The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) is the apex export promotion organization for India’s leather and leather products industry. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and is responsible for promoting, supporting, and regulating leather exports from India.
Yes. CLE registration and obtaining a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is mandatory for exporters of leather and leather products to claim benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.
RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) certifies that an exporter is officially registered with CLE and is eligible to access government export incentives, schemes, and trade facilitation benefits.
Manufacturers, merchant exporters, and exporters involved in leather, leather footwear, leather garments, leather goods, and allied products are eligible to apply for CLE membership.
CLE functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and is the officially notified Export Promotion Council for the leather sector.
CLE covers finished leather, leather footwear, leather garments, leather goods, saddlery, and other allied leather products.
CLE membership provides access to export incentives, participation in international trade fairs, policy advocacy, market intelligence, training programs, and enhanced credibility with global buyers.
Yes. CLE organizes and facilitates participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer–seller meets, and mega leather shows across global markets.
Yes. CLE helps its members resolve trade disputes related to quality issues, contractual obligations, and export-import matters through mediation and official representation.
Documents typically include IEC, GST registration certificate, PAN card, proof of business incorporation, bank certificate, address proof, and export performance details (if applicable).
Yes. A valid GST registration certificate is required for CLE registration as part of statutory compliance.
CLE membership and RCMC are issued for a specified validity period and must be renewed before expiry to continue availing benefits and incentives.
Failure to renew membership may result in suspension of benefits, ineligibility for export incentives, and disruption in participation in trade promotion activities.
Yes. New exporters planning to export leather or leather products can apply for CLE membership and obtain RCMC before commencing exports.
Yes. CLE members can access schemes such as EPCG, Duty-Free Import Scheme, reimbursement schemes, and other incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Yes. CLE organizes training programs, workshops, and seminars to improve skills, productivity, quality standards, and technological capabilities in the leather industry.
Yes. CLE assists international importers by connecting them with verified Indian exporters and facilitating sourcing requirements.
Yes. For availing duty-free imports under export promotion schemes, exporters must have a valid CLE RCMC.
CLE represents the leather industry in discussions with government authorities, helping shape favorable export policies and resolve industry-wide challenges.
Yes. CLE facilitates assistance under government schemes like the Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) for modernization and technology upgradation.
Processing time depends on document accuracy and verification but typically takes a few working days once the application is complete.
Yes. CLE membership significantly boosts trust and credibility among international buyers as it confirms government-recognized exporter status.
Udyog Suvidha Kendra (USK) provides end-to-end assistance for CLE registration, document preparation, application filing, follow-ups, renewals, and compliance management—ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
