The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) stands as the apex trade promotion organization for India’s burgeoning leather industry. Established under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, CLE is dedicated to the holistic development and global promotion of Indian leather products. For businesses operating within this sector, obtaining membership with CLE offers a plethora of advantages that can significantly enhance their export capabilities and industry standing.

Comprehensive Benefits of CLE Membership

Access to Export Promotion Schemes

One of the most compelling reasons to join CLE is the direct access to various export promotion schemes designed to bolster international trade efforts:

• Market Development Assistance (MDA): CLE organizes India Pavilions at major global leather fairs and conducts buyer-seller meets in key markets. Exporters participating in these events can receive reimbursements for a portion of their expenses. This support is available to companies with an FOB value of exports ranging from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 30 crore per annum. The assistance covers costs related to air travel in economy class and charges for built-up furnished stalls in overseas exhibitions.(Leather Exports Council)

• Duty-Free Import Scheme: Manufacturers or exporters of leather garments who are registered members of CLE and possess a valid Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) can avail themselves of this scheme. It allows for the duty-free import of specified inputs, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing competitiveness in international markets.

• Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme: This initiative permits the import of capital goods at zero customs duty, provided they are used for pre-production, production, and post-production activities. Such a provision enables exporters to upgrade their manufacturing infrastructure without incurring prohibitive costs, thereby improving product quality and production efficiency.

Industry Insights and Market Intelligence

Staying informed about market trends and regulatory changes is crucial for sustained success in the leather export business. CLE offers its members valuable industry insights through:

• Regular Publications: Members receive complimentary copies of “Leather News India,” a monthly magazine that provides updates on global market trends, policy changes, and technological advancements in the leather sector.(https://sell.amazon.in)

• Seminars and Workshops: CLE organizes educational events focusing on various aspects of the leather industry, including design innovation, quality standards, and export documentation. These platforms offer members the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and stay abreast of best practices.

• Market Research Reports: Access to detailed reports on international markets helps members identify potential opportunities and make informed decisions regarding market entry and expansion strategies.

Networking and Business Opportunities

Membership with CLE opens doors to a vast network of industry stakeholders:

• Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: By participating in CLE-organized events, members can showcase their products to a global audience, establish contacts with international buyers, and explore new business avenues.

• Buyer-Seller Meets: These events facilitate direct interactions between Indian exporters and overseas buyers, fostering relationships that can lead to long-term business collaborations.

• Trade Delegations: CLE frequently leads delegations to key markets, providing members with firsthand exposure to international business environments and the opportunity to negotiate deals directly.

Advocacy and Representation

As a collective voice of the Indian leather industry, CLE plays a pivotal role in:

• Policy Advocacy: Representing members’ interests to the government, ensuring that policies are conducive to the growth of leather exports.

• Issue Resolution: Addressing challenges faced by exporters, such as tariff barriers or compliance issues, by liaising with relevant authorities to find amicable solutions.

Capacity Building and Skill Development

Recognizing the importance of skill enhancement, CLE invests in:

• Training Programs: Organizing workshops aimed at upgrading the skills of the workforce in areas like design, production techniques, and quality control.

• Technology Upgradation: Assisting members in adopting the latest technologies to improve efficiency and product quality, thereby meeting international standards.

Membership Categories and Fee Structure

CLE offers two types of memberships based on the export performance of the applicant:

1. Associate Members: For exporters with an FOB value of exports below Rs. 15 lakh.

2. Ordinary Members: For exporters with an FOB value of exports above Rs. 15 lakh.

The annual membership fee varies according to the category and the export turnover of the member. For instance, as per the latest available data, the fee structure is as follows:

• Associate Members: Rs. 5,000 + applicable taxes.

• Ordinary Members:

  • Exports above Rs. 15 lakh and up to Rs. 1 crore: Rs. 7,000 + applicable taxes.
  • Exports above Rs. 1 crore and up to Rs. 5 crore: Rs. 15,000 + applicable taxes.
  • Exports above Rs. 5 crore and up to Rs. 10 crore: Rs. 20,000 + applicable taxes.
  • Exports above Rs. 10 crore: Rs. 30,000 + applicable taxes.

Note: The above figures are indicative and subject to change. Members are advised to refer to the official CLE website for the most current fee structure.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

In the Union Budget of 2025, the government announced a focused product scheme for the footwear and leather sectors. This initiative aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and exports, with projections indicating an increase of over Rs. 1.1 lakh crore in exports. The scheme is expected to generate employment for 22 lakh individuals and attract significant investments in design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery.

CLE’s Efforts in Brand Building for Indian Leather Products

Technological Upgradation Initiatives by CLE

CLE’s Advocacy for Policy Reforms in the Leather Sector

Success Stories: Exporters Benefiting from CLE Programs

CLE’s Role in Sustainable Leather Production

Infrastructure Support for Leather Exporters

Skill Development Programs by CLE

Navigating Export Policies with CLE’s Guidance

Membership Benefits of the Council for Leather Exports

Market Expansion Initiatives by CLE