EPCH RCMC Membership Registration
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EPCH Membership - Process, Fees & Documents for Handicraft Export
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is non-profit organisation. Its an apex body formed under the companies act. Setting up EPCH aims to promote and preserve the traditional handicraft industry and promote handicraft export in the international market.
EPCH membership and registration cum membership (RCMC) certificate are two different registration offered by the export promotion council. The RCMC registration is explicitly for manufacturers and manufacturer-exporters.
Importance of EPCH RCMC for merchants & manufacturers
Getting an EPCH RCMC registration is important for "MSMEs" manufacturers and merchants.
The export promotion council can help businesses grow through market access initiatives and various schemes. Exporters and manufacturers of handicraft products also enjoy tax benefits and the opportunity to get together in buyer-seller meets and trade fairs.
EPCH RCMC Sample
Process for EPCH RCMC Membership Registration
Three essentials must be fulfilled before the EPCH application moves forward: an active IEC, an updated IEC profile on the DGFT portal, and a valid DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign linked to the DGFT account. The system runs a check on each before letting the application progress.
- Log in on the dgft.gov.in and Access the e-RCMC module: The application is filed online through the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in. After login, the applicant accesses the e-RCMC service to begin a fresh application.
- Verify the Pre-Filled IEC Profile Records: The first section of the form auto-fetches firm data from the IEC profile. This covers the IEC, PAN, firm name, registered address, bank details, director information, and branch records. Each entry needs a careful skim-through, since the form locks these fields once the next section opens. Errors must be sorted out on the IEC profile before continuing.
- Choose EPCH and List Handicraft Export Product Details: In the RCMC Details section, the applicant chooses the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) as the registering authority, then enters the office for filing, the branch GSTIN, the membership tenure (1 to 5 years), the financial year, the MSME status, the exporter category (Manufacturer Exporter or Merchant Exporter), the zone (EOU or SEZ where applicable), and the relevant fee slab. Handicraft export products are listed with their ITC (HS) codes, covering handicraft items produced through manual skill that are artistic, aesthetic, creative, ethnic, or representative of cultural, religious, or social symbols, including wooden handicrafts, metalware, brassware, etc., along with the destination countries. The annual turnover, previous-year export performance, firm profile & website, and authorized representative details are also listed in this section.
- Upload the Documents, Pay the required Fee, and E-Sign the application: If TDS rules apply to the applicant, then fill in the Tax Deducted at Source details first. Supporting documents are then uploaded as PDFs in the Attachments section, including the mandatory signed Code of Conduct on an Rs. 10 stamp paper against child labor. The complete document checklist is outlined in the Documents Required section below. The fee is paid online through the DGFT payment gateway. Once cleared, the Declaration is accepted, the Application Summary is reviewed, and the applicant completes the application with a DSC or Aadhaar e-sign before final submission.
- EPCH Verification and Issuance of the Digital RCMC: EPCH takes up the application for verification. The Council checks the business credentials, IEC and GST records, handicraft product list with ITC (HS) codes, signed Code of Conduct against child labor, supporting documents, and fee payment. Where clarification is needed, EPCH posts a query through the portal, which the applicant resolves before resubmission. Once approved, the digital RCMC lands on the DGFT dashboard within 30 working days of submission. RCMC validity spans up to 5 financial years, with annual renewal required between 1 April and 30 June of each year.
Documents Required for EPCH RCMC Registration
The EPCH RCMC application needs two sets of documents: a common DGFT set required across all e-RCMC filings and an EPCH-specific set tied to the Council's mandate over handicraft exports. Below is a clean breakdown of each.
