EPCH India

What EPCH India does

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a non-profit apex body established in 1986-87 under the Companies Act of India, operating under the administrative oversight of the Department of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) and policy guidance from the Ministry of Textiles. It is the statutorily designated export promotion council for the Indian handicrafts sector, serving as the gatekeeper for Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMC) required of handicraft exporters under India's Foreign Trade Policy. The Council is funded through standardized annual member subscriptions (Rs. 5,900 plus GST for renewals), transaction fees from participation in its flagship trade fairs, and government grants administered under the MAI (Market Access Initiative) and MDA (Marketing Development Assistance) schemes of the Department of Commerce, with its books not publicly disclosed.

EPCH's core operational assets are its flagship export trade fairs — IHGF Delhi Fair (held biannually, 60 editions completed by Autumn 2025), IFJAS (Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show, 19 editions), and Bharat TEX (co-organized with the Ministry of Textiles) — together with five wholly-owned operating subsidiaries that provide member services: CHEMS (vocational training), International Lace Trade Centre (ILTC) Narsapur, EPCH Wood Test Lab, Pashmina Certification Centre, and Vriksh (CITES-approved timber legality assessment). It also operates the EPCH Design Register for member design IP protection, the Design Connect platform, an Exporters Clinic advisory service, and an in-house publishing program (eCraftcil, Craftcil, G&H journals). The organization distributes its services through 13 regional offices across India co-located in major handicraft manufacturing clusters (Moradabad, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Saharanpur, Narsapur, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Guwahati, Patna, Agra) supported by an online membership portal (epchonlineportal.in) and mobile apps for flagship events.

The Council is governed by a Committee of Administration (COA) elected from its member exporters, with Dr. Neeraj Khanna serving as Chairman and Mr. Rakesh Kumar (mentioned as Director General/Chief Mentor) overseeing daily operations. EPCH serves a single primary customer segment — Indian handicraft manufacturers and merchant exporters (metalware, woodware, textiles, jewelry, home furnishings) — and does not address domestic retail or consumer markets. Its commercial differentiation rests on a regulatory mandate no private competitor can replicate, plus the network density of international buyer turnout at IHGF Delhi Fair and CITES-approval for Vriksh, which enables exporters to meet EU Deforestation Regulation compliance for wood-based products.

Name

EPCH India

Legal name

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Website

https://epch.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

EPCH is India's statutorily designated apex non-profit export promotion council for handicrafts, serving thousands of Indian manufacturer and merchant exporters through flagship trade fairs (IHGF Delhi Fair), certification services (Vriksh timber, Pashmina), and RCMC issuance, funded by member subscriptions and government MAI/MDA grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Promotion and Export Facilitation Services

NAICS

Business Support Services (5614)

SIC

Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Supply Chain & Product Environmental Compliance (RoHS, WEEE, Packaging EPR, Eco-Design/Labeling Regulations) (EUAHABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable Forest Certification & Chain-of-Custody Services (FSC/PEFC/SFI) (IMAMAJAJ), Product Sustainability & LCA/EPD (Eco-design, PCF) (EUAHAJAF)

Keywords

• Handicraft export promotion
• Trade fair organization
• Membership certification services
• Timber legality certification
• Design IP protection

Headquarters

HQ city

New Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership subscription fees from handicraft exporters. Entrance fee of Rs. 2500/- and annual fee of Rs. 5000/- for new members (Rs. 8850/- inclusive of GST). Renewal fee of Rs. 5900/- annually.
2. Marketing Access Initiative (MAI) Grants: Government grants from Department of Commerce for export promotion activities including trade fair participation, buyer-seller meets, and market development for member exporters with FOB value up to Rs. 50 crore.
3. Trade Fair Organization: Organizes IHGF Delhi Fair (Spring and Autumn editions), IFJAS, and participates in international fairs. Revenue derived from exhibitor participation fees and stall rentals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

EPCH India is a non-profit, government-affiliated export promotion council that organizes flagship B2B trade fairs such as IHGF Delhi Fair, IFJAS, and Bharat TEX, while providing membership-based export facilitation services including RCMC registration, the Vriksh timber legality certification, Pashmina certification, the EPCH Wood Test Lab, the Design Register for IP protection, and educational programs like CHEMS for Indian handicraft exporters. It also administers MAI and MDA government grants and operates an Exporters Clinic and 13 regional offices to support manufacturers and merchant exporters across India.

