State & Center Body

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

Handicrafts play a key role in taking the Indian home decor sector progressing in a growing and profitable direction. The Indian handicrafts industry provides employment to millions of craftsmen. Unfortunately, the declining market for traditional handicrafts has made life difficult for these people. The Government of India established the Handicrafts Export Promotion Council, a non-profit organization to meet this demanding need. The mission of this Council is to enhance the competitiveness of India's handicraft exports through promotion, protection, protection and expansion. Council members have access to useful information that can be used to further improve and expand exports.

What are the Functions of EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts)
  • To participate in specially designed international trade fairs to promote handicrafts.
  • Maintains communication with the export committee and related agencies of the government at the national, state, and local levels.
  • Plan business functions at interesting locations across the country.
  • Builds brand identity through iterative design, seminars, buyer-seller forums and open houses.
  • Provide members with EPCH registration access to expert guidance on topics such as technological advancements, new product creation, and quality and design enhancements.
  • Plan international trips for decision-makers to investigate potential business growth markets.
  • Help in reducing export taxes on handicrafts.

What is EPCH registration?

A non-profit organization called the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) was set up to promote the handicrafts exports of the country. The Council provides necessary infrastructure, marketing and promotion, and incentives to exporters to comply with international standards and meet the demand for fine handicrafts.


What is EPCH registration?

A non-profit organization called the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) was set up to promote the handicrafts exports of the country. The Council provides necessary infrastructure, marketing and promotion, and incentives to exporters to comply with international standards and meet the demand for fine handicrafts. Artisans who want to expand their business and export their products with ease and other requirements have to register as members of the Handicrafts Export Promotion Council. Registering EPCH as a member is known as EPCH Registration. After a successful process of EPCH registration, you will get RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate).

Any individual, Hindu undivided family, firm, AOP, joint stock company, or other corporation or co-operative society, even if their export performance is zero, engaged in the business of exporting handicrafts can obtain EPCH registration.

What are the Benefits of EPCH Registration

  • Thanks to the knowledge and expertise provided by EPCH, EPCH members can expand their exports to attractive markets abroad.
  • The Council suggests its members who Registered EPCH have many issues, which include technological advancements, quality requirements required by importing nations, product specifications, and marketing.
  • When members have EPCH Registration when arranging delegation meetings may personally reach foreign clients to discuss potential business deals.
  • EPCH mediates the link between exporters and policymakers to deal with mutual problems.
  • To better prepare the local community and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) for exports to global markets, the Council regularly organizes workshops and seminars.
  • EPCH monitors market trends and compiles handicraft export reports.

What are the Types of membership under the Handicraft Export Promotion Council?

  • Merchant Exporter
  • Businesses that buy handicrafts from manufacturers and sell them to international customers must have EPCH registration as merchant exporters.
  • Manufacturer Exporter
  • A person who manufactures handicrafts and exports or intends to export such handicrafts.

What are the Various EPCH schemes for the benefit of your business

  • Marketing Access Initiative (MAI)
  • Marketing Development Assistance (MAD)
  • RoDTEP Scheme
  • Tree Scheme

what are the Documents required for EPCH Registration?

  • Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
  • MSME Registration or Enterprise Certificate testifying the types of handicraft products being produced (if the company is a manufacturer-exporter).
  • Bank details of the exporter's current bank account
  • Partnership deed (for partnership firm company)
  • List of partners mentioned on the company letterhead (if the company is a partnership firm)
  • A photocopy of the Certificate of Incorporation (Memorandum of Articles of Association) and the Resolution Deed in respect of the signing authority (if the company is a Private Limited or Limited Liability Company)
  • Copy of Export House Certificate
  • A copy of GST registration details and GSTIN number
  • Issued in the form of a demand draft