Export Promotion Mission (EPM):
7 New Interventions for MSMEs in 2026
Discover the latest government-backed Export Promotion Mission (EPM) interventions designed to boost MSME exports. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to access funding and support to expand your business globally.
What is the Export Promotion Mission (EPM)?
The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to enhance the global competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Announced as part of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, EPM aims to double India’s exports by 2030 by providing targeted support to MSMEs in key sectors such as textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
EPM introduces seven new interventions designed to address critical challenges faced by MSMEs, including lack of market access, high logistics costs, limited export financing, and compliance complexities. These interventions are backed by financial incentives, capacity-building programs, and streamlined regulatory processes to make exporting easier and more profitable for small businesses.
The mission is implemented through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of MSME, and various export promotion councils. It aligns with the government’s broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by fostering export-led growth and reducing dependency on imports.
For MSMEs, EPM represents a historic opportunity to scale operations, access new markets, and leverage government support to compete globally. Whether you are a first-time exporter or an established player, EPM provides the tools and resources needed to succeed in international trade.
Why EPM Matters for MSMEs
EPM is a game-changer for Indian MSMEs looking to expand globally with government-backed support.
- Provides up to ₹50 lakh in export incentives per MSME under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme
- Reduces logistics costs by 30-50% through subsidized freight and warehousing support
- Offers interest subvention of 3% on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs
- Simplifies compliance with single-window clearance for export-related approvals
- Includes free training and capacity-building programs for MSMEs in export documentation and global marketing
- Targets 10,000 new MSME exporters annually through focused outreach and handholding
7 Key Interventions Under EPM
1. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme
The MAI scheme provides financial assistance to MSMEs for participating in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and reverse buyer-seller meets. Under EPM, the scheme has been expanded to cover 100% of participation costs for first-time exporters and 75% for repeat exporters. MSMEs can receive up to ₹50 lakh per year for market development activities, including branding, packaging, and digital marketing for exports.
2. Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) Support
EPM enhances access to export credit through the ECGC, which provides credit insurance and guarantees to banks lending to MSME exporters. Under the mission, ECGC premiums are subsidized by 50% for MSMEs, reducing the cost of export financing. Additionally, the credit guarantee cover has been increased to 90% for MSMEs, making it easier to secure loans for export orders.
3. Logistics Cost Subsidy
High logistics costs are a major barrier for MSMEs entering global markets. EPM introduces a logistics cost subsidy of up to 50% for MSMEs, covering freight charges, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. The subsidy is available for exports to 50 priority countries, including the US, EU, UAE, and ASEAN nations. MSMEs can claim reimbursements of up to ₹10 lakh per year under this intervention.
4. Interest Subvention on Export Credit
To make export financing more affordable, EPM provides an interest subvention of 3% on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs. This reduces the effective interest rate on export loans, making it easier for small businesses to fulfill large international orders. The subvention is available for loans up to ₹10 crore per MSME, with a maximum benefit of ₹30 lakh per year.
5. Single-Window Clearance for Exports
EPM introduces a single-window portal for all export-related approvals, including customs clearance, GST refunds, and compliance certificates. MSMEs can now submit all documents online and receive approvals within 48 hours, reducing delays and bureaucratic hurdles. The portal also provides real-time tracking of export shipments and compliance status.
6. Capacity Building and Training Programs
EPM includes free training programs for MSMEs on export documentation, global marketing, and compliance with international standards. These programs are conducted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and export promotion councils. MSMEs can also access mentorship from successful exporters and industry experts to refine their export strategies.
7. Digital Export Promotion Platform
EPM launches a digital platform to connect MSMEs with global buyers, logistics providers, and export financing institutions. The platform features an e-catalogue of Indian MSME products, AI-based matchmaking for buyers and sellers, and tools for tracking export performance. MSMEs can also access real-time market intelligence and trade analytics to identify high-potential export markets.
