Introduction
When I was setting up my export business, I made the mistake that almost every new exporter makes: I got my IEC, filed my LUT, and started looking for buyers — skipping the Export Promotion Council (EPC) registration entirely because I thought it was optional bureaucracy that I could deal with later.
It was not optional. Two months in, I tried to claim my first RoDTEP benefit and discovered that without an RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) from an EPC, I could not claim it. I needed the RCMC to access the DGFT's buyer inquiry portal. I needed it for the EPCG scheme application I was considering. And I had missed two trade fair applications that required RCMC as a prerequisite.
Getting my RCMC took another three weeks. Those three weeks cost me my first RoDTEP claim window. That experience made me understand something important: EPCs are not optional bureaucracy — they are the institutional infrastructure of Indian export promotion, and your RCMC is the key that unlocks most of it.
This guide covers every major EPC in India, what each one does, how much membership costs, what you get as a member, and exactly how to apply for your RCMC.
What Is an Export Promotion Council?
An Export Promotion Council (EPC) is a non-profit organisation, typically registered under the Companies Act or Societies Registration Act, established to promote the export of a specific category of Indian goods or services. EPCs are set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and they function as the government's industry-level implementation arm for export promotion policy.
There are approximately 26 EPCs in India, each covering a defined product sector. Together, they cover virtually every significant category of Indian exports — from textiles and garments to engineering goods, from pharmaceuticals to handicrafts, from agricultural products to software services.
EPCs are simultaneously:
- Policy representatives: They represent their sector's interests to the Ministry of Commerce, advocate for favourable export policies, and participate in trade negotiation advisory processes
- Trade facilitation bodies: They organise trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and market development missions
- Certification and RCMC issuers: They issue the RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) which is required for claiming most benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy
- Intelligence providers: They collect and disseminate market intelligence, buyer leads, and trade statistics for their sector
- Government scheme administrators: They process applications for certain government export support programmes
What Is RCMC and Why Is It Mandatory?
The RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) is a certificate issued by an EPC or Commodity Board confirming that an exporter is a registered member of that body. It combines export registration and EPC membership into a single document.
RCMC is mandatory for claiming benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), specifically:
- RoDTEP: While RoDTEP itself is claimed through the Shipping Bill (no separate RCMC application required), maintaining a valid RCMC is part of overall FTP compliance that enables uninterrupted benefit receipt
- Advance Authorisation: RCMC from the relevant EPC is required for Advance Authorisation applications at DGFT
- EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme: RCMC is required for EPCG applications
- SEIS (Service Exports from India Scheme): Service exporters claiming SEIS benefits need RCMC from SEPC (Services Export Promotion Council)
- EPC-organised trade fair participation: MAI scheme-funded participation in international trade fairs requires RCMC from the relevant EPC
- EPC buyer inquiry access: Most EPCs restrict their buyer inquiry database to RCMC holders
The practical guidance: get your RCMC from your relevant EPC immediately after receiving your IEC and GSTIN. Do not wait. The RCMC application takes 2–4 weeks to process and costs ₹5,000–50,000 depending on the EPC and your export turnover category. The cost is minimal compared to the value of the benefits it unlocks.
Which EPC Should You Join? Matching Your Product to the Right Council
Your product category determines your EPC. Most exporters have a single obvious EPC based on what they export. Some export categories fall under multiple EPCs — in these cases, join the one most closely aligned with your specific product. FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) is the multi-product, general-purpose EPC that you should join if your product does not have a dedicated EPC or if you want broad export support beyond your sector-specific EPC.
Complete List of Export Promotion Councils in India (2026)
1. FIEO — Federation of Indian Export Organisations
Website: fieo.org
Covers: Multi-product — all categories not covered by a specific EPC
Headquarters: New Delhi
RCMC fee: ₹10,000–40,000 depending on export turnover category
Annual membership: ₹5,000–20,000
FIEO is the apex body of Indian exporters and the most broadly useful EPC to join regardless of your product. It operates as a one-stop export promotion body, maintains buyer databases across categories, organises multi-sector trade delegations, provides export counselling services, and has regional offices in all major Indian cities. If you are unsure which EPC to join or you export multiple categories, start with FIEO.
Key services: Buyer inquiry circulation, export counselling, RCMC issuance, MAI scheme event participation, market intelligence reports, export credit facilitation with banks, Certificate of Origin issuance
2. AEPC — Apparel Export Promotion Council
Website: aepcindia.com
Covers: Ready-made garments, knitwear, woven garments, fashion accessories
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana
RCMC fee: Based on export turnover — approximately ₹15,000–60,000
India's garment export sector — one of the largest in the world — is served by AEPC, which is one of the most active EPCs in the country. AEPC organises India's participation at Première Vision (Paris), Magic (Las Vegas), and other major garment trade shows. It runs buyer-seller meets globally, maintains a robust buyer database, and provides technical assistance on quality compliance, sustainable manufacturing, and ethical sourcing — all critical for accessing premium markets.
