EPCH Registration
- Assured Expert Guidance
- Lowest price surety
- Hassle free paperless work
- Certification within 3 days
Get Started
Table of Contents
EPCH Registration: Membership Registration Guide For Merchants & Manufacturers
EPCH is a non-profit organization established under the Companies Act. Its goal is to promote and preserve the traditional handicraft industry and promote the export of handicrafts in the global market.
The Export Promotion Council offers two different types of registrations: EPCH membership and Registration cum Membership (RCMC) certificates. RCMC registration is specifically for manufacturers and manufacturer-exporters.
Importance of EPCH Membership For Merchants & Manufacturers
It is essential for MSMEs manufacturers and merchants to obtain an EPCH RCMC registration. The export promotion council can assist businesses in growing through market access initiatives and various schemes. Exporters and manufacturers of handicraft products also enjoy tax benefits and the opportunity to network at buyer-seller meets and trade fairs.
Classification of handicraft products?
As per the established definition by the esteemed government committees, a handicraft product is described as:
“Item or product produced through manual skills, with or without mechanical or electrical or other processes, which appeals to the eye, due to the characteristics of being artistic or aesthetic or creative or ethnic or being representative of cultural or religious or social symbols or practices, whether traditional or contemporary. These items or products may or may not have a functional utility and can be used as a decorative item or gift.“
Roles of the export promotion council for handicraft?
- Delivering valuable and practical support to members for enhancing their export capabilities and expansion.
- Providing expert guidance and services to members, covering technology upgrades, quality improvement, design enhancements, adherence to standards and specifications, product development, and fostering innovation.
- Facilitating overseas market exploration by organizing delegation visits for members abroad.
- Actively participating in specialized International Trade Fairs, showcasing handicrafts & gifts.
- Hosting the prestigious Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair in New Delhi.
- Serving as a crucial intermediary between the exporting community and both Central and State Governments, actively representing members in various committees and panels.
- Creating awareness through workshops on “Export Marketing, Procedures, and Documentation,” Packaging, Design Development, Buyer-Seller Meets, Open House events, and fostering dialogue with Central and State Governments through similar programs.
- Disseminating important government notifications, trade-related orders, and relevant information to our esteemed members.
What is the FEE for EPCH Registration?
The EPCH Registration fee for manufacturers & merchants is around 8,850 which needs to be submitted to authorities.
Breakdown of EPCH Registration Fee
| Particulars | Fee For EPCH Registration |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee for the 1st year | ₹2,500/- |
| Annual Fee | Total govt fees |
| Total govt fees | INR 8,850/- including 18% GST |
Note: Only exporters and manufacturer-exporters are required to pay the fee. Membership is granted free of charge if the applicant only wants membership.
Renewal & validity of EPCH RCMC
EPCH memberships are valid for up to 5 years, but an annual renewal fee is required. The fee is due each year on April 1st and must be paid by June 30th.
EPCH Registration renewal Fees for each annual year
| Particulars | Annual renewal fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee for each year | INR 5000 + 18% GST |
| Total govt renewal fee | INR 5,900/- |
Documents required for EPCH Registration
For the partnership Firm
- Copy of GST certificate
- Import-export code issued by DGFT
- Copy of partnership deed attested by notary
- Duly signed code of conduct on a minimum 10 rupee stamp
- A valid copy of the MSME udyam certificate is required for manufacturer exporters.
- One of the partners should attest to the list of partners on the firm’s letterhead.
- Self-declaration of the letterhead of the firm stating that the product mentioned in the udyam certificate also includes handicraft products
For proprietorship Firms
- GST certificate is required.
- Import-export code issued by DGFT
- Signature of the applicant on the letterhead of the entity
- Duly signed code of conduct on a minimum 10 rupee stamp
- A valid copy of the MSME udyam certificate is required for manufacturer exporters.
- Self-declaration of the proprietor on entities letterhead that the product mentioned in the udyam certificate also includes handicraft products
For Companies
- Copy of GSTIN
- Import-export code issued by DGFT
- Copy of directors identification number
- Self-attested MoA & AoA or Certificate of incorporation.
