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Fri, Mar 06 2026
Raju Karn
India is famous for its colorful culture and skilled craftsmen. People here make beautiful things like wooden carvings, handmade carpets, metal art, and decorative items. These handicrafts are loved all over the world. Countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and Australia buy a lot of Indian handicrafts every year.
Many small artisans and businesses in India want to sell their products internationally. But exporting is not just about finding buyers. You also need to complete registrations, follow rules, and keep the right documents before sending goods abroad. If you want to start or grow a handicraft export business, it is important to know the steps clearly.
Handicrafts export refers to selling handmade products produced in India to international buyers. These products are usually made using traditional skills, natural materials, and cultural designs.
Indian handicrafts are popular globally because they are unique, artistic, and often handcrafted rather than machine-made.
Any business planning to export handicraft products from India must complete certain registrations before starting export activities.
The following businesses typically require export registration:
➤ Handicraft manufacturersBusinesses that produce handicraft products and want to sell them internationally.
➤ Merchant exportersCompanies that buy handicraft products from artisans or manufacturers and export them.
➤ Online sellersBusinesses selling handicrafts on international platforms such as Amazon Global or Etsy.
➤ Small artisans and cooperativesGroups of artisans that manufacture traditional handicrafts and want to reach global buyers.
Before exporting handicrafts, businesses must obtain key registrations such as:
• Import Export Code (IEC)• RCMC certificate from Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)• GST registration
These registrations help businesses legally export goods and access export incentives.
After obtaining an IEC, handicraft exporters normally register with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
This registration is called the RCMC Certificate (Registration Cum Membership Certificate).
The RCMC is important because it:
➜ Confirms that the exporter belongs to the handicraft export industry
➜ Allows access to export promotion schemes
➜ Helps exporters participate in international exhibitions
➜ Improves credibility with foreign buyers
Many international buyers actually prefer working with exporters who are registered with recognized export councils.
Starting a handicraft export business can provide many opportunities for manufacturers and traders.
Exporting allows businesses to sell products to international buyers instead of depending only on local markets.
Handicraft products often sell at much higher prices in foreign markets due to their uniqueness and craftsmanship.
Registered exporters can claim benefits under government export promotion schemes.
Export promotion councils regularly organize global exhibitions where exporters can meet international buyers.
Export demand creates more work opportunities for local artisans and traditional craftsmen.
When exporters apply for export registrations, they are typically asked to provide a few basic documents.
These usually include:→ Import Export Code (IEC)
→ PAN card of the business
→ GST registration certificate
→ Business registration proof
→ Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
→ Address proof of the business
For each export shipment, additional documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, and bill of lading are also required.
Starting a handicraft export business in India involves a few important steps.
First, create a legal business entity such as:
• Proprietorship• Partnership• LLP• Private Limited Company
PAN and GST registration are required for taxation and business compliance.
The IEC is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that allows businesses to import or export goods from India.
To access export benefits and industry support, exporters must obtain an RCMC certificate from EPCH.
Export payments are received through international banking channels, so a current account is required.
Exporters can find buyers through:
• International trade fairs• B2B platforms• Global marketplaces• Buyer-seller meets organized by export councils
Indian handicrafts are sold in many countries around the world. The biggest markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada.
Products like handmade furniture, brass decor items, embroidered textiles, and decorative artifacts are especially popular in these countries. The demand for Indian handicrafts keeps growing, which is why exports continue to expand every year.
Many new exporters try to start exporting without completing the required registrations. This often creates serious problems.
Export shipments may get delayed or rejected at customs if the exporter does not have a valid IEC.
Without RCMC registration, businesses cannot claim government export incentives.
International buyers prefer working with registered exporters who have proper documentation.
Export promotion councils provide buyer connections and trade opportunities that unregistered exporters cannot access.
Completing the required registrations ensures that export operations run smoothly.
The cost and processing time for registrations needed to export handicrafts are usually reasonable and straightforward.
Once these registrations are completed, a business can legally start exporting handicraft products from India.
A small wooden handicraft supplier based in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, received a bulk order from a buyer in Germany for decorative wooden trays and wall art pieces.
However, the company had never exported products before and did not have the required export registrations. PSR Compliance assisted the business in obtaining their IEC and EPCH RCMC registration and guided them through the export documentation process.
Within a short time, the company successfully completed its first international shipment and later expanded to multiple European buyers.
The experts at PSR Compliance can guide you through the complete process smoothly.
For professional assistance and quick registration support, contact PSR Compliance today at +91-7065883416 and take the first step toward growing your handicraft business in global markets.
The United States is the largest importer of Indian handicrafts, accounting for nearly 38% of total exports.
Major markets for Indian handicrafts include the USA, European Union countries, the UAE, Germany, France, Italy, and Canada.
India mainly exports woodware, embroidered goods, art metalware, hand-printed textiles, imitation jewellery, and handmade carpets.
Embroidered and crocheted handicrafts are among the most popular Indian products in the USA and European markets.
Art metalware handicrafts from India are highly demanded in the UAE market.
Major handicraft production hubs include Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
The industry is growing due to rising global demand for sustainable, handmade, and culturally authentic products.
More than 56% of the workforce in India’s handicraft sector consists of female artisans.
Exporters need an Import Export Code (IEC) along with proper packaging, verified buyers, and quality compliance.
New exporters can start by obtaining an IEC, identifying genuine international buyers, and following proper export procedures.
States such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are widely known for handicraft exports.
Eco-friendly production, sustainable materials, and modern design adaptation are key trends driving handicraft exports.