India has a healthy yield of cashews throughout the year. This makes the cashew business an excellent opportunity to invest and expect high returns. An average local Indian frequently uses cashews in their daily diet. It is important to note that because of the superb quality cashews available in India, the prices of the same are reasonably high. Exporting cashews is seen as an opportunity for the cashew sellers because of the excellent quality and large quantity of cashews grown in India
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About CEPCI
The Indian government encourages cashews merchants to expand their business in the export market. To support the cashew markets, The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) was set up by the Government of India. CEPCI was established in 1955 to promote export practices among the cashew merchants of India. The organization sets up a basic framework for the exporters to follow while doing business in the international market. CEPCI not only helps the merchants and promotes export practices but also contributes in the framing of several export policies.
Membership/Registration Process
To become a member of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, an individual needs to follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official website of CEPCI and click on the ‘Membership’ tab on the Menu bar.
- Click on ‘Register New’ under drop down bar of Membership tab.
- New page will open, either provide the email address to get an OTP to proceed with registration process or click on the desired membership tab on left side of the page.
- By clicking on desired membership a new page will open to provide all the information about the membership.
- At bottom of the page a button will display ‘Apply Online Now’ – By clicking on the button, application form will get downloaded.
- Fill in the complete application form and attach all the scanned documents.
- Refer to the tab ‘Checklist for filling’ to get information of required documents to be submitted.
- Pay the membership fees according to the description given on the official website.
- Submit the application form along with the supporting documents and the payment receipt.
- Council will update on the registration once documents are verified and approved.
CEPCI allows to apply for the membership online through their website as well. Individual can visit the official website and fill out the form on the same to renew registration, as well. Visitor can also register his/her business as a new member on the site itself.
Benefits & Features of CEPCI
CEPCI provides several benefits to its member exporters. The primary feature of CEPCI is to provide support and guidance to the merchants to grow their business in the international market.
Following are the significant benefits and features of CEPCI, which makes the membership essential for every cashew merchant in the country:
Fairs and Trade Shows
Fairs and trade shows are one of the basic features of CEPCI. The organization initiates several trade shows and exhibitions, which gives the members business opportunities and a platform to network with fellow exporters in the market. This improves the revenue earned by the merchants and gives them essential contacts which are beneficial for the merchants.
VISA Recommendations
On several occasions, exporters need to make international trips to meet their clients and finalize essential deals. Most of the times, such trips are planned on an urgent basis. Hence, getting VISA in minimum time frame can be a problem for exporters. In such cases, CEPCI recommends that exporter for VISA approval to the concerned authority. Being a government-run body, CEPCI’s recommendation speeds up the Visa procedure for the exporter and make it easier for them to travel. This is a crucial benefit for the members who need to take business trips quite often to different countries.
Training Workshops and Seminars
The CEPCI organizes several workshops and seminars to train the exporters with several skills which might help them to grow and expand their business on the global platform. These training help the exporters to understand different capabilities for the ever-changing and ever-growing international market. CEPCI always plans to get the best in the business to train the exporters, which give the exporters significant exposure.
Financial Assistance
Several exporters have the skills and training to export their products but might lack the capital to fund big orders. CEPCI helps these exporters to get business loans from their partner financial institutions. In this way, CEPCI provides financial assistance to its members. The organization recommends the exporter for the approval of business loans from other financial institutions also, which provides exporters with several options to fund their businesses.
Mediates between the Government and Exporters
Apart from providing the exporter with several benefits, CEPCI also mediates between the government and exporters in case of any specific demands or communication that needs to be made. CEPCI also contributes to the making of new export and trade policies, which is beneficial for the members. The members can put forward their demands and suggestion for the organization to take to the government, which makes the policymakers accessible for the exporters.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs
What are the different types of memberships offered by CEPCI?
The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India offers three types of memberships to new applicants. The types of memberships are given below:
- Ordinary Membership
- Associate Membership
- Supporting Membership
What is the membership fee for CEPCI?
The new applicants of ordinary membership need to pay the fees given below:
- Entrance Fee – Rs 20,000
- Annual fee: Rs 8,500
- 18% GST to be added on the above payments
The new applicants of associate membership need to pay the fees given below:
- Entrance Fee – Rs 3,000
- Annual fee: Rs 6,000
- 18% GST to be added on the above payments
Which entities can apply for supporting membership?
The following entities can register for supporting membership with CEPCI:
- Brokers
- Surveyors
- Shipping lines
- Quality Inspection Agencies
- Custom House Agents
Can prospective exporters apply for membership of CEPCI?
Prospective exporters cannot apply for membership, but they can get their name enrolled as a potential exporter. This can be done before applying for ordinary membership once they meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the same. The enrollment presents them with several opportunities provided by the CEPCI.
How often do I need to renew my membership?
The CEPCI membership calls for annual renewal of the same, which means that you need to renew your membership every year. The renewal can be done by submitting relevant documents and paying the yearly membership fees of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India.
What is the address of CEPCI?
The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India
Cashew Bhavan, Mundakkal West,
Kollam 691001, Kerala, India
Tel: +91 474 2742704
cepci@cashewindia.org