Importance of EPC Registration for RCMC Certificate

To promote Indian exports, the government of India helps the exporters in various ways. By establishing the schemes, incentives, and other benefits, the export journey is made easier. Meanwhile, to access government-supported benefits, exporters are required to register with the relevant Export Promotion Council. There are a lot of organizations that come under the EPCs, which are responsible for issuing the RCMC certificate to exporters. The certificate is the gateway to initiatives, duty exemptions, and the key to participating in trade fairs. But how is the EPC registration beneficial for the RCMC certificate? This guide will explore the importance of EPC with RCMC, including the role and various aspects. You can explore more in the next section.

What is EPC (Export Promotion Council)?

Between the government and the exporting community, the EPCs serve as the bridge. Export Promotion Councils is a non-profit organization that is legally sponsored by the Indian government. To boost foreign trade internationally, EPC organizations support exporters for a specific category of goods or services. It further ensures that exporters adhere to foreign trade policies and provides valuable assistance. The major role of EPCs is to interact with exporters to the government, manage information & resources, conduct promotional activities, boost networking opportunities, and much more. 

EPC Registration Importance: RCMC Certificate for Export Benefits

The EPC registration membership enables exporters to access the government-supported export benefits under FTP. These schemes or incentives include the authorization to export restricted goods and customs duty benefits. Here is the illustration of EPC registration benefits:

1. Access to Foreign Export Benefits: EPCs are the regulatory authority for issuing the RCMC certificate. It enables the utilization of schemes such as the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products) scheme.
2. Permission for Restricted Items: It provides authorization for those items that are restricted and require majorly government approval.
3. Enhanced Exporter Status: The certificate of RCMC demonstrates that the exporter is registered with a relevant EPC and complies with trade regulations.
4. Smooth Export Procedure: EPCs help facilitate better and conventional coordination between the government and the export community. 

EPC Regulatory Frameworks for RCMC Approval 

The primary step of registration starts by selecting the right EPC, based on the goods or service category. To meet the legal compliance, the exporters must:

• Register with the right Export Promotion Council (EPC).
• Use the DGFT online portal for registration.
• Exporters must comply with India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
• Must have an active IEC (Import Export Code). 
• Complete the e-RCMC application and pay the prescribed fee.
• For successful RCMC registration, exporters must ensure that norms and standards.
• As the certificate is valid only for five financial years, its renewal is necessary.

The List of Export Promotion Councils with their Role

EPC Processing Timeline for RCMC Certificate 

EPC (Export Promotion Council) is responsible for issuing the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate to exporters. Meanwhile, the processing timeline for issuing the certificate is typically 5-10 working days. Although it can be increased to a maximum of 3-4 weeks, depending on documents and other queries. On the other hand, businesses can track the application status through DGFT’s e-RCMC portal. Meanwhile, registration processing time can be reduced as

• Provide accurate and complete documents. 
• Must provide an updated and active Import Export Code (IEC).
• Register with the right EPC to avoid challenges.

Final Discussion | EPC Registration Importance for RCMC Certificate

The Indian exporters contribute significantly to economic growth. However, to boost a brand’s credibility, product quality and performance are critical. But the right support is most advantageous to promote goods and services worldwide. As such, it is necessary to choose the right EPC (Export Promotion Council) to avoid entangling the same challenge. By obtaining the appropriate EPC membership, you are taking extra strides to gain access to a variety of schemes, incentives, and benefits. Obtain the RCMC letter today so you will reap the benefits of government support. Take professional support, for example, Legal Raasta, to help streamline the process of registration. 

FAQs | Dissolve your Doubts for RCMC registration

1. Can you get two RCMC Certificates?

Ans. Yes, an exporter who deals with two different products is allowed to apply for separate RCMC certificates. Otherwise, you may need to register with the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), which is specifically responsible for issuing multi-product exporters.

2. How may you determine who is the right EPC?

Ans. Note, every specific EPC is responsible for promoting a certain product category. To choose the right export promotion council, first determine your export business line. Moreover, use the DGFT portal to know all EPCs and their product categories. 

3. What are the non-compliance consequences with DGFT guidelines?

Ans. Non-compliance with DGFT can lead to severe challenges, including legal action. Exporters will be blocked from trade privileges, have their licenses cancelled, be banned from international export, and even face criminal prosecution.

4. Which items are not included in the duty-free allowance?

Ans. The major products are TVs, firearms and ammunition, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, counterfeit or pirated goods, etc. 

5. Which EPC provides the certificate for IT and electronic products?

Ans. For the IT and electronic products, exporters are required to register with the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (EPC), which issues the RCMC certificate.