Financial Assistance and Incentives to Indian Exporters

Export is one of key factors for the development of an economy, where exporters play the most important role. The Government of India has been constantly supporting export sector so as to increase more business and create dreams and opportunities for aspiring youth. The Indian Government has taken enormous steps to facilitate Indian exporters with not only developed ports but also schemes that would enable exporters to save their costs and unnecessary taxes. The Government of India has also set up organizations, councils, chambers and boards exclusively for Indian exporters to promote their products abroad. Let's understand some schemes and organizations in support of Indian exporters.

List of various schemes available for Indian exporters

• Indian Exports Schemes

1. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS):

The MEIS rewards exporters by offsetting the infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs. This scheme provides incentives to exporters in the form of duty credit scrips to refund losses on paid duties. Under the MEIS, an incentive of 2-5% of the ‘Free On Board’ (FOB) value of exports is provided to all exporters, irrespective of their annual turnover. However, MEIS will be soon replaced with the new Rebate of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP scheme), as MEIS is not WTO-compliant.

2. Rebate of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP Scheme):

The RoDTEP scheme will replace the old MEIS in a phased manner from December 2020. The RoDTEP scheme aims to refund all hidden taxes, which were earlier not refunded under any export incentive scheme, such as the central and state taxes on the fuel used for transportation of export products, duties levied on electricity used for manufacturing, mandi tax levied by APMCs, toll tax & stamp duty on the import-export documentation and others.

3. Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS):

The objective of ‘Service Exports from India Scheme’ (SEIS) is to motivate traders who export notified services. Service Exports also bring in foreign exchange to the country and is hence encouraged. Under SEIS, an incentive of 3-7% of the net foreign exchange earnings is provided to the service exporters. It requires the service providers to have an active Import–Export Code (IEC Code) with a minimum net foreign exchange earnings worth US$ 15,000 to be eligible for a claim under the scheme.

• Duty Exemption/Remission Schemes

4. Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS):

Advance Authorisation Scheme allows duty-free imports of raw materials, which are required to produce export goods. It allows traders to import raw materials at 0% import duty if those raw materials will be used to manufacture export products.

5. Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA Scheme):

The purpose of this scheme is the same as the Advance Authorisation Scheme, i.e., to allow duty-free imports of raw materials. However, this scheme is applicable post exports; this means that duty-free imports will only be allowed once exports are completed.

6. Duty Drawback Scheme (DBK Scheme):

Under Duty Drawback Scheme (DBK), exporters are given compensation on customs and central excise duties incurred on materials used in the manufacture of exported goods.

7. The Rebate on State & Central Taxes and Levies Scheme (RoSCTL Scheme):

The old RoSL scheme was replaced by the new RoSCTL scheme in 2019. RoSCTL scheme is only applicable to the apparel and made-up industry, covering Chapters 61-63 of the ITC (HS). It grants refund on taxes such as VAT on transportation fuel, captive power, ‘mandi’ tax and electricity duty. This scheme will be soon merged with the RoDTEP scheme in all sectors.

8. Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG Scheme):

EPCG scheme facilitates the imports of capital goods to produce goods and services by manufacturers. Under this scheme, exporters can partner with a manufacturer and import the required capital goods to produce export goods at 0% duty. This scheme also helps reduce the service exporter’s capital costs. Service exporters such as hotels, travel & tour operators, taxi operators, logistics companies and construction companies are some beneficiaries under this scheme.

9. Export Oriented Units (EOU):

EOU scheme was introduced in 1981 and aims to increase exports by providing a favourable ecosystem to companies, which are 100% exporters. This scheme allows certain waivers and concessions in compliance and taxation matters.

• Others

10. GST Refund for Exporters:

Under the GST Act, exporters are eligible for the following schemes:

• LUT Bond Scheme – Exporters can export goods without paying any GST by obtaining a ‘Letter of Undertaking’ (LUT) bond.

• IGST Refund – Exporters can export goods on payments of ‘Integrated GST’ and later, claim the refund for the same from the Customs Department.

• 1% GST Benefit for Merchant Exporters – Merchants can procure the export goods from domestic suppliers at 0.1% concessional GST rate.

11. Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA Scheme):

This scheme is applicable for agricultural exports and came into effect in 2019. Under the TMA scheme, freight costs up of to a certain amount will be reimbursed by the government to make Indian agricultural products competitive in the global space.

