What a council is
Export promotion councils, commodity boards and development authorities are bodies recognised under India's Foreign Trade Policy to support exporters of particular products. They issue membership certificates, run trade promotion activities and represent their sector to government.
The RCMC
A Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant council is required to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as export incentives and duty exemption schemes. It is applied for through DGFT's online e-RCMC system, choosing the council that covers your main product.
Which council covers you
Some of the main ones:
| If you export… | Council or board |
|---|---|
| Most exporters, any product | FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations), the apex body |
| Engineering goods, tools, auto parts | EEPC India |
| Handicrafts, home décor | EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) |
| Apparel | AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council) |
| Cotton textiles and yarns | TEXPROCIL |
| Chemicals and dyes | CHEMEXCIL |
| Pharmaceuticals | Pharmexcil |
| Gems and jewellery | GJEPC |
| Leather and leather products | CLE (Council for Leather Exports) |
| Agricultural and processed foods | APEDA (a development authority) |
| Spices | Spices Board |
| Seafood | MPEDA |
There are many more for specific products. DGFT's e-RCMC system lists every recognised council.
What they offer, honestly
| Offer | What it is | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Trade enquiries | Enquiries from overseas buyers, shared with members. | Many are general, repeated to many exporters, or low-intent. Screen them like any lead. |
| Buyer-seller meets | Organised meetings with visiting or overseas buyers. | Useful face time; value depends on preparing and following up. |
| Trade fairs | Pavilions at international fairs, sometimes supported by government schemes. | Costly and once a year; most value comes after the fair. |
| Member directories and market information | Lists of members and buyers, market reports, export guidance. | A starting list, not a list of ready buyers. |
| RCMC and policy help | The membership certificate needed for Foreign Trade Policy benefits, plus help with schemes. | Essential paperwork; not a sales channel in itself. |
Getting real buyers out of them
- Screen every trade enquiry the way you would any lead: is it a real company that buys your category? See the checks in our buyer guide.
- Reply fast to the good ones. The same enquiry often reaches many exporters; the first credible reply usually wins the conversation.
- Prepare for meets and fairs: a price sheet, samples, a one-page profile, and a list of the buyer types you want to meet.
- Follow up within a week of any meet or fair, with what you promised.
- Combine it with your own outreach. Council leads are one source; direct research into buyers who fit your product is another.
Questions
Is RCMC mandatory for exporting?
You can export without one, but you need a valid RCMC to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as export incentives and duty exemption schemes. Most regular exporters get one.
Does EPCH or another council give a buyer list?
Councils share trade enquiries, member directories and access to buyer-seller meets and fairs. Treat what you get as a starting list: screen each name for fit and follow up yourself.
Which council should I join?
The one covering your main product. If none fits, FIEO covers exporters of all products. Membership is applied for through DGFT's online RCMC system.