As an Indian exporter, navigating the complexities of international transactions and compliance can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Today, we'll explore a crucial piece of that puzzle: FIRC

FIRC full form is Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate. It is a document issued by banks as proof of receiving international payments. Over the years, regulations around FIRC have changed significantly, creating confusion and mystery around this important document. Let's clear the air and decode the what, who, and why of FIRC.

FIRC or Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate serves as a proof of foreign money transfer for exporters in India. Until 2016, <a href="https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/FEMAMASTER/PDFs/1061.PDF">AD (Authorised Dealer) Category I Banks</a> were authorised to issue FIRCs to exporters for receiving payments from foreign sources. This document was essential for exporters to obtain after each cross-border payment. It served not only as proof of payment receipt but also as a crucial document for claiming export-related incentives, such as tax exemptions on foreign currency payments received in India.

As we've covered, the full form of FIRC is Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate and for a long time it served as proof of export income from abroad. However, with changing regulations, the function of FIRC has also changed significantly. Let's take a look:

FIRA is often still referred to by its old name, FIRC. While both documents serve the same purpose, FIRC is technically only issued for returns on&nbsp;Foreign Direct Investment (FDI )or Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). For all other export collections, FIRA/BIRC is what you need.

For clarity, we'll use the term FIRC moving forward, but it refers to FIRA throughout.

Anyone receiving foreign payments needs FIRC.&nbsp; Beyond goods and service exporters engaging in international trade, many individuals and entities may receive international payments without realising it.&nbsp;

Overall, the following typically require a FIRC:

Beyond compliance, here’s why FIRC is crucial for exporters:

FIRCs are issued by AD Category I banks. You can contact your bank to get your FIRC after receiving your foreign payment. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-get-firc-certificate-online">Alternatively, you can also use platforms like Skydo to get your FIRC instantly after every payment.&nbsp;</a>

Who Needs FIRC and Why It’s Important for Exporters?

FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) is essential for anyone receiving foreign payments, including:

Exporters, in particular, rely on FIRC for two key reasons:

FIRC is issued by Authorized Dealer (AD) Category I banks, and businesses can obtain it directly from their bank. However, it is usually a cumbersome process requiring multiple follow-ups and most banks charge around INR 500 to issue each FIRC.&nbsp;In contrast, platforms like Skydo offer a fast, hassle-free solution, providing an instant FIRC for free after every foreign payment—no manual requests, no extra costs.

This is a sample FIRC document. All crucial remittance details have been masked for security purposes. Now let’s break the content of a FIRC down: 

Receiving your export payment directly through your bank can make obtaining an FIRC a lengthy process. You need to submit a request to the bank, and the bank typically takes 7-15 days to provide the FIRC. You may also need to follow up multiple times, and banks often charge at least INR 400 to issue the FIRC, depending on the institution.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-get-firc-certificate-online">Getting a FIRC</a> might sound like a hassle, but with Skydo, it's a breeze. Our fully automated payment system along with built-in partnerships with banks, ensures effortless compliance with RBI guidelines, without needing any manual intervention.

When you receive an export payment through Skydo, we automatically generate the required FIRC for you at no extra cost. Just log into our user-friendly dashboard, and you'll find your FIRC ready to download, complete with all the details you need. 

In conversations around FIRC, there are a few more terms that get frequently mentioned, one of them being eFIRC. So what exactly is <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/efirc-firc-brc-essentials-differences">eFIRC?</a>

What is the difference between eBRC and FIRC?

Generally speaking, e-BRC applies mostly to goods and software exporters (under <a href="https://stpi.in/en/home?no_follow=true/">STPI</a>). If you are one of them, you can use this simple decision tree to understand which documents you will need:

Exporting goods and services is considered Zero-Rated Supply, meaning it is subject to 0% GST. However, to claim a GST refund for the input tax credit, exporters must provide the required documents including FIRC. These documents authenticate that the business is claiming a refund because it exported services and couldn't offset its input tax credit as it would in normal domestic business. Without FIRC, claiming a GST refund may not be possible

As we surge in cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against illicit activities has become a pressing concern. However, at Skydo, we believe your focus should be on advancing your business, not on grappling with compliance challenges.

With Skydo, enjoy seamless international payments, delivered promptly and without any hidden fees. But that's just the beginning! Every time you receive a cross-border payment, an auto-generated FIRC is readily available for you to download, relieving you of compliance burdens so you can devote your energy to what truly matters: driving your business forward.

