International Cooperation Scheme- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters

International Cooperation Scheme- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It gives financial support to first-time Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) exporters by reimbursing key export costs such as Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) fees, export insurance premiums, and testing or quality certification charges.

The scheme is open for eligible MSEs in the current financial year 2026-27. It helps new exporters cut down their starting costs and enter the global market with less money pressure.

International Cooperation Scheme- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters - Introduction

This scheme helps small business owners take their products beyond Indian borders. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises runs it to sharpen the competitive edge of MSEs in the global market. Whether you are dealing with changing technology needs or entering new foreign markets, this scheme gives the financial backing needed to move ahead.

The scheme focuses on helping you move from a domestic player to an exporter. It covers important groundwork such as taking part in buyer-seller meets, getting market information, and managing the starting costs that often hold new exporters back.

As per the revised guidelines, the International Cooperation Scheme now works through three main sub-components:

• Market Development Assistance of MSMEs (MDA) - available in both physical and virtual mode, covering participation in international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meets.
• Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE) - the main focus of this article, which reimburses costs like RCMC, export insurance premium and testing or quality certification fees.
• Framework for International Market Intelligence Dissemination (IMID) - meant to share useful market information with MSEs.

The Capacity Building component helps you by reimbursing expenses related to Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMC), export insurance premiums, and required testing or quality certification fees. These efforts make sure your products meet international standards while keeping your out-of-pocket costs low.

Key Information

Benefits

To support your journey as a new exporter, this scheme provides direct financial reimbursements. Below is the scale of support available for your business investments:

For example, if a small business owner pays ₹25,000 for an RCMC registration, he can claim 75% of that, but since the cap is ₹20,000, he will receive ₹20,000 as reimbursement.

Eligibility

You should meet the following criteria to qualify for this support:

1. You must hold a valid Udyam Registration certificate.
2. Your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) should not be older than 3 years from the date of your export shipment.

Application Process

You should follow the online application process to request support. Please complete your registration through the official portal at International Cooperation Scheme portal.

STEP 1 - Visit the official portal and select the "Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters" section.

STEP 2 - If you are a new user, click on "New User Register Here" to set up your account.

STEP 3 - Once registered, log in to your dashboard and fill out the application form with all required expenditure details.

STEP 4 - The reimbursement process is handled through official agreements with export councils and insurance providers, and the grant is released on a reimbursement basis after you submit the required documents.

Documents

You should keep the following documents prepared for your claim submissions, depending on the type of expense:

• For RCMC: Valid IEC (less than 3 years old), RCMC fee receipt, and proof of export shipment.
• For Insurance: Valid IEC (less than 3 years old), receipt of insurance premium, and proof of export.
• For Quality Certification: Valid IEC, certification documents, proof of export, and a self-declaration that you have not claimed benefits under the MAI scheme for the same purpose.

Make sure all documents are self-attested before uploading them to the portal.

References

Official Guidelines | Official Portal | Ministry of MSME Website

FAQ's

What is International Cooperation Scheme- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters?

It is a government scheme that helps new MSE exporters cover initial costs like RCMC, insurance, and certification to promote global trade.

Who can apply for this scheme?

Any Micro or Small Enterprise with a valid Udyam Registration and an IEC not older than 3 years is eligible.

How is the reimbursement calculated?

The scheme provides partial reimbursement based on specific ceilings: 75% for RCMC and Testing/Certification, and up to ₹10,000 for insurance premiums, subject to defined financial limits.

Is there a specific online application process?

Yes, you should submit your claims via the official IC Scheme portal at ic.msme.gov.in by registering your enterprise and uploading the necessary supporting documents.