Handicraft Export Certificate for Export from India

What is a Handicraft Export Certificate?

A Handicraft Export Certificate is issued to verify that a product is handmade or crafted using traditional techniques. It is essential for exporters who deal in handicrafts, handmade products, and traditional artifacts from India. This certification helps in customs clearance, availing export benefits, and proving authenticity in international markets.

📌 Issued By: Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Government of India
📌 Regulated By: Ministry of Textiles, DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), and Customs Authorities
📌 Purpose: Ensures that exported goods are authentic handicrafts and not mass-produced industrial products.

Who Needs a Handicraft Export Certificate?

✅ Handicraft Manufacturers & Exporters – Wood, metal, stone, ceramic, and textile crafts.
✅ Handloom & Traditional Artisans – Handmade fabrics, carpets, tribal art.
✅ Cottage & Small-Scale Handicraft Units – Rural and traditional craft industries.
✅ Wooden & Metal Craft Exporters – Carved wooden furniture, brass, copper artifacts.
✅ Jewelry & Gemstone Handicraft Exporters – Handmade silver, gold, and tribal jewelry.
✅ Gift & Decorative Items Exporters – Painted pottery, wall hangings, statues.

Products Requiring a Handicraft Export Certificate

🔹 Wooden Handicrafts – Carved furniture, wooden statues, toys.
🔹 Metal Handicrafts – Brassware, silverware, bronze artifacts.
🔹 Textile Handicrafts – Handwoven fabrics, block prints, embroidered textiles.
🔹 Jewelry & Gemstone Crafts – Handmade jewelry, tribal ornaments.
🔹 Terracotta & Ceramic Handicrafts – Pottery, clay figurines, painted ceramics.
🔹 Leather Handicrafts – Handmade leather bags, footwear, accessories.
🔹 Paper & Natural Fiber Crafts – Paper mache items, bamboo & cane products.
🔹 Marble & Stone Crafts – Sculptures, inlay work, temple carvings.

How to Obtain a Handicraft Export Certificate?

📌 Apply through EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) – www.epch.in

Application Process

1️⃣ Register with EPCH – Obtain an RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate).
2️⃣ Provide Handicraft Product Details – Description, materials, techniques used.
3️⃣ Submit Sample for Verification – Ensures that the product is handmade.
4️⃣ Inspection & Certification – EPCH officials verify production units and processes.
5️⃣ Certification Issuance – The product is labeled as handmade/handicraft for export.

Documents Required for Handicraft Export Certification

📜 Company Registration Certificate – Business proof of exporter.
📜 RCMC from EPCH – Registration with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.
📜 Product Details & Photos – Material description, craftsmanship details.
📜 Manufacturer/Artisan Proof – Proof that the goods are handmade.
📜 Customs Declaration & GST Details – For export clearance.
📜 Export Order & Buyer Details – If applying for export benefits.

Benefits of a Handicraft Export Certificate

✅ Mandatory for Export of Indian Handicrafts
✅ Helps in Customs Clearance & DGFT Approvals
✅ Enables Access to Export Incentives & Duty Exemptions
✅ Ensures Recognition in Global Handicraft Markets
✅ Protects Traditional Indian Art & Craft Industries