Towns of Export Excellence – Role, Eligibility Criteria & Benefits

The Indian Government has taken several initiatives to help its export sector grow and expand. Identifying Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) is among one of its many initiatives in this direction. TEEs help boost the country’s exports and contribute to regional economic growth. As we know, different towns in India are known for their unique products and craftsmanship. The government of India recognises towns that excel in exporting their unique products. This recognition provides them with various benefits aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness.

In this article, we have shared what it takes for a town to achieve TEE status, the advantages of this designation, and a list of the towns that have earned this stature. Read on to find out!

Definition of TEE and Their Role in Boosting Exports

The government of India has identified Towns of Export Excellence to promote specific product exports from these regions. These towns are known for making and exporting particular products or categories that hold significant value in the global market. The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 outlined the initiative and extended it after that. This distinction helps in identifying and promoting towns that are crucial to India’s export growth.

A town qualifies as a TEE if it fulfils specific production and export targets. The role of TEEs in promoting exports is vital. By receiving this recognition, towns gain access to various government incentives and support programs that enhance their production capabilities and ability to reach wider global markets. TEEs also contribute significantly to regional economic development by creating jobs and supporting local industries.

Eligibility Criteria for a Town to be Recognised as a TEE

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recognises a town as TEE if its annual export turnover exceeds INR 750 crore for the primary product it specialises in. However, for some sectors such as handloom, handicraft, agriculture and fisheries this threshold is reduced to INR 150 crore.

Benefits of Becoming a Town of Export Excellence

Here are some of the key benefits received by the TEEs:

1. Financial Support and Incentives

One of the main benefits of becoming a TEE is access to financial assistance under various government schemes, particularly the Market Access Initiative (MAI). This initiative is designed to promote Indian products in international markets by providing financial support to exporters. It enables you to participate in activities such as trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and market studies. Towns with TEE status can leverage these funds to enhance their global outreach.

2. Increased Visibility and Recognition

Recognition as a TEE offers increased visibility and global recognition to the businesses operating in that town. This helps them attract potential buyers, investors, and business partners. It may often include foreign investments. It leads to higher demand for the town’s products and drives up export volumes. This usually results in the development of clusters of related industries, which can boost the town’s economic standing.

3. Employment Opportunities

As exports increase, these towns have a greater demand for skilled labour. Thus, people living in TEEs, as well as the neighbouring areas, witness a boom in employment opportunities.

4. Infrastructure Development

Towns that receive the TEE designation often see significant investments in infrastructure development. This includes improvements in transportation networks, warehousing facilities, and logistics support, which accelerates production and export operations. 

5. Authorisation under the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG)

This enables exporters to import capital goods needed to produce their products without paying the customs duty. Check out our full blog on EPCG Scheme to learn more.

Recognised Towns of Export Excellence (TEE)

Per the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, 39 towns were recognised as TEE. Four more towns were added to the list by the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, making it a total of 43. Here is the complete list of the Towns of Export Excellence (TEE):

