Have you any idea about how you can become an exporter? What are RCMC and the procedure to get it? If not, then this blog is a must read.
In the ever-expanding global market, international trade has become an integral part of many businesses. To facilitate and regulate trade activities, governments worldwide have introduced various measures, including Registration Cum Membership Certificates (RCMC) and electronic filing platforms like the e-RCMC module. These initiatives aim to simplify registration processes, enhance transparency, and promote efficient trade practices. This article delves into the validity of RCMC, the features of the e-Registration Cum Membership Enrollment module, the process of amendment and renewal, and their significance in the international trade landscape.
Registration Cum Membership Enrollment
The exporter or candidate utilising an application determined in the ANF 2C register can become an active EPC member. The candidate or 3xporter is provided with a certificate of RCMC of the Export Promotion Council in the same layout mentioned in the 2R Appendix. The candidate has to provide sufficient pieces of evidence to become a manufacturer exporter. The potential or prospective exporters on the application can get enrolled and have a chance to become associate EPC members.
Advantages of Registration Cum Membership Enrollment
Registering for RCMC has various potential benefits. Some of them are as follows:
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Policy on Foreign Trade
The benefits from the foreign trade policy (FTP) will apply to individuals who have registered themselves on RCMC. In addition, the RCMC registered exporters can get regular updates on the news of foreign trade policy.
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Export Promotional Activities
In India, export promotion is significant. It is significant to promote various exports to develop in various sectors of the country. The international export will get automatically promoted by getting this registration of RCMC. One of the main advantages of getting this registration cum membership enrollment is the capability to ensure the policies of international expansion relevant to the country’s export. For instance, the Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme has been undertaken by the government of India. Under this scheme, the government’s view was that Indians should purchase more and more Indian-based products. With the help of such good schemes, self-sufficiency can be attained. Also, this scheme will enhance Indian export numbers.
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Using Various Schemes
Through registration cum membership enrollment , the registered export firm or company can get various benefits from different schemes of FIEO. However, these benefits can not be availed by an unregistered company or exporter.
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Observance of Government
The exporter company or firm, or individual which is registered under RCMC will be in observance of the rules and regulations of the government.
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FIEO news and Updates
Besides receiving various benefits from the FIEO, the daily update about the foreign trade policy will be accessible for the registered firms. Persons who desire benefits from FEIO, but do not have a registration, can yet register as an individual exporters.
Applicability
The person with the following objectives can apply for this RCMC license:
- An approval to the trade of Import/Export on prohibited things
- To avail of various confessions or benefits under FTP (Foreign Trade Policy) such as duty credit scrip, duty complication, etc.
An enrolment certificate as a Spices Exporter(CRES) provided by the Spices board will be deemed as RCMC, and no other certification of RCMC will be entrained with any other EPC (Export Promotion Councils).
Application Procedure
By using an ANF 2C form, the application with the apprehensive Export Promotion Council can be filed. Exporters can get registration in two types of classifications, namely the Manufacturing exporter and the Merchant exporter. However, if you apply for the Manufacturing exporter category, a shred of solid evidence is also required to submit along with the application.
Necessary Documentation
The following documents should be attached along with the submitted application form:
- Duly signed and filled out the application form of Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate
- Self-certified document of IEC number issued by the concerned licensing officials.
- Self-attested manuscript of PAN card (Permanent Account Number), which the income tax department provides.
- The fees of membership through demand draft at New Delhi or cheque that is expected to get paid at departments by remitting the membership fee.
- Self-attested document of MOA of the company for institutional/ Corporate/ Limited company/ Private Limited corporations.
- For ordinary individuals or partnership companies, self-certified manuscripts of the partnership seed of the company.
- In case of corporate or institutional or trust, a self-attested document of the Deed of trust.
- Self-certified manuscript of the certificate, provided by the company’s registrar in case the company’s registered office gets changed.
- The last 3 years’ data of export services (Foreign Exchange Earnings) is required to be certified by the company’s chartered accountant.
- Self-attested document of power of attorney or Board Resolution that is provided in favor of signing company if the signing authority is not remembered in the Partnership Deed/ IEC/ Trust Deed of the company/ MOA/ Trust or firm.
