An RCMC certificate validates that an exporter is exporting goods from India and has registered with a certain Export Promotion Council (EPC). In this article, we will learn “All about Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)” and how to apply online is provided below.
The Government of India established Export Promotion Councils to help Indian exporters grow their enterprises in foreign markets. A council’s primary responsibility is to encourage exporters in the industry it oversees and promote the product category it deals with. Exporters can take use of the numerous programs and support offered by these authorities by using the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) supplied by these EPCs. When applying the appropriate EPC, an exporter seeking an RCMC must list their company. A handicraft exporter must, for instance, follow the procedure and apply it to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
What is a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)
Any of the Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) can accept an exporter as a member, after which the EPC awards the exporter with an RCMC. A manufacturer or exporter must submit all the relevant paperwork as specified by the EPC to register. Most EPCs now conduct this process online and without paper as a result of the rising popularity of the internet and technology. Typically, the various Export Promotion Councils (EPC) or Commodity Boards, as well as the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), will issue an RCMC. These organizations support the growth and promotion of various export firms across a range of product categories. This document certifies that the owner is listed on the relevant EPC or FIEO1.
What is the purpose of the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)
Obtaining an RCMC will benefit your business in a variety of ways as an exporter2:
- Authorization to export or import restricted items
- Capability to claim various benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy
- Benefits provided by customs and central excise authorities
- Export two or more products from different categories
- The ability to claim export incentives and subsidies through schemes such as the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and the Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS)
- Benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
- Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST for duty-free export of goods
Issuing Authorities of Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC):
- An exporter has the choice to obtain RCMC through the Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO) or a pertinent Export Promotion Council (EPC).
- A holder of a certain status has the option of obtaining RCMC from the Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO).
- Export product RCMC may be received from FIEO if it is such that it is not covered by any EPC.
- RCMC must be obtained from Shellac and the Forest Products Export Promotion Council by exporters of forest commodities and related value-added products (SHEFEXIL).
- Software exporters must sign up with the Electronic and Computer Software EPC (ESC).
- The Handbook of Procedures lists 14 services that need exporters to register with Services EPC. Other service exporters must register with FIEO.
Application for Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC):
An exporter can apply to join EPC and register by applying in the way described in the appendices. The applicant is given RCMC of the relevant EPC after being accepted into membership. Exporters must provide proof to support their claim if they want to be listed as manufacturer exporters. Applicants may also join as associate members of EPC and become prospective or potential exporters.
The following documents must be submitted with their application, which must follow the format established in the Handbook of Procedures, for this purpose:
- A registration-cum-membership application form that asks for specific information about the product for which registration is necessary.
- (b) A copy of the importer exporter code (IEC) number that has been self-certified and issued by the relevant licensing authorities.
- (c) Bank certification confirming the applicant’s solid financial standing.
- SSI/IEM certificate if registration as a Manufacturer Exporter is desired.
- A declaration of the exports and imports that were made during the previous financial year.
- A copy of the partnership agreement for partnership firms and the company’s articles of incorporation for companies.
Validity of Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC):
The RCMC shall be deemed valid from the 1st of April of the licensing year in which it was issued and shall be valid for 5 years ending 31st March of the licensing year unless otherwise specified.
Indications of Constitutional Change:
If an RCMC holder’s name, constitution, ownership, or address changes, he must notify the registering authority within one month of the change. If there is a genuine reason for the delay and the exporter submits the necessary evidence, the registering authority may excuse the delay.
Providing Reports:
Exporters must submit quarterly returns and details about their exports to the relevant EPC. Status holders, on the other hand, can submit quarterly returns to the FIEO in a specific format.
De-registration:
If an RCMC holder violates the registration conditions, the registering authority may deregister him or her. Before de-registration, the RCMC holder is served with a show-cause notice and given a reasonable opportunity to object to the proposed de-registration.
Objection to De-registration:
An aggrieved party may file an appeal with the DGFT or another designated agency within 45 days of the de-registration decision, and the decision of the appellate authority is final.
Frequently Asked Questions: -
Every person applying for any license to import or export restricted goods or any other license under import export shall apply for RCMC registration. Every person who wants to claim any benefit against any export scheme, then he shall also be liable first to register under RCMC.
The commerce ministry has made it mandatory for exporters to file registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC) applications through a common digital portal, a move aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the trading community.
RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is a membership certificate issued for 5 years by Export Promotional Councils or commodity boards of India. This certificate is issued as proof that any exporter is registered with the council. FOR WHOM RCMC IS MANDATORY?
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