Key services: International trade fair participation (MAI-funded), Common Compliance Framework for sustainability compliance, Fashion Design Council of India links, technology upgrade support, ROSCTL scheme coordination
3. APEDA — Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
Website: apeda.gov.in
Covers: Fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, meat, dairy, floriculture, basmati rice, organic products, honey, confectionery
Headquarters: New Delhi
Registration fee: ₹5,000 (one-time)
APEDA is technically a statutory body (not a private EPC) under the Ministry of Commerce, but it functions as the EPC for agricultural exports. Registration with APEDA is mandatory for exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. APEDA issues quality certification, organises India Pavilions at global food fairs (Anuga, SIAL, Gulfood, FOODEX Japan), maintains an online buyer-seller platform, and provides financial assistance for quality certification, cold chain development, and packaging improvement.
Key services: Mandatory registration for agri exporters, quality certification, trade fair participation, market development assistance, HACCP and BRC certification support, organic certification facilitation
4. EEPC India — Engineering Export Promotion Council
Website: eepcindia.org
Covers: Engineering goods — machinery, auto components, castings, forgings, hand tools, fasteners, pipes, pumps, electrical equipment
Headquarters: Kolkata (with regional offices across India)
RCMC fee: ₹10,000–45,000 based on turnover
EEPC serves India's enormous engineering export sector — the largest merchandise export category at over $100 billion annually. It organises India's participation at Hannover Messe, Bauma, ADIPEC, and other global industrial fairs. EEPC maintains comprehensive market intelligence on engineering exports to the USA, EU, Middle East, and Africa, and provides quality mark schemes that enhance the credibility of Indian engineering exporters in global markets.
Key services: EEPC India Mark quality certification, international trade fair participation, buyer-seller meets in industrial markets, export statistics and market intelligence, technology upgrade support
5. PHARMEXCIL — Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council
Website: pharmexcil.com
Covers: Pharmaceutical formulations, APIs, intermediates, herbal medicines, medical devices, nutraceuticals
Headquarters: Hyderabad
RCMC fee: ₹15,000–50,000 based on turnover
India's pharmaceutical export sector — the world's largest generic medicine supplier — is served by Pharmexcil. It facilitates regulatory approvals across markets (WHO prequalification, USFDA, EU GMP), organises delegations to Pharma Export Summit and global pharma fairs, and provides market intelligence on regulatory changes affecting Indian pharma exports.
Key services: Regulatory affairs advisory, international pharma fair participation, buyer inquiry database, market access facilitation for new markets, AIOCD and FICCI linkages
6. GJEPC — Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council
Website: gjepc.org
Covers: Cut and polished diamonds, rough diamonds, coloured gemstones, gold jewellery, silver jewellery, platinum jewellery
Headquarters: Mumbai (with offices in Surat and other diamond centres)
RCMC fee: ₹10,000–35,000
India's gems and jewellery sector — contributing $35+ billion in annual exports — is one of the most export-intensive industries in the country. GJEPC organises India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), the world's second-largest jewellery trade show, along with India Gem and Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME). GJEPC provides RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certification support, rough diamond import facilitation, and diamond tender management.
Key services: IIJS trade show, RJC certification, diamond policy advocacy, export statistics, international market development, duty drawback and scheme coordination
7. TEXPROCIL — Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council
Website: texprocil.org
Covers: Cotton yarn, cotton fabric, cotton-made-ups, home textiles (bed linen, towels, curtains)
Headquarters: Mumbai
RCMC fee: ₹8,000–30,000
Cotton textiles — one of India's most significant export categories — are promoted by TEXPROCIL. It organises delegations to Heimtextil (Frankfurt), Texworld, and other textile fairs; maintains a buyer inquiry database; and provides technical assistance on quality standards, sustainable cotton certification, and compliance with destination market requirements like REACH and OEKO-TEX.
8. Spices Board of India
Website: indianspices.com
Covers: All spices — pepper, cardamom, chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander, spice oils and oleoresins
Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
Registration fee: ₹2,000–10,000 (varies by category)
The Spices Board is a statutory body (not a private EPC) that serves as the regulator and promoter of India's spice exports. Registration with the Spices Board is mandatory for all spice exporters. It issues quality certificates for export consignments, conducts research on spice quality and residue levels, organises India's participation at the World Spice Congress and Anuga, and runs extensive buyer-seller programmes globally.
