Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA)
The Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme is run by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Launched on 1 March 2019, it is part of the Foreign Trade Policy to support exporters of specified agricultural products. The scheme aims to provide financial reimbursement for a portion of international transport (freight) and marketing costs to mitigate the disadvantage of higher global freight costs and to boost brand recognition of Indian agricultural exports in overseas markets.
Key Features
- Export Freight Reimbursement: Under TMA, Indian exporters of eligible agricultural products receive reimbursement for international freight costs paid on exports helping to reduce logistics cost disadvantages due to trans-shipment.
- Marketing Cost Support: The scheme also supports a portion of marketing expenses aimed at increasing brand visibility and recognition of Indian products in specific overseas markets.
- Sea & Air Exports Covered: Assistance applies to exports both by sea (container freight) and by air (kilogram-based), including reefer (refrigerated) cargo.
- Assistance by Region & Mode: The amount of support varies by export destination and by mode of freight. Rates may be notified or revised from time to time to reflect global freight conditions.
- Eligibility Conditions & Exclusions: Exporters must be registered with the relevant Export Promotion Council and meet other policy criteria in the Foreign Trade Policy (e.g., free foreign exchange receipt, EDI port shipment). Certain exports like goods from SEZs, prohibited items, or trans-shipped exports are excluded.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- Exporters must be registered in India with a valid IEC (Import Export Code).
- Exports must involve notified agricultural products under TMA.
- Shipment must be made to eligible countries/regions.
- Export proceeds must be realized in foreign exchange.
- Claims must be filed within the prescribed time limit on the DGFT portal.
Who Cannot Apply:
- Exporters without a valid IEC.
- Traders exporting non-notified products.
- Shipments with unrealized export proceeds.
- Exporters under investigation for fraud or misdeclaration.
- Claims filed after the stipulated deadline.
Documents Required
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Shipping Bills
- e-BRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate)
- Freight invoices (air/sea/land)
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque)
- GST registration (if applicable)
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
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Option 2: Apply via DGFT Portal
- Visit the DGFT portal.
- Log in using IEC-linked credentials.
- Select Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme.
- Upload shipping bills, e-BRC, and freight details.
- Submit claim and track status online.
Power Combos with the Scheme