- Duly signed code of conduct on a minimum 10 rupee stamp
- All the directors should sign the list of directors on letterhead.
- A valid copy of the MSME udyam certificate is required for manufacturer exporters.
- Board resolution in favour of companies deciding to be registered under EPCH membership.
- Self-declaration of the letterhead of the firm stating that the product mentioned in the udyam certificate also includes handicraft products
Process For EPCH Registration
Step 1: Create a DGFT Portal Account Log in to the DGFT portal using your username. If you don’t have an account yet, create a new one on the Portal.
Step 2: Access EPCH RCMC Registration Service After successfully logging in, navigate to the service section dedicated to EPCH RCMC registration.
Step 3: Apply for e-RCMC Initiate a fresh application for e-RCMC and complete the necessary form, ensuring it aligns with your business nature.
Step 4: Submit Fee and Await Approval Submit the required fee according to the provided guidelines. The EPCH membership RCMC registration process typically takes up to 30 days, and once approved, you will receive the registration.
Benefits of EPCH membership registration
- Buyer-seller meets provide a platform for buyers and sellers to meet and do business. This can help to increase sales and promote the handicraft industry.
- Better infrastructure can help to attract more tourists and buyers to the handicraft industry. This can lead to increased sales and economic growth.
- Tax relaxation for exporters can help to reduce the cost of doing business and make it more competitive. This can lead to increased exports and economic growth.
- Direct interaction between members and government bodies can help to address the challenges faced by the handicraft industry and improve the business environment.
- Helps create awareness and market development programmers can help to promote the handicraft industry and increase its visibility. This can lead to increased sales and economic growth.
- Access to Data and various initiatives to improve the handicraft industry can help to improve the quality and competitiveness of handicrafts. This can lead to increased sales and economic growth.
- Members can take part in international trade events organized by EPCH can help to promote the handicraft industry and increase its visibility. This can lead to increased sales and economic growth.
Overall, the benefits of being a member of EPCH are numerous and can help to improve the handicraft industry in a number of ways.
Guidelines new for exporters
To enter a new market, exporters must:
- Select the right product for the market.
- Find a suitable way to enter the market, such as through a direct or indirect method.
- Participate in trade fairs to explore market opportunities.
- Conduct market research to make informed decisions.
- Set effective prices that are competitive in the market.
- Select overseas agents to represent their products.
- Promote their products through various means.
- Be careful about the terms of payment they offer to their customers.
- Ensure that their export contracts are transparent and unambiguous.
- Plan for export finance, which can be obtained in two stages: pre-shipment and post-shipment.
- Take care of other mandatory documentation required for exports.
- Seek assistance from relevant government agencies and organizations, such as DGFT, IIFT, ITPO, Foreign Embassies in India, Buying Agents, and Freight Forwarding Agents.
Conclusion:
The Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) plays a vital role as a premier promotional body for India’s handicraft industry. With its steadfast efforts, EPCH not only preserves traditional handicraft skills but also showcases them on the global platform, fostering growth in both local and international export markets.
One of EPCH’s most impactful initiatives is the RCMC membership program, which has proven to be a remarkable boon for exporters and manufacturers. Thanks to EPCH registration, the handicraft industry has witnessed substantial growth in domestic and international exports, further solidifying its position in the global market.
FAQs
EPCH is a non-profit organization established under the Companies Act. Its goal is to promote the handicraft industry in local and international export markets.
To become a member of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), interested applicants must first create a user ID on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal.
EPCH membership is valid for five years. However, an annual membership renewal fee of INR “5,000 + 18% GST” is required.
The following are the membership EPCH registration fees for manufacturers and merchants of handicraft products:
The fee for EPCH RCMC is as follows:
Particulars | EPCH RCMC Membership Fee |
Entrance fee for the 1st year | ₹2,500/- |
Annual Fee | ₹5,000/- |
Total govt fees | INR 8,850/- incld. 18% GST |
Handicraft exporters and manufacturer-exporters, or MSMEs that deal in handicrafts, can apply for a registration and membership certificate from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.
The EPCH council will issue a membership and registration cum membership certificate within 30 working days.