RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) for exporters
How to get an RCMC from the right export promotion council or commodity board through DGFT's e-RCMC portal. Validity, which council covers your product, APEDA and MPEDA fees.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
How to get an RCMC from the right export promotion council or commodity board through DGFT's e-RCMC portal. Validity, which council covers your product, APEDA and MPEDA fees. Key facts: Issued by: Your product's export promotion council or commodity board; Validity: 5 financial years, ending 31 March; Time: Issued online on the DGFT e-RCMC portal.
Source: apeda.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
What it is
The RCMC, or Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, shows that you are a member of the export promotion council or commodity board that looks after your product. Exporters need it to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
You apply on DGFT's e-RCMC portal. Each council sets its own membership fee, so the amount depends on the council.
Who needs it
Exporters who want to use Foreign Trade Policy benefits. Prospective exporters can also join a council as associate members.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| RCMC from APEDA (registration and renewal) | ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on 2 Oct 2026 SourceValid for 5 years. Amendments after issue carry no fee. |
| RCMC from MPEDA | ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on 2 Oct 2026 Source |
| RCMC from Spices Board (CRES) | See Spices BoardNot officially verified SourceThe Board's current-period circular was not found, so no amount is shown. |
| RCMC from other councils (EEPC, GJEPC, AEPC, Texprocil, Pharmexcil, CHEMEXCIL, CAPEXIL and others) | Set by each councilNot officially verified SourceDGFT's fee scale does not fix a single amount. Each council sets its membership fee on the e-RCMC portal. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- Your IEC
- Application on the e-RCMC portal (the application form is ANF 2C)
- For manufacturer exporters: proof of manufacturing, such as FSSAI licence or Udyam registration for food products, as the council asks
- Council-specific papers, for example a signed and sealed copy of the IEC for APEDA
Steps to apply
- Get your IEC from DGFT first. IEC code guide Fee: ₹500
- Find your council. Use the product list in DGFT Appendix 2T, or the directory on this site. Council directory
- Open the e-RCMC page on the DGFT portal and apply, declaring your main line of business. DGFT e-RCMC
- Pay the council's membership fee online. Fee: Varies by council
- The council issues the RCMC. Download it and keep it with your export papers.
Where to apply
- DGFT e-RCMC portal: Apply for or renew the RCMC
- DGFT Appendix 2T: Official list of registering authorities
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Which council do I join?
Join the council that looks after your main product. If your product is not covered by any council or board, DGFT says to obtain the RCMC from FIEO, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. Multi-product exporters whose main line of business is not settled can also choose FIEO. Multi-product exporters with a head office in the North Eastern States can go to the Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council, except for products looked after by APEDA, Spices Board and Tea Board. See the full directory.
Validity and changes
An RCMC is valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued and runs for five financial years ending 31 March. If your ownership, constitution, name or address changes, tell the council within one month.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Issued online on the DGFT e-RCMC portal, in real time
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
If you operate without it
An RCMC is needed to claim export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. A council can de-register you after a show cause notice if you break its conditions, and you can appeal to DGFT within 45 days. Exports against the rules can bring a penalty of at least ₹10,000 and up to five times the value of the goods, whichever is more.
Law: Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992 section 11; Handbook of Procedures 2.83 and 2.84
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Application is incomplete or unauthorised | Read the reason given by the council, fix the gaps and send it again; after 90 days without a fix it is treated as withdrawn. |
| Applied to the wrong council | Apply to the council that looks after your main product; if none fits, apply to FIEO. |
| Missing proof for a manufacturer exporter | Upload the proof asked by the council, such as a manufacturing licence or Udyam certificate. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.