Key services: Mandatory registration, quality certification per consignment, pesticide residue testing facilitation, organic spice certification support, market development assistance
9. MPEDA — Marine Products Export Development Authority
Website: mpeda.gov.in
Covers: Shrimp, fish, squid, cuttlefish, clams, all marine products
Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
Registration fee: Based on facility type
India is one of the world's largest marine product exporters — primarily frozen shrimp to the USA, EU, Japan, and China. MPEDA registration is mandatory for marine product exporters and processing plants. MPEDA issues health certificates for seafood exports, manages EIC (Export Inspection Council) empanelment for seafood facilities, and organises India's participation at the Boston Seafood Show and European Seafood Exposition.
10. SEPC — Services Export Promotion Council
Website: servicesepc.com
Covers: IT services, BPO/KPO, engineering services, healthcare, education, legal services, consulting, financial services
Headquarters: New Delhi
RCMC fee: ₹5,000–20,000
India's enormous services export sector — led by IT/ITES at $250+ billion annually — is served by SEPC. Service exporters who want to claim SEIS benefits, access government-supported international market development programmes, or participate in government trade delegations need RCMC from SEPC. SEPC organises service sector buyer-seller meets, maintains market intelligence on services trade, and represents India's services sector interests in trade negotiations.
Other Significant EPCs
- CHEMEXCIL (Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes EPC): chemexcil.in — chemicals, dyes, cosmetics, soaps
- CAPEXIL (Chemical and Allied Products EPC): capexil.com — industrial chemicals, paints, explosives, rubber
- HEPC (Handloom Export Promotion Council): handloomexportpromotion.in — handloom fabrics and made-ups
- EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts): epch.in — handicrafts, home furnishings, artware
- CEPC (Carpet Export Promotion Council): cepc.net.in — carpets and rugs
- SHEFEXIL (Shellac and Forest Products EPC): shefexil.com — lac, shellac, forest products
- PLEXCONCIL (Plastics Export Promotion Council): plexconcil.org — plastic products
- SRTEPC (Synthetic and Rayon Textiles EPC): srtepc.com — synthetic and man-made fibre textiles
- WOOLTEXPRO (Wool and Woollens EPC): wooltexpro.org — wool and wool products
- CLES (Council for Leather Exports): leatherindia.org — leather footwear, leather goods, garments
- STPC (Sports Goods EPC): sgepc.org — sports goods and fitness equipment
- EPCES (Electronic Components and Semiconductors EPC): epces.in — electronic components
- FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry): ficci.in — multi-sector, business advocacy, COO issuance
How to Apply for RCMC: Step-by-Step Process
RCMC applications have moved significantly online, though the process varies somewhat by EPC. Here is the general procedure:
Step 1: Determine Your Primary EPC
Based on your main export product, identify the correct EPC from the list above. If your product falls under multiple EPCs or if you are a multi-product exporter, prioritise:
- The EPC most specifically aligned with your primary export product
- FIEO as a secondary/backup RCMC for multi-product coverage
Step 2: Register on the DGFT's Common Digital Platform
Most RCMC applications are now processed through the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. After logging in with your DGFT credentials, go to:
Services → RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) → Apply for RCMC
Select the EPC you want to apply to from the dropdown. The application form will load for that specific EPC.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
The standard RCMC application requires:
- Your IEC Code
- GSTIN
- Business name and registered address
- Constitution of the firm (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Pvt Ltd, etc.)
- Main line of business and export product details
- Export turnover for the previous financial year (or projected for first-year exporters)
- Bank account details
- Contact details
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Standard documents required (may vary by EPC):
- ☐ IEC Certificate
- ☐ GSTIN Certificate
- ☐ PAN Card (entity PAN)
- ☐ Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Proprietorship proof
- ☐ Bank certificate (confirming bank account details)
- ☐ Passport-sized photograph of proprietor/authorised director
- ☐ Export invoices or Shipping Bills from the previous year (if you have export history)
Step 5: Pay the RCMC Fee
RCMC fees are charged based on your export turnover category. Most EPCs use a tiered fee structure — lower fees for smaller exporters, higher for larger ones. For first-time exporters with zero prior export turnover, there is typically a minimum fee category. Pay the fee online through the DGFT/EPC portal.
Step 6: Submission and Processing
Submit the application. Processing time varies by EPC — typically 7–30 working days. Some EPCs have expedited processing for an additional fee. The RCMC certificate is issued as a digitally signed document and emailed to your registered address.
RCMC Validity and Renewal
RCMC is typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Some EPCs require annual renewal; others automatically renew on payment of annual subscription. Check your EPC's specific renewal requirements and maintain a calendar reminder — an expired RCMC creates the same problems as no RCMC for DGFT scheme applications.
