The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a clarification regarding the issuance of Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMCs) for medical device exports. This clarification was issued by virtue of a trade notice dated June 12, 2024.
It may be recalled that by a previous notification dated June 23, 2023, a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC) for Medical Devices was designated for issuing RCMCs for medical devices. The registered office of this EPC was in Uttar Pradesh. The notice also listed 151 products that would fall within their jurisdiction.
However, DGFT has noted that presently this EPC is not yet fully operational and cannot issue RCMCs. This created difficulties for exporters as RCMCs are mandatory for certain export benefits such as Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP).
Therefore, DGFT has temporarily allowed RCMCs for medical devices to be issued by:
- The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) and
- Any other relevant EPC for medical devices
Medical device exporters can now obtain valid RCMCs to facilitate their exports and claim benefits under RoDTEP.
Customs authorities have been instructed to accept RCMCs issued by EEPC India or other concerned EPCs for medical devices until further notice.
It is important to note that this is a temporary measure and will operate until the designated EPC for medical devices becomes fully functional.
