Step-by-Step Guide to Availing Financial Assistance under the TRACE Scheme of Export Promotion Mission NIRYAT DISHA

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Dated: 30.07.2026

Step-by-Step Guide to Availing Financial Assistance under the TRACE Scheme of Export Promotion Mission NIRYAT DISHA

The Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement (TRACE) Scheme, part of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – NIRYAT DISHA, is designed to support Indian exporters in meeting international certification and compliance requirements. This article provides a detailed overview of the application process, eligibility, and key features of the TRACE Scheme, enabling exporters to maximize their benefits.

What is the TRACE Scheme?

TRACE is a government initiative to provide financial assistance to exporters for obtaining certifications, testing, inspections, and audits required by overseas buyers or importing countries. The scheme aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian products by ensuring compliance with international standards.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify Certification Requirements

Determine the specific certification, testing, inspection, or audit required by your target export market or buyer.
Confirm that the required certification is covered under the TRACE Scheme.

2. Submit Intent-to-Claim (IC)

Log in to the Trade Connect Portal using your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) credentials.
Submit the online Intent-to-Claim (IC) before starting the certification or testing process.

3. Obtain Certification

Engage an accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for the required service.
Complete the certification, testing, inspection, or audit.
Secure the relevant certificate or report.

4. Submit First Reimbursement Claim (RC-1)

Upload the following documents on the Trade Connect Portal:
- Certificate/Test/Audit Report
- Invoice(s) and proof of payment
- Documents proving the certification requirement for the export market
- Any other prescribed documents

5. Receive First Instalment

Upon approval, receive up to 50% of the eligible reimbursement amount.

6. Export Certified Products

Export the products covered by the certification.
Retain export-related documents such as Shipping Bills, e-BRCs, and invoices.

7. Submit Final Claim (RC-2)

File the final reimbursement claim through the Trade Connect Portal.
Upload export documents and other required evidence showing the certified products have been exported.

8. Receive Final Reimbursement

After verification, receive the remaining eligible reimbursement.

Financial Assistance Details

Category	Assistance
Micro & Small Enterprises	Up to 95% of eligible certification cost
Medium Enterprises	Up to 80% of eligible certification cost

Maximum Assistance: ₹50 lakh per IEC per financial year

Key Points to Remember

Timely Submission: The Intent-to-Claim (IC) must be filed before obtaining certification.
Eligibility: Only eligible certifications and expenditures are reimbursable.
Export Proof: The final claim (RC-2) requires proof of export of the certified products within the prescribed period.
Online Process: All applications (IC, RC-1, RC-2) are processed online via the Trade Connect Portal.
Reference Documents: For the list of eligible certifications, refer to Annexure-V of DGFT Trade Notice No. 26/2025-26 and Annexure-1 of Trade Notice No. 09/2026-27.

Why Two Claims?

The two-stage reimbursement process ensures that financial support is linked not only to obtaining certifications but also to their actual use in exports. The first instalment is released after certification, while the final instalment is provided only after proof of export is submitted.

Quick Application Flow

Submit Intent-to-Claim (IC)
Obtain Certification
Submit RC-1
Receive First Instalment
Export Certified Products
Submit RC-2
Receive Final Instalment

Useful Links

Trade Connect Portal – TRACE Scheme Application

By following the above steps and guidelines, exporters can efficiently avail financial assistance under the TRACE Scheme and boost their global market presence.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: AEPC

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