

Compliance Calendar LLP provides professional support to businesses applying for RCMC registration in India.

Our assistance includes understanding your registration requirement, identifying the appropriate issuing authority, preparing documents, filing the online application and helping you respond to application queries.

We can also assist with RCMC renewal and amendments, subject to the applicable authority's requirements.

The final approval and certificate issuance remain with the authorised registering authority.

Get RCMC Registration Assistance with Compliance Calendar LLP

Applying for an RCMC certificate becomes easier when you understand which council to choose, what documents to prepare and how to complete the online application.

Compliance Calendar LLP helps Indian exporters with RCMC registration, renewal and amendment services. Whether you are starting an export business or updating an existing certificate, our team can guide you through the applicable process.

Contact Compliance Calendar LLP

Phone: +91 9988424211
Email: info@ccoffice.in