DGFT: Relief for Exporters under the EPCG Scheme
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Facilitating Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT) scheme under the NIRYAT DISHA Export Promotion Mission
The Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has launched the Facilitating Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT) scheme under the NIRYAT DISHA Export Promotion Mission. This initiative, effective as of February 20, 2026, is designed to support MSMEs in low export intensity and hinterland regions by mitigating geographical disadvantages.
- Core Objectives
- Reduce Logistics Costs: Focuses on lowering freight and logistics expenses stemming from locational challenges.
- Level Playing Field: Aims to offset structural inefficiencies in inland connectivity for remote areas.
- Equitable Access: Ensures MSMEs in international value chains have fair access to export opportunities.
- Eligibility and Coverage
- Entity Type: MSMEs with an active Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and valid Udyam Registration.
- Geographical Scope: Exports must originate from identified districts across 13 regions, including Assam, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeastern states.
- Distance Requirement: Admissible only if the distance between origin and destination is at least 200 km.
- Product Scope: Limited to notified products such as specialty agricultural items (Makhana, Saffron, Kiwi fruit), textiles (Silk, Pashmina), and handicrafts.
- Financial Assistance Details
- Reimbursement Rate: 30% of eligible freight expenditure (excluding taxes).
- Calculation Cap: Eligible freight value is capped at 20% of the goods’ Free on Board (FOB) value.
- Annual Ceiling: A maximum cumulative reimbursement of ₹20 lakh per IEC per financial year.
- Modes of Transport: Rail and road are supported for all regions; air transport is also supported for Northeastern districts.
- Application Process The scheme follows a two- stage online process via the DGFT portal:
- Stage I: Intent-to-Claim (IC): Filed before obtaining transport services; generates a unique UIN valid for up to 12 months.
- Stage II: Reimbursement Claim (RC): Filed quarterly after export completion, supported by invoices, proof of payment, and shipping bills.
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