Centre Extends RELIEF Scheme for Export Shipment Risk Coverage Until March 2027

The Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for Component II of the RELIEF scheme (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) until March 31, 2027, to help Indian exporters manage risks associated with the continuing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime trade routes.

The extension, announced on Monday, comes amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia and its impact on shipping and logistics across the Gulf and surrounding regions.

Component II of RELIEF, introduced under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), aims to encourage exporters to obtain insurance cover for eligible shipments through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC). The initiative provides 95 per cent risk coverage for qualifying shipments to specified regions.

Protection Against Rising Insurance Premiums

Under the scheme, eligible exporters can receive support for standalone and whole-turnover insurance policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026.

The initiative protects eligible exporters against increases in insurance premiums beyond pre-disruption levels during the applicable coverage period.

Eligible cargo categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated, or reefer, containers. Energy shipments are excluded from the coverage.

Exporters seeking benefits under the scheme must submit their claims and supporting documents through the ECGC customer portal. The ECGC has also made video tutorials available on its official YouTube channel to guide users through account creation, exporter registration and the claims process.

Support Amid Disruptions to West Asian Shipping

Launched on March 19, 2026, RELIEF was designed to support Indian exporters facing exceptional increases in freight costs, higher insurance premiums and war-related risks affecting shipments through the Gulf and the wider West Asian maritime corridor.

The security situation has raised concerns over shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels have reportedly come under drone and missile attacks. Risks have also affected the Red Sea region amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement.

Disruptions across these routes can increase the cost and uncertainty of transporting goods, creating additional challenges for exporters dependent on maritime trade.

The extension of Component II is intended to provide exporters with continued access to risk protection while geopolitical tensions and shipping-related uncertainties persist.

According to the Department of Commerce, the measure reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen export resilience, maintain trade flows and support Indian businesses navigating disruptions in international logistics.