EPC Registration Process Connected with RCMC Certificate

Before obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate, the exporters first need to go through the requirements of EPCs. There is a major link between EPC Registration and RCMC certification. Meanwhile, the registration process includes determining the relevant EPC, understanding the business’s primary line, and gathering documents. But how do the export promotion councils work for issuing the RCMC? To understand it in more detail, let’s explore the page and get valuable information. Discover more in the sections below.

1. The Role of EPC: Export Promotion Council

EPC, or Export Promotion Council in India, serves as a government-sponsored, non-profit organization. It was primarily established to boost Indian exports in international markets. By serving as the liaison, it connects the exporters with the government-provided export services. Not a single, but several EPCs for a specific product are active and support new export houses.

1.1 The Key Roles of the Export Promotion Council

1. Links Industry with Government: By serving as the mediator, the EPCs represent the queries and complaints of the exporter to regulatory bodies. It further demands government-supported export policies. 
2. Promote & Support Export: EPCs are active in promoting and boosting the Indian export of services in global markets. Organizes the international trade fairs to connect buyers with sellers. 
3.  Provide Market Trend Information: The valuable market research details help the company to understand the goods or service trends. Apart from it, the Export Promotion Council (EPC) further provides the details about trade data and regulatory insights.
4. Provides Important Document: They provide valuable assistance to exporters and issue the necessary document, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).
5. Enhances Goods Quality: EPCs encourage exporters to adhere to the international goods quality standards and certification procedures. It is crucial for boosting India’s reputation in international markets.

 2. RCMC Certificate: Gateway to Gain International Recognition

Through the RCMC registration, the industry gains the EPC membership certificate. The Export Promotion Council Certificate allows businesses or individuals to claim various government schemes and incentives. For the exporters who are seeking to gain international recognition, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is the crucial document. Holding the RCMC certificate demonstrates that the business is legitimate and compliant with rules and regulations. 

3. How is EPC Connected to RCMC?

The Export Promotion Council (EPC) is the primary organization to obtain the export certificate. The connection between these two is straightforward:

• To get the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, the exporters are required to first get the membership with the right EPC. 
• Upon the application submission and approval, the relevant EPC selected by the exporters issues the RCMC certificate. It determines that the exporter is a registered member of the relevant council.
• Through the RCMC membership, EPC helps exporters to grow in international markets. 
• In case the exporter is dealing with more than one product, they can either get a separate EPC membership or register with FIEO for RCMC.

4. How to Choose the Right EPC for an RCMC Certificate?

Most of the time, the exporters face the RCMC application rejection due to a few mistakes. These mistakes further include choosing the wrong Export Promotion Council (EPC). Here are the major steps mentioned that impact the RCMC approval timeline. The included steps are:

5. The Key Considerations and Tips for RCMC Steps

Before applying for the RCMC certification, you must consider these points:

Ensure the Alignment with EPC

It is crucial to ensure that the EPC (Export Promotion Council) selected by you covers your export products or services. It is not necessary to match the EPC with the entire company portfolio, but it must be aligned with the core export business.

Avoid Duplicate Registration 

For the specific product category, there is a separate EPC. Must ensure that you register with a single EPC for a single product category. Avoid double registration. For the multiple products category, register with FIEO. 

RCMC Certificate Renewal

As the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate is valid for five years, it is required to be renewed before its expiry. Submit the RCMC renewal application before the expiry date to avoid the late fine penalty.

DGFT New Updates

As per the new requirements, the DGFT brings the new updates and guidelines related to RCMC registration. Staying updated or active on DGFT is crucial to get new notifications.

6. Final Discussion | RCMC Registration with EPC

The exporter registers with EPC (Export Promotion Council) to get the RCMC certificate. Through the membership, the exporters get access to various benefits and incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). As the entire registration process turned online, the exporters can use the DGFT portal. It streamlines the workflow by making it affordable and less time-consuming. Get valuable assistance and support from a legal expert. 

7. Got questions? Our quirky FAQ Section has all the answers 

A) Why is the RCMC certificate important?

Ans. The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is the gateway to claim government-supported export benefits, incentives, and schemes. Through the certificate, the experts can utilize schemes like MEIS and duty drawbacks. 

B) What are the key functions of EPCs?

Ans. The major functions of EPCs are:

• Serves as the RCMC issuing authority
• Represents the exporter as a legitimate and recognized entity.
• EPCs notify their registered members about the latest government schemes, regulations, and policies. 
• By gathering the intelligence, pricing, and trends on the global stage, it updates its members.
• On the various technical matters, EPC offers valuable assistance.

C) What is the RCMC Certification processing time?

Ans. The RCMC processing time depends on various factors. However, through the online DGFT portal registration, it takes 7 to 10 working days. Sometimes, it increases up to 30 days. 

D) What is the difference between import and export?

Ans. In importing, the purchase of goods or services from another country results in an outflow of currency. Meanwhile, exporting represents selling the goods or services in the international markets or to clients, resulting in the earning of foreign currency.

E) How many EPCs (Export Promotion Councils) are there?

Ans. There are a total of 26 Export Promotion Councils that are dedicated to promoting each separate product.