In a bid to stabilise export flows and ensure continuity of supply chains, the Department of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have implemented a slew of responses, with a specific focus on supporting exporters, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Several facilitation measures have been rolled out across departments. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced ‘Back to Town’ procedures, allowing exporters to return cargo where Export General Manifests have not been filed due to disruptions in the Middle East, particularly at ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mundra and Kandla. A comprehensive circular has also been issued to streamline procedures for transshipment, movement from Special Economic Zones and return of goods to the domestic tariff area.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Shipping has issued an advisory to shipping lines to ensure transparency in transaction costs and to prevent opportunistic pricing practices in export-import trade. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has announced waivers on storage, dwell time and reefer plug-in charges for export containers stranded due to the disruptions.
The Department of Financial Services has highlighted the sharp increase in war-risk premiums and insurance costs, issuing an advisory to stakeholders to address the financial impact on exporters. Meanwhile, the DGFT has extended export obligation timelines for specified Advance Authorisations and EPCG Authorisations until 31st August 2026.
As part of broader support measures, the DGFT launched the Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) Scheme on 19th March 2026 under the Export Promotion Mission, with the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) serving as the implementing agency.
The scheme provides up to 100% risk cover for existing ECGC-insured shipments and up to 95% risk cover for new exports without any increase in premiums. It also offers up to 50% reimbursement of additional freight and insurance costs for MSME exporters, capped at Rs. 50 lakh per Import Export Code.
In parallel, a dedicated Exporter Helpline has been operationalised, alongside a specialised sub-group tasked with addressing issues related to perishable cargo, enabling real-time resolution of exporter concerns.
