RCMC for Pharmaceutical & Medical Exporters (PHARMEXCIL)- 2026 Guide

If you are planning to export medicines, medical devices, surgical goods, or healthcare products from India, one document will keep coming up - RCMC from PHARMEXCIL. Many exporters hear about it only when a buyer asks, a bank raises a query, or a shipment gets held. That’s when confusion starts, especially about whether it is compulsory or different from IEC or a drug license.

This short guide is meant to clear that confusion in simple words. It focuses only on RCMC for pharmaceutical and medical exporters under PHARMEXCIL, without legal terms or complex explanations. The idea is to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and when you actually need it.

What Is RCMC and Why Does PHARMEXCIL Matter?

RCMC means Registration-cum-Membership Certificate.

In simple words, it is a document that proves:

You are a recognised exporter under a specific export council in India.

For pharmaceutical and medical exports, the concerned export council is PHARMEXCIL
(Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India).

PHARMEXCIL works under the Ministry of Commerce and looks after exports related to:

• Medicines
• APIs
• Medical devices
• Surgical products
• Healthcare and pharma-related goods

If you export these products without PHARMEXCIL RCMC, you are not considered a recognised exporter by DGFT.

Who Actually Needs PHARMEXCIL RCMC?

You need PHARMEXCIL RCMC if you are:

➤ Exporting pharmaceutical formulations

➤ Exporting bulk drugs or APIs

➤ Exporting medical devices or equipment

➤ Exporting surgical or healthcare products

➤ Planning to apply for DGFT export benefits

➤ Applying for foreign buyer approvals

➤ Exporting to regulated markets

This applies to:

➤ Manufacturers

➤ Traders

➤ Merchant exporters

➤ Startups entering pharma exports

If your product falls under the pharma or medical category, RCMC is not optional.

What Products Are Covered Under PHARMEXCIL?

PHARMEXCIL covers a wide range of products, including:

➝ Finished medicines (tablets, syrups, injections)

➝ Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

➝ Bulk drugs

➝ Medical devices

➝ Diagnostic products

➝ Surgical instruments

➝ Healthcare equipment

➝ Certain nutraceutical and allied items

If your product is related to health, medicine, or medical use, PHARMEXCIL is usually applicable.

Why Exporters Face Problems Without RCMC

Many exporters try to skip RCMC at the beginning. This usually leads to problems later.

➜ Here’s what actually happens in real life:

➜ DGFT benefits get rejected

➜ Export incentives are blocked

➜ Bank documents get questioned

➜ Foreign buyers ask for exporter registration proof

➜ Customs clearance becomes difficult

➜ Shipment gets delayed

RCMC may look like paperwork, but it directly affects your export operations.

Documents Required for PHARMEXCIL RCMC

The documents are not complicated, but they must be correct.

Usually required:

→ IEC Certificate

→ PAN Card of business

→ GST Registration

→ Drug License (if applicable)

→ Manufacturing or trading proof

→ Bank certificate or cancelled cheque

→ Business address proof

→ Digital signature

→ The exact list can change slightly based on your business type.

Missing or incorrect documents are the main reason for delays.

How RCMC Registration Process Works

Here is how it usually happens:

Online application: You start by applying for PHARMEXCIL membership on their official portal.

Business details submission: Basic company and export details are filled in the application form.

Document upload: Required documents like IEC, business proof, and product details are uploaded online.

Fee payment: The applicable PHARMEXCIL membership and RCMC fees are paid digitally.

Application verification: PHARMEXCIL reviews the submitted details and documents.

RCMC issuance: Once approved, the RCMC is issued digitally and can be downloaded online.

Difference Between IEC and RCMC

Many people think IEC is enough. It is not.

• IEC allows you to export
• RCMC recognises you as a valid exporter under your product category

Think of it like this:

• IEC = Entry ticket
• RCMC = Permission to play the game properly

For pharma and medical products, PHARMEXCIL RCMC is the required authority.

How Long Does PHARMEXCIL RCMC Take?

On average:

7 to 15 working days, depending on document clarity

Delays happen when:

• Product category is unclear

• Drug license details don’t match

• IEC or GST details are incorrect

Planning early always saves time.

Validity of PHARMEXCIL RCMC

PHARMEXCIL RCMC is generally valid for:

5 years, aligned with DGFT policy periods

Renewal is required before expiry to continue benefits.

Common Mistakes Exporters Make

These are mistakes we see very often:

⚠ Applying under the wrong export council

⚠ Uploading incomplete drug license

⚠ Mismatch between IEC and GST details

⚠ Delaying RCMC until shipment is ready

⚠ Assuming traders don’t need RCMC

⚠ Avoiding these mistakes saves both money and stress.

Need Help with PHARMEXCIL RCMC?

If you want your PHARMEXCIL RCMC done correctly and without confusion,
PSR Compliance can guide you end-to-end.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 7065883416
Simple advice. Clear process. No unnecessary complications.

FAQs on Pharmexcil Registration & RCMC

1. Is Pharmexcil registration mandatory for pharmaceutical exports?
Yes, a valid RCMC from Pharmexcil is mandatory for exporting most pharmaceutical products under the Foreign Trade Policy.

2. How can I apply for Pharmexcil membership and RCMC?
Pharmexcil registration is done online by submitting the application form and required documents to the Council.

3. What documents are required for Pharmexcil registration?
Key documents include IEC, PAN, company incorporation certificate, Drug License, and GMP certificate.

4. What are the benefits of Pharmexcil membership?
Members get market intelligence, export promotion support, policy advocacy, trade fair participation, and MAI assistance.

5. What is the validity period of Pharmexcil membership?
Pharmexcil membership is valid for five years and must be renewed thereafter.

6. Does Pharmexcil provide financial assistance to exporters?
Pharmexcil does not offer loans but assists exporters in accessing trade finance through banks like EXIM Bank.

7. How long does it take to get Pharmexcil RCMC?
RCMC issuance typically takes 7–10 working days, subject to accurate documentation.