The RELIEF scheme (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) is a temporary government support measure approved in March 2026 to assist Indian exporters affected by maritime disruptions in West Asia, particularly those impacting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with a budget allocation of Rs. 497 crore, the scheme is administered by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), which serves as the nodal implementing agency.
The scheme provides risk protection and partial financial support to exporters facing exceptional increases in freight charges, higher marine insurance costs and shipping risks arising from conflict-related disruptions. Its objective is to help exporters maintain competitiveness and fulfil international trade commitments despite challenging global logistics conditions.
This guide explains the purpose of the RELIEF scheme, the circumstances that led to its introduction, the three support components available under the programme and the benefits offered under each, the applicable eligibility criteria and timelines, the role of ECGC in implementation, and the process through which eligible exporters can claim assistance under the scheme.
RELIEF scheme - key highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) |
| Introduced by | Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) |
| Parent programme | Export Promotion Mission (EPM), covering the period from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31 |
| Total outlay | Rs. 497 crore |
| Nodal implementing agency | Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) |
| Approval date | March 2026 |
| Reason for introduction | Maritime disruptions arising from the West Asia conflict, particularly affecting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region |
| Nature of the scheme | A temporary and targeted financial assistance and risk-mitigation measure for exporters |
| Key benefits | Enhanced ECGC risk cover of up to 100% or 95%, along with reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible costs for qualifying MSMEs |
| Focus on MSMEs | Significant emphasis on supporting MSME exporters, including eligible exporters not previously covered under ECGC insurance schemes |
What is the RELIEF scheme?
RELIEF is a short-term and targeted support measure aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted movement of India's exports during the logistics challenges affecting the West Asia maritime corridor. Following disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global trade passage, exporters encountered significant operational difficulties, including longer transit times due to route diversions via the Cape of Good Hope, congestion at transhipment ports, increased freight charges, higher war-risk insurance premiums and the possibility of cancelled export orders.
The scheme seeks to reduce the financial burden and commercial risks arising from these disruptions by providing enhanced ECGC-backed risk protection and cost support. By mitigating a substantial portion of the additional costs and risks, RELIEF enables exporters to continue fulfilling international orders with greater confidence and stability.
The scheme has been designed as a temporary intervention and applies only to shipments made during a specified eligibility period. It is not intended to operate as a permanent export support programme. RELIEF forms part of the broader Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a six-year initiative with an outlay of Rs. 25,060 crore for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, aimed at strengthening India's export competitiveness, with particular emphasis on supporting MSMEs and first-time exporters.
Key objectives of the RELIEF scheme
- To provide financial relief and risk protection to exporters facing global uncertainties
- To ensure continuity of export operations despite disruptions in international trade
- To reduce financial losses arising from unforeseen events
- To strengthen confidence among exporters engaged in overseas markets
- To support small and medium exporters in managing risk effectively
- To enhance the resilience and stability of India’s export sector
3 components of the RELIEF scheme
The scheme is structured into key components that collectively address different aspects of exporter risk:
Risk coverage support
Provides protection against losses caused by shipping disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and unforeseen trade barriers
Financial assistance mechanism
Offers relief measures to help exporters manage financial stress due to delayed shipments or disrupted trade
Institutional support framework
Ensures coordination between government bodies and financial institutions for effective implementation and timely assistance
Eligibility criteria for RELIEF scheme
The RELIEF scheme is intended for:
- Indian exporters whose consignments are transported through the affected West Asia and Gulf maritime trade routes during the notified eligibility periods.
- Exporters seeking benefits under Components 1 and 2 who have obtained, or are willing to obtain, the relevant ECGC cover for the affected export consignments.
- MSME exporters applying under Component 3 who do not hold ECGC credit insurance but have incurred exceptional increases in freight charges and marine insurance costs due to the disruption.
- Exporters whose shipments fall within the notified eligibility periods specified under the respective components of the scheme.
- Exporters who satisfy the prescribed documentation, verification and compliance requirements established by ECGC and the relevant authorities.
The scheme applies to eligible export consignments transported by sea or air, provided the relevant shipping and transport documents are issued within the notified periods. Coverage may extend to full-container, less-than-container-load (LCL), partial-container and refrigerated-container shipments, subject to the scheme guidelines. Exporters should verify the eligibility of individual consignments directly with ECGC before submitting a claim.
How to apply for RELIEF scheme
- Assess eligibility based on export activity and nature of disruption faced
- Approach the designated implementing authority or agency
- Submit an application detailing the nature of risk or loss incurred
- Provide supporting documents related to export transactions and disruptions
- Undergo verification and assessment by the concerned authority
- Receive approval and applicable relief benefits under the scheme
Documents required for claiming RELIEF benefits
- Export documentation, including shipping bills, bills of lading or airway bills relating to the eligible consignments.
- Commercial invoices and packing lists corresponding to the export shipments.
- Documentary evidence of freight charges and insurance costs incurred, particularly for claims under the cost reimbursement component.
- Details of the applicable ECGC policy, where benefits are being claimed under Components 1 and 2 of the scheme.
- Udyam Registration Certificate, where required for MSME exporters seeking reimbursement benefits.
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and GST registration details.
- Valid bank account details for the receipt of reimbursement amounts or settlement of approved claims.
Role of ECGC in implementing the RELIEF scheme
The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) plays a central role in implementing the RELIEF scheme by providing insurance-backed risk protection and facilitating claim settlements.
- Provides export credit insurance to safeguard exporters
- Assesses and verifies claims submitted by exporters
- Works in coordination with the government to deliver relief measures
- Enables exporters to access bank finance by reducing credit risk
- Supports timely settlement of claims and financial assistance
- Strengthens overall trust in India’s export financing ecosystem
Conclusion
The RELIEF scheme is a significant initiative aimed at protecting exporters from unpredictable global risks and ensuring the continuity of international trade. By offering financial support and institutional backing, it enhances the resilience of India’s export sector and builds confidence among businesses operating in global markets.
For additional financial support, exporters may also explore business loans, review the applicable business loan interest rate, or use a business loan EMI calculator to plan repayments and manage cash flow efficiently.
