RCMC Renewal Process Explained: Documents, Validity, and Tips

Introduction

RCMC, or Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate, is a golden key to gain international market access. Through the RCMC registration, the new export houses certify their membership with authorized Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards—the registered EPCs issue membership certificates for a period of five financial years. Through the EPC registration membership, the exporters gain access to claim schemes and benefits. Well, it is typically valid only for five financial years. To continue the government export benefits even after five years, one must apply for RCMC renewal. Renewal is a part of compliance management and continues receiving benefits under DGFT regulations. Let’s break down the page to know the RCMC renewal online process, including required documents and validity. 

1. What is RCMC Renewal?

RCMC renewal is a comprehensive procedure to reactivate the expired certificate. It is a compulsory requirement for those who hold the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate. Well, under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), renewal of RCMC is a legal requirement. Renewal helps to maintain continued access to export benefits and avoids legal penalties, such as a late renewal fine. 

1.1 How Renewal of RCMC Maintain Membership with EPC?

EPC membership management through the RCMC validity depends on various factors, including:

• By renewing the certificate, the exporters can continue to gain market intelligence, updates on global trends, and good pricing rates through the EPC membership.
• The continued validity of the certificate is crucial to becoming a part of EPC’s councils and meetings on export standards & regulations. 
• By serving as the government-recognized credential, the RCMC certificate boosts an exporter’s legitimacy in the global marketplace.
• EPCs often organize and support the international trade fairs, allowing exporters to participate in them. Through the trade events, exporters promote their goods or services to international clients. 

2. What are the Challenges Associated with Expired RCMC?

An expired Registration-cum-Membership Certificate raises various challenges for exporters. Through these significant challenges, the management of the export process becomes complex. The common problems with expired RCMC are

1. Disruption to Export Process: To export the goods, the customs authority approval is crucial. But an expired RCMC certificate can result in a delay in shipment. Furthermore, it can cause significant disruption to the export process.
2. Non-Compliance with DGFT: Under the Foreign Trade Policy, the RCMC for export renewal is crucial to maintain DGFT regulations. Failure to do so marks the non-compliance with DGFT’s set guidelines. Exporters might face financial penalties from EPC for not applying for renewal on time.
3. EPC Membership Will Cease: The renewal of the export certificate is to keep EPC membership active. However, if the exporter does not apply for renewal before the deadline, the membership in the Export Promotion Council will cease. 
4. Fail to Confirm Affiliation: An expired certificate breaks the bond with international clients, banks, and partners. 
5. Restricted from Export Benefits: Without a fresh and active RCMC, the exporters cannot claim the government benefits, schemes, and incentives. To access the schemes such as RoDTEP and MEIS, the RCMC certificate validity is mandatory. 
6. Denial of Promotional Access: Even to participate in EPC-organized trade fairs, exporters need RCMC. But an expired certificate results in being ineligible to participate in EPC-sponsored trade events. 

3. What is the General Validity of an RCMC Certificate?

In India, the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate is typically valid for five financial years. As the certificate validity is tied to the financial year, it is therefore subject to specific conditions. This can be understood as

• RCMC Certificate Validity: Unless a specific condition applies, the Registration-cum-Membership certificate is valid only for five years.
• Certificate Starting Date: The validity of RCMC starts from the 1st April of the financial year.
• Certificate Ending Date: 31st March of the fifth financial year marks the expiry date of the export certificate. 

Example: If an exporter gets the RCMC export certificate in 2026, its financial year validity will start from 1st April, 2026, and will end on 31st March, 2031.

4. Exporters should track RCMC Expiry and start the Renewal Process

Reminding the expiry date of Registration-cum- Membership Certificate is essential to avoid a late penalty fine. Early certificate application for renewal is beneficial to access export incentives and benefits. To track the expiry date, the exporters can check the RCMC certificate. To ensure the exact expiry date and timeline, check the existing RCMC. Since the validity depends on the financial year, set a reminder 2 to 3 months before 31st March. Another option to track the expiry date can be the DGFT portal. This is the online single window, which contains all applicants and RCMC information. Track the certificate expiry date on the DGFT online portal. Otherwise, each specific EPC has its own website on which exporters can check. Mostly, EPCs or commodity boards send out renewal notices before the expiry of the certificate. 

