Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme

The Market Development Assistance programme comes from the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. You receive financial help to participate in international trade events and promote your products globally. The scheme reimburses 60–90% of eligible expenses when you attend approved exhibitions or trade fairs abroad.

Your business can access funding for trade delegations, market research, and publicity campaigns. This support reduces the financial burden of entering foreign markets. Whether you manufacture goods or export services, this scheme provides essential backing for overseas expansion.

This scheme offers many money benefits to lower your export market entry costs. You get money back for different market development activities.

• Money Support for Trade Participation: You get back 60–90% of your costs for international exhibitions and trade fairs. This lowers your cost of entering new markets a lot.

• Coverage of Airfare and Stall Charges: You get money back for economy-class airfare up to set limits. Stall rental charges at international events are also covered under the scheme.

• Market Research Help: You get support for market study tours and research activities. This helps you understand what consumers want and rules in target markets.

• Branding and Publicity Support: You get money for advertising campaigns, catalogue printing, and website development. These promotional materials make your brand stronger in international markets.

• Sample Shipment Coverage: You get back up to 75% for sending product samples abroad. The maximum limit is ₹1 lakh per year for sample shipments.

• Certification and Compliance Support: You get money back for getting international certifications like ISO standards and HACCP. These certifications make sure your products meet global quality needs.

• Multiple Annual Participations: You can join up to two international events within one financial year. This lets you explore multiple markets at the same time.

• Support for Priority Sectors: You get more help if your business works in agriculture, handicrafts, handlooms, or food products. These sectors get relaxed participation limits.

The scheme works through several parts that address different aspects of market development help. Each part targets specific activities related to international market growth.

• Direct Help for Individual MSME Units: You get direct money support for joining international trade events. This covers solo market visits, study tours, and publicity activities for your products.

• Support for Trade Promotion Organisations: Export Promotion Councils and industry groups get help for organising international exhibitions. They arrange buyer-seller meetings that help multiple MSME members.

• Virtual Exhibition and Online Events Support: You get money back for joining virtual trade fairs and online B2B exhibitions. This lets you reach international buyers without physical travel.

• Certification and Quality Support: You can claim money back for getting bar codes from GS1 India. International certification registrations and quality improvement activities are also covered.

• Market Study and Research Projects: You get support for hiring professional market research reports. These reports find new market opportunities and check demand patterns.

• Trade Delegation and Study Tours: The scheme covers costs for your participation in trade groups. You can meet multiple buyers and understand market dynamics in focus countries.

• Participation in International Conferences and Seminars: You get help for attending industry-specific conferences and workshops abroad. This keeps you updated on global trends and best practices.

You must meet specific needs to qualify for market development help under this scheme. These criteria make sure the scheme benefits are properly distributed.

• Valid Business Registration: Your business must have Udyam Registration under the MSME classification system. You need your unique Udyam Registration Number from the Ministry of MSME portal.

• Manufacturing or Export Activity: Your business must make, produce, or export goods and services. Service-sector MSMEs involved in export activities also qualify.

• Compliance with Financial Record Keeping: You must keep audited accounts for the past three years. This shows your business stability and money transparency.

• No Previous MDA Help for the Same Event: You cannot have market development help benefits for the same event within three years. This makes sure benefits go to different market opportunities.

• Score Threshold on Eligibility Scorecard: You must get a minimum score of 60% on the set eligibility scorecard. Scoring below this threshold stops your application.

• Participation Limit Compliance: You can join a maximum of two international events per financial year. Participation beyond this limit results in stopping your application.

• No Ongoing Debarment or Investigation: Your business must not be under investigation or blacklisted under India's Foreign Trade Policy. A clean compliance record stays important.

• First-Time Exporter Preference: The scheme gives priority to MSMEs that are new to exporting. This makes sure benefits spread across different businesses.

You can apply through the official portal by following a structured process. Submit your application well before the event date to allow processing time.

1. Check Your Eligibility – Confirm that your MSME has valid Udyam Registration and an active Export-Import Code. Make sure you keep clean financial records for the past three years. Check that you haven't got market development help benefits for the same event within three years.

2. Select Your Target Event – Find an approved international trade fair or exhibition from the Ministry of MSME list. Access this list through the official Ministry of MSME website at www.msme.gov.in. Confirm the event's eligibility status before moving forward.

3. Prepare Your Documents – Gather your Udyam Registration Certificate, audited financial statements, and Export-Import Code. Get event confirmation from the organiser. Prepare a detailed note about your market development goals.

4. Visit the Official Application Portal – Go to the myScheme portal at www.myscheme.gov.in or the Ministry of MSME official website at www.msme.gov.in. Create or log into your account using your business registration details.

5. Complete the Online Application Form – Fill all needed fields with correct information about your business and target event. Mention expected expenses for airfare, stall rental, freight, and other eligible items. Attach supporting documents and CA certification about compliance.

6. Submit Your Application with Necessary Documents – Submit your completed application 14–21 days before the event begins. This time allows the screening committee enough time for evaluation. Keep a copy of your submission receipt.

7. Wait for Screening Committee Approval – The MSME-MDA Committee reviews your application and other submissions. Approval usually comes within 5–10 working days, subject to document completeness and eligibility checking.

8. Proceed with Event Participation – After getting approval, register for the event and purchase airfare. Make needed travel arrangements. Keep all original receipts, air tickets, and boarding passes.

9. Participate in the Event and Collect Documents – Actively participate by managing your stall or attending buyer meetings. Get attendance certificates from event organisers. Collect business cards and quotations as evidence.

10. Gather Post-Event Documents and Submit Claim – Put together all original invoices, air tickets, boarding passes, and stall rental receipts. Prepare a detailed post-event report about business prospects and buyer contacts. Submit your complete money-back claim within 45 days of your return. For more information, visit the DGFT Export Promotion Council Directory at www.dgft.gov.in.

The market development help scheme lowers money barriers for your international market exploration. You get important support for trade events, market research, and quality certifications. This scheme connects you with export promotion councils and fellow exporters for better market knowledge. Consider business financing options to support your export operations alongside government schemes. Business loans and equipment financing solutions support your export growth plans. Flexible repayment terms and competitive rates help maintain healthy cash flow during international growth.