FIRC full form is Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate. Learn what FIRC is, its importance for exporters and freelancers, and how to obtain it easily

FIRC: Full form, meaning and RBI guidelines

Dive into the world of FIRC. Explore the full form, importance, and process of obtaining FIRC for your international transactions

Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC): Full form, meaning and RBI guidelines

Prashanth

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Prashanth Kumar

Many apparel and textile exporters still lose profit margins due to embedded state and central taxes that aren't refunded through GST.&nbsp;

RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) replaced the earlier <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=meis">MEIS scheme</a> for the textile sector, helping Indian exporters stay cost-competitive by refunding these hidden taxes.

The India scheme covers state and central levies not addressed under GST, providing relief that can be the difference between profit and loss for businesses with thin margins. While the application process requires proper documentation, the margin improvement makes it worthwhile.

This guide covers the RoSCTL scheme benefits, its eligibility, and how to claim it.

Who Is Eligible for the RoSCTL Scheme (2025 Guidelines)

Many apparel and textile exporters still lose out on margins due to embedded state and central taxes that aren't refunded through GST. RoSCTL replaced the earlier MEIS for the textile and garment sector, helping the Indian export sector stay cost-competitive in global markets.

The scheme is only available to exporters of Apparel (Chapter 61 &amp; 62 of <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export">ITC-HS codes</a>) and Made-ups (Chapter 63).&nbsp;

You're likely covered if you're exporting t-shirts, bed linen, scarves, or other fabric-based goods. The scheme refunds embedded indirect taxes like electricity duty, VAT on fuel, and central excise duty on raw materials that GST doesn't address.

RoSCTL provides duty credit scrips - digital certificates issued by DGFT website that function like tradeable vouchers for paying customs duties. These scripts can:

For many MSME exporters, these scrips can add up to 3 - 6% of the FOB value, significantly boosting net margins by refunding embedded state and central taxes.

The RoSCTL process is straightforward and entirely digital, flowing seamlessly from export declaration to credit availability. Understanding this workflow helps exporters maximise their benefits efficiently.

Here are the steps to successfully claim RoSCTL:&nbsp;

Step 1: Ensure IEC, GST, and ICEGATE registration. You need a valid IEC (Import Export Code) and GSTIN for GST compliance, and you must be registered on ICEGATE with at least one GSTIN attached to access export incentive schemes like RoSCTL.

Step 2: File export under chapters 61–63 with the correct RoSCTL declaration. Submit the shipping bill through ICEGATE, ensuring the HS codes (61, 62, 63) are correct. Declare RoSCTL in the shipping bill using specific scheme codes at the item level.

Step 3: Track RoSCTL scrip issuance in ICEGATE (under Rebate Mechanism). Once the EGM is filed and processed, a scroll with all individual Shipping Bills for the admissible amount will be generated and made available in your ICEGATE account under the E-Scrip Module.

Step 4: Download and use scrips via the customs portal or trade. The duty credit amount will be available within the ledger created for the IEC holder in their ICEGATE login to claim and convert into duty credit scrip, which can be used for paying Basic Customs Duty or transferred to other entities.

Step 5: Maintain a record for GST, refund, and income tax purposes. Exporters must maintain records of shipping bills and all export-related documents for three years from the date the scrip was issued for post-issue scrutiny and recovery purposes, and ensure proper GST compliance through GSTR-1 filing.

RoSCTL (an initiative by the government of India) rates are notified via <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/">DGFT </a>and <a href="https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in/view-pdf/1003137/ENG/Circulars">CBIC circulars</a>, varying by HS code and product. The Ministry of Textiles notifies rates under the scheme in four schedules. Schedules 1 and 2 specify the Central and State taxes and levies for apparel and made-ups, while Schedules 3 and 4 give the Central and State taxes applicable for apparel export products when fabric has been imported duty-free under the Special Advance Authorisation Scheme.

💡Pro tip: Match the HS code in your invoice and shipping bill exactly with the notified RoSCTL code for accurate credit calculation, as benefits are calculated based on declared export FOB value or up to 1.5 times the market price, whichever is less.

Understanding the differences between these export incentive schemes helps Indian textile exporters make the right choice and to achieve maximum benefits.

