Textile Export Promotion Council

Textile Export Promotion Council

Introduction

India has long been a global hub for textiles, known for its rich heritage in fabric weaving, dyeing, and design. To further strengthen its position in the global market and support textile businesses, the Indian government established various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs). Among them, the Textile Export Promotion Councils play a crucial role in promoting, supporting, and sustaining the growth of textile exports from India.


What is a Textile Export Promotion Council?

A Textile Export Promotion Council (TEPC) is a non-profit organization recognized and supported by the
Textile Committee
Ministry of Textiles
and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. These councils aim to promote exports of specific segments of the textile industry by providing a platform for exporters to connect with international buyers, understand global markets, and enhance their competitiveness.

Each council focuses on a specific textile segment, such as handlooms, garments, synthetic and rayon textiles, wool, silk, carpets, or technical textiles.


Major Textile Export Promotion Councils in India

Here are some key councils under the umbrella of textile export promotion:

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Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

Focus: Ready-made garments and apparel

Services: Trade shows, buyer-seller meets, policy advocacy, training


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Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

Focus: Cotton textiles including yarn, fabrics, and made-ups

Services: Market intelligence, certification, export statistics


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Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)

Focus: Man-made fibre textiles

Services: Market research, trade facilitation, product promotion


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Wool & Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)

Focus: Wool and woolen products

Services: Export advice, global marketing support


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Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)

Focus: Silk and silk-blended products

Services: Trade events, overseas missions, buyer engagement


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Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)

Focus: Handloom products

Services: Exhibitions, design development, market surveys


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Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

Focus: Handmade carpets and other floor coverings

Services: Overseas trade fairs, international marketing


Textile Committee
Textiles Committee (under Ministry of Textiles)

Although not a direct EPC, it plays a regulatory role in quality control and R&D.


Objectives of Textile Export Promotion Councils

  1. Promote Exports
    Councils work actively to increase India’s share in global textile trade by organizing trade delegations, expos, and buyer-seller meets.

  2. Market Intelligence
    They provide timely data on foreign markets, demand trends, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers.

  3. Policy Advocacy
    Councils act as a bridge between exporters and the government, voicing industry concerns and suggesting policy changes.

  4. Skill Development & Training
    Councils like AEPC and HEPC offer skill development programs to enhance product quality and compliance with international standards.

  5. Quality Assurance and Certifications
    Some councils facilitate certifications like ISO, GOTS, and Oeko-Tex to meet international buyer requirements.

  6. Support During Trade Disputes or Barriers
    They help exporters navigate anti-dumping investigations, customs issues, and trade regulations in importing countries.


Functions and Activities

  • Organizing trade fairs and exhibitions, both in India and abroad

  • Facilitating buyer-seller meets

  • Publishing reports, directories, and newsletters

  • Providing financial support and export incentives

  • Offering export-related advisory services

  • Monitoring global textile trends and disseminating information

  • Enabling access to government schemes like RoSCTL, RoDTEP, and MEIS


Significance in India’s Economy

The textile sector contributes about 12% to India’s exports and employs over 45 million people, making it one of the largest sources of employment in the country. Textile EPCs help sustain this sector by enabling MSMEs and large exporters to reach new markets and stay competitive.

With increasing global demand for eco-friendly and sustainable textiles, EPCs also help Indian exporters transition to greener production models.


Recent Initiatives and Challenges

Recent Initiatives:

  • Virtual trade fairs and digital platforms during COVID-19

  • Promotion of technical textiles for industrial applications

  • Sustainability programs and traceability solutions

  • Integration with international platforms like Texworld, Heimtextil, and MAGIC Show

Challenges:

  • Global competition from low-cost producers like Bangladesh and Vietnam

  • Rising raw material costs

  • Compliance with complex environmental and labor standards

  • Tariff disadvantages due to absence of FTAs with major markets


Conclusion

Textile Export Promotion Councils are vital pillars in India’s export ecosystem. They not only facilitate market access and brand visibility but also enable innovation, compliance, and skill development in the textile industry. As India pushes toward becoming a global textile powerhouse, these councils will continue to play a key role in shaping its trade trajectory.






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