RELIEF scheme: ECGC cover deadline for exporters extended to 31 March 2027
The Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for Component II of the RELIEF initiative under the Export Promotion Mission to 31 March 2027. It benefits exporters shipping through Gulf and wider West Asia routes who want 95 percent risk cover from ECGC.
What this means for you
This news does not directly affect the everyday life of ordinary citizens; it is meant for businesses and exporters who ship goods abroad. If you are an exporter and take a single policy or whole turnover policy on or after 16 March 2026, you may be eligible for this cover. To get it, you must file your claim and documents on the ECGC portal.
Key facts
- Deadline extended to 31 March 2027
- Notification No. 37/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026
- Component II offers 95 percent risk cover
- Benefit applies to single and whole turnover policies taken on or after 16 March 2026
- Cover includes FCL, LCL and reefer containers; energy exports excluded
- RELIEF initiative was launched on 19 March 2026
What has happened
The Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for Component II of the RELIEF initiative under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to 31 March 2027. The extension was notified through Notification No. 37/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026.
The government took this step in view of continuing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia and their impact on maritime logistics in the Gulf and nearby regions.
What is RELIEF
RELIEF stands for Reimbursement, Export facilitation, Logistics and other steps. It was launched on 19 March 2026 as a targeted measure to help Indian exporters facing war-related export risks, including a sharp rise in freight costs, high insurance premiums and disruptions in the Gulf and wider West Asian sea corridors.
What Component II offers
Component II aims to encourage exporters to take Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) cover for exports to specific regions, with 95 percent risk cover.
The benefit is available for single policies and whole turnover policies taken on or after 16 March 2026. Under this component, the premium paid by eligible exporters stays protected if it rises above the pre-disruption level during the specified period.
Which cargo is covered
The covered cargo categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated (reefer) containers. However, energy exports are not included.
How to apply
Exporters who want coverage under RELIEF must file their claim and related documents through the ECGC customer portal www.ecgcltd.in.
Guidance on creating a user ID and password, completing exporter registration and filing a claim is available through dedicated video tutorials on ECGC’s official YouTube channel, @ecgcltd7016.
Impact on ordinary people
This decision does not directly concern ordinary consumers or citizens. It benefits businesses and exporters who ship goods abroad and take ECGC cover.
The department said the extension reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening export momentum, maintaining trade flows and supporting Indian exporters amid continuing uncertainty in geopolitics and maritime logistics.
Questions and answers
Till when has the RELIEF scheme deadline been extended?
Till 31 March 2027. The Department of Commerce issued the extension through Notification No. 37/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026.
How much risk cover does RELIEF Component II give?
95 percent risk cover. It is offered to exporters who take ECGC cover for exports to specific regions.
Which policies are covered under this benefit?
Single policies and whole turnover policies taken on or after 16 March 2026.
Which container categories are covered?
Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated (reefer) containers. Energy exports are not included.
Where can exporters apply for the cover?
By filing the claim and documents on the ECGC customer portal www.ecgcltd.in. Guidance on creating a user ID and filing a claim is available in video tutorials on ECGC's official YouTube channel @ecgcltd7016.
Source: PIB, "वाणिज्य विभाग ने निर्यात संवर्धन मिशन के तहत रिलीफ पहल को 31 मार्च, 2027 तक बढ़ाया", 26 October 2026. Read the original notice
This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing. Report an error