Membership At The BRICS Trade Council
A working channel between companies in BRICS nations, dialogue partners and regular members — built on trade initiatives, programs and conferences rather than on directories.
Membership is open to companies that meet the council’s established criteria and wish to take an active part in its work. Members join trade initiatives, attend programs held across member and partner nations, and take their place at council conferences.
The pages below set out who qualifies, what each category of membership carries, and how an application moves from first enquiry to confirmation by the secretariat.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to enterprises and business bodies established in BRICS member nations, in dialogue partner countries, and among regular members of the wider council network.
The BRICS Trade Council admits three broad categories of applicant: registered companies engaged in the production, sourcing or distribution of goods and services; trade associations, chambers and federations representing a sector or a region; and business groups, councils and delegations that organise commercial activity on behalf of their members. Professional service firms supporting cross-border trade — logistics, certification, legal, banking and advisory practices — are considered on the same footing.
Eligibility rests on three commitments rather than on size. An applicant should hold an active commercial presence in its home jurisdiction, demonstrate genuine intent to trade or collaborate across BRICS and partner markets, and accept the council’s principles of lawful, transparent dealing with counterparties introduced through its initiatives, programs and conferences.
Eligible Nations And Networks
- BRICS member nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
- Dialogue partners — countries engaged with BRICS through partner and observer arrangements.
- Regular members — companies and bodies already associated with the council’s wider diplomatic and trade network.
Applicants from outside these groupings may still be considered where their trade with a member nation is substantial and verifiable.
At A Glance
Any industry aligned with the council’s trade missions qualifies, from agriculture and manufacturing to technology, energy and professional services. There is no minimum turnover; what matters is an active business and a workable export or sourcing interest.
Applications are reviewed by the secretariat, which may ask for registration documents, a short business profile and a note on the markets you wish to reach.
Types of Membership
Four categories of standing, each matched to how a company or body takes part in council work.
Regular Member
For companies registered and trading in a BRICS nation. Carries voting rights at the general body, full access to council trade initiatives, delegate places at programs and conferences, and listing in the council’s business directory. Held on an annual term with renewal at the close of the council year.
Dialogue Partner Member
For businesses based in approved dialogue partner nations. Carries speaking participation without a general body vote, access to matchmaking and trade initiatives, invitations to programs held in member and partner countries, and introductions to counterpart firms. Renewed annually alongside regular membership.
Associate Member
For industry bodies, chambers, export councils and business groups representing a sector or region. Carries collective representation for member firms, a standing place in sectoral working sessions, and the right to nominate delegations to council conferences. Held on an institutional term renewed by the represented body.
Strategic Partner
For institutions, development agencies and organisations whose trade missions align with council work. Carries joint programming, co-hosted conference sessions, and standing consultation on initiative design rather than membership voting. Held under a term agreed with the secretariat and reviewed at its close.
Standing of members
Regular and dialogue partner categories are held by individual companies; associate and strategic categories are held by the institution rather than by any one firm within it.
Access to initiatives
Every category takes part in the council’s trade initiatives and business matchmaking; the depth of participation follows the category, as set out on the initiatives page.
Conferences and programs
Delegate places at council gatherings are allotted by category and by nation, so that member and partner countries are represented across the conference calendar.
How to Apply
Four stages carry a company from first enquiry to a seat at the council table.
Applications are handled by the Secretariat in the order they are received. Nothing needs to be filed online, and no fee is taken before a company has been reviewed and formally invited to join.
Complete the Membership Form
Write to the Secretariat and the membership form is sent by return, together with the current schedule of categories. It asks for the company profile, sectors of trade, and the BRICS or partner markets you already serve or intend to enter.
Submit Required Documentation
Three items travel with the form: your certificate of business registration, evidence that the company is trading, and the credentials of the officer who will represent it before the council.
Council Review
The Secretariat verifies the file and puts it before the council, a process that usually runs to between ten and fourteen business days. Applicants are contacted directly if any point needs clarification.
Approval and Onboarding
Approved companies receive their welcome materials and membership certificate, and are introduced to the council’s initiatives, programs, and conference calendar across BRICS nations and dialogue partners.
The Secretariat accompanies applicants through every stage, from the first form to the onboarding call. Questions about eligibility, documentation, or timing are welcome at any point in the process.
Ready To Join The Council
The BRICS Trade Council welcomes companies committed to bridging commerce across member nations and dialogue partners.
Whether you are ready to apply or have questions about eligibility and benefits, the Secretariat is here to guide you. Tell us about your company, the markets you trade in today, and the BRICS nations or partner countries you hope to reach — and we will walk you through the category that fits, the documents to prepare, and the programs and conferences open to you once your membership is confirmed.
Applications are reviewed by the Secretariat on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed window to wait for. Established exporters, service firms, chambers and first-time traders are all read with the same attention.
The Secretariat
secretariat@bricstradecouncil.org
Telephone
+9198206 71461
Office
IETO, 3 Priyank Villas, IAF Post, Bangalore 560063, India