Q1: What is an RCAC and why is it required?
The Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate (RCAC) is issued by APEDA for Basmati rice(which came into effect with DGFT notification no. 18/2015-20 dated August 1, 2016) and non-Basmati rice exports (which came into effect with DGFT notification no. 33/2025-26 dated 24th September, 2025) upon registration of contracts.
Q2: Can I apply for RCAC if I don't have RCMC?
No. A valid Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by APEDA is a mandatory prerequisite for applying for an RCAC. The online RCAC application module is integrated with the exporter’s membership profile; therefore, the system will not permit access to the application form without an active RCMC.
To apply for an RCAC, exporters must log in via the "Exporter Login" section on the APEDA website using the following credentials:
- RCMC Number
- User ID
- Password
Q3: What is the processing timeline for RCAC applications?
Applications are normally processed within 2-3 working days. However, in case of any deficiency/error/wrong/incomplete information, an official of APEDA shall record the remark and send the application to exporter for submission of required information/documents/details for further processing.
Q4: How can I check my RCAC application status?
The status of RCAC application can be checked on the APEDA portal through the ‘view status’ option of RCAC. Exporters should check the status prior to raising the issue with APEDA as, in many cases, application will be either sent back to the applicant due to discrepancies or would be already approved by APEDA.
Q5: What value terms (Incoterms) should be used for mentioning the value of basmati rice and non-basmati rice?
Basmati Rice: Exporters should select only FOB for basmati rice as the incoterm used for monitoring the Basmati export contracts is FOB, applications will be sent back to exporters for resubmission in case they enter the value in CIF or CNF. Exporters may also ensure that realistic prices may be entered, abnormally low prices shall entail further scrutiny.
Non-Basmati Rice: The FOB, CIF and CNF/CFR incoterms can be used for indicating the value of non-Basmati rice consignment.
Q6: In which currency should the value be indicated in the contract and the application? While your export contract can be in any currency, during application for RCAC, exporters should mention its US dollar equivalent with the currency conversion rate used in the remarks section. Applicants for obtaining RCAC for Russia, Iran, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal are allowed to mention the value in INR.
Q7: What essential details must be mentioned in the export contract/invoice for RCAC purposes ?
Your Invoice, Contract or Letter of Credit (LC) must clearly state:
- Agreement Number & Date
- Detailed Product Description & HSN Code
- Brand Name, Quantity, and Value (Incoterms)
- Port of Discharge & Buyer Details
- Validity Date / Shipment Schedule
- Signature and Stamp of both Buyer and Exporter (unless digitally signed).
Q8. Is it mandatory to mention the Consignment destination, Port of Discharge and buyer’s address when Buyer location and Consignment destination are different?
Yes
Q9: What are the applicable HSN codes for Basmati and Non-Basmati rice?
For HS code, please refer to the DGFT EXIM policy: https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs- import-export
Q10: What is the validity period of the RCAC and can it be extended?
The RCAC shall be issued to all the exporters with its validity for shipment up to 45 days from the date of issue. Therefore, while applying for registration of contract, exporters are advised to ensure that the quantity applied for registration is the one which is planned to be shipped in the next 45 days.
Q11: Can one RCAC cover multiple destination countries?
No. Each RCAC is specific to one destination country and one port of discharge.
Q12: Can I get RCAC for multiple ports of loading using single contract?
If you need to export from multiple ports under single contract/LC, you may need to apply for multiple RCACs for partial quantities based on destination and shipment schedule. Total Quantity applied through multiple RCACs can never exceed the total contracted quantity.
It shall be noted that for applying to RCACs for the countries where Certificate of Inspection(CoI) by Export Inspection Council (EIC)/ Export Inspection Agency (EIA) is mandatory, the quantity applied for obtaining the RCAC must exactly match the quantity stated in CoI. Applied quantity shall be same as quantity mentioned in the joint declaration of merchant exporter and registered manufacturer(DPPQS for USA & China and SFDA for Saudi Arabia) in the case of USA, China and Saudi Arabia.
Q13. Post issuance of RCAC, what sections of the RCAC can an exporter apply to amend?
After the issuance of RCAC, Exporters can only apply for amendments to the following fields:
- Brand Name
- Crop Year
- Port of Loading
Q14. After issuance of the RCAC, is it possible to amend the quantity or value?
No. Amendments to quantity or value are not permitted post-issuance.
Q15. When the buyer mentions notified parties in the contract order other than the buyer and requests export to other countries, is it considered valid or acceptable?
Yes
Q16: How do I stay updated on country-specific requirements for applying for RCAC:
Please visit APEDA website for the latest trade notices and Advisories issued by APEDA on exports of rice.
Q 17 : Where can I find the list of DPPQS registered rice mills/ processing Units for exporting rice to the USA and China and SFDA registered rice establishments for export of rice to Saudi Arabia?
The Standard Operating Procedures for Rice Export to USA and China can be accessed under “Standards” section and the lists of Registered Rice Mills / Processing Units for Rice Exports to USA and China can be accessed under “Export” section under the “Guidelines” head of Plant Quarantine Management System portal of Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage. The weblink for the same is as follows: https://pqms.cgg.gov.in/pqms- angular/homeGuidelines
Additionally, the list of registered rice establishments with SFDA for export of rice to Saudi Arabia will be hosted at APEDA website from time to time. The weblink for the same is as follows: https://apeda.gov.in/Cereals
Q18: What if my payment failed but was deducted from my account?
Kindly refrain from making double payments. Email your Regional APEDA Office and Cereals Division (crl[AT]apeda[DOT]gov[DOT]in) with the transaction details for resolution.
Q19. What are the available modes of payment?
Payments can be made through both online and offline modes. Exporters opting for offline payment are required to submit a Demand Draft (DD) at the APEDA Headquarters. Provision is given to submit a Bank Draft in advance in the name of “APEDA”. Offline payment, which is to be entered and updated by APEDA official/dealing official, in the software against the particular exporter and software shall show the balance amount in the account for issue of RCAC.
Q20: Whom should I contact if I have RCAC-related issues?
- For technical issues and errors faced during the application, contact APEDA Technical Support No.+91-9228132200
- For issues related to Basmati rice RCAC applications: crl[AT]apeda[DOT]gov[DOT]in
- For issues related to non-Basmati rice RCAC applications: nbr[AT]apeda[DOT]gov[DOT]in
Other grievances related to non-basmati rice exports may raised at non-Basmati rice helpdesk: https://apeda.gov.in/Grievance-Redressal