12. Deemed Export Benefit Scheme:

‘Deemed Exports’ refers to those transactions in which the supplied goods do not leave the country and the payment for such supplies is received either in Indian rupee or in free foreign exchange. This scheme provides a level-playing field to the domestic manufacturers in certain specified situations, as may be decided by the government from time to time.

13. Star Export House/Status Holder Certificate:

This scheme provides recognition to the eligible exporters. Status holders are regarded as business leaders who have successfully contributed to India’s foreign trade. Exporters are given star ratings based on the volume and value of exports completed. Eligible holders receive privileges such as faster customs clearance, exemption from compulsory negotiation of documents through banks, exemption from furnishing bank guarantee required for various export promotion schemes, GR waiver, preference in payments of import duties and other benefits.

14. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:

Launched in 2018, the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme plays a catalytic role in promoting exports by exploring new markets and supporting all export promotion activities in those new markets. The scope of this scheme is to provide financial support to eligible agencies to undertake market access initiatives such as marketing, market research, promotion and branding in new markets; taking care of statutory compliance costs in importing country.

15. Towns of Export Excellence (TEE):

Towns with high export potential and exporting goods worth >Rs. 750 crore (US$ 101.29 million) are considered as towns of export excellence (TEE). Recognised associations in those towns are provided with financial assistance as per the guidelines provided by the market access initiative (MAI scheme). In this scheme, there are a total of 37 TEEs across the country; does not offer any direct benefit to individual exporters.

16. Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES):

IES provides pre- and post-shipment export credits to exporters in Indian rupee. This scheme provides 5% interest support to all manufacturers in the MSME sector and 3% support to all exporters in the identified 416 tariff lines. This scheme is implemented and governed by the RBI and respective banks, wherein banks pass on the benefit of reduced interest directly to exporters and then reimburse the same from the RBI.

17. NIRVIK Scheme:

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) introduced the NIRVIK scheme, which provides high insurance cover, reduced premium for small exporters and a simplified claim settlement process. It is primarily an insurance cover guarantee scheme that provides a cover of up to 90% of the principal and interest, as against the current credit guarantee of only up to 60% loss.

• Recent Government Initiatives

18. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to Boost Exports:

On November 20, 2020, the cabinet approved production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for 10 high-potential sectors, including auto, battery cell, pharma, telecom networking, food and textiles. This scheme, estimated to provide benefits worth Rs 1.46 lakh crore (US$ 19.72 billion) over a five-year period, will set the bar high for businesses to avail these incentives. The initiative re-establishes the government’s ‘Make in India’ goal and clears a long-standing MSME bias.

Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, assures that this scheme will make manufacturers worldwide competitive, attract investments in key sectors, increase exports, promote self-reliance and boost employment. Mr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, President of the exporter’s body, FIEO, said, “By helping the manufacturing sector to ensure economies of scale with modern and high-end technology, the scheme will boost investment, attract FDI, scale up domestic capacity and enhance exports in a big way.”

19. Revamp Services Export from India Scheme (SEIS) for Services Sector:

In September 2020, the government announced plans to revamp the ‘Services Export from India Scheme’ (SEIS), which caters to the services sector, which has been hit the hardest by the pandemic. The proposed revamp widens the scheme to cover more sectors. At present, this scheme covers nine broad sectors and offers duty credit scrips, which enable the holder to import all goods that are freely importable without payment of basic customs duty.

Market Development Assistance

Popularly known as MDA is a a fund created by the Government of India for export development and diversification.  Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is under operation through the Department of Commerce to support the under mentioned activities: 

1. Assist exporters for export promotion activities abroad like marketing Research, Export publicity, Trade fairs and exhibitions, Trade delegation, Research and development, Opening of showrooms and set up of service stations, etc.

2. Assist Export Promotion Councils(EPCs) to undertake export promotion activities for their product(s) and commodities;

3. Assist approved organization/trade bodies in undertaking exclusive nonrecurring innovative activities connected with export promotion efforts for their members;

4. Assist Focus export promotion programmes in specific regions abroad like Focus (LAC - Latin American & Carribean Region), Focus (Africa), Focus (CIS) and Focus (ASEAN +2) programmes ; and

5. Residual essential activities connected with marketing promotion efforts abroad.

Exporting companies with an FOB value of exports up to Rs. 15 Crore in the preceding year will be eligible for MDA assistance for participation like Trade Delegations / Buyer Seller Meets (BSMs) / Trade Fairs / Exhibitions. 