If you're exporting both garments and packaging (e.g., cotton bags), split your RoSCTL and RoDTEP claims accordingly, use RoSCTL for textile items under eligible chapters and RoDTEP for other products like packaging materials that fall outside the textile classification.

Even small errors can lead to significant delays or loss of benefits. Here are the most frequent mistakes exporters make when claiming RoSCTL:

Filing under wrong HS codes or chapters - Ensure your products are classified under the correct chapters 61, 62, or 63 of ITC-HS codes, as RoSCTL is only available for apparel and made-ups under these specific classifications. Hence, make sure to input accurate information&nbsp;

Forgetting to tick the RoSCTL declaration in shipping bills - You must make a specific declaration in the shipping bill using appropriate scheme codes at the item level, as the absence of proper scheme codes means the RoSCTL benefit would not be available

Not checking ICEGATE regularly for issued scrips - RoSCTL scrips are typically issued within 2-4 weeks after customs clearance, and you need to actively monitor your ICEGATE account under the E-Scrip Module to claim and convert credits into duty credit scrips

Assuming RoSCTL auto-applies, you must declare it during export filing. The scheme requires active declaration by the exporter in the shipping bill at the time of filing, as benefits are not automatically processed without proper claim submission and scheme code selection

💡Pro tip: Double-check your HS codes against the RoSCTL rate schedules before filing, and always verify that your RoSCTL declaration appears correctly in your shipping bill to avoid processing delays.

While RoSCTL helps reduce your export costs through tax rebates, managing international trade and payments efficiently is equally crucial for your export business success.

Skydo streamlines your export payment process with:

Why this matters for RoSCTL exporters: Since you need to maintain proper documentation of foreign exchange receipts for RoSCTL compliance, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Skydo's instant FIRA</a> and real-time tracking ensure you have all necessary records for scheme benefits and GST refunds.

Combine RoSCTL tax savings with Skydo's payment efficiency to maximise your export profitability. Through RoSCTL, you can save on embedded taxes while reducing FX costs and processing delays through smarter payment solutions.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Explore Skydo!</a>

RoSCTL Scheme: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Claim It 

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Most Indian freelancers, exporters, and even startups have never heard of a Nostro account. Yet this behind-the-scenes banking mechanism quietly affects how fast you get paid from abroad, what fees get deducted, and how smooth your compliance documentation (like FIRA/eBRC) process is. 

In this article, we’ll break down in plain English what a Nostro account is, how it works, and why it matters when you’re receiving money from overseas.

What Is a Nostro Account? (Meaning in Banking)

A Nostro account is essentially a foreign currency bank account that one bank holds in another country’s bank. In other words, it’s “our account” held with your bank in your country’s currency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, an Indian bank like HDFC might hold a USD account with Citibank in the U.S.; that USD account is HDFC’s Nostro account (from HDFC’s perspective). It allows HDFC to park and move funds in U.S. dollars abroad on behalf of its customers. From Citibank’s perspective, the same account is called a Vostro account (since it’s “your account” in their books)&nbsp;(We’ll focus on Nostro here; Vostro is basically the flip side, which we cover in another blog.)

In simple terms, a Nostro account lets banks handle foreign currency transactions without needing a physical presence in that foreign country. It’s how your Indian bank can send/receive dollars, euros, etc., even though you don’t hold those currencies yourself. The bank uses its Nostro accounts with correspondent banks abroad to do that.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a common practice in international banking, forming the backbone of correspondent banking networks.

Only banks (and authorised financial institutions) can open Nostro accounts.&nbsp;Individuals or normal businesses cannot open one directly. In India, RBI-authorised banks (known as AD Category-I banks, e.g. SBI, HDFC, ICICI) maintain Nostro accounts in major foreign currencies to facilitate their customers’ international transactions. You, as a freelancer or company, do not need to open a Nostro account yourself; your bank handles that behind the scenes.

How Does a Nostro Account Work? (Step-by-Step Example)

Let’s illustrate how a Nostro account functions with a simple example:

Scenario: Ramesh is a freelance consultant in India, and his client John in the USA wants to pay him $1,000 for a project. Ramesh uses HDFC Bank in India to receive the payment.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes when John pays Ramesh $1,000:

Payment Initiation: John sends $1,000 from his U.S. bank (say, Citibank) to Ramesh’s account. This international payment (often via a SWIFT wire) is not sent directly to Ramesh’s INR account. Instead, it’s directed to HDFC Bank’s USD Nostro account in the USA (for example, HDFC’s Nostro with Citibank)

Funds Received in Nostro: The money lands in HDFC’s USD Nostro account at Citibank. Essentially, Citibank credits HDFC’s account on its books with $1,000 on behalf of Ramesh.&nbsp; HDFC now has an extra $1,000 in its U.S. account.

