RCMC – Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC): Boosting India’s Handloom Exports Globally
Introduction
The Indian handloom sector symbolizes the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. It plays a crucial role in the rural economy by providing employment to millions of weavers, artisans, and allied workers. To promote handloom products internationally, the Government of India established the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC).
Obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from HEPC is a vital requirement for handloom exporters to legally access government export incentives, subsidies, and international market opportunities.
This blog explores HEPC and its RCMC, explaining why the certification is essential, the benefits it offers to exporters, challenges faced in the registration process, and concluding why it remains key for sustainable export growth.
What is HEPC and RCMC?
Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
Founded in 1963, HEPC is a registered organization under the Government of India, sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles. HEPC’s mission is to promote and develop the handloom sector’s exports by facilitating market access, conducting international events, providing trade information, and liaising with relevant government bodies.
HEPC works to sustain the craft’s traditional essence while creating international demand for handloom products such as sarees, dress materials, fabrics, towels, and home textiles.
Why is RCMC from HEPC Necessary?
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
DGFT mandates an exporter to possess an RCMC issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council to access export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. For handloom exporters, HEPC is the designated council providing this certification.
Access to Export Incentives and Subsidies
RCMC holders can benefit from:
- Duty drawback schemes
- Market Development Assistance (MDA)
- Market Access Initiative (MAI)
- Export finance schemes
These government subsidies assist exporters in reducing costs and expanding global reach.
Enhancing Export Credibility
Being an RCMC holder reinforces trust among international buyers, financial institutions, and government bodies, facilitating smoother business operations and export financing.
Eligibility for Trade Promotion
Only exporters with valid RCMC can participate in HEPC-organized international fairs, buyer-seller meets, trade delegations, and product promotion programs.
Trade Facilitation and Support Services
HEPC helps exporters with documentation, compliance, dispute resolution, quality control measures, and liaison with regulatory authorities to enable hassle-free exports.
Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)
The RCMC is an official certification issued by HEPC to exporters registered under the Foreign Trade Policy. This certificate authenticates the exporter’s membership status, enabling them to claim benefits like export subsidies, duty drawbacks, and participate in government-supported trade events worldwide.
RCMC is mandatory to avail any export-related incentives from the Union Government and participate in the various promotional activities by HEPC.
Benefits of RCMC and HEPC Membership
Access to Export Subsidies and Financial Aid
HEPC members with RCMC enjoy subsidies that help alleviate the financial burden of international exhibitions and export marketing campaigns.
International Trade Show Participation
HEPC regularly organizes events like the Handloom India Exhibition, giving members platforms to showcase products to global buyers and expand their international clientele.
Market Intelligence and Research
HEPC provides exporters with updated market research reports, tariff notifications, and export trend analysis enabling data-driven business decisions.
Export Documentation Support
The council assists members in obtaining Certificates of Origin and other essential documentation for customs clearance and trade compliance.
Capacity Building and Training
Through specialized workshops and seminars, HEPC supports upskilling of artisans and exporters on quality standards, production techniques, and export documentation.
Networking and Policy Advocacy
HEPC represents exporters’ interests to the government, advocated for policies favoring market expansion, and offers business networking opportunities with industry stakeholders.
Challenges in Obtaining RCMC from HEPC
Complex Documentation Process
Exporters need to submit several documents including IEC, PAN, GST registration, export performance statements, and business licenses. Ensuring accuracy and completeness can be difficult for new exporters.
Renewal and Compliance Requirements
RCMC requires renewal every five years. Failure to renew on time can block access to export benefits and disrupt participation in promotion activities.
Understanding Eligibility
Exporters must confirm their products fall under HEPC’s purview—handloom fabrics, garments, and related products—to avoid processing delays or rejection.
Processing Delays
Despite digital applications, delays may occur due to administrative backlogs or incomplete documentation, affecting timely certification.
Conclusion
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) is an essential credential that enables handloom exporters to access government export incentives, regulatory support, and international trade promotion opportunities.
Although exporters may face challenges such as detailed documentation requirements and timely renewal, the benefits offered by HEPC membership and RCMC certification substantially enhance global competitiveness and export growth prospects.
Indian handloom exporters are encouraged to obtain and maintain their RCMC from HEPC to fully leverage export-related advantages, preserve the heritage craft, and achieve sustained success in the global marketplace.
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