Overview of SEPC Licence

The Service Export Promotion Council is the foremost trade body dedicated to supporting Indian service exporters. With a major role in shaping government policies, SEPC licence serves as a main medium between the service industry and the government. One of SEPC's key objectives is to facilitate business interactions between Indian and foreign entities. By promoting collaboration, SEPC actively contributes to the growth of the service industry by providing a conducive environment for trade.

Positioned as a central hub, it serves as a platform for both Indian and foreign companies seeking business opportunities in India across various modes of services trade, including Mode-1, Mode-2, Mode-3 and Mode-4.

The SEPC as a body also extends support to foreign delegates seeking services at competitive prices in India. Acting as a direct point of contact, SEPC offers valuable information on service providers, aiding foreign delegates in making informed decisions and promoting international collaboration.

Important Role of Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, recognizing the significance of the Services Sector, established the Services Export Promotion Council to provide direction and encouragement. Since its inception in 2006, SEPC has played an important role in facilitating the export of services. The council is endowed with diverse roles and responsibilities aimed at promoting the growth of the services industry.

Roles and Responsibilities of SEPC:

The major roles of the SEPC include

1. Creating Business Opportunities:

   Facilitating business opportunities for both aspiring and existing services exporters.

2. Government-Industry Interface:

   Acting as a platform to bridge the gap between the government and the industry.

   Providing policy inputs and addressing industry issues.

   Offering insights on global markets, including opportunities, challenges, and regulatory frameworks.

3. Export Facilitation:

   Formulating business enablers such as incentives to boost exports.

   Designing market-oriented promotional events and activities.

4. Support and Grants:

   Providing access to various grants and schemes announced by the Ministry of Commerce, related Ministries, and State Governments.

5. As a member of SEPC, organizations can:
   • Access authentic trade leads and market access opportunities in existing and emerging markets.
   • Showcase their company profile on www.servicesepc.org under MY SEPC.
   • Network digitally to get noticed by overseas importers.
   • Receive support from Indian Embassies/Missions for international business opportunities.
   • Facilitate visa processes for business visits.
6. Active Participation Opportunities:

   SEPC members can actively participate in:

   • Policy formulation to create an enabling business environment.
   • Access incentives under the Market Access Initiative Scheme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
   • Access forthcoming Export Incentives formulated under the Foreign Trade Policy.
   • Become eligible for schemes under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
   • Receive certificates for export performance or payment of duty/GST for availing Bank Guarantee exemption in relation to Advance Authorisation (AA)/DFIA/EPCG authorization.

Benefits of Obtaining SEPC Licence in India

Obtaining a Services Export Promotion Council or SEPC licence in India brings a range of benefits for service exporters. SEPC, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is dedicated to promoting and facilitating the export of services. Given below are the benefits of obtaining an SEPC licence:

1. Business Opportunities:

   SEPC licence actively works to create business opportunities for services exporters, both aspiring and existing.

2. Government-Industry Interface:

   Serves as a platform bridging the gap between the government and the industry, providing policy inputs and addressing industry issues.

   Offers insights on global markets, including existing and emerging opportunities, challenges and regulatory frameworks.

3. Export Facilitation:

   Formulates business enablers, including incentives, to boost and facilitate exports.

   Designs market-oriented promotional events and activities to enhance market presence.

4. Financial Support:

   Provides access to various grants and schemes announced by the Ministry of Commerce, and other Ministries and State Governments.

5. Networking and Visibility:

   Accesses authentic trade leads and market access opportunities in existing and emerging markets.

   Facilitates digital networking, allowing companies to get noticed by overseas importers.

6. International Business Support:

   Provides necessary support from Indian Embassies/Missions for business opportunities in various countries.

   Assists in visa facilitation for undertaking business visits.

7. Policy Participation:

   Allows active participation in policy formulation to create an enabling business environment.

8. Participation in Events:

   Enables participation in international exhibitions, Reverse Buyer-Sellers Meets and other export promotional activities at subsidised costs.

9. Incentives and Subsidies:

   Accesses incentives under the Market Access Initiative Scheme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

   Avails partial coverage of airfare costs (subject to guidelines) during participation in international exhibitions under the SEPC pavilion.

10. Export Incentives:

    Accesses Export Incentives formulated under the Foreign Trade Policy.

11. MSME Eligibility:

    Becomes eligible for schemes under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

12. Certificates and Exemptions:

    Issuance of certificates for export performance or payment of duty/GST for availing Bank Guarantee exemption in regard to Advance Authorisation (AA)/DFIA/EPCG authorisation.

