Handicrafts play an anchor role in steering the Indian home decor market in the right direction. The handicraft sector employs millions of artisans pan India. But sadly, the ever-declining demand for traditional handicrafts has made life difficult for these workers. To cater to this severe problem, the GOI launched a non-profit institution called Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.
The said council aims at promoting, safeguarding, protecting, and augmenting the export of handicrafts in India. The council facilitates viable data to members in developing and augmenting exports.
Duties Fulfilled by the EPCH
- Taking part in specialized international trade events organized for the incentivization of handicrafts
- Interacts with the government-based exporting committee and allied departments working at state and central level.
- Organize trade-related events at viable destinations across the nation.
- Creates awareness via design development, workshops, buyer-seller meet & open house
- Facilitate advice and services to concerned members regarding technology up-gradation, product development, and quality and design improvement.
- Organizes cross-border visits for key officials to identify viable market opportunities for trade boosting
- Helps in tax reduction regarding the exportation of handicrafts products
Since the handicraft sector is a profit-oriented niche, it is vital to bolster that in the following ways such as;
Finance Avenues: Financial avenues such as NBFCs, Banks, and provisional bodies which can aid the handicrafts entity by providing credit for workers engaged with the handicraft businesses.
Government of India: The Indian government can help the handicrafts sector by making legislation which works in the interest of handicrafts businesses.
How to secure the EPCH Membership Application?
- Visit the DGFT portal[1]
- Login to the web portal or create a new account via the OTP verification process
- On the home page, head over to the Service section and select the option called E-RCMC
- Next, tap on the RCMC option. The portal shall open the e-application.
- Fill up the e-form and attested the following documentation;
For proprietorship
- Particulars of Demand Draft or electronic payment of Rs 8850 in favour of EPCH payable at New Delhi.
- Self Attested copy of DGFT-issued IEC certificate
- Copy of Udhyam Aadhaar certificate in case of manufacturer cum exporter (this must be self-attested)
- A self-declaration printed on the company’s letterhead confirming that the item listed in the Udhyam Aadhaar certificate includes handicrafts items
- Duly signed code of conduct printed on the Rs. 10/ stamp paper (it must enclose the signature of the concerned signatory)
For Partnership
- Particulars of Demand Draft or electronic payment of Rs 8850 in favour of EPCH payable at New Delhi.
- Self Attested copy of DGFT-issued IEC certificate
- Copy of Udhyam Aadhaar certificate in case of manufacturer cum exporter (this must be self-attested)
- A self-declaration printed on the company’s letterhead confirming that the item listed in the Udhyam Aadhaar certificate includes handicrafts items
- Partnership Deed copy (attested by the notary)
- List of partners printed on the company’s letterhead (One of the partners must attest the same)
- Duly signed code of conduct printed on the Rs. 10/ stamp paper (it must enclose the signature of the concerned signatory)
For Private Limited Company or One Person Company
- Particulars of Demand Draft or electronic payment of Rs 8850 in favour of EPCH payable at New Delhi.
- Self Attested copy of DGFT-issued IEC certificate
- Copy of Udhyam Aadhaar certificate in case of manufacturer cum exporter (this must be self-attested)
- A self-declaration printed on the company’s letterhead confirming that the item listed in the Udhyam Aadhaar certificate includes handicrafts items
- List of active directors printed on the company’s letterhead. (Note: it must enclose the signature of all directors)
- Copy of DIN, i.e. Director Identification Number granted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- Board resolution reflecting the consent of all key members regarding the company’s decision to register under EPCH.
- Self attested copy of MoA and AoA or incorporation certification
- Duly signed code of conduct printed on the Rs. 10/ stamp paper (it must enclose the signature of the concerned signatory)
Conclusion
Applicants can avail innumerable benefits after securing the EPCH membership in the manner mentioned above. EPCH is a non-profit institution that works to better the handicraft sector through various schemes and benefits.
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