Product overview

EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) is a non-profit apex body established in 1986-87 under the Companies Act to promote Indian handicraft exports. The organization operates a portfolio of trade fair products centered around IHGF Delhi Fair (Spring and Autumn editions), IFJAS (Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show), and Bharat TEX exhibitions. Beyond events, EPCH provides member services including RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) issuance, design protection through the Design Register, and certification services via Vriksh (timber legality), Wood Test LAB, and Pashmina Certification Centre. The council supports exporters through its Exporters Clinic, MAI/MDA government schemes, and publishes trade journals (eCraftcil, Craftcil, G & H). Regional presence spans 12 offices across India with facilities like CHEMS training institute and International Lace Trade Centre in Narsapur.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IHGF Delhi Fair (Indian Handicraft and Gift Fair) Flagship B2B trade fair for Indian handicrafts, giftware, and home decor where member exporters exhibit to international buyers. Held biannually at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.
• Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show (IFJAS) Dedicated B2B trade fair for fashion jewellery, fashion accessories, and related handicraft segments targeting international buyers.
• Bharat TEX Major textile and handicraft event co-organized by EPCH with other export promotion councils, providing B2B sourcing access for international buyers.
• RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) Mandatory registration-cum-membership certificate required for Indian handicraft exporters to access export promotion benefits, government schemes, and EPCH services.
• Vriksh (Timber Legality Certification Scheme) Certification scheme validating the legality and traceability of timber used in wooden handicrafts, enabling exporters to comply with international timber legality regulations.
• EPCH Wood Test Lab Laboratory testing service for wooden handicraft products, supporting quality assurance and timber legality assessments for exporters.
• Pashmina Certification Centre Certification service validating the authenticity of Pashmina fibre and Pashmina products for handicraft exporters, protecting brand integrity in international markets.
• EPCH Design Register Digital IP protection registry allowing handicraft exporters to record original designs and protect them from replication in domestic and international markets.
• Design Connect Design development service that connects member exporters with design expertise to enhance product lines for international markets.
• Centre for Handicraft Exports Management Studies (CHEMS) Educational institute under EPCH offering specialized training and certification programs in handicraft export management for working professionals and exporters.
• International Lace Trade Centre (ILTC) Narsapur Dedicated trade centre located in Narsapur, supporting lace handicraft exporters with common facility services and B2B trade facilitation.
• Exporters Clinic Advisory clinic providing one-on-one guidance to handicraft exporters on export procedures, compliance, documentation, and market access challenges.
• MAI Scheme (Marketing Access Initiative) Government grant scheme administered by EPCH that reimburses exporters for a portion of costs incurred on international marketing activities, trade fair participation, and market access initiatives.
• MDA Scheme (Market Development Assistance) Government grant scheme administered by EPCH that provides financial assistance to exporters for market development activities including trade fair participation and marketing campaigns abroad.
• CRAFTCIL / Craftcil / eCraftcil / G&H Journals Subscription-based trade journals and publications covering Indian handicraft industry trends, market intelligence, and updates for member exporters.
• EPCH Member Privilege+ Card Membership benefit card offering EPCH members privileges, discounts, and value-added services from partner organizations.
• Common Facility Centre Shared infrastructure facility established at handicraft clusters, providing common services and equipment access to member exporters.

Quantifiable outcome

• Airfare reimbursement of up to Rs. 75,000 (Rs. 125,000 for Africa/Americas) under MAI scheme for eligible exporters participating in EPC-led international events

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017CITES approval for Vriksh timber legality certification scheme, enabling EPCH to issue internationally recognized timber compliance certificates for wooden handicraft exports.
• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986DGFT is the primary regulatory partner for issuing Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMC) and administering export promotion policies. EPCH operates under DGFT framework for export registration and compliance.
• Ministry of Textiles, Government of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986The Ministry oversees EPCH operations and the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) office. Regular interaction at ministerial level for policy support and Vision Paper initiatives.
• Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986Administrative ministry for MAI (Market Access Initiative) and MDA (Marketing Development Assistance) schemes providing government grants for export promotion activities.
• State Governments (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986Collaboration with state governments for ODOP (One District One Product) initiatives, state export policies, and regional handicraft development including Vision Paper 2025-35 for UP.
• India Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986Academic partnership for joint studies on handicraft exports and market research reports (IIFT EPCH Study).
• Indian Institute of EntrepreneurshipminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986Co-location arrangement at Guwahati office for North East region operations and entrepreneurship development.
• Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986Mumbai regional office co-located with EU Chambers for European market intelligence and trade facilitation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL): SHEFEXIL is a smaller sister EPC promoting Indian shellac and forest products exports. It is closely comparable to EPCH in operating under the same government framework for forest-based products, including similar compliance, certification, and trade fair support functions.
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC): AEPC is an export promotion council for the Indian apparel industry under the Ministry of Textiles. It is highly comparable to EPCH in mandate, structure, and operations — including RCMC issuance, trade fair organization, MAI/MDA grant administration, and member services for export-oriented manufacturers.
• Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES): EPCES is an export promotion council representing Export Oriented Units and Special Economic Zones. It is comparable to EPCH as a fellow EPC under the Department of Commerce with parallel mandate of RCMC issuance, policy advocacy, and member services for export-oriented businesses.
• The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL): TEXPROCIL is a sister EPC under the Ministry of Textiles promoting Indian cotton textile exports. It mirrors EPCH's model of membership-based export promotion, trade fair organization, and government scheme administration for a specific export segment.
• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC): HEPC is a sister export promotion council for Indian handloom products under the Ministry of Textiles. It is directly comparable to EPCH in structure, mandate, and operations — including membership services, trade fair organization, and government scheme administration for handloom textile exports.
• Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil): Pharmexcil is an export promotion council for Indian pharmaceutical exports under the Department of Commerce. It is comparable to EPCH as a fellow sector-specific EPC with similar mandate of RCMC issuance, trade fair organization, market intelligence, and member compliance support.
• Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC): CEPC is a sister export promotion council specifically for hand-knotted carpets and other floor coverings. It shares EPCH's structure as a government-mandated EPC under the Ministry of Textiles, issuing RCMC and organizing specialized trade fairs for its handicraft sub-segment.

Broad incumbents

• India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO): ITPO is the nodal agency of the Government of India for trade promotion, operating major exhibition venues including Pragati Maidan. It is comparable to EPCH in organizing large-scale trade fairs and providing trade facilitation infrastructure, though ITPO operates across multiple sectors rather than handicrafts specifically.
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO): FIEO is the apex body of Indian export promotion councils, trade, and industry associations. It is directly comparable to EPCH as a higher-level umbrella trade body coordinating export promotion activities, with overlap in policy advocacy, trade fair organization, and government interface for exporters.
• Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): APEDA is a larger government export promotion body under the Ministry of Commerce for agricultural and processed food products. It is comparable to EPCH as a government-mandated export promotion authority with similar regulatory, trade fair, and market access facilitation functions, though in a different product vertical.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/epchindia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epchindia

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EPCH India