A government-run reimbursement programme to help first-time MSE exporters.
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.
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
The IC scheme has three sub-components:
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
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
Intended to build a Global Market Intelligence System
Will give you trade data, tender alerts, orientation courses and more
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
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) |
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.
Visit the IC scheme portal: register yourself
Select the Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE) option
Fill out the application form with your details
Upload required documents (listed above)
Submit your application for review by the Ministry of MSME
Upon approval, incur export-related costs
Submit claim forms (with invoices, receipts) for reimbursement
Wait for the grant to be released via the respective implementing agency (EPCs, ECGC, National Small Industries Corporation)
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. |
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.
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.