Carpets have been an important part of our home decor and furniture for long time now. These have been common in the majority of households. They are used to beautify the look of the place and also provide more comfortable and cozy feel to it. Along with handicrafts manufacturing, carpet manufacturing is also popular on the same lines. The carpet merchants have been in the market for years and have extensive experience in the business.
Keeping the expertise in carpet manufacturing, production, and distribution in mind the ministry of textiles has established the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC). This non-profit making organisation was established in order to promote carpet export and support the local merchants to increase their business.
About Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
Established in 1982, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is a non-profit making council that was setup by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. CEPC was primarily set up to promote the export of carpets and handmade knotted rugs, carpets, floor coverings and other related products by the local merchants. This was done to get the local merchants exposure in the international market and help them grow their businesses. Currently, CPEC has their members that are more than 2600 and works closely with 20 associations. India’s processing share is around 35% of the total world import of handmade carpets.
Key functions of CEPC
Besides being the promoter of the export of carpets and handlooms, CEPC also undertakes various functions for its members and associations. Some of the prominent functions are listed below:
Fairs and Exhibitions
CEPC organises several fairs and exhibitions for the members throughout the year. These events help the exporters to gain exposure and find a market for their products. Fairs and exhibitions are also great opportunities for the exporters to network with fellow businessmen and are updated about the recent events in the carpet export market.
Mediator between the Exporters and Government
CEPC acts as a mediator between the exporters and the government at both state and central levels. It also has representation in various committees and the parliament. It also contributes to the export policies and regulations made by the government. The members can benefit in various areas through the CEPC’s credibility.
VISA Recommendations
Being a CEPC member, it becomes comparatively easy to get visa for business trips that exporters have to take for business purposes. CEPC issues visa recommendation letters for the exporters which helps them clear the VISA process faster and take business trips. When an exporter is backed by CEPC, the exporter has credibility which makes it easier for him/her get a visa.
Strong Position in the Global Market
CEPC has a strong position in the global market. The institute defends its exporters in the global market by taking a stand against the regulations which might affect the export business.
Seminars and Workshops
CEPC organizes several seminars and training workshops for their members. This helps the exporters learn new skills which they can use to grow and expand their business in the global market. It is important for an individual to keep learning about their business and apply new skills in their daily work. Carpet export has seen several changes throughout the expansion and growth of the business and all of these changes have come from the constant learning of the people involved in the business.
Membership/Registration Process
CEPC has a simple registration process which can be done without any obstacles in the way. Applicant needs to submit the documents mentioned in the list given below along with the membership application form downloaded from the official website of Carpet Export Promotion Council.
Documents Required for Membership Application
An affidavit certified by notary stating that neither the firm applying nor any partners involved were blacklisted in the past by any government agencies.
This is added in the membership application to avoid faulty firms to be a member of the council. This filtration maintains the credibility of the council
- An affidavit certified by ‘Notary Public’ stating that the firm will always abide by the code of conduct mentioned by the council especially regarding the non-usage of child labour for business and carpet manufacturing
- A copy of the partnership deed or memorandum and articles of association. This copy needs to be self-attested and is only necessary in the case of limited companies
- Copies of Income Tax PAN (Permanent Account No.) and GST registration number
Online RCMC Form Application
CEPC allows the members to apply for an online RCMC form on their official website. Follow the steps given below to apply for a RCMC form online:
- In the first step, the website cautions the applicant to fill up the form exactly like the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC). Make sure to have IEC while filling up this form.
- The website then shows the details of the membership fees one has to pay for the membership application. It is important for the applicant to transfer the application fee before going ahead with the application.
- Once the payment is done, applicant can fill up the online form for the membership registration. Applicant can fill in all the details for the form and agree with the ‘Code of Conduct’ of CEPC to complete and submit the form.
- After the final submission, form will move ahead for processing and approval.
This online membership registration facility makes the process accessible for various exporters and makes the council feasible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the fees to be a member of CEPC?
The membership fee for CEPC is based on the business revenue generated by the exporter.
- Revenue up to Rs 50 Lakh – Rs 2000
- Revenue between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore – Rs 3000
- Revenue between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore – Rs 5000
- Revenue above Rs 10 crore – Rs 10000
Note: 18% GST is additionally added on all the amounts mentioned above
How frequently do I need to renew my membership with CEPC?
You need to renew your membership annually by paying the annual membership fees to the council.
Does the council help its exporters financially?
Yes, the council helps the exporters financially by recommending them for business loans at lowest possible interest and flexible tenures. This helps the exporters to build their business and expand in the international market.
How can I contact CEPC?
You can contact CEPC at the below mentioned address:
Carpet Export Promotion Council
2nd Floor, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan
Baba Kharak Singh Marg
New Delhi – 110001, INDIA
Where can I write any request, suggestion or call them?
For any query or suggestion you can email at info@cepc.co.in or call them at 91-11-23364716
What is the payment format for a member of CPEC?
Membership subscription can be paid in form of Bank draft / local cheques in favour of “Carpet Export Promotion Council, New Delhi “payable on any nationalized bank.