What are Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)?
Export Promotion Councils are industry-specific bodies registered under the Indian Companies Act or Societies Registration Act. They are set up by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to promote and develop India's exports. Each EPC focuses on a specific product group or industry sector.
Key Export Promotion Councils in India
- FIEO — Federation of Indian Export Organisations (umbrella body for all exporters)
- AEPC — Apparel Export Promotion Council (garments & textiles)
- EEPC India — Engineering Export Promotion Council (engineering goods)
- Gems & Jewellery EPC (GJEPC) — Gems, diamonds, jewellery
- CHEMEXCIL — Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes EPC
- PHARMEXCIL — Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council
- TEXPROCIL — Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council
- SRTEPC — Synthetic & Rayon Textiles EPC
- PLEXCONCIL — Plastics Export Promotion Council
- CAPEXIL — Chemical and Allied Products EPC
- SEPC — Services Export Promotion Council (IT, BPO, consulting)
- Shellac & Forest Products EPC
- HEPC — Handloom Export Promotion Council
- EPCH — Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
- Carpet EPC — Indian carpet and floor coverings
- MPEDA — Marine Products Export Development Authority
- APEDA — Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Spices Board — Promotion of Indian spice exports
- Tobacco Board — Tobacco export promotion
- Coffee Board — Coffee export promotion
- Tea Board — Tea export promotion
- Rubber Board — Rubber export promotion
Benefits of EPC Membership
- Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) — Required for claiming many export incentives like RoDTEP, MEIS (now discontinued), and duty-free imports under EPCG
- Preferential Certificate of Origin — EPCs issue CoOs needed for FTA benefits
- Trade fair participation — Subsidized participation in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets
- Market intelligence — Access to export data, market reports, and buyer databases
- Dispute resolution — Help with international trade disputes and arbitration
- Policy advocacy — EPCs represent exporter interests with the government
- Training & skill development — Workshops on compliance, documentation, and market access
How to Get EPC Membership
- Identify the right EPC — Choose the EPC that covers your product category
- Apply online — Most EPCs accept applications through DGFT's online portal
- Submit documents — IEC code, PAN, GST registration, bank certificate, company registration
- Pay membership fee — Annual fees range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 depending on the EPC
- Get RCMC — Once approved, you receive your RCMC valid for 5 years
How Eximly Integrates with EPC Requirements
Eximly helps you manage your RCMC validity, track EPC-related export incentives, and generate compliant documentation needed for claiming benefits. Our platform also tracks RoDTEP rates and duty drawback amounts tied to your product's HS codes. Start your free trial today.
Related topics
export promotion council IndiaEPC IndiaFIEOAEPCEEPCexport council membership Indiaexport benefits India