How to Start a RCMC REGISTRATIONS

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Overview of RCMC Registration

RCMC, or Registration Cum Membership Certificate, is an essential certificate that grants companies the authorization to engage in exports and avail benefits under the current international trade policies. The RCMC certificate is issued by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) and, in some cases, by the Export Promotion Council (EPC). The purpose of this certificate is to promote India’s export sector and enhance the credibility of businesses involved in international trade.

Businesses or organizations that are exempt from needing an import-export license do not require this certificate. The RCMC is valid for five years and is a key component of the Indian government's export promotion policy. The Export Promotion Council (EPC) responsible for a particular sector grants the certificate, and FIEO plays a significant role as the primary export promotion council in India.

Membership Types for RCMC Registration under FIEO

There are two types of memberships for RCMC registration under FIEO:

  1. Ordinary Membership
    This membership is the basic level of registration, suitable for companies that are new to the export and import business.

  2. Associate Membership
    Designed for established companies with significant experience in the export and import industry. The fees for associate membership include a standard fee plus a small percentage of GST.

 
 
 

Advantages of RCMC Registration

The Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) is the primary authority responsible for RCMC registration, and exporters must apply for membership with FIEO to receive the certificate. Below are the key advantages of obtaining an RCMC registration:

  1. Access to International Trade Policies
    Exporters who register for RCMC become eligible for various incentives under the country's international trade policies. They also receive updates on the latest foreign trade regulations and policies.

  2. Boosts Export Promotion
    Registration with RCMC supports the growth of exports from India. It directly contributes to expanding India’s international market presence. Programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat encourage self-sufficiency and are part of the broader export expansion strategy. With RCMC registration, exporters can take advantage of such initiatives, potentially increasing India's exports.

  3. Eligibility for Various Schemes
    Companies registered with RCMC can participate in a range of FIEO initiatives designed to support and enhance their exporting capabilities. Unregistered firms are not eligible for these benefits.

  4. Compliance with Government Regulations
    Having an RCMC registration ensures that the company is fully compliant with the government's export policies and regulations, which are crucial for smooth business operations.

  5. Access to FIEO's Updates
    Registered exporters are regularly informed about the latest updates and news from FIEO, including changes in trade policies and opportunities to benefit from discounts and incentives.

  6. Individual Exporter Registration
    For those who do not wish to obtain the full RCMC certificate, individual exporters can still register separately to benefit from the FIEO’s support and information, without needing the full certification.

RCMC Registration Eligibility Criteria

When applying for the RCMC certificate through the FIEO, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Exporter or Merchandiser
    The business should primarily involve exports and imports. A crucial criterion for starting an export business in India is having a bank account. Additionally, the exporter must ensure that an Import Export Code (IEC) is obtained from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

  2. Declaration of Main Line of Business
    The exporter must declare their main line of business. For example, if the business involves tea or coffee, approval from the Tea and Coffee Promotion Board is required. If the products do not fall under any specific export promotion board, the FIEO must grant approval.

  3. Approval from FIEO's Board of Directors
    The applicant must ensure that the necessary approvals are obtained from the relevant board or FIEO. If no specific board exists for the product, approval must be obtained from the FIEO.

How to Register for Ordinary Membership with RCMC

Under the RCMC registration system, there are two types of membership: Ordinary Membership and Associate Membership. To apply for ordinary membership, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the FIEO Website
    Begin by visiting the official FIEO website: https://www.fieo.org/index.php. From there, go to the Membership section and click on how to apply for RCMC registration.

  2. Online Application for Membership
    Under the Membership tab, select the Application option from the drop-down menu. You will be redirected to a new page where you need to log in using your IEC Number, username, and password.

  3. Fill in the Required Details
    The application will ask for information such as:

    • Business name and type of export activities.
    • Entity type (partnership, corporation, etc.).
    • Details about key management personnel (e.g., directors, shareholders).

  4. Submit a Letter of Authorization
    As the final step, submit a letter of authorization, indicating the person who will represent the applicant in the FIEO during the registration process.

How to Become an Associate Member of FIEO

To apply for Associate Membership, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Application Form
    The application form for associate membership can be downloaded from the FIEO website.

  2. Specify the Type of Business
    In the application, provide details about the type of business and its operations.

  3. Fill in Business Information
    Provide information such as your IEC number, entity details, and any other relevant business information.