Eligibility Criteria for SEPC Licence

The basic criteria of eligibility for a SEPC licence includes the following:

1. Minimum Annual Turnover Requirement

   To be eligible for SEPC licence-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), companies must adhere to the following criteria:

   • The minimum annual turnover should not be less than USD 15,000.
2. Criteria for Proprietorship Entities

   For proprietorship entities, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

   • The minimum turnover for proprietorship should be not less than USD 10,000 to qualify for SEPC certification.
3. Alignment of Participation Year and Export

   An additional condition for availing SEPC benefits involves the alignment of the participation year in the scheme with the year of export. To avail of the benefits, the exporter must ensure that the year of participation in the SEPC scheme coincides with the year of export. This requirement reinforces the link between participation and export activities within the SEPC framework.

Documents Required for SEPC RCMC Registration

The list of documents needed for SEPC registration include the following:

For Businesses:

• Digital Signature Certificate
• Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association in the case of a company
• Two photographs of the authorised signatory
• Certificate of Incorporation of the company
• Cancelled cheque by the authorised signatory
• Certificate of business registration in the case of a proprietorship or partnership firm
• Self-attested address proof (like for example Aadhar Card/Voter ID) of the authorised person.

For Registered Office:

• Proof of Rent Agreement
• Copy of GST Registration
• Ownership proof of the registered office duly notarised on Rs. 10 stamp paper or No Objection Certificate from the owner of the property.

Ensure that all documents are properly attested, complete and in accordance with the requirements specified for SEPC RCMC registration.

Procedure for Obtaining SEPC Licence

The process for obtaining SEPC registration involves the following given steps:

1. Creation of Profile on SEPC Online Portal:

   Begin the process by creating a profile on the official SEPC online portal.

2. Submission of Company Details and Nature of Service:

   Provide comprehensive details about the company, including its nature of service, through the online portal.

3. Documentation Submission:

   Upload the necessary documentation as per SEPC requirements. This may include but is not limited to:

   • Digital Signature Certificate
   • Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for companies
   • Photographs of the authorised signatory
   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Cancelled cheque by the authorised signatory
   • Certificate of business registration for proprietorship or partnership firms
   • Self-attested address proof (ex., Aadhar Card/Voter ID) of the authorised person
4. Key Details of Authorised Signatory:

   Provide key details of the authorised signatory of the company or firm. This may include personal and contact information.

5. Verification of Documents:

   SEPC will undertake a thorough verification of the submitted documents to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria.

6. Issuance of Certificate:

   Upon successful verification, SEPC will issue the Export Promotion Council for Services Licence.

Note: The above steps are a general overview of the SEPC licence acquisition process. It is important to refer to the specific guidelines and requirements outlined by SEPC, as these may be subject to updates and changes. Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided on the official SEPC online portal for accurate and successful completion of the licence acquisition process.

New Membership Registration Fees for SEPC Registration

SEPC is dedicated to supporting services exporters and for the fiscal year 2023-24, the onetime admission fees for new membership registration are being waived off. Given below are the revised fees details for new registration:

Please note that the above fees structure is applicable for the specified fiscal year and is subject to SEPC's policies and guidelines.

Membership Renewal Fees

The membership renewal fees for SEPC registration is as given below:

As a special one-time offer, SEPC is inviting you to renew your lapsed membership by paying only the current financial year (2023-24) renewal fees applicable to your category. SEPC is waiving off any backlog of renewal fees.

Note: Effective from 15.06.2023, in accordance with DGFT guidelines, the submission of registration fees for new membership registration or membership renewal is only allowed through the payment gateway, available in the last step of the online application form. The offline fee/payment submission mode (direct submission of fee to a SEPC bank account) is no longer permitted.

Why Choose StartupFino for SEPC Licence in India?

StartupFino is a company that specialises in offering complete services for SEPC Licence. We can help you with everything from providing advice in the initial phase to ensuring that you meet all the necessary requirements and compliances for your SEPC licence and registration.

Choosing StartupFino as your service provider for the SEPC registration brings the following advantages to companies:

• Expert Guidance: StartupFino with its team of experts have clear knowledge of the SEPC licence application process, ensuring accurate and efficient guidance.

• Regulatory Compliance: Our team keeps updated with the latest DGFT guidelines and regulatory changes, ensuring that companies remain compliant throughout the SEPC licence application process.

• Customised Support: StartupFino provides personalised solutions, recognising that each company's requirements for SEPC licence acquisition may vary.

• Renewal of Membership: We guide companies in renewing lapsed memberships by paying only the current financial year renewal fees.

• Transparent Communication: StartupFino maintains transparent communication throughout the SEPC licence acquisition process, keeping clients informed at every step.