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International Cooperation (IC) Scheme

A government-run reimbursement programme to help first-time MSE exporters.

What is the International Cooperation Scheme?

The International Cooperation Scheme (IC scheme) is a Ministry of MSME initiative. It supports micro and small enterprises entering export markets. Under this scheme, you receive reimbursement for key export costs. It also helps you attend international trade events. Plus, it builds your export capacity.

Key Features and Benefits of the International Cooperation Scheme

The IC Scheme offers powerful support to new and existing MSE exporters, such as:

  • Provides financial support on a reimbursement basis

  • Covers airfare, space rent, freight, and publicity costs

  • Supports first-time exporters under a dedicated sub-scheme

  • Reimburses RCMC - Registration-cum-Membership Certificate costs

  • Pays back export insurance premiums via ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India)

  • Supports testing and quality certification for export products

  • Enables market-intelligence access (soon via a database)

  • Promotes your global networking via fairs, conferences, and meetings

  • Encourages technology infusion and joint ventures

Components of the International Cooperation Scheme

The IC scheme has three sub-components:

1. Sub-Component I: Market Development Assistance (MDA)

  • Helps MSME delegations attend international fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets

  • Supports virtual and physical events to explore global markets

  • Sponsors international conferences and workshops in India

2. Sub-Component II: Capacity Building of First-Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE)

  • Reimburses Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) fees with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)

  • Covers export insurance premium paid to ECGC

  • Pays for testing and quality certification fees for exported products

3. Sub-Component III: Framework for International Market Intelligence Dissemination (IMID)

  • Intended to build a Global Market Intelligence System

  • Will give you trade data, tender alerts, orientation courses and more

IC Scheme Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy certain criteria to apply:

  • Must be a Micro or Small Enterprise (MSE)

  • Must hold a valid Udyam registration

  • Your IEC code (Importer Exporter Code) should be less than 3 years old

  • Only first-time exporters are eligible for CBFTE assistance

For event-based assistance (MDA), the applying organisation must:

  • Be a registered body (company, society, trust) with MSME-promotion as its primary objective

  • Have audited accounts from the past 3 years

  • Apply for events with significant international participation

  • Not have any pending reports or bills from earlier events

Documents Required

You must prepare and submit specific documentation for reimbursement claims. These must support the expenditure and your exporter status.

Document Type Description

Udyam Registration

Your MSME registration certificate

IEC Code

Valid IEC, less than 3 years old

RCMC Receipt

Proof of payment to the Export Promotion Council

Insurance Premium Receipt

Export insurance premium paid via ECGC

Testing/Certification Invoice

Bill for quality testing or certification

Export Proof

Evidence of export shipment in the same financial year

Audited Accounts

The last 3 years of audited financial statements

Application Form

The IC scheme application form (prescribed)

How to Apply for the IC Scheme

The application process is entirely online. The Ministry of MSME has streamlined the submission through its official portal. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application.

  1. Visit the IC scheme portal: register yourself

  2. Select the Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE) option

  3. Fill out the application form with your details

  4. Upload required documents (listed above)

  5. Submit your application for review by the Ministry of MSME

  6. Upon approval, incur export-related costs

  7. Submit claim forms (with invoices, receipts) for reimbursement

  8. Wait for the grant to be released via the respective implementing agency (EPCs, ECGC, National Small Industries Corporation)

Similar MSME Support Schemes

The Government of India offers various schemes to boost MSME growth, especially in marketing and technology. You should explore these schemes for holistic support.

Scheme Description

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

Promotes new micro enterprises through credit-linked subsidies.

Credit Guarantee Trust for MSEs (CGTMSE)

Provides collateral-free credit guarantee to MSMEs.

Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)

Helps MSME clusters improve productivity, infrastructure, and competitiveness.

ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect)

Supports MSMEs in adopting quality, sustainability, and standardisation practices.

PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups & MSMEs)

Encourages innovation by funding ideas, prototypes, and technology development.

Incubator / IPR Support Schemes

Helps MSMEs with incubation support, patent assistance, and IP protection.

Conclusion

The International Cooperation Scheme reduces key export-related costs and supports your entry into global markets. Yet, you may still need short-term funds to manage upfront expenses or working capital while waiting for reimbursements.

If you wish to explore financing options, Bajaj Markets lets you compare business loan products from different lenders in one place. This helps you assess suitable choices, if required, while you make full use of the scheme’s benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which department has launched this scheme?

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India runs the IC scheme.

The main objective is to boost the global competitiveness of MSMEs. It helps you enter export markets. It also supports capacity building via fairs, certification, and insurance.

The assistance is offered on a reimbursement basis. It covers three critical areas for first-time MSE exporters. These are RCMC registration fees, export insurance premiums with ECGC, and testing and quality certification fees. The reimbursement is subject to specific ceilings for each activity.

You must first spend on eligible export activities. Then you submit claims with proofs. The grant is reimbursed through implementing agencies like EPCs, ECGC, and NSIC.

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