If you’re planning to export from India, joining an Export Promotion Council (EPC) can be one of the smartest decisions you make.
EPCs are government-recognized bodies set up to support Indian exporters in various industries. From helping you get a Certificate of Origin (CoO) to organizing international buyer-seller meets, these councils provide essential services that can make or break your export journey.
In this post, you’ll discover:
- What EPCs are
- How they benefit new exporters
- A list of top EPCs by sector
- How to register with them and start using their services
📌 What is an Export Promotion Council (EPC)?
Export Promotion Councils are non-profit organizations formed under the guidance of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Each council is dedicated to promoting exports in a specific sector (agriculture, textiles, engineering, etc.).
They act as a bridge between exporters and global buyers, while also helping exporters benefit from government schemes, subsidies, and incentives.
✅ Benefits of Joining an EPC
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Origin (CoO) | Required for customs and to claim duty benefits in destination country |
| Buyer-Seller Meets | Participate in virtual and physical B2B meetings |
| Trade Fair Participation | Subsidized exhibition stalls in global trade shows |
| Export Data & Market Reports | Get access to demand trends and country-specific insights |
| Govt. Incentive Schemes | Support for MAI, RoDTEP, GST refund education, etc. |
| Policy Representation | EPCs represent exporter interests to the government |
🏆 Top Export Promotion Councils in India (Sector-Wise)
Here’s a list of key EPCs you should know about and consider joining based on your product category:
1. FIEO – Federation of Indian Export Organisations
- Umbrella organization for all exporters
- Great for multi-product businesses, consultants, service exporters
🌐 https://fieo.org
2. APEDA – Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- For exporters of rice, spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, grains
🌐 https://apeda.gov.in
3. EEPC India – Engineering Export Promotion Council
- Covers auto parts, tools, industrial equipment, machinery
🌐 https://eepcindia.org
4. GJEPC – Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council
- For exporters of diamonds, gold, silver jewelry
🌐 https://gjepc.org
5. EPCH – Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
- For exporters of wooden items, textiles, home décor, handicrafts
🌐 https://epch.in
6. TPCI – Trade Promotion Council of India
- Sector-neutral promotion agency, great for new exporters
🌐 https://tpci.in
7. PHARMEXCIL – Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India
- For drug and pharma companies looking to export
🌐 https://pharmexcil.com
8. COFFEE BOARD / TEA BOARD / SPICES BOARD
- These commodity boards also work like EPCs
🌐 https://indianspices.com | https://indiacoffee.org
📝 How to Register with an EPC
- Visit their website
- Choose New Exporter Registration / RCMC
- Upload basic documents:
- IEC Code
- GSTIN
- Business PAN
- Address proof
- Product category details
- Pay the membership + registration fee (varies from ₹2,000–₹10,000/year)
- Receive your RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate)
📄 Why You Need an RCMC
RCMC is required to:
- Avail benefits under FTP (Foreign Trade Policy)
- Claim incentives like RoDTEP, Duty Drawback
- Export certain restricted goods
- Participate in EPC-hosted trade shows
✅ You only need to register with one EPC relevant to your product.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Joining the right Export Promotion Council is like unlocking a toolbox for global trade. You get access to data, networks, events, and government benefits — all of which help you become a competitive and credible exporter.
🟢 Pro Tip: Most new exporters in India register with either FIEO, APEDA, or EPCH — depending on their product line.
👉 Want to start exporting step-by-step from scratch?
Check out our beginner-friendly ₹299 eBook:
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