How EPCH Facilitates Financial and Policy Support for Handicrafts Exporters

By AdminPublished On: February 12, 2025Categories: Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)0 Comments

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) plays a pivotal role in bolstering India’s handicraft sector by providing comprehensive financial and policy support to exporters. Established in 1986-87 as a non-profit organization, EPCH’s primary objective is to promote, support, protect, maintain, and increase the export of handicrafts.

Government Schemes Facilitated by EPCH

EPCH acts as a bridge between the government and artisans, ensuring that exporters can access various government schemes designed to enhance the handicraft sector. Some of the key schemes include:

National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP): This program aims to facilitate the overall development of the handicraft sector, including initiatives like skill development, design improvement, and assistance in marketing and export. It also provides financial aid to artisans for upgrading their skills and adopting new techniques.(RBI & NABARD Prep Platform)
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS): CHCDS focuses on creating world-class infrastructure that caters to the business needs of the local artisans and small enterprises. The scheme aims to develop clusters that can compete globally, providing artisans with improved tools, technology, and training.
Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme: This scheme assists artisans in participating in international fairs and exhibitions, thereby providing them with a platform to showcase their products to a global audience. EPCH organizes regular visits of delegations to trade shows, buyer-seller meets, conferences, and study tours abroad to explore market opportunities and keep Indian exporters abreast of the latest trends worldwide.

Financial Aid Provided by EPCH

EPCH offers various forms of financial assistance to handicraft exporters to enhance their competitiveness in the global market:

Duty Drawback Scheme: This scheme allows exporters to claim refunds on customs duties paid on imported raw materials used for production. By reimbursing these costs, the scheme reduces the financial burden on exporters, enabling them to price their products more competitively in international markets.
Interest Equalization Scheme (IES): Under IES, eligible exporters can avail themselves of interest subsidies on pre and post-shipment rupee export credit. This reduces the cost of borrowing, making it easier for exporters to manage their finances and invest in expanding their operations.
Market Access Initiative (MAI): The MAI scheme provides financial assistance to exporters for activities such as market studies, participation in international trade fairs, and setting up showrooms and warehouses in target markets. EPCH facilitates access to this scheme, helping exporters expand their global footprint.

Policy Advocacy by EPCH

EPCH plays a critical role in policy advocacy, representing the interests of the handicrafts sector to the government. It engages in regular dialogue with policymakers to ensure that the concerns of exporters are addressed and that conducive policies are formulated. For instance, EPCH has advocated for fiscal support for skills training and the upgradation of machinery to boost handicraft exports.(Financial Express)

Additionally, EPCH has been instrumental in promoting social compliance among its members. The council has conducted seminars emphasizing the importance of adhering to international labor standards, including the prohibition of child labor. EPCH mandates that if any manufacturer or exporter is found enforcing child labor for the production of their goods, their products would not be allowed to be exported or sold in the market.

Impact of EPCH’s Initiatives

EPCH’s efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of India’s handicraft exports. The council’s membership has grown to over 10,000 manufacturers and exporters from all over India, successfully positioning the country as a sourcing destination for the best in hand-crafted gifts and lifestyle products.

Through its initiatives, EPCH has empowered artisans by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and platforms to showcase their products globally. This has not only increased the income of artisans but has also helped in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.

Altus Exports: Partnering with Indian Manufacturers for Global Success

While organizations like EPCH provide the necessary support and frameworks, partnering with experienced export facilitators can further enhance a manufacturer’s global reach. Altus Exports specializes in assisting Indian manufacturers in exporting their products to international markets.

How Altus Exports Can Assist:

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Skilled Marketing Team: The marketing team at Altus Exports is highly trained and experienced in promoting products in the international market. They utilize a blend of traditional and digital marketing techniques to raise awareness of your products, generate leads, and convert them into orders.
Extensive Network: Over the years, Altus Exports has built a vast network of contacts and partners across various industries and regions. This network includes distributors, agents, retailers, and other key stakeholders who play a crucial role in the export process. By leveraging these relationships, they can facilitate smoother market entry and quicker establishment of your products in new territories.