Top 10 Export Promotion Councils of India You Should Know

Export Promotion Councils of India are registered as non-profit organisations under the Companies Act/Societies Registration Act. They fall under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, performing both advisory and executive functions. These functions are guided by the Foreign Trade Policy (2009-14), which includes promoting exports, organising trade fairs and other events, collecting export data, settling trade disputes, and formulating foreign trade policies for the country. EPCs are also the registering authorities for exporters. Though India has 14 Export Promotion Councils, this blog will explore the top 10 councils.

Top 10 Export Promotion Councils You Should Be Aware Of

Here are the top 10 Export Promotion Councils (EPC) of India you should know if you plan to start an export business.

1. EEPC India

The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India is a non-commercial and non-profit organisation that promotes investment and trade in India’s engineering sector. Established in 1955, EEPC India is the largest EPC of India. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and has over 12,000 members, including small and medium-level enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations. EEPC India acts as a link between the engineering community and the government, organises exhibitions around the world, and advises the government on policies and other measures. It has also opened chapters in tier 2 and 3 cities to help the engineering sector explore business opportunities in the overseas market. 

2. Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC)

Set up by the government of India in 1984 as the Overseas Construction Council of India, PEPC is an export promotion council that is in line with the Foreign Trade Policy. This PEPC not only undertakes necessary initiatives for export promotion but also offers guidance, support, and technical information to Indian Civil Engineering (IEC) construction consultants and contractors. Regardless of whether they’re in the private or public sector, PEPC helps them set up projects overseas. 

3. Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council (Chemexcil)

It’s a non-profit organisation that promotes the export of chemicals, cosmetics, and dyes from India to other countries. Established in 1963 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, it conducts foreign market studies, sets quality and packaging standards, sends trade missions, and helps exporters. CHEMEXCIL has grouped items into four panels: (i) dyes and dye intermediates, (ii) basic organic and inorganic chemicals (including agrochemicals), (iii) cosmetics, essential oils, soaps, and toiletries, and (iv) speciality chemicals, lubricants, and castor oil. 

4. Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)

CAPEXIL was established in 1958 by the Ministry of Commerce, GOI, to promote the export of chemical products from India. With more than 4,500 members across India, it is headquartered in Kolkata and has regional offices in Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. CAPEXIL provides export assistance to its members, helps importers and exporters with their sourcing and selling needs, and showcases Indian exports through exhibitions and fairs. 

5. Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

The government of India established the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India with active cooperation and collaboration from the cashew industry. It was set up to promote exports of cashew kernels and cashew nut shell liquid from India to overseas markets. This council performs several functions with an institutional framework to promote and grow the exports of cashew nuts and related items. CEPCI acts as a link between Indian exporters and international buyers by circulating import inquiries among its members. It also resolves disputes related to quality and contractual obligations. 

6. Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)

IOPEPC was established in 1956 as the Indian Oilseeds & Produce Exporters Association (IOPEPA). In 2006, it received the official status of EPC from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to promote and protect India’s export trade in oilseeds and vegetable oil. In addition to focusing on exports, it plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s domestic supply chain of oilseeds by working closely with farmers, processors, shellers, surveyors, and exporters. IOPEPC also works towards improving the quality standards of oilseeds across the country.

7. Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

Established by the government of India in 1966, GJEPC promotes the gem and jewellery industry in India and its related products. It’s headquartered in Mumbai and has regional offices across the country, providing members with market information on foreign trade inquiries, import duties, trade and tariff regulations, and information about jewellery exhibitions and fairs. GJEPC hosts and sends trade delegation, organises joint participation in international jewellery shows and strengthens the industry’s image through advertising, marketing, and publications. It also runs institutions in Delhi, Jaipur, Surat, and Mumbai to provide training in all design and manufacturing aspects. 

8. The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL)

PLEXCONCIL was established by the government of India in 1955 as one of the EPCs to promote India as a reliable supplier of plastic products and boost the country’s exports. As the apex body of India’s plastic industry, it represents more than 2,500 exporters who either manufacture or trade plastic products, including plastic raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished items. 

9. Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZ Units (EPCES)

EPCES is a government-established organisation that promotes exports from India and facilitates interaction between the government and the EOUs and SEZs community. The EPCES serves the export promotional needs of 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Units, and Special Economic Zone Developers in India, providing the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme. Unlike EPCs above that cover a particular industry or sector, EPCES covers a variety of sectors. They are electronics, food and agro products, gems and jewellery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, and more. 

10. Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

Since it was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, it has facilitated global business opportunities for the country’s service sector. It provides exporters with information about government schemes and other benefits to strengthen relationships between industry stakeholders. SEPC members receive several benefits, including trade intelligence, market analysis, business contacts, export promotion and development opportunities, participation in international exhibitions, and more. 

The remaining export promotion councils of India are:

• Shellac Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL)
• Council for Leather Exports
• Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council
• Sports Goods Export Promotion Council

Steps to Start an Export Business in India

 You must follow the steps below to start an export business in India.

• Set up a company, partnership, or proprietary firm to start an export business.

• Find a bank that is authorised to deal in foreign exchange and open a current account.

• You must have the Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department of India. This number is necessary for both importers and exporters.

• To carry out import and export activities as per the Foreign Trade Policy, you must obtain an Importer-Exporter (IEC) number. You can apply for the IEC number here. 

• You must obtain a registration cum membership certificate (RCMC) from the concerned Authorities, Commodity Boards, EPCs, or the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEOs). You’ll need it for authorisation to import/export and avail concessions and other benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20).

• You can select any product you want to export except the ones that are listed in the prohibited or restricted list.

• Select the overseas market you want to export to based on careful research and consideration of factors like payment terms, legal obligations, market size, quality requirements, competition, etc. You can also avail of export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy for some countries to evaluate markets accordingly. 

• Participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, events, and buyer-seller meets to find buyers.

• You can provide customised product samples according to foreign buyers’ demands. This can help you obtain more export orders in the future. 

• Set product prices after considering all expenses to create an export pricing strategy to sell more at competitive prices for higher profit margins. Once you’ve determined the buyer’s interest in the product along with continuity in business and other future prospects, you can consider giving reasonable discounts in prices.

• International trade involves a lot of payment risks. However, an appropriate policy from Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) Ltd can protect you against non-payment risk. 

Conclusion

Export promotion councils of India play a crucial role in taking your business global. They offer valuable guidance, market connections, and support that can greatly impact how you approach international trade. If you’re quite new to exports, EPCs can help you understand international trade policies and give you a platform to showcase your products. With tools like ShiprocketX, you can streamline logistics and enhance your global shipping experience. Before expanding to new international markets, find the EPC that aligns with your industry, connect with experts and the right platforms like ShiprocketX, and make the most of the opportunities they offer.

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