Explain the functions of the Export Promotion Council and the procedure for obtaining registration-cum-membership certificate of this Council.

Functions of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs): Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are non-profit organizations registered under the Indian Companies Act. They are established to promote the export of various goods and services from India to international markets. Their major functions include: Information and Assistance: Providing commercially useful information and assistance to their members to help them develop and increase their exports. This includes market intelligence, trade statistics, and regulatory updates. Professional Services: Offering a range of professional services to members, such as guidance on export procedures, documentation, quality standards, and market entry strategies. Market Exploration: Organizing visits of trade delegations of its members abroad to explore overseas markets, identify new opportunities, and establish business contacts. Trade Promotion Events: Organizing and facilitating participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets both in India and abroad to showcase Indian products and services. Liaison with Government: Acting as a crucial interface between the exporting community and both the Central and State Governments. They represent the concerns and suggestions of exporters to policymakers and disseminate government policies and schemes to their members. Capacity Building: Conducting seminars, workshops, and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of exporters. Dispute Resolution: Assisting in resolving trade disputes between Indian exporters and foreign buyers. Procedure for Obtaining Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC): The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a mandatory document for exporters to avail various benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. The procedure to obtain it is as follows: Identify the Relevant EPC: An exporter must apply to the EPC that is responsible for the specific product or group of products they intend to export. For multi-product exporters, they can choose the EPC relevant to their main line of business or apply to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Application Submission: The exporter needs to submit an application form (often available online on the respective EPC's website). Required Documents: The application must be accompanied by self-certified copies of the following documents: Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). PAN Card of the firm/company. Banker's Certificate. Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies) or Partnership Deed (for firms). GST Registration Certificate. Proof of address of the registered office. Membership Fee: The prescribed membership fee, which varies by EPC and membership category, must be paid. This is usually in the form of a cheque or demand draft, or through online payment. Processing and Issuance: Once the application and documents are verified, the EPC processes the request. If everything is in order, the RCMC certificate is issued. Validity: The RCMC certificate is generally valid for five years, starting from 1st April of the licensing year in which it was issued, and ending on 31st March of the fifth year, unless otherwise specified or cancelled. The RCMC is essential for exporters to claim benefits under various export promotion schemes and to interact effectively with government bodies and trade partners.