Confirmation &amp; Transfer to India: HDFC Bank gets confirmation of the credit in its Nostro account. It will then transfer the funds from the Nostro account to India (often through internal networks or the SWIFT system) to convert and credit Ramesh’s local account. (In practice, this may involve HDFC instructing Citibank to send the $1,000 to HDFC’s account in India or adjusting balances accordingly.)

Currency Conversion: Before crediting Ramesh, HDFC converts the USD 1,000 into Indian Rupees. They use the prevailing exchange rate on that day. For example, if the rate is ₹82 per USD, the $1,000 would convert to ₹82,000 (minus any applicable charges or FX margin the bank applies).

INR Credit to Ramesh: Finally, HDFC credits Ramesh’s local INR account with the converted amount (around ₹82,000 in this example). Ramesh sees the payment in rupees in his account statement. The original $1,000 never directly touched Ramesh’s hands – it was handled by HDFC’s Nostro account abroad and then exchanged to INR for him.

Throughout this process, Ramesh didn’t need to deal with foreign banks or hold a dollar account. HDFC’s Nostro account in the U.S. acted as the receiving bucket for the dollars and took care of conversion. This is how you receive foreign client payments seamlessly into your Indian bank account without any foreign currency account of your own.

Key points: The use of Nostro accounts means the payment often travels through the international banking network (e.g. via SWIFT) to the Indian bank’s correspondent account, then to your account. Every major Indian bank has such Nostro tie-ups to handle remittances from different countries/currencies.

Why Nostro Accounts Matter (Benefits for Freelancers, Exporters &amp; Businesses)

Even though you don’t manage the Nostro account yourself, it has important implications for your international payments. Here’s why Nostro accounts matter for anyone receiving money from abroad in India:

So, while you, as an exporter or freelancer, don’t manage Nostro accounts, knowing that your bank or payment platform uses reliable Nostro channels gives confidence. It means your money will likely arrive faster, with fewer deductions, and with proper RBI-compliant records – all without you having to do anything extra.

Skydo Tip: Get Paid Faster with Local Virtual Accounts (Nostro in the Background)

Modern fintech platforms are leveraging Nostro accounts to simplify international payments further. For instance, Skydo provides a solution where you get a local receiving account in your client’s country, but the heavy lifting is done via Skydo’s Nostro accounts. Let’s understand how this works with an example:

Example: Riya is a freelance designer in India. Her client, Matt, is in the US and owes her $1,000 for a project. Riya uses Skydo to receive the payment. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

Skydo offers such virtual receiving accounts not just in USD but also in other major currencies like GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD, etc., backed by trusted global banking partners (e.g. Barclays in the UK/Europe, Digital Commerce Bank in Canada, DBS in Singapore, among others). This Nostro-backed system lets freelancers, SaaS businesses, and agencies get paid faster, avoid hidden forex markups, and stay fully compliant, without any back-and-forth with your bank for each payment.

Want to see how it works for you? You can create your free Skydo account in just 5 minutes and start receiving global payments with ease. 🚀

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Imagine you're trying to grow your export business, and suddenly you're overwhelmed with all these acronyms like EPC, SEPC, and FIEO. Meanwhile, you just want to know: will the RCMC registration certificate help your business, or is it just another compliance headache?

Whether you're exporting software, design services, or physical goods, an RCMC registration certificate unlocks genuine benefits. But it's not mandatory for everyone, and the decision depends on what you're actually trying to achieve.

This guide is actionable, non-technical, and tailored for real use cases. By the end, you’ll know whether you need RCMC registration, which council to choose, and how to avoid costly mistakes during the RCMC registration process. 

RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. Think of it as your official membership card to India's export ecosystem.

RCMC is issued by government-authorised bodies that promote exports in specific sectors. The <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/">Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)</a> has authorised 35 organisations to issue RCMCs, and these fall into three main categories:

<a href="https://www.commerce.gov.in/useful-links/export-promotion-councils/">Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)</a>: These handle most product and service categories. For example, if you're exporting software or IT services, you'd get your RCMC from the <a href="https://www.escindia.in/">Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)</a>. It's the <a href="https://www.servicesepc.org/">Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) </a>if you're in services like consulting or design.

