EPCH Registration (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts - RCMC)
Mandatory export registration and RCMC for handcrafted home decor, brassware, wooden crafts, fashion jewelry, and lifestyle products.
Overview
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is the apex organization of handicraft exporters in India, established under the Companies Act under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles. Indian handicrafts represent an iconic export sector generating billions of dollars in foreign exchange from major artisanal clusters like Moradabad (brassware), Jodhpur and Saharanpur (woodware), Jaipur (lac, stone, and blue pottery), and Firozabad (glassware). Under Chapter 2 of the Foreign Trade Policy, holding an active EPCH Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a mandatory statutory requirement for every exporter shipping handmade home lifestyle products, fashion jewelry, festive decor, wooden furniture, and metal artware. An EPCH RCMC is essential to claim RoDTEP tax remissions, duty drawback, and duty-free import licenses for specialized fittings and finishes under Advance Authorisation. EPCH organizes the world-famous IHGF Delhi Fair (Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair), the world’s largest biannual handicraft trade expo. Member exporters receive priority booth allocations and buyer matching with global retail chains like Zara Home, Pottery Barn, and Target. JRC Legal manages complete EPCH RCMC registration on the DGFT e-RCMC portal.
Scope of EPCH RCMC Registration Service
Detailed compliance and filing scope managed by JRC corporate experts.
Documents Required for EPCH RCMC Registration
Upload digital files during onboarding. No physical submissions needed.
Export Identity Proofs
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Udyam MSME Registration Certificate
- PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of authorized director, partner, or proprietor
Banking & Workshop Proofs
- Bank Certificate signed and sealed by bank manager confirming foreign currency account
- Chartered Accountant certified export turnover certificate for the past 3 fiscal years
- Workshop ownership / lease deed / artisan declarations (for Manufacturer Exporters)
Step-by-Step EPCH RCMC Procedure
Our step-by-step advisory workflow.
Step 1: Product Panel Mapping & IEC Audit
We audit your handicraft catalog against EPCH’s 14 craft panels and determine Merchant vs. Manufacturer status.
Step 2: Electronic Application Drafting on DGFT e-RCMC
We draft the application on the DGFT e-RCMC portal, attaching bank certificates, CA turnover proofs, and director KYC.
Step 3: Statutory Membership Fee Payment
We execute the official statutory government fee payment online based on your export turnover tier.
Step 4: Scrutiny & Digital RCMC Allotment
EPCH scrutiny officers in New Delhi review the dossier and issue the digital Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC).
Strategic Benefits of EPCH RCMC Registration
Claim RoDTEP export tax remissions, exhibit at IHGF Delhi Fair, and supply global luxury lifestyle brands.
Mandatory Customs Clearance for Handicraft Exports
Mandatory statutory requirement to clear Indian port customs when shipping handmade lifestyle and decorative goods.
Priority Booth Allocation at IHGF Delhi Fair
Guarantees exhibition space at the biannual IHGF Delhi Fair, the largest sourcing trade show for global interior and gift buyers.
Claim RoDTEP & Duty Drawback Export Refunds
Enables handicraft exporters to claim valuable central tax rebates under the RoDTEP scheme on foreign consignments.
Subsidized Global Lifestyle Trade Delegations
Exhibit at premier global lifestyle trade fairs like Maison & Objet Paris, Ambiente Frankfurt, and NY NOW under Indian pavilions.
Artisan Welfare & Cluster Development Subsidies
Access government financial grants for setting up common facility centers, wood seasoning kilns, and metal electroplating plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers to common regulatory inquiries.
Which product categories are covered under EPCH?▼
EPCH covers 14 broad craft panels: art metalware, wooden handicrafts and furniture, handcrafted textiles and furnishings, fashion jewelry and accessories, glassware and ceramics, cane and bamboo crafts, leather handicrafts, handmade paper products, and festive/Christmas decorations.
What is the validity period of an EPCH RCMC?▼
An EPCH RCMC is valid for a period of 5 financial years from the date of issuance, subject to annual membership subscription renewals.
What are the membership fees for EPCH?▼
Membership fees are tiered based on export turnover: for new and small MSME exporters with turnover under ₹50 Lakhs, annual membership starts around ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 plus GST, scaling up for large export houses.
What is the IHGF Delhi Fair organized by EPCH?▼
The Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF Delhi Fair) is the world’s largest handicraft trade show organized biannually (Spring and Autumn editions) by EPCH at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, hosting over 7,000 international buyers per edition.
Can a merchant exporter dealing in handicrafts apply for EPCH RCMC?▼
Yes. Merchant Exporters who source artisanal products from craft clusters and master artisans are fully eligible to obtain an RCMC under the Merchant Exporter category.
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Corporate filings managed directly by certified Chartered Accountants & Company Secretaries.
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