# RCMC Registration — APEDA, EPCs & FIEO

> A Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued by an Export Promotion Council, commodity board (such as APEDA or the Spices Board) or FIEO, and is required under the Foreign Trade Policy to claim export benefits and for exports of certain products. It is applied for online through DGFT's e-RCMC system after obtaining an IEC, and is generally valid for five years.

Practice: Business Licences & Registrations — https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/

The council depends on your main export product — APEDA for scheduled agricultural and processed food products, the Spices Board for spices, sector EPCs for engineering, textiles, chemicals and so on, and FIEO for multi-product exporters. Agricultural exporters often need APEDA registration even when not claiming incentives.

We choose the right council, file the application with the IEC and product details, and keep the membership fees and returns current.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Issued by | Export Promotion Councils, commodity boards, FIEO |
| Application | DGFT e-RCMC system |
| Prerequisite | IEC |
| Validity | Generally 5 years |
| Needed for | FTP export benefits and certain regulated exports |

## Who needs this

- Exporters claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits
- Agricultural and food exporters (APEDA)
- Spice exporters (Spices Board)

## What's included

- Council selection
- e-RCMC application
- Membership renewal tracking

## Documents

- IEC
- Business registration and GST
- Bank certificate
- Export product details

## Process

1. **Select** — Council matched to your products.
2. **Apply** — e-RCMC application filed.
3. **Receive** — RCMC issued and linked to your IEC.

## FAQs

### Is RCMC mandatory for all exporters?

Not for all. It is needed to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy and for exports of certain products that require registration with a specific board. Many exporters get it anyway for access to council services and market information.

### Can I hold RCMCs from more than one council?

Yes, if you export products covered by different councils, though FIEO membership can cover multi-product exporters.

### What is APEDA registration?

It is the RCMC issued by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, required for exporting scheduled products such as basmati rice, fruits and vegetables, meat and processed foods.

## Official sources

- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): https://www.dgft.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/rcmc-registration
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.