Dr. Rakesh Kumar Highlights EPCH–TICA–Expo Bazaar Global Warehousing Plan at IHGF 2026

Greater Noida News (17 February 2026): The third day of the 61st IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026 witnessed vibrant exhibitor–buyer engagement and forward-looking industry deliberations at the world-class India Expo Centre & Mart. Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, the five-day fair continues to reinforce its standing as one of the world’s largest sourcing platforms for Indian handicrafts, with over 3,000 exhibitors and nearly 900 permanent showrooms participating.

A key highlight of Day 3 was an in-depth strategic session on the EPCH–Expo Bazaar–TICA collaboration, aimed at expanding the global footprint of Indian handicrafts through overseas warehousing, fulfilment infrastructure and Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery models across Europe and the United States.

Addressing exporters and industry stakeholders, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General (Chief Mentor), EPCH and Chairman, IEML, explained how global buyer behaviour has evolved significantly in the post-COVID era. He noted that international buyers are increasingly reluctant to block working capital for long production and shipping cycles traditionally associated with overseas sourcing.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar elaborated that a typical export cycle for Indian handicrafts may involve nearly 60 days of production, about 15 days of inland transportation from production hubs to ports, close to 30 days of sea transit, followed by additional time for warehousing and distribution. This can result in a capital commitment of nearly 115 days, prompting buyers—particularly small and mid-sized ones—to prefer Ready-to-Ship inventory and dropshipping models over long lead-time orders.

To address this shift, EPCH has developed a global supply-chain ecosystem through its commercial subsidiary, Expro Digital India Private Limited. Dr. Rakesh Kumar explained that consolidated shipments in overseas markets require an Importer on Record to manage multiple Bills of Entry and ensure compliance while controlling costs. Accordingly, Expro Digital Supply Chain Management BV has been established in the Netherlands to serve the entire European market, while Expro Digital SCM INC. has been set up in the United States.

These overseas entities handle import procedures, regulatory compliance and distribution on behalf of Indian exporters. Under the model, exporters’ products are stocked in overseas warehouses, enabling faster fulfilment and local-market responsiveness. The system is integrated with multiple sales channels, including B2B platforms, e-commerce marketplaces and emerging social commerce platforms such as TikTok. While business-to-business operations are already active, preparations for business-to-consumer sales are underway, subject to single-piece packaging and regulatory requirements.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar highlighted that exporters are provided access to a digital dashboard offering real-time visibility into inventory levels, order locations, selling prices, buyer details and shipment tracking. Once an order is placed—whether from different U.S. states or European countries—the warehouse system automatically generates shipping labels, facilitates picking and packing, applies exporter branding, and dispatches goods via courier services. Deliveries to end customers are completed within 24 to 48 hours from overseas warehouses.

Financial settlements are also fully transparent. Payments collected through gateways are first received by Expro Digital as the Importer on Record, then transferred to Expro Digital India, and finally remitted to exporters’ accounts, with complete transaction details reflected on the dashboard.

The objective is to position Indian exporters as local suppliers in foreign markets, Dr. Rakesh Kumar said, adding that maintaining ready stock overseas allows them to compete directly with domestic suppliers on delivery speed, reliability and service efficiency.

During the session, Dr. Rakesh Kumar also shared insights into TICA’s business model in the Benelux region. He explained that TICA operates large cash-and-carry wholesale centres near Schiphol Airport, serving around 45,000 registered professional buyers, including retailers, interior designers and corporate purchasers. Additional facilities in Venlo, Ede and Brussels operate on a similar model, offering immediate purchase with continuous replenishment.

He further outlined TICA’s “Projects” concept at Velp, where a dedicated wholesale order-booking space displays samples and facilitates bulk orders with delivery timelines of 30 to 60 days. The same product ranges are marketed across Europe through integrated e-commerce systems, creating a seamless omni-channel sourcing environment.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar noted that Expo Bazaar is partnering with TICA in Europe while building similar networks in other global markets, including the United States. He also indicated that EPCH may explore providing warehouse facilities at concessional rates for participating exporters in the future. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a major Indian handicrafts showroom at the High Point Market in the U.S., one of the world’s most influential furniture trade fairs, to further strengthen India’s global sourcing presence.

The session underscored EPCH’s commitment to future-ready trade infrastructure, enabling Indian handicraft exporters—large and small alike—to adapt to changing global sourcing dynamics and unlock new growth opportunities in international markets.

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