  4. Upload Required Documents
    Along with the completed form, upload necessary documents.

  5. Submit the Authority Letter
    Finally, include the letter of authority that indicates the representative for the applicant in the FIEO.

By completing these steps, you will be on your way to obtaining either an Ordinary Membership or Associate Membership with FIEO for RCMC registration.

 
 
 
 

RCMC Registration Documents

To apply for RCMC registration, the following documents are required:

  1. Import Export Code (IEC)
    A copy of the applicant's Import Export Code (IEC) must be provided. The IEC copy must be self-certified by the relevant licensing body or authority.

  2. Payment Instrument
    A cross cheque, demand draft (DD), or pay order in favor of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) is required for payment of annual membership dues. This payment must align with Rule 6 I of FIEO’s Memorandum & Articles of Association.

  3. Authority Letter
    An authority letter is required, which must be prepared according to the norms of the concerned authority. The letter must be signed and attested by a Chartered Accountant, with the seal of the bank and its unique registration number included.

  4. Self-Attested Copies of Relevant Certificates
    If applicable, the applicant must provide self-attested copies of relevant documents such as:

    • SSI certificate
    • Industrial licenses
    • Import-export permits

  5. Self-Certified Documents for Industrial Houses
    If the company is classified as an industrial house, self-certified copies of the relevant documents must be provided.

  6. GST Information
    The GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) details must be included.

  7. Export Turnover
    The applicant must provide details of the export turnover for the last three years.

  8. Foreign Exchange Earnings
    The foreign exchange earnings for the last three years should also be provided.

These documents are necessary to complete the RCMC registration process.

Registration Requirements

  • When applying for RCMC, an exporter must specify his principal business. The Export Promotional Council must get the RCMC, which is dependent on the nature of the firm.
  • If a person does not belong to any category of export promotion council, he or she might apply for a certificate as FIEO (Federation of Indian Exporters Organization).
  • Those who are multi-product exporters who are not registered with any EPC, or if the stream of business that is necessary has not yet been determined, can apply for RCMC registration from FIEO.
  • RCMC can be obtained from Shellac and Forest Product Export Promotional Council for exporters with their head office/registered office in the north-eastern states, unless the product is handled by APEDA, Spices Board, or Tea Board.
  • Registration Cum Membership Certificates are issued to exporters of handicrafts and handloom products from the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

RCMC Registration Competent Authorities

  • The Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO) or a relevant Export Promotion Council can help exporters achieve RCMC registration.
  • RCMC registration can be obtained from FIEO by status holders.
  • If the export product is not covered by any Export Promotion Council, RCMC registration can be obtained.
  • If the exporter works with forest produce and value-added products, RCMC registration should be obtained through Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL).
  • Exporters dealing with software must register with the EPC (Electronic and Computer Software Exporters Council) (ESC).
  • Exporters of the 14 services listed must register with the Services EPC, while exporters of all other services must register with FIEO.

What is the need for RCMC?

  • For the purpose of obtaining permission to export (or import) any restricted item.
  • For the purpose of claiming the various benefits provided by the Foreign Trade Policy.
  • For the Customs and Central Excise authorities' benefits.

Notification of a change in the RCMC holder's company constitution

If an exporter's ownership, constitution, name, or address changes, the exporter must notify the relevant registering body within one month after the change. If there is a valid reason for the delay, the registering authority may allow it, and the exporters must give the relevant proof outlining the cause for the delay.

Compliance with the RCMC

  • Every exporter is required to submit a quarterly return/details of his or her shipments of various goods to the registering authorities.
  • If an exporter is registered with FIEO, he is required to submit quarterly reports in the format provided by FIEO.

Violations carry a penalty

After giving the exporter a sufficient opportunity to be heard, the Export Promotional Council may de-register the exporter for a specific term for violating registration terms.

De-registration

The registering authority has the authority to de-register the RCMC holder if the conditions of registration are not met. The RCMC holder is supplied with a reasonable show cause notice prior to de-registration, as well as a reasonable opportunity to be heard and make a representation against the proposed de-registration.

Objection to De-registration

Against de-registration, the aggrieved party, i.e., the RCMC holder, has the right to appeal to the DGFT within 45 days after the de-registration decision, and the appellate authority's final judgement will be valid.

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