Commodity Boards: These focus on traditional exports like spices, tea, and coffee. So if you're exporting cardamom or Darjeeling tea, you'd go to the respective commodity board.

Development Authorities: These handle specialised sectors like <a href="https://apeda.gov.in/">APEDA</a> for agricultural products or <a href="https://mpeda.gov.in/">MPEDA</a> for seafood exports.

The government has divided India's export ecosystem into 35 specialised departments, each responsible for promoting and regulating exports in its area. Your RCMC comes from whichever department covers what you export.

If an exporter deals in multiple products across various EPCs, FIEO can issue the RCMC. <a href="https://fieo.org/">FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) </a>can issue the RCMC. Think of FIEO as the "miscellaneous" category; it's designed for exporters who don't fit into the standard 35 specialised councils.

The RCMC is valid from the issuance date on the 1st of April of the licensing year and is valid for five years, concluding on the 31st of March. So you're not dealing with annual renewals; once you get it, you're set for five years.

For example, if you apply for RCMC in December 2024, your certificate will be valid from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029. Even though you applied in December, the validity starts at the beginning of that financial year (April 1st) and runs for a full five-year cycle.

If you apply late in a financial year (say, in February), you'll get a shorter first year but then a whole five-year period. It's tied to India's financial year calendar, not your application date.

RCMC is mandatory for some export schemes and benefits, but optional for others. You can technically export without it, but you'll miss out on government incentives, duty benefits, and access to trade promotion activities that could grow your business.

The short answer is: it depends on your goal.&nbsp;

You want to claim benefits under export promotion schemes

This is where RCMC becomes non-negotiable. Certain schemes require compulsory RCMC registration. 

For example, participating and claiming reimbursement under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commerce.gov.in/international-trade/trade-promotion-programmes-and-schemes/trade-promotion-programme-focus-cis/market-access-initiative-mai-scheme/">Market Access Initiative (MAI)</a>&nbsp;requires RCMC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Further, if you're using schemes like <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=adnavce-authorisation">Advance Authorisation</a> (where you import raw materials duty-free for exports) or <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=epcg">EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods)</a>, RCMC is mandatory.

You deal in products/services that fall under a specific Export Promotion Council

RCMC is compulsory for certain products. For example, Exporters of handicrafts and handloom products may need RCMC from the Handloom Export Promotion Council or the relevant authority in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

Similarly, exporters of tea need RCMC from the Tea Board of India, and exporters of spices require an RCMC from the Spices Board of India. 

You want to participate in DGFT/Ministry-sponsored trade fairs, delegations, and buyer-seller meets

To qualify for MAI Scheme benefits like participating in shows abroad, exchange fairs, and business delegations, an exporter must hold an RCMC for at least one year.&nbsp;

You're exporting services under no specific scheme and aren't availing benefits

Suppose you're a freelance designer working with international clients through platforms like Upwork or a small software consultancy doing project work, and you're not claiming any government incentives. In that case, you can technically operate without RCMC. RCMC is not required for exporters who are not claiming any benefit under FTP and are voluntarily not seeking EPC/Board support.

You're just starting with occasional freelance projects

&nbsp;If you're testing the waters with small-scale service exports and haven't decided whether you want to scale this into a serious business, you should wait. But here's the thing, even freelancers often hit the limits of what they can do without RCMC faster than expected.

For schemes like RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, etc.&nbsp;

Last year, the DGFT clarified that <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/registration-cum-membership-certificate-not-mandatory-for-exporters-to-seek-scheme-benefits-dgft/articleshow/114054223.cms?from=mdr">RCMC registration is not required </a>to claim benefits under schemes like RoDTEP, Duty Drawback,&nbsp;RoSCTL

Which Export Promotion Council Should You Register With?

Once you've decided you need RCMC, the next crucial step is choosing the right Export Promotion Council, because your RCMC comes from them, not directly from the Indian government. Get this wrong, and you'll either face delays or end up with the wrong benefits entirely.

Many exporters struggle with this: staring at a list of 26 Export Promotion Councils and 9 Commodity Boards, wondering where they fit in. However, it's actually simpler than it looks once you understand the basic rule: choose based on what you export, not your company type.