Can You Have RCMC from Multiple EPCs?
Yes. You can hold RCMC from multiple EPCs simultaneously. This is relevant if:
- You export products covered by different EPCs (e.g., both garments under AEPC and textiles under TEXPROCIL)
- You want both FIEO (for general market access and buyer leads) and your sector-specific EPC (for specialised scheme support)
- You export both goods and services (RCMC from goods EPC + RCMC from SEPC)
There is no restriction on the number of EPCs you register with. Each RCMC gives you access to that EPC's specific benefits, events, and databases — holding multiple RCMCs multiplies your access to these resources.
What Benefits Do RCMC Members Actually Receive?
Beyond the mandatory DGFT scheme compliance benefit, RCMC membership provides tangible operational benefits that many exporters underutilise:
Buyer Leads and Market Intelligence
EPCs receive buyer inquiries from Indian embassies, foreign trade commissions, and direct foreign buyer contacts. These are circulated to RCMC members via email and member portals. The quality and frequency varies by EPC — APEDA, AEPC, and EEPC are particularly active in this area. Check your EPC's member portal regularly and respond promptly to relevant inquiries.
Trade Fair Participation at Subsidised Cost
EPCs use MAI scheme funding to take Indian exporters to international trade fairs as part of an India Pavilion. RCMC holders can apply for these subsidised slots. The government reimburses 75–100% of eligible costs for MSME exporters. This is one of the highest-value benefits of EPC membership — converting a ₹5–15 lakh trade fair investment into ₹1–3 lakh effective cost.
Certificate of Origin Issuance
Many EPCs are authorised to issue Certificates of Origin — both non-preferential and preferential (for FTA purposes). FIEO issues COOs widely. Your EPC-issued COO is accepted by customs at destination markets globally.
Quality and Product Certification Support
EPCs facilitate access to quality certifications relevant to their sector — HACCP, BRC, FSSC 22000 (food), OEKO-TEX (textiles), ISO (engineering), WHO-GMP (pharma). Some EPCs run common testing facilities. Some provide financial assistance for certification costs under government schemes.
Export Training and Advisory
EPCs conduct export training programmes — on documentation, compliance, finance, and market-specific requirements. These are often free or heavily subsidised for members. FIEO in particular runs extensive export training in multiple cities throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I export through an e-commerce platform (Amazon, Flipkart Global), do I still need RCMC?
For courier-based e-commerce exports (under CBIC's courier regulations for exports), RCMC is not immediately required for the basic export clearance process. However, for claiming incentives under India's Foreign Trade Policy — including RoDTEP on e-commerce exports, and any EPC-related support — RCMC remains necessary. For e-commerce exporters scaling beyond ₹10–15 lakh per month, getting RCMC from FIEO or your relevant EPC is worth doing to access the full incentive and support ecosystem.
My product is a new category that does not clearly fit any EPC. What should I do?
Apply to FIEO for RCMC. FIEO covers all products not specifically assigned to another EPC, and acts as the default EPC for multi-product or uncategorised exporters. If your product category grows into a significant export category over time, the government periodically creates new EPC designations — but FIEO RCMC is a valid and functional solution in the interim.
I registered with FIEO but now want to join my sector-specific EPC. Do I need to cancel FIEO RCMC?
No. You can hold both RCMC certificates simultaneously. The sector-specific EPC's RCMC will give you access to specialised services and better positioning for sector-specific events. FIEO RCMC continues to serve as a general-purpose RCMC. There is no benefit to cancelling your FIEO RCMC when you join another EPC.
What happens to my pending RoDTEP and Advance Authorisation claims if my RCMC expires?
Claims already in the system for shipments made while your RCMC was valid will generally be processed. New scheme applications require a valid RCMC at the time of application. If your RCMC expires and you apply for a new DGFT benefit or a new Advance Authorisation, the application may be rejected. Renew your RCMC before expiry to avoid any gap in your eligibility.
Conclusion
Export Promotion Councils are not optional extras in the Indian export ecosystem — they are the institutional backbone of export support that connects individual exporters to government schemes, buyer leads, market intelligence, trade fair access, and quality certification infrastructure. Your RCMC is the key that unlocks most of this value.
Get your RCMC from your primary sector EPC as soon as your IEC and GSTIN are in place — before your first export shipment, not after. Pay the membership fee. Log in to your EPC's member portal regularly. Respond to buyer inquiry circulars. Apply for trade fair slots when relevant. Attend their training events. These are the actions that transform an EPC membership from a compliance formality into a genuine competitive asset for your export business.