Market Development Assistance Scheme exclusively for Micro/ Small manufacturing enterprises/ Small & Micro exporters (MSME-MDA) offers funding for:

1. Participation by manufacturing Small & Micro Enterprises in International Trade Fairs/ Exhibitions under MSME India stall.

2. Sector specific market studies by Industry Associations/ Export Promotion Councils/ Federation of Indian Export Organization.

3. Initiating / contesting anti-dumping cases by MSME Associations and

4. Reimbursement of 75% of one time registration fee (w.e.f. Ist January 2002) and 75% of annual fees (recurring) (w.e.f. Ist June 2007) paid to GS1 (Formerly EAN India) by Small & Micro units for the first three years for adoption of Bar Code.

Market Access Initiative

Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme is an Export Promotion Scheme to promote India's exports on a sustained basis focusing on specific markets and products through specific strategy for specific market and specific product through market studies or surveys. 

Activities aided by MAI involves:

1. Sponsoring relevant research prioritized by the Department of Commerce, Government of India; 

2. WTO Studies for evolving WTO compatible strategy; 

3. Supporting Export Promotion Councils / Trade Promotion Organizations to undertake market studies / survey for evolving appropriate strategies.

4. Supporting and funding for marketing projects abroad based on focus product & focus country approach for the following activities:

(a) Opening of Showrooms (b) Opening of Warehouses (c) Display in international departmental stores (d) Publicity Campaign and Brand Promotion (e) Participation in Trade Fairs, etc., abroad (f) Research and Product Development (g) Reverse visits of the prominent buyers etc. from the project focus countries.

5. Export Potential Survey of the States;  

6. Supporting Recognized associations in industrial clusters for marketing abroad 

The scheme provide financial assistance only to eligible agencies like

• Departments of Central Government and organization of Central / State Governments

• Export Promotion Councils

• Registered Trade Promotion Organizations

• Commodity Boards

• Apex Trade Bodies recognized under EXIM-Policy of Government of India Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

• Recognized Industrial clusters

• Individual exporters ( only for testing charges of engineering products abroad and registration charges of pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and agro-chemicals) 

Gives a higher focus on products under Engineering, Electronics, Rubber, Chemicals, Plastics, Cartons, Egg, etc. for financial assistance and promotion.

Exporters are subject to Duty Credit Scrip of 2% to 5% on FOB value of exports.

Major markets being focused are Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, China, etc.

Assistance Amount under MAI Scheme

• Publicity Campaign and Brand Promotion - 50% for 2 years up to Rs. 100 Lakhs per year / per market.

• Capacity Building - 66% up to 10 lakhs (Developing of study and training material)

• Opening of Showrooms and Warehouses Abroad - Rs. 500 Lakhs per market for multi product showroom and 75%, 50% and 33% of the leasing charges for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year respectively, up to Rs. 100 Lakhs per market / per year.

• Market Studies - 75% of cost up to Rs. 100 Lakhs per study.

Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO)

FIEO is the apex non - profit export promotion organization of India set up by the Government of India in 1965. FIEO serves more than 2,00,000 exporters across every goods and services sector of India. It's an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization and ensures uniform and high quality service to its members and associates. FIEO has developed and been maintaining Indian Trade Portal www.indiantradeportal.in on behalf of the Department of Commerce, Government of India. It facilitates provision of key information related to MFN Tariffs, Preferential Tariffs of 87 countries, Rules of Origin, Statistics of 87 countries an India's share in their imports, item wise export - import policy of India and other schemes. 

FIEO officially provides the following facilities to it's members:

1. FIEO's mobile app - NIRYAT MANTRA: To provide daily updates related to policies, business opportunities, tariffs, events, trade statistics, export incentives, rules of origin, etc.

2. International Marketing Initiatives: FIEO provides platform to the exporters to create their own free online store and extend their reach to new and existing customers globally. FIEO also organizes buyer-seller meets both with incoming delegations and also by sponsoring delegations abroad etc. 

3. Recognition and Encouragement to Indian Exporters and Export Facilitators: FIEO confers “Niryat Shree” and “Niryat Bandhu” Awards to its exporters and export facilitators respectively for their outstanding performance in exports. FIEO also confers State Export Excellence Awards to the members of the respective regions.

