Expanding your eCommerce or D2C brand internationally is an exciting journey, but it often feels like navigating a maze of regulations, market research, and logistics. That’s where India’s Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) come in. These government-backed bodies are designed to guide exporters, from MSMEs to established brands, through the complexities of global trade. Whether you’re selling handcrafted goods, garments, or tech services, there’s an EPC tailored to your industry. Think of them as your strategic partners, offering everything from market intelligence to export registration and even financial assistance. Let’s explore how these councils can be the catalyst your brand needs to go global.

What is an Export Promotion Council (EPC)?

An Export Promotion Council is a non-profit organisation established by the Government of India to promote and support Indian exports. EPCs serve as intermediaries between the government and exporters, offering a range of services including market research, participation in international trade fairs, and facilitating access to government schemes and incentives. They also assist in obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), a mandatory requirement for exporters under the Foreign Trade Policy.

How many Export Promotion Councils are there in India?

India currently has 14 sector-specific EPCs, each focusing on a particular industry or product category. These councils are registered under the Companies Act or the Societies Registration Act and operate under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce. They play a pivotal role in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products in the global market.

Objectives of EPCs

The primary objectives of Export Promotion Councils include

Promoting Indian Exports: Enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Indian products in international markets.

Supporting Exporters: Assisting exporters at every stage of their export journey, from market research to securing government benefits.

Ensuring Quality Standards: Encouraging exporters to adhere to international quality standards and specifications.

Facilitating Market Access: Assisting exporters in accessing new markets by organizing trade delegations, buyer-seller meets, and participating in international exhibitions.

11 Key Export Promotion Councils to Know

Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)

A non-profit and non-commercial organization, the EEPC India encourages trade and investment in the country’s engineering industry. The biggest EPC in India is EEPC India, which was founded in 1955. With more than 12,000 members, including both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), it is supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. EEPC India organizes international exhibitions, serves as a liaison between the government and the engineering community, and provides policy and other advisory services. In order to assist the engineering sector in investigating commercial prospects in the foreign market, it has also established chapters in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

AEPC supports the apparel industry by providing training, market access, and facilitating participation in international trade fairs. It plays a crucial role in integrating the entire apparel industry, from workforce training to sourcing machinery.

Council for Leather Exports (CLE)

CLE assists the leather industry by providing information on export policies, organizing trade delegations, and offering guidance to set up ventures in the Indian market. While India is currently the second-largest producer of leather garments, CLE aims to expand the Indian leather market further globally through modern industry practices.

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

CEPC promotes the export of rugs, handmade carpets and floor coverings by organizing exhibitions, providing market information, and offering financial assistance to exporters. It helps position Indian carpets as high-quality products in international markets, along with enhancing the skills of weavers and artisans.

Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)

HEPC assists exporters in promoting a range of handloom goods, including carpets, textiles, floor coverings, and home furnishings. The Government of India’s Ministry of Textiles established HEPC as a nodal agency. Table linens, textiles, kitchen and toilet linens, curtains, towels, bed linens, carpets, floor coverings, cushions, and pads are the main exports from this industry. The HEPC offers handloom exporters and foreign customers plenty of support and guidance to ensure a smooth export process. Additionally, it frequently hosts buyer-seller meetings, trade shows, and exhibitions in India and other countries to support the industry.

Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

CEPCI was established by the government of India with active participation and assistance from the cashew industry. It was established to encourage India’s exports of cashew kernels and cashew nut shell liquid to foreign markets. This council performs several functions with an institutional framework to promote and grow the exports of cashew nuts and related items. CEPCI acts as a link between Indian exporters and international buyers by circulating import inquiries among its members. It also resolves disputes related to quality and contractual obligations.

Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry founded SEPC in 2006, and since then, it has helped the nation’s service industry take advantage of international economic prospects. It informs exporters about government programs and other advantages to improve ties between industry stakeholders.  Trade intelligence, market analysis, company relationships, export promotion and development possibilities, participation in international exhibits, and more are among the many advantages that SEPC members enjoy.

Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

With over two lakh members, GJEPC has proved to be the driving force behind India’s gem and jewellery sector’s growth. GJEPC promotes the export of gems and jewellery by organizing trade fairs, providing market access, and offering financial assistance to exporters. It helps exporters to excel in manufacturing skills and design excellence by running training institutions.

Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (Chemexcil)

A non-profit organization, it encourages India to export dyes, chemicals, and cosmetics to other nations. It was founded in 1963 by the Indian government’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry to provide market intelligence, organize trade delegations, and offer financial assistance to exporters. It helps exporters, sends trade missions, establishes quality and packaging standards, and investigates international markets. (i) Chemicals and dye intermediates , basic organic and inorganic chemicals (including agrochemicals), (ii) essential oils, soaps, cosmetics, and toiletries, and (iv) specialty chemicals, lubricants, and castor oil are the four panels into which CHEMEXCIL has divided its products.

Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL)

The GOI’s Ministry of Commerce created CAPEXIL in 1958 to promote the export of chemicals and allied products by providing market access, organizing trade fairs, and offering guidance on export policies. With its main office in Kolkata and regional offices in Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai, it boasts over 4,500 members throughout India. In addition to helping importers and exporters with their sourcing and selling requirements, CAPEXIL offers its members export support and promotes Indian exports at fairs and exhibitions.

Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC)

PEPC, an export promotion council that complies with the Foreign Trade Policy, was established by the Indian government in 1984 as the Overseas Construction Council of India. In addition to carrying out the required export promotion activities, this PEPC provides technical information, assistance, and direction to Indian Civil Engineering (IEC) construction consultants and contractors. PEPC assists clients in establishing projects abroad, regardless of whether they are in the public or private sector.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of exports can be complex, but tapping into the right support makes a big difference. India’s Export Promotion Councils are designed to guide businesses through regulations, market access, and global opportunities—whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale. While international logistics can be a challenge, working with reliable partners simplifies the process from paperwork to port. As you explore the right EPC for your business, remember that streamlined shipping within India can also support your export journey by helping you consolidate and connect with the right freight solutions. At NimbusPost, we help exporters move shipments within India efficiently—compare courier rates, confirm orders automatically, and track deliveries across carriers—all in one place, making your first mile smarter, faster, and more affordable.