Exim Policy pertaining to the handicraft Sector
All manufacturers of handicrafts are exempt from obtaining an industrial license to manufacture. There are no restrictions regarding the location of the manufacturing unit

Characteristics of Indian hand crafted items for exports:

• They are quota free and neutral to fiber content or composition, barring 100% silk.
• They include Garments, Made-up and clothing accessories.
• Are produced in cottage industries.
• Should not have zippers.
• Must be ornamented using any one or more of the following Indian folk styles.
• Hand painting, Hand printing, Batik, Tie and Dye, Kalamkari.
• Hand embroidery, Crocheting.
• Appliqué work of sequins, wooden or glass beads, shells, mirror, ornamental motifs of textiles materials.
• Extra wrap of welt ornamentation of silk, art silk or zari threads.
• Should conform to shape and styles of each item as defined in the agreed list of different countries.
• Should satisfy the dimensional aspects.

Rising trend of the export of handicrafts (other than hand knotted carpets) was merely Rs. 387.00 crores during the year of establishment of the Council i.e. 1986-87 rose to level of Rs. 10465.14 crores in year 2003-04.