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Export Incentives in India: A Complete Guide
What Are Export Incentives?

Export incentives are financial and non-financial benefits provided by the Government of India to promote exports, reduce the cost of production, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian goods and services.

πŸ”Ή Purpose: Encourage exports, increase foreign exchange earnings, and boost India’s global trade position.
πŸ”Ή Who Can Avail? Exporters of goods and services, manufacturers, and merchant exporters.
πŸ”Ή Types of Incentives: Duty exemptions, tax refunds, interest subsidies, and direct financial support.

βœ” Ideal For: Exporters looking to maximize profitability and reduce tax/duty costs

Key Export Incentive Schemes in India

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1. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

βœ… Refunds unrebated taxes & duties on exported goods.
βœ… Covers state and central levies, including electricity, VAT, and Mandi tax.
βœ… Applicable for all eligible exporters under notified HS codes.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Reduces export costs by reimbursing hidden taxes & duties.

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2. Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)

βœ… Specifically for textiles and apparel exports.
βœ… Refunds State & Central taxes and levies.
βœ… Available in the form of transferable duty scrips.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Boosts competitiveness of garment & textile exporters.

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3. Duty Drawback Scheme (DBK)

βœ… Refunds customs duty on imported inputs used in exported goods.
βœ… Available for both manufacturers and merchant exporters.
βœ… Two types: All Industry Rate (AIR) & Brand Rate (BR).

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Reduces raw material costs, making exports price competitive.

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4️⃣ Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme

βœ… Allows duty-free import of capital goods for export production.
βœ… Minimum export obligation: 6 times the duty saved over 6 years.
βœ… Applicable to manufacturers & service providers.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Reduces capital investment costs for exporters.

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5️⃣ Advance Authorization (AA) Scheme

βœ… Allows duty-free import of raw materials for exports.
βœ… Includes basic customs duty, IGST, and compensation cess exemptions.
βœ… Can be used for job work or direct export production.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Cuts input costs, making Indian exports cost-effective.

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6️⃣ Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA)

βœ… Similar to Advance Authorization but transferable.
βœ… Used for importing inputs duty-free after fulfilling export obligations.
βœ… Lower compliance burden compared to AA scheme.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Provides flexibility in sourcing inputs after exports.

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7. Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES)

βœ… Provides 2% – 3% interest subsidy on export credit.
βœ… Available for MSME exporters & selected sectors.
βœ… Applied directly by banks on pre & post-shipment credit.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Reduces financing costs for exporters.

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8.Β  IGST Refund on Exports

βœ… Exporters can claim back IGST paid on exported goods.
βœ… Two methods:

  • With Payment of IGST – Refund via shipping bill filing.
  • Without Payment of IGST – Claim via LUT under GST.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: Eliminates double taxation, improving cash flow.

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9. Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Benefits

βœ… Full income tax exemption for SEZ units for the first 5 years.
βœ… Duty-free procurement of goods & services.
βœ… No GST on supplies within SEZs.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: SEZ exporters enjoy tax-free and duty-free advantages.

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10. Export-Oriented Units (EOU) Benefits

βœ… Customs & GST exemptions on inputs & capital goods.
βœ… Deemed export benefits for local procurements.
βœ… No import licensing requirements.

πŸ“Œ Benefit: EOUs enjoy multiple tax exemptions & duty waivers.

Other Export Incentives & Benefits

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βœ” Market Access Initiative (MAI): Financial assistance for export promotion activities like fairs and exhibitions.

βœ” TIES (Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme): Helps develop export logistics and warehousing infrastructure.


βœ” Export Credit Insurance (ECGC): Covers credit risks in export transactions.


βœ” State-Level Export Incentives: Some states provide subsidies, tax benefits, and infrastructure support.


βœ” Merchant Exporter Benefits: Lower GST (0.1%) on domestic procurements for exports.


βœ” GST Exemptions on Freight: No GST on ocean & air freight for exports.

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Common Challenges & Solutions in Export Incentives

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πŸ”Ή Documentation Issues

Problem: Incorrect filing can lead to claim rejection.
Solution: Expert verification to ensure error-free documentation.

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πŸ”Ή Delay in Incentive Processing

Problem: Government refunds take months to process.
Solution: Proper application tracking & follow-up ensures timely disbursement.

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πŸ”Ή Lack of Awareness About Eligibility

Problem: Exporters miss out on maximum benefits.
Solution: Expert advisory to identify & optimize all available incentives

Why Choose Pragati Exim Solution for Export Incentives?

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πŸ“Œ 25+ Years of Experience in Export-Import Consultancy

πŸ“Œ Expert Advisory on Eligibility & Documentation

πŸ“Œ Hassle-Free Processing & Maximum Incentive Claims

πŸ“Œ Direct Coordination with DGFT, Customs & Banks

πŸ“ž Want to maximize your export incentives? Contact Pragati Exim Solution today! πŸš€

Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the major export incentives available in India?
Exporters can avail benefits under RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, EPCG, Advance Authorization, IGST Refund, and Interest Equalization.
2 Can both manufacturers and merchant exporters avail these incentives?
Some schemes, like RoDTEP and Duty Drawback, are available for all exporters, while others like EPCG & AA are for manufacturers only.
3 How does RoDTEP help exporters?
RoDTEP refunds hidden taxes & duties that are not refunded under GST.
4 What is the validity of these export incentives?
Schemes are reviewed periodically by the DGFT & Ministry of Commerce.
5 Can service exporters avail these incentives?
Some incentives, like SEIS (discontinued), were available for services, but most incentives apply to goods exports.
6 How can exporters claim Duty Drawback?
By filing a shipping bill at customs, mentioning the applicable drawback rate.
7 Is GST applicable on export incentives?
No, export incentives are not subject to GST.
8 What happens if exporters do not meet EPCG obligations?
They must pay back the duty saved along with interest.
9 Can exporters apply for multiple incentives?
Yes, but not all incentives can be claimed simultaneously for the same transaction.
10 How can Pragati Exim Solution assist exporters?
We provide end-to-end support for documentation, compliance, and maximizing benefits.