- Self-certified manuscript of certificate of GST enrollment.
Approaches
- While applying for certification of RCMC, an exporter has to mention their mainline business or product. Furthermore, from the EPC Export Promotion Council, an exporter must get the RCMC based on the main line business. If an individual is operating a coconut business, the person can get their RCMC from the Coconut Development Board
- In case the business of the exporter does not belong to any board council which is already listed. The exporter is supposed to get an RCMC certificate directly from the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO)
- The exporters involved in multi-product business are not enrolled with any Export Promotion Council, or if anyone’s main line business or product is not yet decided, then the exporter can choose to get their certification of RCMC from FIEO
- For the multi-item exporters who have their main registers offices in the north-eastern states, they can get their RCMC from Shellac and Forest Product Export Promotion Council, unless it is done for those items which are cared for by APEDA, Tea board and spices board
- The handloom and handicraft product exporters of Jammu and Kashmir are approved to get their Registration Cum Membership Certificates.
Registration Cum Membership Enrollment Process
The procedure for applicants applying for the RCMC ( Registration cum Membership Certificate) via the module of e-RCMC of DGFT weapon portals is as:
New User Registration
- Visit the online portal of DGFT and continue your process of registration. Provide all the necessary details for registration and choose the registered user as “Exporter/Exporter.”
- You will get an OTP on your registered mail address and mobile number. Provide the OTP on the relevant column. Upon successful OTP validation, you will get a message that contains a temporary password, which you have to change upon your first login.
Apply for Registration
- After the first login on the web portal, the candidate must go to the services and e-RCMC from the menu.
- On clicking on the option of Apply for e-RCMC, an application window will be displayed on your screen.
- Click on the option Start Fresh Application, or proceed with Draft Application; choose and click on proceed with Existing application.
- A page will be displayed which contains a username and your basic details. The system will ask the candidate to declare whether or not the candidate had uploaded the photo.
- Select the Radio button, choose the yes option to confirm that you have uploaded your photo and click on save and Next.
Furnish the following RCMC information
- Fee details and commodity board/ Export Promotion Council
- Export services or products
- Department Heads or Contact Persons or Authorised Representatives for the council’s countries where the firm has business.
Upload Document
After providing the necessary details, the candidate is supposed to upload the relevant documents in the attachment section from the computer. Once the documents are uploaded successfully, click on the option Save & Next
Sign the Application
Read all the declaration guidelines in the declaration section carefully. Select the checkbox confirming declaration guidelines, provide the place and click on Save & Next.
- Under the application summary, you will observe your submitted application details along with all the uploaded documents. The application will proceed toward the next step by clicking the option Sign button.
Make Payment
After signing the application, click on the option Payment; you will be directed to the payment ways for paying the application fees. Pay the fees and click submit; you will get a transaction ID after paying the fees successfully. Again click submit. You will receive an e-payment receipt for your payment through your email address.
Get the Certificate
After evaluating the provided details, the apprehensive council will hand out the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)
View and Track Submitted e-RCMC Applications
Applicants can perceive their Proposed Application from Track Application Status.
- Guide to My Dashboard and then preferred Submitted Applications
- Determine the Type of scheme as RCMC
- Category of sub-scheme as Application for Amendment of Registration-cum Membership Certificate. Click on Search.
- Kind of sub-scheme as Application for Renewal of Registration-cum Membership Certificate. Select the Search bar.
- Check your Submitted e-RCMC information in IEC Profile
- on the Home Page, go to Manage Profile. After selecting Manage Profile, a screen will be displayed with the username, and all the other details will be Click on RCMC to check the RCMC circumstances in the IEC contour
Validity of RCMC
Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a document issued by an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or a Commodity Board recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The RCMC serves as proof of membership in a specific EPC or Commodity Board and allows exporters to avail of various benefits and incentives offered by the government. It is important to note that the validity of the RCMC is usually for a specific period, and exporters need to renew it periodically to continue enjoying the associated advantages.
DGFT Common Digital Platform for Electronic Filing of RCMC – e-RCMC Module
To streamline the registration process and promote ease of doing business, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the e-RCMC module. This digital platform facilitates the electronic filing of applications for RCMC, replacing the traditional manual processes. The e-RCMC module is accessible through the DGFT’s online portal and provides exporters with a user-friendly interface to apply for, amend, or renew their RCMCs conveniently.
