Pharmexcil, APEDA, and FIEO: Where Should You Apply for RCMC Online

The RCMC is the gateway for those export businesses that want to claim the various government benefits and schemes. The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a legal document that is issued by the authorized councils. Meanwhile, under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), the exporters can get access to incentives and schemes with RCMC. However, before it chooses, a right EPC (Export Promotion Council) is essential. Various EPCs issue the RCMC certificate, including APEDA, Pharmexcil, and FIEO. But which council is right for you? Let’s break down the blog to know whether APEDA is best for you or FIEO and Pharmexcil, including the difference between the trio. 

1. Understanding the Role of EPCs for Exporters

Every specific Export Promotion Council (EPC) plays a vital role for the exporters who apply for RCMC registration. These EPCs serve as the mediator between the government and businesses. The major role of export promotion councils is to promote specific goods or services from India in other nations. Apart from it, they also facilitate routes for international export operations and enable global trade fairs. The major purposes of EPC in promoting India’s exports are:

• Acts as Government Liaison: The Export Promotion Councils (EPC) act as the intermediary between the exporter and the Indian government. Their major purpose is to promote Indian exports by representing the queries of exporters in front of the government. They facilitate the communication route between these two parties. It also assists the export businesses in availing government policies and incentives. 
• Provide Market Trend Information: Through the market research, the EPCs provide the details to businesses regarding the current market trends, demand of international clients, and new trade policies with upcoming trade fairs. 
• Conducts Promotional Activities: Often, EPC organizes the trade fair events outside of India for meetings between sellers and buyers. Here, registered Indian export businesses meet with potential clients; it is important to connect with overseas buyers. The trade events help businesses to explore new markets. 
• Focus on a Specific Sector: Every specific authority targets a particular platform and clients.

2. A Right Selected EPC Ensures Compliance & Benefits

Before navigating the RCMC registration process, choosing the right EPC is vital to ensuring compliance with benefits. The certificate holder not only ensures compliance but also gets access to multiple benefits. This is how RCMC helps to align with compliance and benefits: 

Adherence to Compliance and Regulatory

• Requirement for Government Schemes: To be eligible for various government schemes and incentives, such as EPCG schemes and others, you are required to obtain the RCMC certificate online. 
• Product-Specific Standard: EPC helps its registered members to comply with international safety and quality standards. 
• Updated by Regulatory: By linking the communication route between exporters and the government, the EPC provides valuable, up-to-date trade updates. 

Adherence for Benefits and Support

• Market Intelligence Guidance: EPCs are active with various market trends, which they share with their members.
• Organize Trade Fairs: They conduct the promotional trade events, including seminars, exhibitions, and delegations, to promote Indian exports.
• Export Incentive Access: Registration with the right EPC is vital to get the valuable incentives at the appropriate time. 

3. Overview of Key Export Councils

The top trending EPCs that we are discussing in this guide are APEDA, FIEO, and Pharmexcil. Let’s understand it in more detail:

A) Pharmexcil (Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India) 

By the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Pharmexcil, a government-organized EPC, was established in 2004. It was established to focus on and promote the Indian pharmaceutical industry in overseas markets. Having the Pharmexcil Membership for exporters is important to enhance global presence and to gather good market intelligence. The main categories of products under Pharmexcil are: 

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
• Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs)
• Herbal/Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy
• Biologics
• Diagnostics & Surgical
• Nutraceuticals
• Collaborative Research
• Contract Manufacturing
• Clinical Trials and Consultancy

•  Eligibility for Exporters dealing in pharma 

To get the Pharmexcil membership, you must be engaged in the manufacturing or exporting of pharma products. To be eligible for the RCMC certificate from Pharmexcil, the exporters need to obtain an active IEC number from DGFT. The other requirements are that the applicant must have a legally registered company, declare the primary business in the application, get a drug license, and not have any pending violation records under the Foreign Trade Act. 

B) APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

APEDA, which is a government-organized agency, is active in promoting a wide range of agricultural and processed food products. The major products covered by it are

• Meat and meat products
• Poultry and poultry products
• Dairy products
• Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products
• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products
• Cocoa and its products, including chocolates
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Cereal and cereal products
• Groundnuts, peanuts, and walnuts
• Pickles, papads, and chutneys
• Guar gum
• Floriculture and floriculture products
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• Animal casings
• Basmati rice
• Other specific food products, like de-oiled rice bran and green pepper in brine

• Eligibility to Get APEDA Membership

 To be eligible for APEDA membership, the exporters need to first engage in the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. The major requirements under the APEDA Act are having an active business in India, a mandatory IEC (Import-Export Code), determining the main business line, specified documents, and identity & address proof.

C) FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations)

FIEO, which was established in 1965, is one of the top-recognized apex bodies for export promotion. It is not only recognized for its multi-functionality, but also covers those goods that are not listed by the Export Promotion Council and Commodity Boards. It issues the RCMC certificate for export to those individuals or companies who deal with multiple products in international markets. The major products covered by FIEO are

• Engineering Products
• Textile and apparel
• agricultural and food products
• chemicals
• miscellaneous items
• services

• Eligibility for exporters dealing with multiple products

In case an exporter does not find the right EPC for its main business line or deals with multiple products, it can get membership with FIEO. This regulatory authority issues the Registration-cum-Membership certificate (RCMC). To be eligible for FIEO membership, exporters deal in multiple products, or their main line of business has not yet been determined by any EPC. The applicant must be a status holder recognized by DGFT. 

4. Difference Between APEDA vs. FIEO, vs. Pharmexcil

For the RCMC registration online, the regulatory authorities are categorized as

5. How to Decide Where to Apply for RCMC?

To choose the right export council for you between APEDA, Pharmexcil, or FIEO, first identify your main business line. In detail:

• If an exporter’s main line of business is pharmaceutical products, they must register with Pharmexcil. If you are dealing with any pharm products in the international market, your right EPC is Pharmexcil. 
• Any exporter who deals with agricultural and processed food products, such as fruits, vegetables, etc., must register with APEDA. 
• In case you are operating the products and are not listed under any export promotion council or commodity board, FIEO is your designated authority. 

6. Final Thoughts | Apply for RCMC Registration with Specific EPC

APEDA, FIEO, and Pharmexcil are active for a specific product line promotion. To identify the right EPC or other authority, the exporters can utilize Appendix 2T of India’s Foreign Trade Policy. By using Appendix 2T, the exporters can choose an appropriate EPC to register with the RCMC certificate. Furthermore, DGFT is the primary portal for EPC membership registration. Still have any doubts? Get in touch with LegalRaasta professionals or fill out the LegalRaasta.com application form for any queries. 

7. Frequently Asked Questions for RCMC Certificate Apply Online

(a) What is the role of APEDA?

Ans. APEDA, a government-recognized body, develops and promotes the export of Indian agricultural and processed food products. It further establishes the export-oriented industries,  boosts exports, encourages exporters to enhance product quality, and meets all packing requirements. The APEDA membership allows the export businesses to get financial assistance. 

(b) How does FIEO work?

Ans. FIEO, or the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, works by serving as India’s highest apex body. It represents the Indian exporters’ queries to the government. It further offers a profitable service to export businesses so that the registered members can navigate international trade activities. 

Which sector is monitored by Pharmexcil?

Ans. Pharmexcil is generally active in promoting the Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare product sector. 

(c) Does Pharmexlic also come under FIEO?

Ans. No, both are different organizations and work on separate functions. However, the similarity between both is that they share the same goal of promoting Indian exports. 

(d) How to file RCMC online?

Ans. For the online registration for the RCMC certificate, visit the DGFT official website. To make the process seamless, seek legal consultant assistance.