S. No.	Name of the Town	State	Year of Recognition	Product
1	Tirupur	Tamil Nadu	2003	Hosiery
2	Ludhiana	Punjab	2003	Woollen Knitwear
3	Panipat	Haryana	2003	Woollen Blanket
4	Kanoor	Kerala	2004	Handlooms
5	Karur	Tamil Nadu	2004	Handlooms
6	Madurai	Tamil Nadu	2004	Handlooms
7	AEKK (Aroor, Ezhupunna, Kodanthuruthu & Kuthiathodu)	Kerala	2004	Seafood
8	Jodhpur	Rajasthan	2004	Handicraft
9	Kekhra	Uttar Pradesh	2004	Handlooms
10	Dewas	Madhya Pradesh	2006	Pharmaceuticals
11	Alleppey	Kerala	2006	Coir Products
12	Kollam (Quilon)	Kerala	2006	Cashew Products
13	Indore	Madhya Pradesh	2008	Soya Meal and Soya Products
14	Bhilwara	Rajasthan	2009	Textiles
15	Surat	Gujarat	2009	Gems and Jewellery
16	Malihabad	Uttar Pradesh	2009	Horticulture Products
17	Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh	2009	Leather Products
18	Ambur	Tamil Nadu	2009	Leather Products
19	Jaipur	Rajasthan	2009	Handicrafts
20	Srinagar	Jammu & Kashmir	2009	Handicrafts
21	Anantnag	Jammu & Kashmir	2009	Handicrafts
22	Barmer	Rajasthan	2010	Handicrafts
23	Bhiwandi	Maharashtra	2010	Textiles
24	Agra	Uttar Pradesh	2010	Leather Products
25	Firozabad	Uttar Pradesh	2011	Glass Artwares
26	Bhubneshwar	Orissa	2011	Marine Products
27	Agartala	Tripura	2011	Bamboo Cane & Other Handicrafts
28	Ahmedabad	Gujarat	2012	Textiles
29	Kolhapur	Maharashtra	2012	Textiles
30	Saharanpur	Uttar Pradesh	2012	Handicrafts
31	Morbi	Gujarat	2013	Ceramic Tiles & Sanitaryware
32	Gurgaon	Haryana	2013	Apparel
33	Thoothukudi	Tamil Nadu	2014	Marine
34	Vishakhapatnam	Andhra Pradesh	2014	Seafood
35	Bhimavaram	Andhra Pradesh	2015	Seafood
36	Panipat	Haryana	2018	Carpets, other Textile Floor Coverings & Bed Linen
37	Bhadohi	Uttar Pradesh	2018	Carpets, other Textiles, Floor Coverings
38	Pollachi	Tamil Nadu	2020	Coir and Coir Product
39	Noida	Uttar Pradesh	2021	Apparel Products
40	Faridabad	Haryana	2023	Industrial Goods
41	Moradabad	Uttar Pradesh	2023	Brass Handicrafts and Metalwork
42	Mirzapur	Uttar Pradesh	2023	Carpets and Handicrafts
43	Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh	2023	Handloom and Handicrafts

How ShiprocketX Helps Recognised Towns Tap into International Markets

ShiprocketX empowers the towns designated as Towns of Export Excellence to access international markets in the following ways:

• End-to-End Logistics Support

ShiprocketX offers comprehensive logistics solutions to businesses operating in Towns of Export Excellence. It provides end-to-end logistics support and ensures reliable shipping solutions. As the shipping company handles the logistics, exporters can focus on other business activities.

• Cost-Effective Shipping Services

ShiprocketX offers shipping services at highly competitive rates. Cost-effective shipping is vital for exporters who need to maintain profitability as they expand their business in the global markets. ShiprocketX reduces the overall cost of transportation without compromising on quality.

• Assistance with Customs Clearance

The Customs clearance process can be lengthy and tedious but not when you opt for Shiprocket’s services. The company simplifies the process by providing expert assistance with paperwork and other procedures required for customs clearance. This speeds up the clearance process and minimises the risk of fines or rejected shipments.

• Access to a Vast Network of International Carriers

The company offers access to an extensive network of trustworthy international carriers. This enables exporters to choose from various shipping options, depending on their needs. ShiprocketX connects them with suitable carriers to meet their requirements.

• Robust Customer Support Services

Their robust customer support service is designed to address any issues, fulfil requests and answer queries that exporters may have throughout the shipping process. Whether it’s tracking a shipment or getting advice on shipping best practices, ShiprocketX’s support team is available to assist you at every step.

Conclusion

Towns of Export Excellence in India play a major role in driving the nation’s export growth. They focus on specialised products to attract buyers in the overseas market. The criteria for TEE recognition ensure that only towns with significant export capabilities are selected. The government provides them with substantial benefits such as financial support, infrastructure development, and global visibility. These towns boost India’s presence in international markets and contribute to its economic development.