In India, Export Promotion Bodies (EPBs) such as Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Development Authorities play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s global trade. These bodies provide sector-specific guidance, help exporters comply with international standards, facilitate access to government incentives, and promote Indian products in overseas markets. By offering market intelligence, training, and networking opportunities, EPBs empower exporters—especially small and medium enterprises—to compete globally, enhance credibility, and expand their international reach.
Benefits of Export Promotion Bodies
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 MEIS/ROSCTL, duty drawback, and market development assistance efficiently.
- Example: Textile exporters receive MEIS benefits through their council for attending international trade fairs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Support and Guidance
- Reason: Exporters need accurate, timely information Importing country’s quality norms, pricing and packaging details
- Benefit: EPBs connect exporters with statistical data and collaborate with Customs for packaging norms
- Example: Pricing of laboratory glassware for schools, Certificates required for quality of Glassware and where to get the certificates from
Advantages of Membership with EPBs.
1. Compliance
Example: A textile exporter registering with AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council) gets help in meeting global quality standards, labeling, and buyer compliance. Without this support, they may face rejection of shipments in the EU or US.
2. Credibility
Example: A spice exporter who is a member of the Spices Board of India gains trust from international buyers. Overseas importers often check EPC/Board membership before finalizing contracts, as it shows the exporter is officially recognized and reliable.
3. Incentives
Example: An engineering goods exporter registered with EEPC India can claim benefits under RoDTEP scheme, get subsidized participation in trade fairs, and access financial support under the MAI (Market Access Initiative).
4. Global Visibility
Example: An ayurvedic product exporter registered with the new Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) or AYUSH Export Promotion Council gets opportunities to participate in international expos like Arab Health in Dubai, gaining visibility in global markets and direct buyer access.
In summary:
- Compliance ensures goods meet international standards.
- Credibility builds buyer trust.
- Incentives reduce cost and increase profitability.
- Global visibility opens new markets.
One Registers by submitted Business and Bank documents and Gets Membership after paying the respective fees. The EPB issues a Certificate called Registration cum Membership Certificate.
This certificate is by the government and one can use to put it up on the website for authenticity.
Export Smart with the Right Export Promotion Body!