For Service Exporters: If you're exporting services like consulting, design, marketing, or digital services, SEPC is your go-to. If you're developing software products (not just providing development services), you might fall under ESC instead.&nbsp;

For Product Exporters: If you're exporting physical goods, match your primary product to the relevant council. The councils are pretty specific, carpets go to CEPC, textiles go to AEPC, and engineering goods go to EEPC India.

The FIEO Option: FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) is the wise choice for many exporters. You need FIEO when:

Multi-product exporters often assume they need multiple RCMCs from different councils. Not necessarily true. You can get separate RCMCs from each relevant EPC or a consolidated RCMC from FIEO. The Government recognises FIEO as an Export Promotion Council specifically for this purposethey handle the "miscellaneous" category and multi-product scenarios.

Even if you pick the "right" council initially, you're not locked in forever. Your business evolves, your export focus changes, and you can always register with additional councils or <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-find-buyers-for-service-export-from-india">switch to FIEO</a> if that makes more sense.

Access to government subsidies under MAI and other schemes

Market Access Initiative (MAI) covers airfare, stall costs, and registration fees for international exhibitions. We're talking about reimbursements that can run into lakhs for a single trade fair. SEPC members get subsidised participation in international exhibitions and buyer-seller meets, where actual business happens.

Participation in international trade events at subsidised rates

<a href="https://www.epch.in/">EPCH</a> organises the Indian Handicrafts &amp; Gifts Fair with thousands of international buyers. Without RCMC, you're paying full price (if you can even get in). With it, you get subsidised stalls and priority access.

Getting an RCMC from export promotion councils like ESC or SEPC isn’t just a formality—it gets you listed in official directories that international buyers actually refer to. 

ESC’s 2000+ members from the Electronics and Computer Software/ITeS industry are part of searchable export databases. SEPC goes a step further by facilitating global market access through collaborations with Indian Embassies.
No RCMC, no listing. No listing, no visibility,&nbsp;

Easier to apply for export incentive schemes, trade finance, and certifications

RCMC is often a prerequisite for bigger benefits. Want to apply for the Interest Equalisation Scheme? You'll need RCMC. Looking at Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) benefits? RCMC required. It's your gateway document.

EPCs don't just give you a certificate and disappear. They actively work on your behalf, lobbying for policy changes, organising events, providing market intelligence, and connecting you with buyers. SEPC members are eligible for visa facilitation for their international business visits, which can cut weeks off your travel planning.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for RCMC in 2025

Since 2022, almost everything has happened through the <a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/">DGFT's common digital platform</a>, which means no more running between offices with a physical application form.

Step 1: Get an IEC code from DGFT website (mandatory)

You can't even start without this. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/iec-code-apply-online">IEC (Import Export Code)</a> is your basic export license, a prerequisite for RCMC. If you don't have one, apply through the DGFT portal first.

Step 2: Identify the correct EPC for your sector

Use the table from the previous section. When in doubt, FIEO works for most multi-product or unclear scenarios. Remember: it's based on what you export, not your company structure.

Step 3: Prepare required documents

💡Pro tip: Most rejections happen because of incomplete documentation. Get your CA to certify your export data upfront, even if it's zero.

Step 4: Apply on the DGFT's e-RCMC portal

Since 2022, almost all councils have used the common DGFT platform at dgft.gov.in. Here's the reality:

The fee structure is pretty straightforward: Most councils charge similar amounts. SEPC, EEPC, and others typically range from ₹2,500-₹5,000 per year, with some offering multi-year discounts.

The official line is "5-7 working days," but here's what usually happens:&nbsp;&nbsp;

The certificate gets issued electronically through the portal. You'll get email notifications, and you can download the certificate directly from your dashboard.

Keep your IEC profile updated on the DGFT portal before applying. Half the delays happen because of a mismatch in information between your IEC and RCMC application form.

📚Note: The process is smooth primarily now, but each council has slight variations in its document requirements. Check the specific council's requirements on their section of the DGFT portal before uploading documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your RCMC Registration

Here are the common RCMC registration mistakes you must avoid:

This happens more than you'd think. A software company registering with EEPC instead of ESC, or a design consultancy going to FIEO, when SEPC would be better. The councils are specific for a reason—wrong choice means wrong benefits, network, or everything.

