Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe

What is the Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme?

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is a component of the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), a scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises implemented by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). According to the National SC-ST Hub portal, the scheme reimburses 80% or Rs 20,000 (excluding GST and other applicable taxes), whichever is less, in a financial year to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe owned micro or small enterprise (MSE) on the annual membership subscription fee, one-time subscription charges or entry fee charged by various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).

The intent is to make it cheaper for SC/ST enterprises to join Export Promotion Councils, which provide market access, buyer contacts and the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) that Indian exporters need to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. It sits alongside the other reimbursement components of the National SC-ST Hub; testing fee, bank loan processing and bank guarantee charges reimbursement.

Why does Export Promotion Council membership matter?

An Export Promotion Council (EPC) is a body sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote exports of a particular product group, for example handicrafts, engineering goods, chemicals or textiles. To claim most benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy, an exporter needs a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the relevant EPC or Commodity Board. Membership also gives access to trade fairs, buyer contacts, market reports and delegations. Because the annual subscription and entry fees can be a real cost for a first-time SC/ST exporter, this reimbursement is designed to lower that barrier and encourage more SC/ST micro and small enterprises to enter export markets.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

You can apply if:

• Your enterprise is a micro or small enterprise with a valid Udyam Registration.
• The enterprise is owned by SC or ST entrepreneurs — for a partnership, LLP or private limited company, more than 51% of the shareholding is held by SC/ST entrepreneurs.
• You hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
• You have obtained a valid Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from an Export Promotion Council and paid the membership or entry fee.

You cannot apply if:

• Your enterprise is not owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs, or SC/ST shareholding is 51% or less.
• You do not have an IEC or an RCMC from a recognised Export Promotion Council.
• The enterprise is not registered on Udyam as a micro or small enterprise.

What documents are required?

How to apply for the scheme

1. Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT and register with an Export Promotion Council to receive your RCMC, paying the applicable fee.
2. Go to the National SC-ST Hub portal at scsthub.in and register or log in to the Application Centre.
3. Select the Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme and choose Apply Online.
4. Fill in the form and upload the required documents, IEC, RCMC, the fee receipt with GST invoice showing the fee break-up, caste certificate(s) and a cancelled cheque.
5. Submit the application. NSSH offices verify the claim and the reimbursement is transferred to your bank account through PFMS.

How much benefit does the scheme provide?

The scheme reimburses 80% of the EPC membership/entry fee, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000 (excluding GST and other applicable taxes), in a financial year: whichever of the two is less. For example, on a membership fee of Rs 15,000 the reimbursement is 80% (Rs 12,000), while on a fee of Rs 40,000 the reimbursement is capped at Rs 20,000. The enterprise must first pay the council in full and then claim.

Help and contact

• National SC-ST Hub / NSIC toll-free: 1800-11-1954
• Phone: 011-26926275
• Email: scsthub@nsic.co.in
• Portal: scsthub.in

For the list of approved Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and Export Development Authorities whose membership fees qualify, refer to the "Approved EPCs/CBs/EDAs" list on the scheme page at scsthub.in.