RCMC Certification with SEPC: A Key to Unlocking Global Service Exports

In today’s fast-growing world, businesses are not limited to their national borders, but are stepping into international markets. To introduce business goods or services in global markets, it is required to obtain a valid legal certificate. One of the most demanded documents is Registration-cum-Membership (RCMC) document. The document is ideal for service providers who want to promote their business line in global markets. By getting a membership with SEPC (Services Export Promotion Council), exporters can claim various government benefits, incentives, and schemes. The RCMC certificate is the fundamental document to succeed in foreign trade markets. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how SEPC membership depends on the RCMC certification process, its significance, and the benefits of membership. 

What is RCMC with SEPC?

RCMC registration certificate is more than a piece of paper. To participate in global trade fairs, deal with international clients, and gain access to government benefits, the certificate is a core document. The Registration-cum-Membership certificate with the relevant authority allows export service providers to expand their service business. By choosing the right EPC (Export Promotion Council), such as SEPC, one can grow business with extra efforts. Under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), these authorities help to grow and promote export service businesses. 

While service provider exporters can easily get access to government benefits with RCMC from SEPC. The certificate demonstrates that the business is a legitimate entity and can participate in export-import events. 

What is SEPC: Service Export Promotion Council

Under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, SEPC has been recognized as the EPC (Export Promotion Council). Its major role is to promote and expand Indian service exports in international markets. SEPC focuses on specific services such as information technology (IT), business process outsourcing (BPO), professional services, engineering, education, healthcare, tourism, and many more. On the other hand, between the government and service exporters, this export promotion authority acts as the intermediary. The export service companies that are in search of expansion of their business usually select SEPC. By offering valuable tools, resources, and support mechanisms. Their motive is to boost the Indian export ecosystem by promoting export services in international markets. With the Service Export Promotion Council Membership, the organizations can claim numerous advantages:

• Provides access to participate in international trade events and exhibitions.
• Access to government-supported incentives and schemes
• Financial and technical support for international marketing
• Guidance in searching for new global markets for service selling.

How many Export Service Sector Managed by SEPC?

The Services Export Promotion Council promotes the Indian export services in global markets by promoting and providing access to benefits. The major export services India covers by SEPC are:

• Tourism and Hospitality Services
• Healthcare Services (Adds medical value, travel, and paramedical services)
• Transport and Logistics Services
• Accounting and Finance Services
• IT & ITES (Information Technology & Information Technology Enabled Services)
• Audio-Visual Services
• Construction and Related Engineering Services
• Environmental Services
• Legal Services
• Educational Services
• Consultancy Services
• Distribution Services
• Advertising Services
• Marketing Research and Management Services
• Printing and Publishing Services
• Research and Development Services
• Scientific and Technical Services

Why is RCMC with SEPC Important for Service Exporters?

For the businesses that engage in service export business from India, the RCMC with SEPC plays a vital role. Here is why: 

1. Government Recognition and Support

The RCMC license provides legal recognition to service export businesses. It introduces the business as a legitimate entity to claim government benefits. Under the Indian government review, SEPC is a service export-promoting authority. Its function is to endorse the company’s services in international markets. Through it, exporters get trade opportunities as well as financial assistance and much more.

2. Access to Government benefits

To claim the export-related schemes and incentives, registration for RCMC is a compulsory requirement. Even for access to the Market Access Initiative (MAI Scheme), the certificate of RCMC by SEPC is a prerequisite. Schemes help service exporters to shine in competitive markets.

3. Boost Business Credibility

By introducing the service export business as a legitimate entity, it enhances the credibility to engage in global trade. In short, legitimacy is required to boost the trust of international clients and partners.  

4. Update with Market Trends

SEPC, which issues the RCMC certificate, stayed informed about the latest market trends. It ensures that exporters stay updated with changes in regulations and guidelines for international trade. In addition, SEPC alerts its registered members to the new schemes and incentives.

5. Authorization for Restricted Goods

With the help of the RCMC certificate, the exporters can import and export the restricted goods with special authorization.

How to Apply for RCMC Certification with SEPC?

To obtain the RCMC membership with SEPC (Service Export Promotion Council), follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify SEPC as the Correct Council

Before applying for the RCMC Certification, ensure that SEPC covers your export service line. To verify it, refer to Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

SEPC is specially designed for the service exporters. 

Step 2: Sign Up on the DGFT Portal

Explore the online Directorate General of Foreign Trade website. As a first-time user, you will be required to set up a profile on the portal. List the necessary information required to register and complete the step by accessing the OTP associated with your login credentials.

Step 3: Explore e-RCMC Tab

After logging in successfully to the DGFT Portal, go to the ‘e-RCMC’ service and initiate the application process.

Step 4: Fill Out ANF 2C Form

The ANF 2C form is the official application for approval of the RCMC certificate. To fill it out, mention the necessary details such as business proof, IEC code, registered address, and other export service details.

In case you are dealing as a manufacturer or exporter, you must provide manufacturing unit details.

Step 5: Submit Supported Documents

As specified, provide all the important documents in scanned format. These documents include the IEC number, PAN, and GST registration certificate. As business incorporation proof, the exporter must provide the details, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, MoA, and AoA.

Step 6: Complete the Application fee

Through a DGFT portal, pay the prescribed registration fees. Generally, the membership cost for the RCMC certificate varies from council to council. 

 However, the rough registration cost fee with SEPC includes Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 plus GST.

Step 7: Submit and wait for RCMC Approval

Before final application submission, review all the details, including documents. Upon submission, the application will be reviewed by the EPC, and after successful registration, the relevant export promotion council. 

The Challenges and Considerations for Obtaining the RCMC 

Although obtaining the RCMC certificate from SEPC offers numerous advantages. However, it is crucial to consider the few challenges:

• As a new export house, navigating the complex regulatory requirements can seem daunting.
• New exporters must ensure they adhere to specific trade compliance and provide all the required documents. 
• The export regulation changes from time to time. To utilize the incentives on time,  stay updated with new rule changes in policies.

Final Discussion |  SEPC Registration Process for Export Services India

In essence, earlier SEIS ( Served from Indian Scheme) was introduced by the Indian government to promote Indian export services. Under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, the scheme was replaced with SEPC (Service Export Promotion Council). The main objective of establishing SEPC as EPC is to promote and boost Indian export services in international markets. This authority is responsible for issuing the certificate of RCMC. It facilitates the route for government support, financial incentives, and networking opportunities. Whether you are dealing as an IT service provider or in education, obtaining the RCMC certificate from SEPC is the strategic move for business future growth. Expand your business scale in a wide range of growing international markets. Apply now for an export certificate with LegalRaasta experts’ assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the RCMC Certificate and SEPC

1. What are the benefits of SEPC Membership?

Ans. SEPC helps the Indian exporters to collaborate with international importers. It further provides access to government benefits and incentives. 

2. What is the RCMC certificate validity issue by SEPC?

Ans. The export certificate issued by the SEPC is specifically valid for the five financial years. It is important not to, as most EPCs might have less validity. Go through the export promotion councils’ regulations and other terms to ensure the validity timeline.

3. How many types of RCMC membership levels are there?

Ans. There are five major membership levels. These are categorized as:

• Ordinary Membership
• Associate Membership
• Trading House Membership (TH)
• Star Export House Membership (SEH)
• Premier Trading House Membership (PTH).

4. For whom has Associate Membership been categorized?

Ans. The individuals or organizations who have a significant record of involvement in international trade.

5. What is the annual cost for RCMC registration?

Ans. There is no fixed value for the RCMC registration. Meanwhile, it depends on the EPCs, the category of exporters, and the annual turnover.