Indian exporters dealing in chemical and allied products often need to understand the role of an Export Promotion Council and the registrations relevant to their products. CAPEXIL, or the Chemical and Allied Products Export Promotion Council, is an export promotion body established in 1958 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to promote exports of chemical and allied products from India.( https://capexil.org/)
For exporters whose products fall within CAPEXIL's product panels, obtaining a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) can be an important part of maintaining their export-related registrations and accessing the services of the council.
If you are planning CAPEXIL registration in 2026, here is a practical overview of eligibility, documents, fees, application steps and important points to check before applying.
What Is CAPEXIL RCMC
CAPEXIL RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate issued in connection with CAPEXIL membership.
CAPEXIL represents exporters across various chemical and allied product categories and provides exporters with access to council-related services, export promotion activities, industry information and other member services.
CAPEXIL currently lists multiple product panels covering categories such as animal by-products, books and publications, bulk minerals and ores, glass and glassware, paper and paper products, plywood and allied products, among others. Exporters should therefore verify whether their products fall within the relevant CAPEXIL panel before applying.
Who Should Consider CAPEXIL RCMC
CAPEXIL RCMC is relevant to businesses involved in exporting products covered by CAPEXIL's product panels.
Before applying, an exporter should check:
The nature of the products being exported
The applicable HS codes
Whether the products fall under a CAPEXIL product panel
The exporter's business and membership details
The applicable documentation and fee requirements
This product-level verification is important because CAPEXIL's panels are organised around specific products and HS codes.
CAPEXIL RCMC Fees in 2026
CAPEXIL's published fee structure currently specifies the following admission fees:
Export Turnover | Admission Fee |
|---|---|
₹0–25 lakh | ₹3,000 + GST |
Above ₹25 lakh | ₹5,000 + GST |
CAPEXIL also states that an additional panel attracts a fee of ₹1,000 + GST.
The council further states that, from 1 April 2024, RCMC fees are charged based on the number of years of membership applied for. It also requires members to submit relevant export-turnover information and documents annually.
Because fee structures and administrative requirements can change, exporters should verify the applicable fee before submitting an application.
Documents Required for CAPEXIL RCMC
The exact documentation can depend on the applicant's business structure, products and membership requirements.
Common information and documents may include:
Import Export Code (IEC)
PAN and business details
GST-related information, where applicable
Details of the company, firm or proprietor
Export turnover details
Product and HS-code information
Authorisation or supporting documents, where applicable
Other documents requested during the membership process
CAPEXIL specifically states that members must submit a self-certified copy of export turnover, based on FOB value in INR, on their letterhead and signed/stamped by the competent authority. The applicable financial year for the turnover information depends on when the application is made.
How to Apply for CAPEXIL RCMC
The application process generally involves the following stages:
Step 1: Check Product Eligibility
Identify the products you export and verify their applicable HS codes against CAPEXIL's product panels.
Step 2: Check Your Exporter Details
Keep your IEC, business information, export turnover information and other supporting details ready.
Step 3: Select the Applicable Product Panel
If your products fall under a CAPEXIL panel, identify the appropriate membership/product category.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare the documents and turnover information required for the application.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the applicable online CAPEXIL membership/RCMC application and submit the required information and documents.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fee
Pay the applicable membership/RCMC fee based on your turnover, membership period and applicable panels.
Step 7: Verification and Issuance
The submitted information and documents are reviewed as part of the membership process. Once the applicable requirements are completed, the RCMC/membership documentation can be made available through the relevant system.
What Is the Validity of CAPEXIL RCMC
The validity of an RCMC depends on the membership period and the applicable CAPEXIL requirements.
CAPEXIL's fee structure states that RCMC fees are charged according to the number of years of membership applied for. Members who have already paid membership subscription for more than one year may continue with the RCMC until its validity date, subject to the applicable balance amount.
Exporters should therefore check their current validity and renewal requirements rather than assuming that every RCMC has the same validity period.
Why Is CAPEXIL Membership Useful for Exporters
CAPEXIL's role extends beyond issuing membership documentation. As an export promotion council, it supports exporters through industry and export-promotion activities.
