Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Reimbursement of 80% or up to ₹20,000 of the annual membership fee for Export Promotion Councils (EPC) for SC/ST-owned MSEs.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹20,000
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- National SC-ST Hub
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- Udyam registration
About this subsidy
This scheme provides financial assistance to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs by reimbursing the costs associated with joining Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).
The assistance is for 80% of the membership fee or ₹20,000 (excluding GST and other taxes), whichever is less, in a financial year. This applies to annual membership subscription fees, one-time subscription charges, or entry fees.
Documents Required:
- Self-certified copy of Udyam Registration (UR).
- Self-certified copy of GST Number, if applicable.
- Self-certified copy of PAN card.
- Self-certified copy of Caste certificate of proprietor/partners/directors.
- Details of shareholding (Partnership Deed or MOA/AOA) showing >51% ownership by SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- Attested copy of a valid Import & Export Code (IEC).
- Attested copy of a valid Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the EPC.
- Original or attested copy of the membership fee payment receipt and GST invoice.
- Cancelled cheque of the enterprise's current account.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Subsidy providers
The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) is a Government of India scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a public-sector undertaking under that ministry. It was launched by the Prime Minister…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹20,000
What You Get
Reimbursement of up to 80% of Export Promotion Council (EPC) membership fees, capped at ₹20,000 (excluding GST and taxes) per financial year. This covers annual subscription fees, one-time entry fees, or other membership charges paid to recognized EPCs. The subsidy is non-dilutive and non-repayable, helping SC/ST-owned MSEs reduce the cost of accessing export facilitation networks and international trade opportunities.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with Udyam Registration where SC/ST entrepreneurs hold more than 51% shareholding. The enterprise must also hold a valid Import & Export Code (IEC) and a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from a recognized Export Promotion Council.
How much reimbursement can I receive?
You can receive 80% of the Export Promotion Council membership fee paid, or ₹20,000 (excluding GST and taxes), whichever is less, in a given financial year. This covers annual subscription fees, one-time entry fees, or other membership charges.
What is an Export Promotion Council (EPC) and why join one?
Export Promotion Councils are government-recognized bodies that promote Indian exports in specific sectors. Membership gives MSEs access to export leads, trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and regulatory guidance, helping them enter international markets. This scheme lowers the cost barrier of joining such councils for SC/ST-owned enterprises.
Do I need an IEC to apply?
Yes. A valid Import & Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT is mandatory. You must also have a valid RCMC from the EPC whose membership fee you are claiming reimbursement for.
What documents are required?
Required documents include: Udyam Registration copy, GST number (if applicable), PAN card, caste certificate of proprietor/partners/directors, shareholding proof (Partnership Deed or MOA/AOA showing >51% SC/ST ownership), attested IEC copy, attested RCMC copy, original or attested membership fee payment receipt and GST invoice, and cancelled cheque of the enterprise's current account.
Is this a recurring benefit or one-time?
The reimbursement is available per financial year against eligible membership fees paid in that year, so eligible enterprises can potentially benefit annually upon renewal of their EPC membership.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