RCMC validity is on a financial year (FY) basis, meaning it expires on March 31st. If you get your RCMC in December, it expires the following March, not 12 months later. Members are advised to renew their membership well, e.g., before 31st March, to avoid any disruption in shipment/trade-related services. If you miss the renewal deadline, your shipments could get held up.

Missing export opportunities by not joining SEPC if you export services

This is the big one for freelancers and consultancies. You're focusing on getting clients while missing out on Government of India subsidies for international marketing, trade fair participation, and export incentives. SEPC provides opportunities to participate in policy formulation and influence favourable trade policies; you want a seat at that table.

&nbsp;Assuming FIEO is always the fallback option

FIEO works great for multi-product exporters, but the specialised councils offer better networking and more relevant benefits if you have a clear sector focus. Don't go generic when you can go targeted.

Members must submit a certificate from a Chartered Accountant certifying the annual export turnover for the financial year. This isn't just paperwork; councils use this data to advocate for your sector and determine fee structures.&nbsp;

Make the Most of Your Export Payments with Skydo

Once you’ve got your RCMC sorted and start landing international clients, a new challenge shows up: getting paid without losing a chunk of your earnings.

Banks often slip in hidden forex markups and confusing fees. You may not even realise how much you're losing, sometimes as high as 1–8% of every payment.

That’s why many exporters now use platforms like Skydo. You get global bank accounts in major countries like the US, UK, and Canada set up in minutes. Payments come in faster, fees are transparent, and everything’s trackable.

It also takes care of compliance. FIRA is generated instantly, and you’re not chasing paperwork weeks later.

For many businesses, that’s meant real savings, up to ₹10 lakh a year. Not magic. Just money that’s no longer leaking through the cracks.

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Export promotion schemes are government programs designed to help businesses sell their products and services in international markets. They offer several benefits to these businesses, like:

There are many such export promotion schemes in India, but most exporters are not taking advantage of these schemes. If you run an agency, SaaS company, MSME or are a freelancer with a strong ambition to grow your business globally, this blog is for you.

In this blog, we will explore the export incentives that matter in 2025 and how to use them for your business.

First: Are You an Exporter? (Most People Don’t Realise They Are)

Let's clear this confusion before we go ahead.

The simplest way to find out if you're an exporter is this: If you’re billing international clients in foreign currency, you’re exporting, even if you don’t ship physical goods.

If any of these sound like you, or even come close, you’re an exporter. In this blog, we’ll break down the top export promotion schemes available, so you can find the ones that apply to you and maximise the benefits for your business

RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)

What it is: This is relevant for goods exporters only.<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rodtep-scheme-rates-notifications-and-benefits"> RoDTEP</a> refunds embedded taxes and duties that are not reimbursed under any other scheme. For example, fuel tax paid at the time of transport of goods

Who can use it: Large manufacturers and MSMEs in the D2C, crafts, and electronics space can benefit from this scheme. Exporters working from SEZ or EOU areas are also covered. However, digital service exporters aren't covered currently

How to apply: Apply via<a href="https://www.icegate.gov.in/"> ICEGATE</a> during shipping bill filing

Coverage: For FY 2025–26, the scheme includeexport-promotion-schemess 10,780 product categories for Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) exports, covering items like freshwater ornamental fish and natural honey, and 10,795 categories for AA, EOU, and SEZ exports. The benefit is calculated as a percentage of the Free On Board (FOB) value and is reviewed and revised from time to time.

Disbursement Track Record: According to the same source above, as of March 31, 2025, total disbursements under RoDTEP have crossed Rs. 57,976.78 crore

RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies)

What it is: This is best suited for apparel and textile exporters.<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rosctl-scheme-benefits-eligibility"> RoSCTL</a> intends to provide a rebate on embedded taxes and make the Indian textile exports more competitive

Who can use it: This is applicable only for exporters of Apparel (Chapter 61 &amp; 62 of<a href="https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export"> ITC-HS codes</a>), like men's and boys' overcoats,&nbsp; and Made-ups (Chapter 63), like curtains and interior blinds.&nbsp;

Rate Structure: It ranges between 1.7% to 6% of the FOB value

Eligibility: Exporters must apply for the scheme within one year of the shipping bill

How to apply: You can apply for benefits under the RoSCTL scheme from the DGFT website. Remember, you need to have a valid IEC and GSTIN before applying