A seminar on “Furniture Industry Compliance & Certification” was organized under the aegis of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in collaboration with Complise India and Complise Global on 12 June 2026 at Hotel Tulip, Jaipur. The programme witnessed the participation of around 90 delegates, including representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), handicraft entrepreneurs, exporters, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
During the seminar, the representative of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Shri Rajat Verma, Senior Assistant Director (Handicrafts), participated in the programme and delivered a presentation on the various schemes being implemented under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) across the country for the overall development of handicraft artisans, producer groups, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. He appealed to the participating exporters and entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the benefits and opportunities offered under these schemes, which can help them establish and expand their businesses, generate employment opportunities, and support the sustainable development and livelihood enhancement of associated producer groups through the handicrafts sector. He also informed the participants that the EPCH Laboratory has recently been upgraded with modern testing equipment and advanced facilities under the Technology Upgradation Scheme of NHDP. The laboratory is currently equipped to undertake testing and certification of furniture products in accordance with internationally accepted standards. Exporters were encouraged to make optimum use of these facilities to improve product quality, ensure compliance with international requirements, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian handicraft furniture products.
The Senior Assistant Director further motivated handicraft artisans and entrepreneurs to develop themselves as exporters and explained the procedures involved in entering the export sector. Detailed information was provided regarding export registration, product certification requirements, marketing assistance, participation in international trade fairs, and various Government support schemes available for exporters. He emphasized that artisans can establish a distinct identity in the international market through their craftsmanship, innovation, and product quality. He further stated that active participation in export activities can significantly contribute to business expansion, income generation, and employment creation. Such initiatives will also contribute to the growth of India’s GDP and strengthen the global recognition and appreciation of Indian handicrafts and their rich cultural heritage.
The seminar served as an effective platform for creating awareness about compliance requirements, certification procedures, export opportunities, and Government support mechanisms available to the handicrafts sector. The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has been playing a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs, emerging exporters, and producer groups by providing guidance, market linkages, and opportunities through regular buyer-seller meets, trade fairs, exhibitions, and capacity-building programmes. The decision to organize such workshops and seminars was taken during the Cross-Functional Convergence Meeting held on 29 May 2026 at the Conference Hall of the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur. The initiative aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance awareness among various organizations and offices functioning under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
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