4. HRD Initiatives: FIEO organizes specialized training / awareness programmes, seminars, workshops for export executives and entrepreneurs with the objective to develop entrepreneurship in international trade. It provides an option to professionals and fresh job seekers to upload their resume on FIEO website. FIEO also work on creating industry academia understanding to develop quality human resources to match international trade needs. 

5. Registration: FIEO issues Registration Cum Membership Certificate to its members for an annual subscription ranging from Rs. 6,250/- for an individual exporter to Rs. 93,750/- for a Five Star Export House. 

6. Live chat with members: FIEO has developed live chat system to clarify member queries / issues on Corporate Legal Affairs, Arbitration, International Agreement, Technology Transfer, Patents, Trade Marks, Brand Management, Copyright and related topics and to clarify your queries / issues on quality standards.

7. Discussion Platform: FIEO provides platform to members to discuss issues with various authorities like excise, customs, DGFT, etc. Regular meetings are organized with the decision makers so as to solve the problems faced by exporters.

8. Arrangements: FIEO issues Certificate of Origin to members and issues Visa Recommendation Letters to members to facilitate their overseas travel.

India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO)

ITPO, the premier trade promotion agency of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India is committed to showcase excellence achieved by the country in diverse fields especially trade and commerce. ITPO provides a wide spectrum of services to trade and industry and acts as a catalyst for growth of India's trade. ITPO has an extensive infrastructure as well as marketing and information facilities that are availed by both exporters and importers. ITPO's regional offices at Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, through their respective profile of activities, ensure a concerted and well coordinated trade promotion drive throughout the country. 

Some of the key roles of ITPO are:

1. ITPO acts as publicity wing of the Government of India for organizing and participating in domestic and international trade fairs. 

Check http://indiatradefair.com/knowledge/details/fairs20-21/exhibitions_pragati_sidebar

2. ITPO organizes Trade Fairs and Exhibitions facilitating buyer / sellers meet so as to boost exports from India.

3. ITPO facilitates publicity of Indian exporters abroad so as to generate international awareness about Indian products.

4. ITPO has a knowledge bank where it provides Information to the concerned about changes in policy, trade data, work timing, etc.

5. ITPO sends delegations abroad for market study, research and understanding so as throw light among Indian exporters to manufacture most appropriate products. 

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

FICCI is the largest and oldest business apex in India established in 1927 by G.D. Birla and P. Thakurdas. It's non- government and non - profit organization providing a platform for networking and consensus building across sectors. FICCI has been serving over 2,50,000 Indian Private and Public and Multinational organizations. FICCI is mainly engaged in sectors like Food Processing, Chemicals, NBFCs, Publishing, Defense, Drones, Education, etc. It also facilitates trade exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, seminars, workshops, reviews.

Some of the Business Services offered by FICCI are explained below:

1. Arbitration [FACT]: The FACT (FICCI Tribunal of Arbitration) mission is to resolve business disputes outside the traditional framework offered by courts of law, i.e. by various alternate dispute resolution methods, namely arbitration and conciliation, as the case may be. It is headquartered in New Delhi and has an active panel of prominent arbitration experts including retired Judges, Advocates, Chartered Accountants, Executives, Engineers, Company Secretaries, Businessmen, Foreign Nationals, Maritime Experts etc. in it's bench.

2. TIR Carnet: 'TIR' stands for Transports Internationaux Routiers (International Road Transport) and is an international harmonised system of Customs control that facilitates trade and transport while effectively protecting the revenue of each Country through which goods are carried. TIR is an international Customs transit system for goods carried by road which facilitates international movement of goods across the borders of countries that have ratified the TIR Convention, while offering a high level of security. It streamlines procedures at borders, reducing the administrative burden for customs authorities and for transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money. FICCI has been appointed by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) as National Issuing & Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the operation of TIR system in India.

3. ATA Carnet: ATA Carnet is an International Uniform Customs document issued in 78 countries including India, which are parties to the Customs Convention on ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet permits duty free temporary admission of goods into a member country without the need to raise customs bond, payment of duty and fulfillment of other customs formalities in one or a number of foreign countries. The initials "ATA" are an acronym of the French and English word "Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission".