Depending on the applicable membership and product category, exporters may benefit from access to:
Export-related information
Industry updates
Export promotion activities
Trade events and exhibitions
Council communications
Product-panel related services
Exporter networking opportunities
The specific services available can vary according to the applicable CAPEXIL membership and product category.
Important CAPEXIL Update for Certain Feather Exports
CAPEXIL registration is not the only area where exporters should monitor current regulatory developments.
In May 2026, DGFT introduced a policy condition for specified feather-related products requiring consignment-wise certification involving CAPEXIL. The amendment covers specified ITC (HS) codes for feathers, down, skins and other related products and introduced certification requirements connected with export shipments.
This is a useful example of why exporters should monitor both RCMC/membership requirements and product-specific export regulations.
CAPEXIL RCMC vs CAPEXIL Certification
These terms can sometimes be confused.
CAPEXIL RCMC relates to registration-cum-membership with the council.
CAPEXIL certification, on the other hand, can refer to specific certificates or approvals required for particular products, panels or export situations.
For example, CAPEXIL's published information separately discusses Plant Approval Certificates and certification requirements for the Animal By-Products panel.
Therefore, exporters should first identify exactly what their product and shipment require instead of assuming that RCMC alone satisfies every CAPEXIL-related requirement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting a CAPEXIL application, exporters should carefully check:
1. Incorrect HS Code
A wrong HS code can result in selecting the wrong product panel.
2. Incorrect Export Turnover
CAPEXIL requires export turnover information based on FOB value and specifies which financial year's turnover should be considered depending on the application date.
3. Missing Supporting Documents
Incomplete documentation can delay the application or require additional clarification.
4. Choosing the Wrong Panel
Businesses should verify the relevant product panel before submitting their application.
5. Ignoring Renewal Requirements
An exporter should monitor RCMC validity and applicable annual documentation and fee requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAPEXIL RCMC mandatory for every exporter?
No. Its relevance depends on the exporter's products and the applicable export-promotion council/product category. Exporters should verify whether their products fall under CAPEXIL.
What is the CAPEXIL RCMC fee?
CAPEXIL's published fee structure currently lists ₹3,000 + GST for members with turnover between ₹0 and ₹25 lakh and ₹5,000 + GST for members with turnover above ₹25 lakh. Additional panels attract ₹1,000 + GST each.
Can a merchant exporter apply for CAPEXIL membership?
The applicable requirements depend on the membership and product category. CAPEXIL's published fee structure specifically distinguishes requirements for certain manufacturer and merchant exporter certification matters, so the applicant should verify the applicable category before applying.
How long does CAPEXIL registration take?
The processing timeline can vary depending on the application, documentation and verification requirements. It is better to confirm the expected timeline for your specific application before filing.
Does CAPEXIL cover all export products?
No. CAPEXIL operates through defined product panels. Exporters should check their product and HS code against the applicable panel.
What is the difference between CAPEXIL RCMC and a CAPEXIL certificate?
RCMC refers to Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate, while specific CAPEXIL certificates may be required for particular products, panels or export transactions.
Need Help With CAPEXIL Registration
Getting the product panel, HS code, documents and application details right at the beginning can make the registration process easier to manage.
Corpseed helps businesses with CAPEXIL Certificate and registration-related requirements, including documentation and application support.
For assistance, contact Corpseed at 7558640644.
Final Checklist Before Applying
Before starting your CAPEXIL RCMC application, make sure you have:
✓ Valid IEC
✓ Correct product/HS code
✓ Applicable CAPEXIL product panel identified
✓ Export turnover information
✓ Business and applicant details
✓ Required supporting documents
✓ Applicable membership fee
✓ Information required for any additional panel
✓ Renewal/validity requirements checked
CAPEXIL RCMC should be approached as a product-specific export compliance and membership requirement. Verify your product category, HS code, current CAPEXIL fee structure and documentation requirements before submitting the application.
For CAPEXIL Certification Renewal : https://www.corpseed.com/service/renewal-of-capexil-certificate
