Export promotion plays a vital role in driving economic growth and enhancing international trade. Governments establish Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) to support and facilitate export activities, which act as intermediaries between the government and the export industry.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of export promotion, the role, and functions of Export Promotion Councils, the benefits they offer to exporters, the registration procedure, and provide an overview of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the various Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards in India.
What is the meaning of Export Promotion?
Export promotion refers to the activities and initiatives to stimulate and facilitate the export of goods and services from a country. It involves creating an enabling environment for exporters, providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and incentives to expand their international trade. Export promotion is essential for driving economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.
What is Export Promotion Council?
Export Promotion Councils are established by the government with the objective of promoting and assisting export-oriented businesses. These councils provide technical assistance, industry insights, and act as intermediaries between the government and the export industry. They play a critical role in formulating foreign policies and promoting government schemes.
Export Promotion Councils function as non-profit organizations, fulfilling both advisory and executive roles to facilitate and empower export firms in enhancing their overseas trade and global presence.
What is the role of the Export Promotion Council?
The role of Export Promotion Councils is multi-faceted and crucial for the growth of the export industry. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Information Dissemination: Export Promotion Councils provide exporters with valuable information about government schemes, incentives, subsidies, and benefits. They ensure that exporters are aware of the opportunities and resources available to them, enabling them to maximize their export potential.
- Market Research and Exploration: EPCs conduct market research, gather intelligence, and analyze global trade trends. They help exporters understand foreign markets, identify potential buyers, and explore new opportunities for expanding their international trade.
- Advisory Services: Export Promotion Councils offer guidance and advisory services to exporters on various aspects such as technology adoption, quality control, compliance with international standards, and product specifications. They assist exporters in enhancing their competitiveness and meeting international market requirements.
- Trade Promotion: EPCs organize trade delegations, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars, and buyer-seller meets to promote business networking and interaction between exporters and potential buyers. These platforms facilitate business collaborations, market access, and knowledge sharing.
- Industry-Government Interface: Export Promotion Councils act as a communication bridge between the export industry and the government. They represent the interests of exporters, convey their concerns, and provide feedback to the government regarding policy formulation and implementation. EPCs ensure that the voice of the export community is heard and considered in decision-making processes.
What are the functions and benefits of the Export Promotion Council?
Export Promotion Councils perform various functions to support exporters and enhance their competitiveness. The functions and benefits include:
- Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC): Exporters who become members of an EPC receive an RCMC, which serves as proof of registration. The RCMC provides access to export-import advantages and concessions provided by the Foreign Trade Policy.
- Access to Government Schemes: EPCs inform their members about government schemes, incentives, subsidies, and benefits available to exporters. This information helps exporters leverage their strategies and optimize their export operations.
- Networking and Market Expansion: Export Promotion Councils facilitate networking opportunities for exporters by organizing trade delegations, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets. These events enable exporters to establish connections with potential buyers, explore new markets, and expand their customer base.
- Industry Insights and Updates: EPCs keep their members informed about the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in their respective industries. They provide industry-specific insights, market intelligence, and updates on regulatory changes, helping exporters stay competitive and adapt to market dynamics.
- Collaboration with Government Agencies: Export Promotion Councils collaborate with various government agencies to develop and implement schemes and initiatives beneficial to exporters. They actively participate in policy discussions, providing valuable input and recommendations based on their industry expertise.
Export Promotion Council – Registration procedure:
To register with an Export Promotion Council, exporters need to follow a specific process.
The steps include:
- Identify the Relevant EPC: Determine the EPC that corresponds to your product or industry. Each product category has a specific EPC associated with it.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents, such as a digital signature certificate, a copy of the Import Export Code (IEC) certificate, a certificate from a chartered accountant certifying the export turnover, a list of partners/directors, and an MSME registration certificate if available.
- Submit Application and Pay Fee: Submit the application along with the required documents to the respective EPC. Each council may have its own fee structure, which can be obtained from its website.
- Obtain RCMC: Upon acceptance, the exporter will receive the Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the EPC, confirming their membership.
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO):
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) acts as the apex governing body that oversees and unifies all export promotion organizations and institutions in India. Established in 1965 by the Ministry of Commerce, the FIEO serves as the primary platform for promoting exports and supporting export-related activities.
FIEO collaborates with Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Export Houses, and other industry stakeholders to drive export growth and represent the interests of the export community.
Guide to Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards:
India has a diverse range of Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards, each representing a specific product or industry.
Some of the prominent EPCs and their respective sectors include:
| Sr no. | Export Promotion Councils | Abbreviation |
| 1 | Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority | APEDA |
| 2 | Apparel Export Promotion Council Apparel | AEPC |
| 3 | Basic Chemicals Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetic Export Promotion Council | CHEMEXCIL |
| 4 | Carpet Export Promotion Council | CEPC |
| 5 | Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council | GJEPC |
| 6 | Engineering Export Promotion Council | EEPC |
| 7 | Handloom Export Promotion Council | HEPC |
| 8 | Council for Leather Exports | CLE |
| 9 | Spices Board Spices & Condiments | – |
| 10 | Tea Board | – |
| 11 | Cashew Export Promotion Council of India Cashews | CEPCI |
| 12 | Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council | CEPEXIL |
| 13 | Coffee Board | – |
| 14 | Coir Board | – |
| 15 | Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council | TEXPROCIL |
| 16 | Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council | ESC |
| 17 | Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts | EPCH |
| 18 | Indian Silk Export Promotion Council | ISEPC |
| 19 | Jute Manufacturers Development Council | JMDC |
| 20 | Marine Products Export Development Authority Marine Goods | MPEDA |
| 21 | Project Exports Promotion Council of India Civil & Engineering Projects | PEPC |
| 22 | Plastic Export Promotion Council | PLEXCONCIL |
| 23 | Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council | PDEXCIL |
| 24 | Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council | PHARMEXCIL |
| 25 | Rubber Board | – |
| 26 | Service Export Promotion Council Services | SEPC |
| 27 | Shellac Export Promotion Council Veg Saps & Extracts | SHELLACEPC |
| 28 | Sports Goods Export Promotion Council | SGEPC |
| 29 | Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council | SRTEPC |
| 30 | Tobacco Export Promotion Council Tobacco and tobacco goods | – |
| 31 | Wool & Woolen Exports Promotion Council | WWEPC |
Conclusion
Export Promotion Councils in India play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the country’s export industry. By providing information, market insights, advisory services, and networking opportunities, EPCs empower exporters to expand their international trade and enhance their competitiveness.
Registering with the appropriate EPC enables exporters to access government schemes, incentives, and benefits while staying updated with industry trends.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) serves as the apex body, representing the collective interests of all export promotion organizations and institutions. By leveraging the resources and services provided by Export Promotion Councils, Indian exporters can drive economic growth, generate employment, and contribute to the country’s overall development.
Additionally, for those aspiring to enter the field of import-export and gain comprehensive knowledge and skills, institutions like iiiEM offer Import-Export Certification Courses.
These courses provide valuable insights, practical training, and guidance on international trade practices, enabling individuals to embark on successful import-export ventures. By leveraging the resources and services provided by Export Promotion Councils and institutions like iiiEM, Indian exporters can not only drive economic growth but also generate employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the overall development of the country.