The DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) in India has created Export Promotion Bodies industry-wise.
The DGFT has deliberately created separate Export Promotion Bodies (EPBs) like
- Export Promotion Councils (EPCs),
- Commodity Boards, and
- Export Development Authorities
These bodies make the export ecosystem more specialized, efficient, and supportive.
Each Export Promotion Body organizes webinars, seminars and also local & international trade exhibitions in which the exporters can participate.
DGFT’s approach ensures that exporters are not “flying blind” in global trade. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, specialized bodies provide:
- Sector knowledge
- International networking
- Policy and incentive guidance
- Training and quality upgrades
All of this reduces risk, increases efficiency, and improves export success.
First let us understand the purpose of these export promotion bodies:
1. Sector-Specific Expertise
- Reason: Different sectors (textiles, marine products, handicrafts, leather, chemicals) have unique challenges—standards, compliance, production methods, and market demands.
- Benefit: EPBs provide specialized guidance tailored to the sector, which a general body cannot efficiently deliver.
- Example: The Apparel Export Promotion Council advises on international quality certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS.
2. Promotion of Exports
- Reason: India aims to increase its global trade share.
- Benefit: EPBs organize trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and trade missions, promoting Indian products internationally.
- Example: The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) promotes Indian shrimp in global markets.
3. Compliance and Regulatory Support
- Reason: Exporters need to comply with DGFT, Customs, FSSAI, and international standards.
- Benefit: EPBs help exporters meet these compliance requirements, avoiding delays or penalties.
- Example: Handicraft exporters get help with geographical indication (GI) registration and quality standards.
4. Access to Government Incentives
- Reason: The Indian government provides financial schemes to support exports, but they are sector-specific.
- Benefit: EPBs help exporters claim benefits like RoSCTL, duty drawback, and market development assistance
- Example: Textile exporters receive RoSCTL benefits through their council for attending international trade fairs.
5. Skill Development and Capacity Building
- Reason: Many Indian exporters, especially SMEs, lack knowledge of international trade norms.
- Benefit: EPBs conduct training, workshops, and seminars to improve quality, packaging, logistics, and marketing.
- Example: EPCs train exporters on ISO certification, eco-labeling, and sustainable production techniques.
6. Networking and Market Intelligence
- Reason: Exporters need accurate, timely information on global demand, competition, and market trends.
- Benefit: EPBs connect exporters with foreign buyers, provide market reports, and facilitate collaborations.
- Example: Leather exporters get market intelligence from the Council for Leather Exports to enter European markets.
Process to Register
- To register in the Export Promotion Body, one needs to have an Importer – Exporter Code (IEC).
- Check on the respective Council, FIEO, Commodity Board or Development Authority if you product falls in it. A product catalogue or list is given in these websites.
- Then use the “membership” or “new Members” link to go ahead.
- Registration and Membership are redirected to the DGFT website.
- After this one gets a “Registration cum Membership Certificate” – RCMC
Let us now get to know each of these Councils, Commodity Boards and Development Authorities.
