Silk Export from India under RCMC (2026 Guide)

India has been connected with silk for centuries. In places like Varanasi, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, and Bhagalpur, families have been weaving silk sarees and fabrics for generations. Today, these traditional products are not only sold in India but are also loved by buyers in other countries. Because of this demand, many small manufacturers and traders now want to try silk export from India and reach international markets.

But when someone actually starts preparing for export, they quickly realize there are a few formalities involved. One of the most important ones is getting an RCMC certificate from the Silk Export Promotion Council. New exporters often hear this term for the first time and naturally get confused—what exactly is RCMC, why is it needed, and how does a business apply for it? Without this registration, exporters may miss out on government support programs and certain export benefits. In this guide, we’ll walk through the basics in simple words so anyone planning to export silk can understand how the process works and what steps are involved.

What is RCMC in Export Business

The full form of RCMC is Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate.

It is a certificate issued by an Export Promotion Council that confirms a business is a registered exporter in a particular industry.

For example:

● Textile exporters register with textile export councils

● Jewellery exporters register with the gem and jewellery export council

● Silk exporters register with the Silk Export Promotion Council

The RCMC certificate helps exporters access government export schemes, market support, and trade promotion programs.

Which Organization Issues RCMC for Silk Export

For silk products, the certificate is issued by the Silk Export Promotion Council (SEPC).

The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and supports the growth of the Indian silk industry in international markets.

The council helps exporters by:

➤ Promoting silk export in global markets

➤ Supporting international exhibitions

➤ Providing market research and trade opportunities

➤ Assisting exporters with government schemes

Because of this, most businesses involved in silk export in India obtain their RCMC registration through SEPC.

Who Should Apply for RCMC in Silk Export

Any business involved in exporting silk products should obtain RCMC registration.

Common exporters include:

➔ Silk fabric manufacturers

➔ Silk garment exporters

➔ Handloom silk producers

➔ Silk yarn exporters

➔ Silk handicraft exporters

Even small manufacturers who plan to export silk products to countries like USA, Europe, and Middle East markets may require this certificate.

Step-by-Step Process for RCMC Registration (Silk Export)

Step 1: Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Step 2: Apply for RCMC registration with the Silk Export Promotion Council.

Step 3: Fill out the application form and upload the required business documents online.

Step 4: Pay the membership fee and wait for document verification by the council.

Step 5: After approval, the council issues the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).

Step 6: Once issued, the exporter becomes an officially recognized silk exporter in India.

Documents Required for RCMC Registration

To apply for an RCMC certificate, exporters usually need the following documents:

→ Import Export Code (IEC) certificate

→ PAN card of the business

→ GST registration certificate

→ Business registration documents

→ Bank certificate or cancelled cheque

→ Address proof of business premises

These documents help verify that the applicant is a genuine exporter.

Advantages of RCMC for Silk Exporters

Getting RCMC registration provides several benefits for exporters.

▸ Access to export incentives
Exporters can claim government export benefits and schemes.

▸ Industry recognition
The certificate confirms that the business is a recognized exporter in the Indian silk industry.

▸ Participation in international trade fairs
Members may receive support for participating in global exhibitions and trade events.

▸ Market development support
Export promotion councils provide market insights and export opportunities.

Because of these advantages, most exporters obtain an RCMC certificate before starting silk export operations.

Common Mistakes Exporters Make

Some exporters face problems because they are not aware of export compliance rules.

Common mistakes include:

✗ Starting export without RCMC registration

✗ Applying under the wrong export promotion council

✗ Submitting incomplete documents

✗ Not renewing export memberships on time

These issues can delay export benefits and approvals.

Time and Cost for RCMC Registration

The approval time for RCMC registration depends on document verification and council procedures.

In most cases, exporters receive their RCMC certificate within 7 to 15 working days after submitting the application.

The membership fee varies depending on the export promotion council and exporter category.

Real Life Example

A textile business named Shree Silk Creations in Varanasi planned to export handmade silk scarves to buyers in Europe. The company had strong production capacity but was not familiar with export registrations required for silk exporters.

After consulting PSR Compliance, the business completed its RCMC registration with the Silk Export Promotion Council and received the required certificate. This helped the company participate in international trade programs and expand its silk export business from India.

Need Help with RCMC Registration for Silk Export?

Starting a silk export business from India requires proper export registration and compliance.

PSR Compliance helps exporters obtain RCMC certificates and other export registrations quickly and smoothly.

If you need help with RCMC registration for silk export, our experts can guide you through the process.

📞 Call PSR Compliance: 7065883416

Our team will help you complete the registration so you can focus on growing your export business.

FAQs on Indian Silk Exports and Production

1. Which country imports the most silk from India?

The United Arab Emirates is the largest importer of Indian silk, holding about 49.07% share of exports in April–July FY26.

2. Which countries are the top buyers of Indian silk?

Major buyers of Indian silk include the United Arab Emirates, China, United States, Singapore, France, and Italy.

3. What silk products does India export the most?

India mainly exports natural silk yarn, silk fabrics, made-ups, silk carpets, and readymade garments.

4. Which silk products are most exported to the USA?

About 40.9% of silk exports to the United States are fabrics and made-ups, followed by 23.4% silk carpets.

5. Why is India unique in silk production?

India is the only country producing all four commercial silk varieties—Mulberry, Tassar, Eri, and Muga.

6. What is India’s global rank in silk production?

India is the second-largest silk producer in the world.

7. How much raw silk does India produce annually?

India produced around 38.9 thousand metric tons of raw silk in 2023–24.

8. What government initiatives support silk exports in India?

The National Fibre Scheme aims to strengthen the textile industry and reduce import dependence.

9. What are the main challenges in the Indian silk industry?

Key challenges include quality standardization, consistent dyeing processes, and improved finishing for higher export value.

10. Which Indian state produces the most silk?

Karnataka produces over 70% of India’s total silk output.

11. Which state is famous for Pochampally silk?

Andhra Pradesh is famous for Pochampally silk sarees.

12. Which state is known for Murshidabad silk?

West Bengal is widely known for Murshidabad silk.

13. Which state is famous for Kanchipuram silk?

Tamil Nadu is renowned for Kanchipuram silk sarees.

14. Which state is known for Banarasi silk?

Uttar Pradesh is famous for Banarasi silk weaving.