International Cooperation Scheme- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters
75% RCMC & export cost reimbursement up to ₹20,000 · first-time MSE exporters India
First-time MSE exporters can get reimbursements on three types of export startup costs: EPC membership fees, export insurance premiums, and product testing/quality certifications needed to enter global markets. Run by the Ministry of MSME, this scheme targets small businesses whose export code (IEC) is less than 3 years old. Apply at ic.msme.gov.in.
About This Scheme
First-time MSE exporters can get reimbursements on three types of export startup costs: EPC membership fees, export insurance premiums, and product testing/quality certifications needed to enter global markets. Run by the Ministry of MSME, this scheme targets small businesses whose export code (IEC) is less than 3 years old. Apply at ic.msme.gov.in.
Full official description
The scheme “International Cooperation Scheme” was launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India with the aim to capacity build MSMEs for entering the export market by facilitating their participation in international exhibitions/fairs/conferences/seminars/buyer-seller meets abroad as well as providing them with actionable market-intelligence and reimbursement of various costs involved in export of goods and services. The Scheme provides opportunities for MSMEs to continuously update themselves to meet the challenges emerging out of changes in technology, changes in demand, emergence of new markets, etc. Thus, in totality, all components of the scheme aimed at various aspects required to advance MSMEs' position as emerging export players. The Scheme would cover the following sub-components:
- Sub-Component-I: Market Development Assistance of MSMEs (MDA)
- Sub-Component-II: Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE)
- Sub-Component-III: Framework for International Market Intelligence Dissemination (IMID) As on date, Sub-Component–I and Sub-Component-II are in operation. Sub-Component-III will be in operation soon.
Sub-Component II: Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE):
The key interventions proposed under the scheme are highlighted below:- Reimbursement of costs incurred by first-time MSE exporters on export shipments –
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) paid by the first-time exporters for registration with EPCs.
Export insurance premiums paid by MSEs.
Fee paid on Testing and Quality Certification acquired by MSEs to export products. This will encourage MSEs to produce and offer products and services of international standards for the export markets.
Benefits
- EPC membership (RCMC) fee: reimbursement of 75%, up to ₹20,000 per year
- Export insurance premium (ECGC Small Exporter's Policy): up to ₹10,000 reimbursed per financial year
- Testing and quality certification fees: 75% reimbursed, up to ₹1,00,000 per year (maximum 3 certificates per year)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
The RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) is often the first formal export credential a new exporter needs — this scheme subsidizes that entry cost specifically for first-timers, easing the transition from domestic to export sales.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Micro or Small Enterprise (MSE) with valid Udyam Registration
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC) must not be older than 3 years from the date of the export shipment
How to Apply
- Your organization submits an online application for financial assistance with relevant documents.
- Include IEC code (not more than 3 years old) and RCMC fee receipt.
- Provide proof of export carried out in the same financial year as the RCMC claim.
- Submit for review and cost verification.
- Reimbursement follows after document verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “International Cooperation Scheme”?
The scheme aims to capacity build MSMEs for entering export market by facilitating their participation in international exhibitions/fairs/conferences/seminar/buyer-seller meets abroad as well as providing them with actionable market-intelligence and reimbursement of various costs involved in export of goods and services. The Scheme provides opportunities to MSMEs to continuously update themselves to meet the challenges emerging out of changes in technology, changes in demand, emergence of new markets, etc. Thus, in totality, all components of the scheme aim at various aspects required to advance MSMEs position as emerging export player.
Which department has launched this scheme?
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has launched this scheme.
What are the benefits provided under the scheme?
Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided for the following:
- Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) paid by the first-time exporters for registration with EPCs.
- Export insurance premium paid by MSEs.
- Fee paid on Testing & Quality Certification acquired by MSEs to export products.
Who can apply under this scheme?
The Micro and Small Enterprises with valid Udyam Registration are eligible to apply under the scheme.
What is the criterion for Importer Exporter Code for claiming benefits under the scheme?
To claim the benefits under the scheme, the applicant's Importer Exporter Code (IEC) must not be older than 3 years on the date of export shipment.
What is the quantum of assistance for Registration cum Membership certification (RCME)?
75% of the cost paid subject to a maximum of [?]20,000/- or actual, whichever is lower subject to quarterly reporting by EPCs as per the prescribed format.
What is the quantum of assistance for Export Insurance Premium?
Maximum financial assistance in a financial year of [?]10,000/- or actual, whichever is lower subject to quarterly reporting by ECGC Ltd. as per prescribed format.
How to apply under this scheme?
The applicant Organisation will submit an online application for financial assistance, along with the relevant documents in the proforma (prescribed on the IC Scheme portal: https://ic.msme.gov.in) giving full details of expenditure.
How will the grant be released under the scheme?
Grants under the Scheme will be released on a reimbursement basis on submission of the reimbursement claim in the proforma (uploaded on the IC Scheme Portal). The claim must be accompanied with the documents, as prescribed by the Ministry.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- IEC code not more than 3 years old on the date of export shipment
- RCMC fee receipt
- Proof of export carried out in the same financial year
- IEC copy