4. Business Information Services Network [BISNET]: BISNET is backed by a dedicated and trained team of researchers, editors, Information Managers and Web programmers engaged in the development, maintenance and updation of Web Portals. BISNET not only manages its own business portals on the web but also offers web site development and hosting services, migration services (redesigning and revamping), e-survey campaign, content creation and management. The web portals are packed with information and interactive tools for business development, promotion, facilitation and match making.

5. Others: Besides above services, FICCI offers CSR in Advocacy and Capacity Building, Environment and Hazard Management, Resource Conservation and Management, Technology Commercialization, Web Initiative, Quality Forum. FICCI has nested FICCI Ladies Organization [FLO] and Confederation of Indian Food Trade and Industry (CIFTI) for women and trade empowerment.

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

EPCs are specific organizations to develop and promote exports of a particular sector of products, projects and services from India. They are set up by the Government of India to assist Indian exporters in landing their business to the international markets. The main role of such a council is to promote the product category that it handles and support the registered exporters in that industry. This increases the opportunities for exporters thereby, creating a favorable impact on the export performance of the country. While each export promotion council has its own set of benefits, below are some of the common roles:

1. Market Information: Provide information to exporters and members of the council to expand their export businesses in global markets. The council also makes exporters aware of government schemes and other benefits.

2. Directory of Overseas Buyers and Sellers: Collecting export and import data of its members as well as other data that is needed for International Trade.

3. Outward Delegations: EPCs delegate members to explore foreign market to understand government policies, dealers, demography, supply chain, taste, preference, affinity, climate, trade orders, etc. and tap the right market and earn maximum export opportunities in international markets.

4. Event Management: EPCs organize trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars, buyer-sellers meet to promote Indian export business. Places like

• Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Delhi

• Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai,

• Jio World Centre, BKC, Mumbai,

• Indian Exposition Centre and Mart, Greater Noida,

• NSIC Technical Services Centre, Rajkot,

• Dr. Shyamprasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Panaji,

• Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pune,

• Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre,

• Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru, etc. are well known where such exhibitions are organised by the concerned EPC which is open for both professional visitors as well as general public.

5. Liaison: An EPC establishes communication between exporter community and the government. By regularly meeting the exporters, the EPC understands technical and operational gaps in the business and communicates the same to the Government through conferences. By this, the Government learns about the real time problems faced by exporters and calls for necessary action.

6. Training and Development: EPCs organize seminars and workshops for potential exporters to understand the proper flow of trade. Several matters like obtaining IEC, RCMC, filing of export documents, IGST, customs, trade policies, marine insurance, duty benefits and other assistance schemes are discussed.

7. Document Issuance: EPC facilitates exporters to obtain Certificate of Origin to Indian exporters for origin of goods. 

8. India's 28 EPCs: Click on the link and you will be directed to the concerned EPC website. 

1. Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

2. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

3. Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL)

4. Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

5. Carpet Export Promotion Council of India (CEPI)

6. Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL)

7. Council for Leather Exports (CLE)

8. Electronics & Computer Software

9. Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC)

10. Export promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

11. Federation of Indian Exports Organization (FIEO)

12. Gems and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

13. Handloom Export Promotion Council of India (HEPC)

14. Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council of India (IOPEPC)

15. Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)

16. Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council (JPDEPC)

17. Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA)

18. Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXIL)

19. Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL)

20. Project Export promotion Council of India (PEPC)

21. Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)

22. Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC)

23. Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL)

24. The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

25. The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL)

26. The Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) 

27. Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)

28. Telecom Export Promotion Council (TEPC)

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

IIFT was set up in 1963 by the Government of India in New Delhi which is presently an autonomous body working as a Deemed University. IIFT aims at professionalizing the country's foreign trade management and increase exports by developing human resources, analyzing and disseminating data and conducting research. IIFT has it's campuses in New Delhi and Kolkata and is leader in providing MBA programmes in International Business, Executive Masters in International Business and Certificate Programme in Export Management.

Training programmes are undertaken by IIFT on International Marketing, Export Business, Foreign Trade Policy, Export Pricing, Promotion, Incentives, Finance and Documentation, Masters in International Business, Doctorate in International Business, Masters in International Trade and other short term diploma and certifications.

Besides above, IIFT also collects and supply information, sends and receives delegates to and from abroad respectively, organizes seminars and workshops on trade practices, provides professional advise to potential exporters, creates publications (review and bulletin), conducts research and market surveys and also student exchange programmes.