Features of the e-RCMC Module
The e-RCMC module offers several features that benefit exporters and trade-related stakeholders:
- Online Application: Exporters can submit their RCMC applications online through the DGFT portal, eliminating the need for physical submissions and reducing paperwork.
- Real-time Status Tracking: The module allows exporters to track the status of their RCMC applications in real time, providing greater transparency and reducing processing delays.
- Secure Document Upload: Exporters can securely upload all the necessary documents required for the RCMC application, ensuring data privacy and accessibility.
- Payment Gateway Integration: The e-RCMC module is integrated with secure payment gateways, enabling exporters to make fee payments online, simplifying the process further.
- Automatic Alerts and Notifications: The module sends automatic alerts and notifications to applicants regarding the status of their applications, any pending actions, and important updates.
- Data Validation and Error Correction: The system performs data validation, reducing the chances of errors in applications and facilitating prompt corrections if required.
- Integration with Other DGFT Modules: The e-RCMC module seamlessly integrates with other DGFT modules, streamlining the entire export-import process.
Amendment of the Issued RCMC
In certain circumstances, exporters may need to amend the details provided in their issued RCMC. This could be due to changes in business information, contact details, or any other relevant particulars. The e-RCMC module allows exporters to submit amendment requests online, making the process quicker and more efficient.
Renewal of Registration-cum Membership Certificate
As mentioned earlier, the RCMC has a specific validity period, typically ranging from one to five years. To continue availing the benefits of the RCMC, exporters must renew it before its expiration. The e-RCMC module facilitates the renewal process, ensuring exporters can seamlessly extend the validity of their RCMCs without unnecessary delays.
FAQs: Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)
How do I check my RCMC status?
To check the status of your Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), you can follow these steps: Visit the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website. Log in to your account using your credentials. Navigate to the RCMC section or application status. Enter the required details such as your RCMC application number or exporter code. The system will display the current status of your RCMC application.
For whom is RCMC mandatory?
RCMC is mandatory for all exporters who wish to avail various benefits, incentives, and concessions provided by the government. It is a proof of membership in an Export Promotion Council (EPC) or a Commodity Board recognized by the DGFT.
How to register RCMC in DGFT?
To register for RCMC in DGFT, follow these steps: Visit the DGFT website and create an account or log in if you already have one. Access the e-RCMC module and fill in the required information in the RCMC application form. Upload the necessary documents as per the guidelines. Make the applicable fee payment through the integrated payment gateway. Submit the application. Track the status of your RCMC application using the DGFT portal.
Is RCMC mandatory for export?
Yes, RCMC is mandatory for export activities. It is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards and is required for availing various export-related benefits and incentives.
Who issues RCMC to exporters?
RCMC is issued to exporters by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards that are recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). These organizations represent specific industries or product categories and promote exports in those sectors.
What is the cost of RCMC in India?
The cost of obtaining an RCMC in India varies depending on the Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board to which the exporter seeks membership. The fee structure is determined by each council or board and may differ based on the nature of the export industry.
How long will the RCMC certificate be valid for?
The validity of the RCMC certificate is typically for a specific period, ranging from one to five years, as determined by the issuing Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board. Exporters need to renew their RCMCs before the expiration to continue availing of the associated benefits and incentives.
Conclusion
The introduction of Registration Cum Membership Certificates (RCMC) and the subsequent development of the e-RCMC module by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have significantly improved the efficiency and transparency of international trade practices. The e-RCMC module’s user-friendly features, such as online application submission, real-time tracking, and secure document upload, have streamlined the process for exporters, reducing paperwork and processing times. Furthermore, the ability to amend and renew RCMCs through the digital platform ensures exporters can keep their information updated and continue enjoying the benefits offered by the government. With the continued advancements in digitalization and trade facilitation measures, the e-RCMC module is poised to play a pivotal role in further boosting global trade and promoting economic growth. Exporters are encouraged to embrace this technology-driven initiative to optimize their trade operations and foster mutually beneficial international business relationships.
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