Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) RCMC Membership

Overview

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a non-profit apex body formed under the Companies Act to promote and preserve India’s traditional handicraft industry and boost exports.

EPCH offers two distinct registrations: general membership and the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for manufacturers and manufacturer-exporters.

An EPCH RCMC enables MSME manufacturers and merchant exporters to access market-access initiatives, tax benefits, buyer-seller meets, trade fairs, and other export-promotion schemes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicable For

  • MSME manufacturers of handicraft products
  • Merchant exporters of handicraft items

Documents Required

Proprietorship Firm

  • GST certificate
  • Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
  • Applicant’s signature on firm letterhead
  • Duly signed Code of Conduct on a ₹10 stamp
  • Udyam (MSME) certificate
  • Self-declaration that Udyam products include handicrafts

Partnership Firm

  • GST certificate
  • Import-Export Code (IEC)
  • Partnership deed attested by notary
  • Duly signed Code of Conduct on a ₹10 stamp
  • Udyam (MSME) certificate
  • Partners’ list attested on firm letterhead
  • Self-declaration that Udyam products include handicrafts

Limited Company

  • GSTIN certificate
  • Import-Export Code (IEC)
  • Directors’ DIN copies
  • MoA & AoA or Certificate of Incorporation
  • Duly signed Code of Conduct on a ₹10 stamp
  • All directors’ signatures on director list
  • Udyam (MSME) certificate
  • Board resolution for EPCH registration
  • Self-declaration that Udyam products include handicrafts

Benefits

  • Exclusive buyer–seller meets domestically and internationally
  • Enhanced infrastructure and resource support
  • Tax relaxations and incentives for exporters
  • Direct interaction with government policymakers
  • Market development and awareness programs
  • Access to trade data, reports, and industry initiatives
  • Participation in global trade events and exhibitions

Roles

  • Providing market intelligence, export documentation, and compliance support
  • Offering technology upgradation, quality improvement, and design development assistance
  • Organizing overseas trade delegations and international exhibitions
  • Conducting workshops on export marketing, procedures, packaging, and design
  • Liaising with Central and State governments for policy advocacy
  • Disseminating government notifications, orders, and trade information

Guidelines

  • Select appropriate markets and entry methods (direct, via merchants or export houses)
  • Participate in trade fairs to explore overseas opportunities
  • Conduct market research to inform strategic decisions
  • Set competitive export pricing suited to the target market
  • Evaluate and appoint reliable overseas agents
  • Promote products effectively through multiple channels
  • Define transparent export contracts with clear obligations
  • Plan export finance: pre-shipment and post-shipment funding
  • Ensure all mandatory export documentation is in order

Code of Conduct

  • Applicants must sign a child-labour-free Code of Conduct on a ₹10 stamp.
  • Members must ensure no child labour at their premises or subcontractors'.
  • Violations trigger a show-cause notice and possible membership termination after two breaches.

Statistics

Members Growth: From 35 at inception to over 8,500+ members by 2022

Export Revenue: From ₹386 crore in 1986 to ₹33,253 crore by 2022

Renewal & Validity

Validity: 5 years

Renewal Window: Annual renewal fee due April 1–June 30 each year