1. Common Documents
These are the standard documents required for any RCMC application on the DGFT portal:
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the firm
- GST Registration Certificate of the registered office and branches
- Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or LLP Agreement depending on entity type
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA) for companies
- List of Directors, Partners, or Proprietors with their PAN and DIN, where applicable
- Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter for the authorised signatory
- Aadhaar of the authorised signatory
- Cancelled cheque or Bank Performance Letter for bank verification
- Proof of office address, such as a recent electricity bill or rental agreement
- Self-Declaration or Undertaking in the prescribed format
- Last RCMC Certificate (only for renewal applications)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign linked to the DGFT account for final submission
2. EPCH-Specific Documents
In addition to the common set, EPCH requires the following documents based on the Council's official requirements:
- Duly Signed Code of Conduct on a Minimum Rs. 10 Stamp Paper — mandatory undertaking confirming compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, ensuring no child labour is employed at the applicant's premises or at any outsourced production unit; violations attract a show-cause notice from EPCH and the membership stands terminated after two breaches
- List of Directors Signed on the Company Letterhead, with all directors' signatures
- Board Resolution in Favour of EPCH Membership, authorising the application and registration
- Valid MSME or UDYAM Certificate, mandatory for Manufacturer Exporters
- Self-Declaration on Firm Letterhead stating that the products listed in the UDYAM Certificate include handicraft products (mandatory addition for Manufacturer Exporters where UDYAM does not explicitly mention handicrafts)
- Statutory Compliance Declaration for Wood-Ware Exporters—confirmation of meeting overseas buyer techno-legal requirements for wood-ware exports (e.g., ISPM-15 phytosanitary, sustainable sourcing)
- Membership Category Selection — General Membership or Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for Manufacturers and Manufacturer-Exporters
- List of Handicraft Export Products with HS Codes
- Star Export House Certificate issued by DGFT, where applicable
Note: All documents must be uploaded in PDF format during the Attachments section of the application.
EPCH Membership Registration Fees
New applicants to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) must pay an annual membership fee of INR 5,000 along with a one-time joining fee of INR 2,500 across all exporter categories (inclusive of 18% GST) to obtain EPCH membership.
| Applicant Category | Government Fee (₹) | GST @ 18% (₹) | Total Payable (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Exporter Annual membership ₹5,000 + one-time entrance ₹2,500 | 7,500 | 1,350 | 8,850 |
| Merchant cum Manufacturer Exporter Annual membership ₹5,000 + one-time entrance ₹2,500 | 7,500 | 1,350 | 8,850 |
| Merchant Exporter Annual membership ₹5,000 + one-time entrance ₹2,500 | 7,500 | 1,350 | 8,850 |
What are handicraft products?
As per the established definition by the esteemed government committees, a handicraft product is described as:
"Item or product produced through manual skills, with or without mechanical or electrical or other processes, which appeals to the eye, due to the characteristics of being artistic or aesthetic or creative or ethnic or being representative of cultural or religious or social symbols or practices, whether traditional or contemporary. These items or products may or may not have a functional utility and can be used as a decorative item or gift."
Renewal and validity of EPCH RCMC
EPCH membership is valid for upto 5 years. However, an annual renewal fee is to be submitted, which is due each year from the 1st of April and has to be submitted by the 30th of June.
EPCH RCMC renewal Fees for each annual year
| Particulars | Annual renewal fee for EPCH |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee for each year | INR 5000 + 18% GST |
| Total govt renewal fee | INR 5,900/- |
Benefits of EPCH membership registration
Becoming a member of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) offers numerous advantages for businesses in the handicraft industry. From networking opportunities to financial benefits, EPCH membership empowers exporters to expand their reach and enhance their trade capabilities.
- Exclusive Buyer-Seller Meets: Gain access to domestic and international buyer-seller meets to expand your business network and boost sales.
- Enhanced Infrastructure Support: Benefit from improved facilities and resources designed to strengthen the handicraft industry.
- Tax Benefits for Exporters: Avail tax relaxations and incentives that promote seamless export operations.
- Direct Government Interaction: Engage with policymakers and government bodies to address industry concerns and advocate for favorable trade policies.
- Market Development & Awareness Programs: Stay updated with market trends, industry insights, and promotional initiatives to enhance business growth.
- Access to Data & Industry Initiatives: Utilize valuable trade data, reports, and government-backed initiatives to improve production, marketing, and export strategies.
- Participation in Global Trade Events: Showcase your products at international trade fairs and exhibitions organized by EPCH, opening doors to global markets.
Roles of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) plays a crucial role in supporting Indian handicraft exporters by providing assistance, market access, and policy advocacy. Key functions include:
- Providing commercially useful information and assistance to members in developing and increasing exports
- Offering professional advice and services to members in areas of technology upgradation, quality and design improvement, standards and specifications, product development, innovation etc
- Organizing visits of delegation of its members abroad to explore overseas market opportunities
- Organizing Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair in New Delhi
- Interaction between exporting community and Govt. both at the Central and State level and representation in almost all the committees or panels of Central and State and represents in almost all the committees or panels of Central and State
- To create an environment of awareness through Workshops on "Export Marketing, Procedures and Documentation," Packaging, Design Development, Buyer Seller Meet, Open House etc., interaction with Central and State Govt. and various other similar programs.
