How does SEPC membership work for Indian service exporters?

The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) is the body set up under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) framework to promote India's services exports, and it is a notified Registering Authority that issues the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) to its members.¹⁵ For a consulting firm, an architecture practice, a tutoring company, a film post-production house or a legal services firm, SEPC is usually the council that matches the main line of business.¹

For the general RCMC rules across all councils, see RCMC registration.

What is SEPC membership for service exporters?

SEPC membership for service exporters is registration with the Services Export Promotion Council, evidenced by an RCMC that unlocks FTP benefits and concessions, such as the Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme and status holder recognition.¹⁵

• Registering Authority: SEPC is a notified Registering Authority that issues the RCMC.¹⁵
• Benefits: the RCMC unlocks FTP benefits and concessions.⁵
• Member services: SEPC also runs trade promotion activity, market and sector reports, and buyer-seller events for members.³

See export promotion schemes for services.

Who should join SEPC?

Service exporters whose main line of business falls in SEPC's jurisdiction under entry 21 of Appendix 2T should join SEPC if they need an RCMC.¹⁴ Membership is voluntary: paragraph 2.57 of the FTP 2023 requires an RCMC only from a person applying for an authorisation or for any other benefit or concession under the FTP, unless specifically exempted.⁵

SEPC's own membership page also lists "Information Technology (IT and ITES) Services" among its service categories.³ Under paragraph 2.80 of the Handbook of Procedures, an exporter takes the RCMC from the council concerned with its main line of business, so a software company should check which council fits before applying.⁴ A freelancer or agency that only invoices foreign clients and receives payments does not need an RCMC to do so.⁵

How do you apply for SEPC membership?

You apply for SEPC membership as an e-RCMC on the DGFT portal, not on SEPC's own website.³ SEPC describes the process as follows.³

1. Register and link your IEC: register on dgft.gov.in and log in. Your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) must be updated and linked to your DGFT account before you apply. If you do not have one, see how to apply for an IEC.
2. Complete Manage Profile: SEPC says DGFT treats it as mandatory.
3. Open the application: go to Services, then e-RCMC, and choose "Apply for e-RCMC" (or "Renewal of RCMC" for existing members).
4. Check auto-filled details: step one of the form auto-fills from your IEC and profile.
5. Select SEPC and categories: in step two, select SEPC, the fee category, your service categories, contact person, turnover, GST address, and whether you are an SEZ unit, MSME or startup.
6. Upload attachments: in step three, upload Format-A (foreign exchange earnings for the last three years certified by a chartered accountant) and proof of fee payment if paid outside the portal.
7. E-sign, submit and pay: in steps four and five, accept the terms, review, e-sign and submit, then pay through the gateway if you did not pay by NEFT or RTGS.
8. Download the RCMC: after SEPC approves, download the RCMC from "View Submitted Applications" on the DGFT portal.

Prospective exporters who have not yet earned foreign exchange can apply for associate membership.⁴

How much does SEPC membership cost in FY 2026-27?

SEPC membership in FY 2026-27 costs from ₹11,800 for a new startup member to ₹9,32,200 for the largest category, including GST, depending on annual turnover in the preceding financial year.² New members pay a one-time admission fee plus the annual membership fee, plus 18% GST; renewals pay the annual fee plus GST.²

SEPC accepts payment through the DGFT payment gateway or by NEFT or RTGS to its bank account.²³

What is the timeline for an SEPC RCMC?

The timeline for an SEPC RCMC is five years from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued, ending on 31 March, unless otherwise specified.⁴

• Validity: five years from 1 April of the licensing year of issue.⁴
• Change reporting: tell the council of any change in ownership, constitution, name or address within one month.⁴
• Appeal: an appeal against de-registration lies to DGFT within 45 days.⁴

Renew through "Renewal of RCMC" on the DGFT portal when the five years end.³

What happens if an SEPC member breaks the registration conditions?

If an SEPC member breaks the registration conditions, the council can de-register the member after a show cause notice, and an appeal lies to DGFT within 45 days.⁴ Reporting changes in ownership, constitution, name or address within one month avoids the most common breach.⁴

What are the common mistakes with SEPC membership?

The common mistakes with SEPC membership are joining the wrong council, joining when no FTP benefit is needed, and relying on schemes that have ended.¹⁵⁷

• Wrong council: computer software, IT, ITeS and BPO or KPO sit with ESC under Appendix 2T.¹
• Joining without a need: an RCMC is required only to claim FTP authorisations, benefits or concessions.⁵
• Relying on SEIS: SEIS was a scheme of the FTP 2015-20; DGFT notified rates for services rendered in FY 2019-20, and applications for that year were time-barred after 28 February 2022.⁷ It is not part of the FTP 2023.⁵⁷
• Relying on MAI: the Government has consolidated the Market Access Initiative into the Export Promotion Mission approved on 12 November 2025.⁶

Note: SEPC's membership page still mentions SEIS and MAI as reasons to hold an RCMC.³ Check DGFT for the interventions currently open before relying on either.