RCMC Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPC)

RCMC under the Medical Devices Export Promotion Council is an official registration connecting medical device exporters with the Government of India trade framework. RCMC, or Registration cum Membership Certificate, is issued to exporters holding a valid Import Export Code and confirms that they are formally registered with the council recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. It serves as proof that the exporter operates within the approved medical device categories under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.

This registration is essential for claiming export incentives, duty remission benefits, and other policy-based financial support provided by DGFT. It also allows exporters to participate in council-led trade promotions, international exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings, providing industry-specific exposure and growth opportunities.

Medical Devices EPC represents manufacturers and exporters of medical equipment, diagnostics, disposables, implants, and healthcare technology products. RCMC is provided digitally via the DGFT portal after a verification process. Once approved, exporters can download it for compliance purposes, customs procedures, and claiming government incentives. The certificate is valid for a specific period and must be renewed on time to maintain eligibility for all benefits.

The Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD) supports exporters of medical devices to grow their business globally. It promotes global trade opportunities and creates a link between industry, government agencies, and the international market, by keeping exporters informed, compliant, and prepared to compete worldwide. 

• Policy Support: EPCMD communicates exporters’ challenges to DGFT and trade ministries, working to shape rules that make international trade smoother and more efficient.
• Trade Promotion: The council hosts exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and global delegations, helping exporters present their products and build credibility with overseas buyers.
• Incentive Support: EPCMD guides exporters through government schemes and benefits, explaining eligibility clearly and simplifying the process to claim incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• Market Insights: The council provides practical updates on global demand, industry trends, and regulatory changes, enabling exporters to plan product strategies, certifications, and compliance confidently.

Who Needs RCMC for Medical Device Exports

RCMC registration is mandatory for every business exporting medical devices from India, regardless of size, to ensure regulatory compliance, eligibility for incentives, and official recognition under the Foreign Trade Policy framework.

• Medical device manufacturers exporting finished healthcare products
• Businesses trading medical devices and equipment in global markets.
• Companies are exporting cutting-edge medical technology solutions overseas.
• Small and medium enterprises supplying medical disposables to international clients.
• Firms exporting diagnostic tools and surgical instruments worldwide.

Having an RCMC registration helps exporters to get legal recognition, financial benefits and structured trade support. It allows them to stay complaint with the government schemes and long   term growth opportunities in a controlled foreign healthcare marketplace. Some of the key benefits include:

• Access to Export Incentives: RCMC allows medical exporters to claim DGFT notified export incentives duty remission benefits and promotional schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy, improving cost efficiency and export profitability.
• Government Recognition: A valid RCMC provides legally recognized to exporters in medical device industry, boosting their credibility among customs authorities, banks, regulators, and foreign buyers at the time of documentation verification and international trade.
• Participation in Trade Events: Only RCMC registered exporters can participate in EPCMD supported exhibitions, buyer seller meets, and international trade delegations organized with government backing for global market expansion.
• Sector Specific Guidance: Medical Devices EPC provides industry-focused guidance on export documentation, regulatory changes, product classification, and global compliance requirements specific to medical devices exporters.
• Improved Market Access: RCMC helps exporters’ access new global markets through structured promotion programs, verified buyer connections, and council-facilitated introductions in regulated healthcare markets worldwide.

The Medical Devices Export Promotion Council covers a wide range of healthcare products notified under medical device export categories, ensuring sector-specific representation, regulatory clarity, and dedicated export promotion support for Indian medical device exporters.

• Surgical instruments and operation theatre equipment
• Diagnostic imaging equipment and monitoring devices
• Medical disposables and single-use medical products
• Orthopaedic implants, prosthetics, and trauma devices
• Dental instruments, equipment, and consumables
• Hospital furniture and patient support equipment
• In vitro diagnostic devices and reagents
• Electro-medical and electronic medical equipment
• Anaesthesia, respiratory, and life support devices
• Ophthalmic and ENT medical devices
• Cardiology and cardiovascular medical devices
• Urology, nephrology, and gastroenterology devices
• Rehabilitation assistive and mobility devices
• Medical software linked to medical devices
• Home healthcare and wearable medical devices

Once exporters obtain RCMC registration, they need to follow certain rules to keep the certificate valid, ensure smooth export operations, and continue receiving DGFT benefits without interruptions.

• Valid IEC Status: Ensure your Import Export Code (IEC) is active, up-to-date, and correctly linked to your business and contact information.
• Approved Product Scope: Export only medical devices declared and approved under the Medical Devices EPC registration.
• Policy Adherence: Follow DGFT notifications, Foreign Trade Policy updates, and export-related regulatory changes.
• Timely Renewal: Renew RCMC within prescribed timelines to avoid suspension of benefits and council services.
• Record Maintenance: Maintain shipping bills, invoices, and export records for audit verification and incentive claims.

