RCMC – Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD): Empowering India’s Medical Device Exports
Introduction
India’s medical devices sector has experienced significant growth and is increasingly becoming a hub for manufacturing and exporting healthcare technology products worldwide. To support this dynamic industry, the Government of India established the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD) to facilitate export promotion, policy advocacy, and market development.
One critical certification for medical device exporters is the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by EPCMD. This certification is necessary to avail export incentives and participate in government-backed promotional programs.
This blog outlines the role of EPCMD and the importance of the RCMC, explaining its need, benefits to exporters, challenges faced in the registration process, and why it is vital for sustainable export growth.
What is EPCMD and RCMC?
Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD)
EPCMD is an apex body constituted under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It represents exporters of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and healthcare technologies. EPCMD provides exporters a platform for advocacy, international marketing support, foreign market intelligence, and participation in global trade events.
Why is RCMC from EPCMD Necessary?
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) mandates exporters to register with the respective Export Promotion Council and hold a valid RCMC to qualify for export benefits. EPCMD is the designated council for Indian medical device exporters.
Access to Export Incentives and Subsidies
RCMC-certified exporters are eligible for incentives such as:
- Duty Drawback
- Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme
- Market Access Initiative (MAI)
- Market Development Assistance (MDA)
These programs reduce export-related costs and improve competitiveness internationally.
Export Credibility and Financing Support
An EPCMD RCMC enhances exporter credibility with buyers and financial institutions, facilitating trade finance and overcoming trust barriers in global markets.
Participation in Trade Fairs and Promotion
Only RCMC holders may participate in EPCMD-organized international exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, export workshops, and trade delegations that foster market expansion.
Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)
The RCMC is an official certificate issued by EPCMD certifying an exporter’s valid membership under the Foreign Trade Policy of India. Holding an RCMC is mandatory for exporters to claim government incentives, subsidies, and participate in EPCMD-facilitated trade promotion initiatives.
Benefits of RCMC and EPCMD Membership
Government Export Scheme Eligibility
RCMC grants access to government-backed schemes that provide financial subsidies and marketing support to exporters.
Presence at Major Trade Events
EPCMD facilitates participation in leading global medical devices trade fairs such as Medica, Arab Health, and others, providing valuable platforms for member exporters.
Export Documentation and Compliance Support
The council aids exporters with necessary documentation, including certificates of origin, quality certifications, and regulatory compliance to facilitate smooth exports.
Market Intelligence and Export Insights
Members receive timely export reports, regulatory updates, and market data relevant to the medical device industry.
Capacity Building and Training Programs
EPCMD organizes workshops and training sessions focused on export procedures, global standards, certification requirements, and export documentation management.
Policy Advocacy and Government Liaison
EPCMD represents exporters’ interests in policy discussions and advocates reforms to simplify exports and enhance market access.
Challenges in Obtaining RCMC from EPCMD
Comprehensive Documentation Requirement
Exporters must submit various documents including IEC, company registration, PAN, GST certificates, export performance proof, and certifications, which can be cumbersome, especially for new exporters.
Renewal and Compliance
RCMC requires periodic renewal, with adherence to policy compliance and export activity requirements. Delays may temporarily suspend benefits.
Accurate Product Classification
Ensuring correct classification under EPCMD’s product categories is essential to avoid application processing delays or rejection.
Processing Time
Despite online processing, verification steps and document clarity impact the issuance timeline of RCMC certificates.
Conclusion
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD) is a critical enabler for Indian exporters in the medical device sector to gain government incentives, strengthen international market presence, and build export credibility.
Though the registration and renewal process requires thorough documentation and compliance, the wide-ranging benefits—incentives, trade promotion, capacity building, and policy support—underscore the certificate’s significance.
Medical device exporters are strongly encouraged to obtain and maintain their RCMC with EPCMD as a strategic investment towards accelerating India’s medical device exports on the global stage.
Recent Post