5. RCMC Validity Depends on the Issuing Council or Board

The validity of the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) depends on the specific EPC or commodity board. Well, the standard validity of the certificate is for five years, which is common. But some offer a different validity timeline. The major factors that can impact RCMC validity:

• EPC or Commodity Board Policies: Each separate EPC or export commodity board has its own set of rules and validity policies. At the same time, the validity policy of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) is different. It generally issues the certificates with one- to five-year validity periods. 
• RCMC Renewal Requirements: The specific renewal procedure and validity are determined by the relevant council. To continue the export benefits and schemes, the exporters are required to renew the certificate on time. 

6. Which Documents are Required for RCMC Renewal?

The set of documentation needed or required to renew the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is:

A valid or a valid copy of the IEC (Importer Exporter Code)

Your prior or present RCMC certificate

Your updated business registration (if applicable, Udyam/MSME certificate)

The PAN card and proof of address

The membership fee or renewal form of your EPC

The GST registration certificate

Proof of payment (receipt of fee)

7. Steps to check RCMC certificate renewal online

Here is the complete guide for Registration-cum-Membership Certificate renewal. Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Portal

To start the renewal procedure, log in to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal online. 

Step 2: Navigate to the e-RCMC Section

Visit the e-RCMC section and then the renewal of RCMC.

Step 3: Complete Renewal Application

For the fresh certificate renewal, select the option ‘Start Fresh Application’; otherwise, select ‘Draft Application’ to continue the previously saved one. 

Step 4: Choose RCMC Number

Indicate your current RCMC number, and then choose the renewal choice.

Step 5: Review Submitted Details

Exporters must verify the details that auto-populate from their Import-Export Code (IEC).

Step 6: EPC Selection & Instructions

Select the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or commodity board from the displayed list. Furthermore, please make sure to read all terms and conditions that are relevant to you, such as fees and the documents you must provide.

Step 7: Send Documents

Check that the exporter’s business profile information is also updated on other relevant documents, such as the GST certificate and current RCMC.

Step 8: Renewal Fees 

Make the renewed payment using the correct payment gateway. 

Step 9: Application Submission

Before application submission, you must review all details and click the submit option. 

8. Wrapping Up | RCMC Certificate Renewal for Export House

To maintain eligibility for government benefits and schemes, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate is a crucial document. The timely renewal is further important to prevent delays, enhance business credibility, and ensure compliance with trade regulations. To receive the successive benefits from DGFT and EPC, the exporters must stay compliant with all set rules and regulations. Adherence to regulatory set compliance is crucial to increase maximum export benefits and schemes offered by DGFT. Renew RCMC online at the DGFT online portal, or consult with a professional consultant and avoid ambiguity. Check the legalraasta.com for further information. 

9. RCMC Certificate Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

a.) How does DGFT promote Indian exports? 

Ans. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the principal authority with respect to the implementation of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). It further grants the export license and offers the export incentives through a specific scheme.

b.) Why are export incentives important for you?

Ans. To deal in international markets, the government supports exporters through schemes and incentives, which are a form of economic assistance. 

c.) What is EPC in export?

Ans. EPC stands for the Export Promotion Councils, which are active in promoting the Indian export ecosystem. It further serves as the certificate-issuing authority. 

d.) Why is the export promotion necessary?

Ans. The promotion of exports is connected to economic growth. It helps to increase sales shares of low-firm products in international markets and allows for the earning of foreign currency. 

e.) What does EPCG stand for?

Ans. EPCG is for Export Promotion Capital Goods. It is a type of scheme, introduced by the Indian government, that allows exporters to deal with a specific product at a zero customs duty. These schemes basically cover machinery and equipment. 

Curious to learn more? Click here – 10 Common Questions Exporters Ask About RCMC Registration