- Dissemination of government notification, orders, information on trade and other relevant information to members
EPCH guidelines new for exporters
Expanding into international markets requires strategic planning and adherence to export regulations. Here are the key guidelines for exporters:
1. Market entry: Exporters must select the right product for the market. After carefully selecting a market, exporters must find a suitable way to enter that market.They can enter the international market via direct or indirect method i,e, with the help of merchants or export houses.
2. Participation in trade fairs: Exporters can also participate in trade fairs organized in India or foreign countries to explore market opportunities.
3. Market research: Market research is also important for exporters as it helps take the right decisions in the right direction.
4. Export pricing: Pricing is important in expanding the export market for new merchants or exporters. Effective pricing assumes strategic significance because of the lower technological base in developing economies.
5. Selection of agent: Many exporters with good products and effective pricing need help in selecting overseas agents. It is important to evaluate multiple agents and have good contact with them to avoid such difficulties.
6. Promotion: Exporter can promote their products through various means in their desired marketplace. Promoting can help get recognition and expand their market sphere.
7. Terms of payment: The nature of credit terms offered by suppliers is decisive and important. The exporter should take caution while dictating.
8. Export contracts: The export contract between the exporter and seller should be transparent without ambiguity. Both parties should be aware of what obligations and duties they suppose to perform.
9. Export finance: Financing the export is an important aspect which export needs to plan. Financing of export happens in 2 stages.
1. Pre-shipment: For purchase, manufacturing, and for assembling of the product.
2. Post shipment: Financing is required for providing facilities to overseas customers.
10. Other documents: The exporters must also take care of other mandatory documentation required for exports.For this, they may take the assistance of DGFT, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), Foreign Embassies in India, Buying Agents, Freight Forwarding Agents etc.
EPCH Code of conduct for the Members of council
While applying for the Membership for EPCH, applicants are required to sign the mandatory code of conduct against child labour.
It should be signed on a minimum of 10 rupees stamp and submitted along with the other necessary documents.
- It is the members' responsibility to ensure that no child labour is being used on their premises and the premises of the entities they are outsourcing from.
- If any member is found violating the rule, will serve them with a show-cause notice to explain.
- The explanation will further be placed before the Committee of Administration to enable it to decide on an action to be taken in respect of that violation.
- If members violate the rules of the code of conduct on more than 2 occasions, they will discontinue their Membership.
- It is the responsibility of all the members to ensure strict compliance with the code of conduct.
- Code of conduct shall apply to all the members of the export promotion council of handicraft.
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Conclusion
The Export Promotion council of handicraft is an excellent promotional body for the handicraft industry of India.
It not only preserves traditional handicraft skills but also promotes them on the global stage and helps the traditional handicraft industry to grow in the local and international export markets.
The RCMC membership program of EPCH is proven to be a boon for exporters and manufacturers as it has helped the industry grow significantly in domestic and international exports.
The number of members also rose significantly from 35 in the year of its inception to over 8500+ in 2022. The total revenue generated from export has also risen significantly from Rs. 386cr in 1986 to INR 33,253 cr as of 2022.
Therefore, it is advisable for the manufacturers of handicraft products, to get Membership-cum registration certificate of EPCH. Which can help them in the promotion of their business on a global stage. It will be beneficial for the new startups as well to acquire an EPCH registration for their handicraft business.
FAQs on EPCH
How do I renew my EPCH?
EPCH membership is valid for upto 5 years. However, an annual membership fee of INR "5,000 + 18% GST" is required to be paid for renewal.
What is the export promotion council for handicrafts (EPCH)?
EPCH is a non-profit organization created under the companies act. EPCH aims to promote the handicraft industry in the local and international export markets.
What is the cost of EPCH RCMC membership?
The membership registration fees for manufacturers and merchants of handicraft product is as follows:
The fee for EPCH RCMC is as follows:
| Particulars | EPCH RCMC Membership Fee |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee for the 1st year | ₹2,500/- |
| Annual Fee | ₹5,000/- |
| ₹7,500 + 18% GST | |
| Total govt fees | INR 8,850/- |
How do you become an EPCH member?
To become a member of the export promotion council for handicrafts, interested applicants must create a user ID on the DGFT portal.
Who can apply for EPCH membership registration?
Exporters and Manufacturer-exporters of handicraft products, or MSMEs who deal with handicraft goods, can apply for registration cum membership certificate for the export promotion council for handicrafts.
How much time does it take to get EPCH RCMC Membership?
The Membership and registration cum membership certificate is issued by the EPCH council within 30 working days.
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