RCMC Registration —
All Export Promotion
Councils

RCMC is not technically required to ship goods — you can export without it using your IEC and GST number. However, RCMC is mandatory to claim any export incentives — RoDTEP, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, DFIA, Duty Drawback above the default rate, and most state government export schemes. For a first-time small exporter who is not claiming any incentives, RCMC may not be immediately necessary. However, TaxClue strongly recommends obtaining RCMC at the start — because it can be applied retroactively to past shipments only in limited circumstances. If you export regularly and want to claim incentives on current or future shipments, RCMC should be the first registration after IEC.

No — RCMC is product-based (linked to HS codes), not destination-based. A single RCMC from the relevant EPC covers exports of the specified products to all countries. You do not need multiple RCMCs for different export destinations. However, if you export different product categories — say, engineering goods to the USA and pharmaceuticals to Africa — you need separate RCMCs from EEPC (for engineering) and PHARMEXCIL (for pharma), because those are different product sectors covered by different EPCs. TaxClue maps your complete export product list to the correct EPC(s) so you know exactly how many RCMCs you need.

You register with each relevant EPC separately. For example, a company that exports both chemical intermediates (HS Chapter 29 — CHEMEXCIL) and pharmaceutical finished dosage forms (HS Chapter 30 — PHARMEXCIL) needs RCMC from both councils. Each RCMC lists the specific HS codes it covers. When filing shipping bills, the customs system validates that the HS code on the bill is covered by the RCMC declared. TaxClue identifies the correct EPC for each HS code in your product portfolio and manages all RCMC applications — often filing them simultaneously to avoid delays.

FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) is the apex body for exporters and issues RCMC for products that are not specifically covered by any of the product-specific EPCs — such as certain niche manufactured goods, mixed product portfolios, or traders dealing in diverse product lines without a dominant category. FIEO's RCMC is valid for general merchandise. However, for products with a specific EPC (pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, gems, textiles, agricultural products), the EPC-specific RCMC is preferred — and in some cases, mandatory for specific schemes (for example, RoSCTL requires AEPC/TEXPROCIL RCMC specifically; it cannot be claimed on a FIEO RCMC). If you are unsure whether FIEO or a specific EPC applies to your products, TaxClue advises during the free consultation.

Processing time varies by council: digital-first councils like EEPC, TEXPROCIL, and PLEXCONCIL typically process in 5–10 working days. Physical inspection-based councils like APEDA and MPEDA can take 3–6 weeks. GJEPC and PHARMEXCIL typically take 2–3 weeks. RCMC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If it expires, the exporter cannot claim incentives on any shipments from the date of expiry until renewal — retrospective claims on shipments made with an expired RCMC are generally not accepted. TaxClue sends renewal reminders 90 days before expiry and ensures continuous unbroken coverage.

Yes — RCMC can be obtained by newly incorporated companies with no export history. Most EPCs issue RCMC to new applicants based on the nature of their business and the products they intend to export — even if actual exports have not yet commenced. The bank certificate required in most applications simply needs to confirm the account details and the business's intention to export. Some EPCs (particularly PHARMEXCIL and APEDA) require manufacturing proof (drug licence, food licence) — but for trader/merchant exporters, these requirements may be different. TaxClue advises on the specific requirements for new entities with zero turnover before application to avoid rejection.