Exporters must meet the basic eligibility conditions prescribed by the DGFT and the Medical Devices Export Promotion Council to obtain RCMC registration and operate in compliance with the Foreign Trade Policy framework.

• Valid Import Export Code issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade
• Business entity involved in manufacturing or exporting medical devices
• Entity legally registered under applicable Indian business laws
• Active PAN and GST registration in the name of exporter
• Compliance with current export regulations and trade policy provisions

Applicants must submit standard business and export-related documents to establish eligibility, verify identity, and confirm medical device product classification during the RCMC registration process with the Export Promotion Council. Key documents include:

• Import Export Code certificate
• PAN card of the applicant entity
• GST registration certificate
• Certificate of incorporation or business registration
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
• List of medical devices for export
• Digital signature certificate

RCMC registration for Medical Devices EPC follows a structured online procedure that verifies exporter eligibility, ensures regulatory alignment, and formally connects medical device exporters with DGFT-recognised export promotion council support services.

• IEC Verification: Ensure your Import Export Code is active updated and correctly linked with accurate business details on the DGFT portal before starting the RCMC application process.
• Online Application Submission: Log in to the DGFT portal complete the RCMC application select Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices and carefully enter exporter information product categories and contact details.
• Document Upload: Upload required documents including IEC PAN GST and product list ensuring all details match official records to avoid objections clarifications or delays during council verification.
• Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed Medical Devices EPC membership fee online according to MSME or non MSME classification using the payment gateway provided on the DGFT portal.
• Certificate Issuance: After successful document verification and approval by the council the RCMC certificate is issued digitally and becomes available for download for official export compliance use.

The RCMC issued by the Medical Devices Export Promotion Council is usually valid for the period of five years, as per the Foreign Trade Policy. Exporters are required to apply for renewal before the deadline ensure continuous access to export related government incentives and ongoing support from the council. The renewal process involves verification of updated documents confirmation of medical device product details and payment of the applicable renewal fee. Delayed renewal may temporarily affect eligibility for export benefits and promotional assistance.

Timeline for Medical Devices EPC Registration

The Medical Devices EPC RCMC registration process usually takes seven to fifteen working days from the date of online application submission. Applications with complete documentation and accurate medical device product classification are processed faster. Delays may arise if inconsistencies are found between IEC GST and business details or if the council seeks clarification on declared product categories during the verification stage.

The registration fee for Medical Devices EPC depends on the exporter category notified by the council. MSME exporters pay a lower membership fee, while non-MSME exporters pay higher charges. The fee includes council membership and applicable taxes. Payment is made online during application submission. Since fees are revised periodically, exporters must check the latest EPCMD notification before applying to avoid incorrect payment and processing delays. No additional government fee is charged beyond the prescribed council amount for initial registration applications.

Common Errors to Avoid during RCMC Application

RCMC applications are often delayed or rejected due to avoidable mistakes that exporters make while filing details, uploading documents, or selecting incorrect council information during the application process.

• Choosing the incorrect export promotion council instead of the Medical Devices EPC.
• Submitting expired, mismatched, or incomplete documents can postpone verification.
• Categorizing products incorrectly, not matching the notified medical device categories.
• Forgetting to update the IEC details on the DGFT portal before applying.
• Missing the renewal deadline, which can temporarily suspend eligibility for export benefits.

Corpseed is a leading consulting firm that specializes in assisting businesses, manufacturers, and exporters with RCMC registration under the Export Promotional Council for Medical Devices (EPC). Our experts ensure a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free registration process so you can focus on growing your medical device exports.

• Expert Guidance on RCMC Registration: We simplify the complex registration process, guide you on eligibility, required documents, and application steps, ensuring your RCMC approval is quick and error-free.
• Error-Free Application and Renewal Support: From initial application to timely renewal, we help prepare, verify, and submit all documents accurately, reducing the chances of rejection or delays in your RCMC certificate.
• End-to-End Support: We handle everything, including drafting applications, liaising with EPC officials, follow-ups, digital submission, and online portal support for DGFT and EPC requirements.
• State-Specific Knowledge and Faster Approvals: Each state may have unique procedural nuances. Our team ensures accurate document preparation, submission, and compliance guidance for faster RCMC approval across India.
• Continuous Compliance Support: We assist in maintaining RCMC compliance, updating product lists, and navigating DGFT or EPC policy changes, ensuring uninterrupted access to export incentives and council benefits