Export Promotion Council: Complete List, Functions & Benefits for Exporters
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) play a crucial role in boosting India’s exports by supporting and guiding exporters. These councils work under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and focus on specific sectors, providing assistance in market development, policy advocacy, and trade facilitation. In this guide, we will explore the list of all EPCs in India, their key functions, and how they benefit exporters.
What is an Export Promotion Council?
An Export Promotion Council (EPC) is a government-recognized body that promotes the export of specific products or services. These councils help exporters with policy insights, market intelligence, participation in trade fairs, and financial incentives.
Functions of Export Promotion Councils
- Market Development Assistance – EPCs help exporters access international markets by organizing trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and export training programs.
- Policy Advocacy – They interact with the government to shape policies that favor the export sector.
- Export Documentation Support – EPCs provide guidance on necessary export documentation and certifications.
- Financial Assistance & Incentives – They help exporters avail benefits like Duty Drawback, RODTEP, and GST refunds.
- Skill Development & Training – EPCs organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to improve export knowledge and compliance.
List of Export Promotion Councils in India
Here’s a sector-wise list of major Export Promotion Councils in India:
| S.No | Export Promotion Council (EPC) | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) | Textile & Apparel |
| 2 | Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) | Engineering Goods |
| 3 | Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) | Gems & Jewellery |
| 4 | Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) | Seafood & Marine Products |
| 5 | Council for Leather Exports (CLE) | Leather & Footwear |
| 6 | Chemical & Allied Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) | Chemicals & Allied Products |
| 7 | Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) | Sports Goods |
| 8 | Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) | Handicrafts |
| 9 | Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL) | Pharmaceuticals |
| 10 | Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) | Electronics & IT |
These councils help exporters navigate challenges and expand their global reach.
How Exporters Benefit from EPCs
- Global Exposure: EPCs provide opportunities to participate in international trade exhibitions.
- Financial Support: Access to subsidies, duty drawback, and tax refunds.
- Market Insights: Updated trade data and market intelligence for better decision-making.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with foreign buyers, investors, and trade partners.
- Policy Support: Represent industry concerns and push for favorable government policies.
FAQs on Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in India
What is an Export Promotion Council (EPC)?
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are organizations established by the Indian government to promote and support exports from different sectors by providing assistance, guidance, and market insights to exporters.
How many Export Promotion Councils are there in India?
India has 26 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), each dedicated to specific industries such as textiles, agriculture, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals.
What are the benefits of registering with an Export Promotion Council?
Access to export incentives under Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
– Market intelligence and trade-related data
– Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions
– Assistance with export documentation and certifications
Is EPC registration mandatory for exporters?
No, EPC registration is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for exporters looking to avail benefits under various government schemes.
How can I register with an Export Promotion Council?
Exporters can register online through the respective EPC’s official website by submitting required documents such as an Import Export Code (IEC), GST certificate, and business registration details.
Which EPC is responsible for promoting textile exports?
The Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) and the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) are responsible for promoting textile and garment exports from India.
What role do EPCs play in export documentation?
EPCs assist exporters in obtaining essential export-related documents such as Certificates of Origin, quality certifications, and other trade-related approvals.
Can small businesses and startups join Export Promotion Councils?
Yes, small businesses, startups, and MSMEs can become members of EPCs and benefit from various export incentives, guidance, and networking opportunities.
Do EPCs help exporters find foreign buyers?
Yes, EPCs organize trade fairs, buyer-seller meetings, and international exhibitions to help exporters connect with potential foreign buyers.
Where can I find a complete list of Export Promotion Councils in India?
A complete list of EPCs can be found on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website or the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s official portal.
Conclusion
Export Promotion Councils are essential for Indian exporters looking to expand internationally. By becoming a member of an EPC related to your sector, you can access financial benefits, networking opportunities, and crucial market insights to enhance your global trade journey.
For more insights on export-related benefits, check out our other blogs on Duty Drawback, RODTEP, and Import Export Code (IEC).
If you want to learn import-export from basics to advanced, including company formation, import-export documents, product research in exports, finding foreign buyers, pre-shipment and post-shipment documentation, GST in exports, payment terms, Incoterms, and more, then watch this 7-hour video by Mr. Keshav Dimri, a successful exporter and brilliant marketer working since 2017.