Top Schemes Supporting EPM in 2026
Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme
- •Financial assistance up to ₹50 lakh per MSME for market development activities
- •Covers 100% of costs for first-time exporters and 75% for repeat exporters
- •Supports participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and digital marketing
- •Eligible for MSMEs with Udyam registration and a valid IEC (Import Export Code)
Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) for Exporters
- •3% interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs
- •Applicable for loans up to ₹10 crore per MSME
- •Maximum benefit of ₹30 lakh per year
- •Available for exports to 50 priority countries, including the US, EU, and UAE
Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) Cover
- •50% subsidy on ECGC premiums for MSMEs
- •Credit guarantee cover increased to 90% for MSME export loans
- •Reduces risk for banks, making it easier to secure export financing
- •Eligible for MSMEs with a valid IEC and export orders
Logistics Cost Subsidy Scheme
- •50% subsidy on freight, warehousing, and last-mile delivery costs
- •Maximum reimbursement of ₹10 lakh per year per MSME
- •Applicable for exports to 50 priority countries
- •Eligible for MSMEs with Udyam registration and IEC
Eligibility Criteria for EPM
MSME / Organisation
- •Must be registered as an MSME under the Udyam portal (Udyam Registration Number required)
- •Must hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- •Must be engaged in manufacturing or services with export potential (e.g., textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, agriculture)
- •Must have a minimum turnover of ₹10 lakh in the previous financial year (for most schemes)
- •Must comply with GST and other statutory requirements
- •Must not be listed in the RBI’s defaulters list or have outstanding export obligations
Individual / Startup (Export-Oriented)
- •Must be registered as a startup under the Startup India initiative (DPIIT recognition required)
- •Must hold a valid IEC and Udyam registration
- •Must have a viable export business plan or confirmed export orders
- •Must not have any outstanding export obligations or defaults on government loans
- •Must be engaged in innovative or high-growth sectors (e.g., IT, biotech, renewable energy)
- •Must have a minimum operational history of 6 months
Documents Required for EPM Applications
Standard documents required for applying to EPM interventions:
How Info Tree Services Helps You
Info Tree Services provides end-to-end support for MSMEs applying to EPM interventions and export schemes.
- Identify the right EPM interventions based on your business type, sector, and export potential
- Prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and export business plans tailored to government requirements
- Assist with Udyam registration, IEC application, and compliance documentation
- Liaise with banks and ECGC for export credit and insurance approvals
- Provide training and capacity-building support for export documentation and global marketing
- End-to-end application support, including portal navigation and follow-up with government agencies
Common Myths About Export Schemes
Who Can Apply for EPM?
- MSMEs registered under the Udyam portal with a valid IEC
- Startups recognized by DPIIT with export potential
- Manufacturing and service MSMEs in priority sectors (e.g., textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, agriculture)
- MSMEs with confirmed export orders or letters of intent from international buyers
- First-time exporters looking to enter global markets
- MSMEs with a minimum turnover of ₹10 lakh in the previous financial year
Complete EPM Documents Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your EPM application:
- •Aadhaar card of the promoter/director
- •PAN card of the promoter/director
- •Passport (if available)
- •Udyam registration certificate
- •IEC (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT
- •GST registration certificate
- •Company incorporation documents (for private limited companies)
- •Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining export strategy
- •Confirmed export orders or letters of intent from buyers
- •Market analysis report for target countries
- •Audited financial statements for the last 2 years
- •Bank statements for the last 6 months
- •Income Tax returns for the last 2 years
- •Export performance report (if applicable)
- •GST compliance certificate
- •MSME certificate (if applicable)
- •Sector-specific certifications (e.g., ISO, FSSAI, BIS)
- •Any previous export-related documents (e.g., shipping bills, invoices)
- •Aadhaar card of the promoter/director
- •PAN card of the promoter/director
- •Passport (if available)
- •Udyam registration certificate
- •IEC (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT
- •GST registration certificate
- •Company incorporation documents (for private limited companies)
- •Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining export strategy
- •Confirmed export orders or letters of intent from buyers
- •Market analysis report for target countries
- •Audited financial statements for the last 2 years
- •Bank statements for the last 6 months
- •Income Tax returns for the last 2 years
- •Export performance report (if applicable)
- •GST compliance certificate
- •MSME certificate (if applicable)
- •Sector-specific certifications (e.g., ISO, FSSAI, BIS)
- •Any previous export-related documents (e.g., shipping bills, invoices)
How Info Tree Fits Into Your Export Journey
From eligibility check to disbursement — Info Tree handles every step of your EPM application:
- Free eligibility check and scheme mapping based on your business profile
- DPR preparation and documentation support tailored to EPM requirements
- Assistance with Udyam registration, IEC application, and compliance checks
- Application filing and portal navigation for MAI, ECGC, and other schemes
- Bank coordination for export credit and interest subvention approvals
- Post-approval support, including disbursement follow-up and compliance reporting
Conclusion: Seize the Export Opportunity
EPM is a transformative initiative that can help MSMEs scale globally with government support.
- Access up to ₹50 lakh in financial incentives for market development and logistics
- Reduce export financing costs with 3% interest subvention and 50% ECGC premium subsidy
- Simplify compliance with single-window clearance and digital portals
- Gain free training and capacity-building support for global marketing
If you are an MSME or startup looking to expand internationally, now is the time to act.
- Assess your eligibility for EPM interventions with Info Tree’s free consultation
- Prepare your export business plan and documentation with expert support
- Apply for schemes like MAI, ECGC, and logistics subsidies to reduce costs and risks
Info Tree Services can help you navigate the EPM process and secure the funding you need.
- Free first consultation to assess your export potential and scheme eligibility
- End-to-end application support, from documentation to disbursement
- We stay with you until the incentives and funding hit your account