RCMC Registration Online

RCMC registration online gets you the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate that an export promotion council, commodity board or FIEO issues when it admits you as a member. It is needed to claim many Foreign Trade Policy benefits and authorisations, though not for every export. We help you choose the right council, prepare documents and file the application with you on the DGFT e-RCMC portal.

DGFT fee: Nil council fee is separate
Validity: Five years ending 31 March, so a late-year grant runs shorter
StampMitra fee: ₹3,899 onwards + GST

What an RCMC is

The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is granted by a registering authority notified by DGFT: an Export Promotion Council, a Commodity Board, a Development Authority or FIEO. You apply in Form ANF 2C, and the certificate follows the format in Appendix 2R (Handbook of Procedures, Para 2.79(a)). The registering authorities are listed in Appendix 2T (Para 2.77).

When an RCMC is needed

Source: DGFT Handbook of Procedures and Notification 36/2026-27. Whether any category of goods is carved out is something we check against the notification before you decide to skip RCMC.

You apply for EPCG, Advance Authorisation, DFIA, duty credit or other FTP benefits: Yes, where the scheme asks for it
You only claim Duty Drawback, RoDTEP or RoSCTL: Not required
You export a consignment up to ₹3,00,000 FOB and want no benefit: Not required
You have not started exporting yet: You can join as an associate member
You want to export at all: You need an IEC, not necessarily an RCMC

Which council you join

You declare your main line of business and join the council for that product (Para 2.80).

Your product has a council or board: The council or board for your main product line
No council covers your product: FIEO (Para 2.80(b))
Multi-product exporter in the North-East: Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (Para 2.80(c)), except for products of
Medical devices: Medical Devices Export Promotion Council (check Appendix 2T for your product)
Ayurvedic, herbal and AYUSH products: AYUSH Export Promotion Council (check Appendix 2T for your product)
Handicrafts and handloom in Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh: Director of Handicrafts, Jammu and Kashmir (Para 2.80(d))

RCMC compared with look-alike registrations

Registration, What it is

RCMC: Membership certificate from an export promotion council, board or FIEO
IEC: The DGFT code that lets you import or export
Status holder certificate: A separate recognition under the FTP, not an RCMC membership type
APEDA registration: A separate registration for scheduled agricultural products

Fees

Item, Amount, Note

DGFT fee: Nil
Council membership fee: Set by each council

Documents for RCMC

Councils differ in their lists, so we check against your council's own requirement.

IEC
PAN
Address proof
Product details and ITC-HS code
GST certificate

How the application works

Validity and obligations

No statutory penalty applies for not holding an RCMC. The consequence is losing the benefits that need it. A council may also recover annual subscription arrears.

Validity: From 1 April of the licensing year of issue, for five years ending 31 March
Example: An RCMC issued in FY 2026-27 runs to 31 March 2031
Changes in ownership, constitution, name or address: Inform the council within one month
De-registration: The council can de-register for a violation, after a show-cause notice
Appeal: To DGFT within 45 days of the council's decision on any matter connected with issue of RCMC

Renewal, amendment and annual subscription

Renewal is open only for a certificate that has expired. A change to a live RCMC, such as a new name, address or constitution, is an amendment through a separate e-RCMC module, and the council must be told within one month. A surrender is also available on the portal.

Common reasons applications get stuck

Wrong council chosen for the product.

Wrong council chosen for the product.
IEC profile out of date.
Name does not match across PAN and IEC.
No proof of manufacturing for a manufacturer exporter.
No authorisation letter for the signatory.

What StampMitra does for you

StampMitra is a filing assistance platform. We are not DGFT, a council or a law firm.

Council identification and consultation
Document preparation and verification
Online filing
Follow-ups and approvals support

How it works

Choose the council Pick the export promotion council or board for your main product line, or FIEO if none covers it.
Update the IEC profile Check that your IEC details on the DGFT portal are current.
Apply in Form ANF 2C Apply on the DGFT portal under Services, e-RCMC.
Upload documents and pay Fill in details, upload documents, sign and pay the council fee.
Download the RCMC The council issues the RCMC on admission as a member.

Frequently asked questions

What is an RCMC?

A membership certificate issued by an export promotion council, commodity board or FIEO that admits you as a member. It is applied for in Form ANF 2C.

Is RCMC mandatory?

Not for every exporter. It is needed where the Foreign Trade Policy or a scheme asks for it, such as EPCG or Advance Authorisation. From 15 September 2026, an export consignment up to ₹3,00,000 FOB does not need an RCMC. We confirm how this applies to your product.

Which council should I join?

The council for your main product line. If no council covers your product, FIEO. We help you pick.

How long is an RCMC valid?

From 1 April of the licensing year in which it is issued, for five years ending 31 March, unless stated otherwise.

What does it cost?

DGFT charges nothing for RCMC. Each council sets its own membership fee, usually based on turnover. StampMitra's fee starts at ₹3,899 plus GST.

Do I need an IEC first?

The online application is filed through your IEC login on the DGFT portal, so the IEC comes first. If you do not have one, order it with us and come back.

Can a new exporter join?

Yes. Prospective exporters can join as associate members.

What if my address changes?

Inform the council within one month. The same applies to a change in ownership, constitution or name.

Can an RCMC be cancelled?

Yes, after a show-cause notice if you violate the conditions. You can appeal to DGFT within 45 days.

Can I renew or change my RCMC?

Yes. Renewal is for an expired certificate, and a change to a live one is an amendment. Both are filed on the DGFT e-RCMC portal, and a change must be told to the council within one month.

Is an RCMC the same as export house status?

No. Status holder recognition is a separate matter under the Foreign Trade Policy.