Indian exporters dealing with shipping disruptions have received some welcome relief. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the eligibility period under Component II of the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme until 30th September 2026 through a recent notification.
The decision comes as businesses continue to face delays and higher logistics costs due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. By extending the timeline, the Government is giving eligible exporters more time to complete qualifying shipments and avail the benefits available under the RELIEF scheme. Apart from this extension, all other provisions of the earlier notification remain unchanged.
Why Did the Government Extend the Timeline?
The timeline has been extended in view of the continuing logistics disruptions affecting export shipments. The main reasons are:
- The ongoing West Asia crisis continues to affect international shipping routes and freight movement.
- Exporters are facing higher logistics costs and longer transit times.
- The existing eligibility period was ending before many exporters could fully utilize the scheme.
- Extending the timeline encourages better utilization of RELIEF benefits under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
- The extension strengthens India's export competitiveness during uncertain global trade conditions.
Implementation Date
The notification comes into effect immediately from its date of publication.
Under this amendment:
- Shipments eligible under Component II can now qualify if they are meant for delivery or transhipment up to 30th September 2026.
- All other conditions, eligibility requirements, and operational guidelines under Notification No. 65/2025-26 remain unchanged.
What Has Changed?
The amendment makes only one significant change.
| Earlier Provision |
Revised Provision |
| Eligibility period under Component II ended earlier as prescribed in Notification No. 65/2025-26. |
Eligibility period is extended until 30th September 2026. |
No other provisions of the RELIEF scheme have been modified.
How Different Stakeholders Are Affected
The extension directly benefits exporters and logistics stakeholders who continue to face shipping disruptions.
Indian exporters shipping goods through affected international routes get more time to claim benefits under Component II. Businesses that were unable to complete eligible shipments earlier now have a longer window to qualify.
Large export houses handling multiple international shipments can continue planning exports under the RELIEF framework without immediate concern over expiry of eligibility.
Small and medium exporters often experience greater financial pressure due to rising logistics costs. The updated timeline offers support while global shipment conditions remain unsure.
- Freight Forwarders and Logistics Companies
Logistics service providers handling delivery and transhipment operations can continue assisting eligible exporters under the extended intervention period.
- Shipping and Supply Chain Businesses
Companies involved in export logistics may witness continued shipment activity as exporters make use of the extended eligibility period.
Who Gets the Maximum Benefit?
The extension is expected to benefit:
- Exporters shipping through routes affected by the West Asia crisis.
- MSMEs have limited capacity to absorb higher logistics costs.
- Manufacturing exporters dependent on timely international deliveries.
- Businesses using transhipment hubs for global exports.
- Export-oriented industries operating under long-term international contracts.
Compliance Requirements for Exporters
Businesses wishing to claim benefits should continue complying with the existing RELIEF conditions.
They must:
- Ensure shipments fall within the revised eligibility period ending 30th September 2026.
- Maintain complete export and shipping documentation.
- Meet all eligibility requirements prescribed under Notification No. 65/2025-26.
- Follow DGFT reporting and documentation requirements.
- Continue complying with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
How This Improves Trade Facilitation
The extension reflects the Government's effort to maintain continuity in export support without introducing new compliance requirements.
Some key advantages include:
- Greater certainty for exporters planning international shipments.
- Better utilization of RELIEF assistance.
- Reduced pressure to complete shipments within shorter timelines.
- Continued support for businesses affected by global logistics disruptions.
- Improved resilience of India's export supply chain.
Impact on the Indian Economy
The extension is expected to support India's export sector in several ways.
- Export Growth: Additional time enables more exporters to benefit from the intervention and continue international trade.
- Supply Chain Stability: Businesses receive support despite shipping delays caused by geopolitical developments.
- MSME Competitiveness: Smaller exporters gain financial relief during periods of increased logistics costs.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: Sustained exports contribute to India's foreign exchange reserves.
- Trade Resilience: The policy strengthens India's ability to manage external supply chain disruptions.
Is This the Right Decision or Just a Temporary Relief?
The notification primarily extends an existing support measure rather than introducing a new scheme. While it does not permanently solve logistics challenges, it provides timely assistance to exporters affected by extraordinary global conditions.
Why It Is the Right Decision
- Supports exporters facing circumstances beyond their control.
- Encourages greater utilization of the RELIEF intervention.
- Maintains continuity of Government assistance without changing existing procedures.
- Helps exporters fulfil international commitments despite logistics disruptions.
- Demonstrates the Government's responsive approach to changing global trade conditions.
Potential Challenges
- The extension is temporary and currently applies only until 30th September 2026.
- Businesses must still satisfy all existing eligibility conditions.
- Companies not covered under Component II will not receive additional benefits.
- Global freight disruptions may continue even after the extended timeline expires.
Overall, the amendment provides practical relief to exporters by extending access to an already established support mechanism without increasing compliance requirements.
Business Opportunities Created
The extension of the RELIEF scheme timeline creates opportunities for businesses that support exporters with trade, logistics, and compliance. As more exporters become eligible to avail the scheme, the demand for professional assistance is also likely to increase.
- Export Consulting Firms: Businesses offering export advisory services can help exporters understand the revised eligibility criteria, assess whether their shipments qualify, and guide them through the application process.
- Customs and Trade Compliance Consultants: Consultants can assist exporters in maintaining accurate documentation, meeting DGFT requirements, and ensuring compliance with the conditions prescribed under the RELIEF scheme.
- Freight Forwarders: Logistics providers can support exporters by planning shipments within the extended eligibility period and recommending suitable routes to minimise delays caused by ongoing disruptions.
- Logistics Technology Companies: Companies offering shipment tracking, freight visibility, digital documentation, and supply chain management solutions may see increased demand as exporters focus on improving operational efficiency.
- Export Documentation Service Providers: Firms specialising in export documentation can help businesses prepare shipping records, declarations, and other documents required to claim benefits under the RELIEF intervention.
- MSME Advisory Firms: Advisors working with small and medium exporters can guide them on making effective use of the extended timeline, improving export readiness, and accessing available government support with greater confidence.
