This scheme supports SC/ST entrepreneurs by reimbursing a portion of Export Promotion Council (EPC) membership fees, helping micro and small enterprises strengthen their export readiness and global market access.
The Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme supports micro and small enterprises (MSEs) owned by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) to access global markets. Under this initiative, eligible enterprises can receive reimbursement for the annual membership fees paid to recognised Export Promotion Councils (EPCs). The scheme aims to support export readiness, enhance competitiveness, and improve SC/ST MSE participation in international markets.
The key details of the scheme are listed below:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Reimbursement rate |
Reimbursement of up to 80% of the annual membership fee, capped at ₹20,000 per financial year. |
Eligible beneficiaries |
SC/ST-owned micro or small enterprises registered under Udyam / MSME, with valid IEC and EPC membership. |
Nodal agency |
National SC‑ST Hub (NSSH), under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) via National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). |
Application mode |
Online via the NSSH portal / SC-ST Hub website. |
Multiple memberships |
Allowed in a financial year, subject to the overall cap of reimbursement. |
The Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme reimburses up to 80% of the annual membership or entry fee (up to ₹20,000). The reimbursement applies to the fee amount exclusive of GST and applicable taxes.
To be eligible for this scheme, applicants should:
belong to SC or ST category
be the owner or authorised representative of a Micro or Small Enterprise (MSE)
hold at least 51% ownership in the enterprise in the case of partnership or company structures
Listed below are the documents required to apply for the scheme:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
Udyam/MSME Registration Certificate |
Valid proof of enterprise registration (self-certified copy) |
PAN and GST registration |
For proprietor/firm, as applicable (self-certified copy) |
Caste Certificate (SC/ST) |
For proprietor/partners/directors as relevant (self-certified copy) |
MOA and AOA |
Memorandum of Association and Article of Association to be provided in case of LLP/Pvt. Ltd. company |
IEC Code copy |
Valid Import-Export Code of the enterprise (attested copy) |
RCMC from EPC |
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate issued by EPC (attested or original copy) |
Fee payment receipt and GST invoice |
Membership fee payment proof to EPC |
Bank account details / Cancelled cheque |
For reimbursement via PFMS or bank transfer |
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for SC/ST:
Visit the NSSH portal at https://www.scsthub.in
Register or log in as an enterprise user and select the “Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme” option
Click on the “Apply Here” option
Enter your details and captcha to verify and click “Submit”
Complete the application form with enterprise and owner details and upload the required documents
Submit the reimbursement claim within 45 days of receiving the RCMC for the EPC membership
After verification, reimbursement will be credited to the beneficiary’s bank account via PFMS.
| Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
Capacity Building & Training Programme for SC/ST Entrepreneurs |
Fully sponsored training programmes under NSSH for SC/ST business owners |
Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) |
100% subsidy on NSIC registration for SC/ST MSEs under NSSH |
Reimbursement of Bank Loan Processing Fee |
Up to 80% reimbursement on processing fee of bank loans for SC/ST MSEs under NSSH |
This Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is a valuable opportunity for SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises to access international trade via recognised Export Promotion Councils. If you are seeking additional working capital or business growth funds, check business loan offerings that can complement this support and help you scale your enterprise further.
Eligible SC/ST MSEs receive reimbursement of annual membership fees paid to Export Promotion Councils, up to a cap of ₹20,000 or 80% of the fee per financial year.
Micro or small enterprises registered under Udyam or MSME, owned by SC/ST individuals (51% shareholding where relevant), with a valid IEC and EPC membership.
Applications can be submitted online through the SC-ST Hub portal by logging in, uploading documents, and submitting the claim within the specified period.
Yes, provided there is no duplication or overlap for the same expense. The enterprise must ensure that the membership fee is not already covered under another scheme for the same financial year.
No application fee is charged for the reimbursement scheme. It is provided free of cost to eligible enterprises.