A Complete Guide to Pharmexcil Membership for Exporters

Introduction

Pharmexcil, or the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India, is an organization authorized by the Indian government. This agency is active in promoting the Indian pharmaceutical export industry in the international market. Pharmexcil offers a membership to export businesses that register with them via the RCMC registration online process. The membership allows the businesses to build their products’ image in global markets. Well, to obtain the RCMC certificate, registration with the right EPC is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how Pharmexcil is active for issuing Registration-cum-Membership certificates, including the RCMC’s importance for pharma exporters. We will also shed light on how it facilitates international trade for pharma companies. 

A. Understanding Pharmexcil’s Role in the Export Pharma Industry 

Pharmexcil, which stands for Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India, comes under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy. It was established as a legal agency in May 2004 for multiple purposes. It was set up under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India

 Under this purview, it covers the various pharma products, including clinical research, herbal products, biotech products, and many more. It organizes the trade fair activities outside of India to promote the Indian export business. The key roles performed by Pharmexcil are

• Provide Policy Recommendation: Pharmexcil works under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It represents the pharma exporters’ concerns and queries to the Indian government as well as international authorities. They provide the policy recommendation to promote the Indian export business. 
• Organize Trade Fairs: To facilitate meetings for sellers and buyers, Pharmexcil organizes the trade activities outside of India. Through it, the exporters get the route to expand their business and meet with potential pharma product dealers. 
• Certificate Issuing Authority: Apart from the promotion of pharma products, it issues the essential documents such as the RCMC certificate and Certificate of Origin (COI). 
• Financial Assistance: Through the Pharmexcil RCMC registration, the export businesses get assistance for accessing the government benefits such as Market Access Incentives (MAI). 

B. Who is Eligible to Register with Pharmexcil?

The Indian manufacturing or trade companies that are engaged in pharmaceutical products are eligible for registration with Pharmexcil. In detail:

• The individuals or organizations that have their own manufacturing factory for pharmaceutical products export.
• The companies that are active as traders or manufacturers of pharmaceutical products export. 
•  A small-scale manufacturer who exports pharmaceutical products for export.
• The large-scale category companies that manufacture the pharma products for export.

C. The Major Pharma Products Promoted by Pharmexcil

The wide range of pharma products is covered under the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). The major products covered by Pharmexcil are:

1. Formulations and Biologicals
2. Bulk Drugs and Drug Intermediates
3. Vaccines
4. Surgicals
5. Ayuesh & Herbal Products 
6. In-house developed vaccines
7. Generic medicines, etc.

D. What are the Pharmexcil RCMC Registration Benefits?

The pharmaceutical companies get numerous benefits after registering with Pharmexcil. The major advantages include

i) Provide Information on Market Insights

Through the EPC membership certificate, the pharma exporters get valuable assistance and possible information about market trends. In addition, they also get the information related to new updates from the international regulatory body. Through it, the exporters can easily target the potential markets. 

ii) Promotes Pharma Export

Pharmexcil assists the export companies and guides them for important license authorization. Overall, it helps businesses to solve trade-related challenges. 

iii) Representatives in the International Market

Pharmexcil often organizes the trade fair activities, exhibitions, and other major events to promote Indian goods or services. These events turn into meetings between sellers and buyers. 

iv) Eligibles for Promotional Benefits

An RCMC certificate from Pharmexcil is important to be eligible for government benefits and subsidies. 

E. Eligibility for Pharmexcil RCMC Based on Business Type

For the Pharmexcil RCMC registration, the pharma export business needs to fulfill the various requirements. The major eligibility requirements for business types are:

For Large-Scale Manufacturers:

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• PAN Card of the company or individual
• Drug License
• Certificate from the Secretariat for Industrial Assistance (SIA) for an Industrial License
• Company brochure and brief profile 

For Small-Scale Manufacturers:

                  –  Import Export Code (IEC) 

                   – PAN Card of the company or individual

                   – SSI Permanent Registration Certificate

                   – Drug License

                   – Company brochure and brief profile 

                   – Merchant Exporter

For Merchant Exporters:

              –   Import Export Code (IEC)

             –    PAN Card of the company or individual

              –   Drug License

             –   Company brochure and brief profile 

F. Pharmexcil RCMC Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are a few simple steps for businesses that want to obtain an RCMC certificate for export:

G. Validity and Renewal for Registering with Pharmexcil

Unlike the other EPCs, the RCMC certificate, which is issued by the Pharmexcil, is valid for one year. According to Pharmexcil, the RCMC certificate for export is active only for 12 months from the date of issuance. However, the documents of DGFT determine that the certificate is valid for five financial years. For RCMC renewal, apply at least one or two months before its expiry. 

H. Final Discussion | Apply RCMC Certificate for Pharma Exporters

To gain international market access and meet with sellers and buyers, the pharma exporters can get the Pharmexcil membership. Through the membership, the businesses can get valuable financial assistance as well as participation in international trade events. To get a Pharmexcil membership, exporters need to first complete the online application. To be eligible for this membership, you must have a registered business with an active IEC. In case your products are not covered by Pharmexcil, register with the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) for multi-product. Make your RCMC registration journey smoother and more affordable with LegalRaasta professionals. 

User Query: RCMC Membership Types Explained

I. Frequently Asked Questions Related to RCMC Certificate

Q1. What are the advantages of Pharmexcil membership?

Ans. Membership allows the export businesses to get valuable support related to services, including market research, financial assistance, regulatory updates, and tickets for international trade events. 

Q2. How can I renew my Pharmexcil certificate?

Ans. For the renewal of the Pharmexcil certificate, you must provide your export performance records of the last three years, including payment of the renewal fees. For renewal, use the DGFT online website. 

Q3. What is the Pharmexcil RCMC registration cost?

Ans.  The cost depends on the type of business. The registration cost structure is as follows:

• For new manufacturers or exporters: Rs 7,080 plus GST
• For Merchant exporters: Rs 8,260 plus GST
• For small-scale manufacturers: Rs 17,770 plus GST
• For Medium/large-scale manufacturers: Rs 63,720 plus GST

Q4. Can I get two Pharmexcil membership certificates?

Ans. No, you cannot get two memberships with the same export promotion council (EPC). For the single main business line, only one Pharmexcil membership certificate is valid.

Q5. How long is a Pharmexcil membership valid?

Ans. As per DGFT, the Pharmexcil membership is only active for five financial years. Before March 31st of the fifth year, the pharma exporter must apply for renewal.