Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe supports SC/ST owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by paying back the annual membership subscription fees, one-time subscription charges, or entry fees paid to Export Promotion Councils (EPCs). This lowers the cost of joining these councils and helps these businesses take part in international trade.

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises runs this scheme as a sub scheme under the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH). Registration for the 2026-27 financial year is open on the official portal, and eligible SC/ST enterprises can claim reimbursement of up to ₹20,000 in a single financial year.

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe

Export Promotion Councils are bodies that help businesses reach export markets and trade networks. For many SC/ST owned micro and small enterprises, the membership fee of these councils can feel like a heavy cost. This scheme removes that barrier by covering a large part of the fee, so more SC/ST entrepreneurs can step into the export space.

The reimbursement covers 80% of the eligible fee or ₹20,000, whichever is lower, for a financial year. This limit is exclusive of GST and other applicable taxes. For example, if an SC entrepreneur pays ₹15,000 in fees, the reimbursement comes to ₹12,000 at 80%. If the fee is ₹30,000, the payment is capped at the ₹20,000 limit.

Medium and large enterprises are not covered under this scheme. Only micro and small enterprises owned or represented by Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe individuals can apply.

Benefits

The scheme gives cash support to SC/ST owned MSEs for the money they spend on Export Promotion Council membership. The benefit structure is simple and fixed for a financial year.

• Annual membership, entry, or subscription fees paid to any Export Promotion Council are covered at 80% of the cost.
• The maximum reimbursement is ₹20,000 per financial year, and this limit is exclusive of GST and other applicable taxes.
• Only one claim is allowed per enterprise in a financial year, so the benefit is counted once for the whole year.

Eligibility

To claim this reimbursement, the applicant must meet two basic conditions. Both are checked before the payment is released.

• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
• The applicant must own or represent a Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) that holds valid registration. Medium and large enterprises are not eligible.

Application Process

The application is completed fully online on the National SC-ST Hub portal. Follow these steps to register and submit the claim.

STEP 1 - Visit the official portal at National SC-ST Hub schemes page.

STEP 2 - Select Export Promotion Council Membership Fee Reimbursement Scheme from the list of schemes shown on the page.

STEP 3 - Click the Apply Here button that appears in the pop-up window.

STEP 4 - Fill the registration form with the full name, valid email ID, mobile number, and a secure password.

STEP 5 - Verify the captcha and click the Submit button to create the account.

STEP 6 - Log in with the created credentials and upload all the required details and documents to finish the application.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before starting the application. All copies should be self-certified or attested as required by the portal.

• Self-certified copy of Udyam Registration.
• Self-certified copy of the GST number, if applicable.
• Self-certified copy of the PAN card. In the case of proprietorship, use the PAN card of the SC/ST proprietor.
• Self-certified copy of the caste certificate of the proprietor, all partners, or directors.
• Proof of shareholding for partnerships, private limited, or LLP firms. SC/ST entrepreneurs must hold more than 51% shareholding, with an attested copy of the Partnership Deed or Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Attested copy of a valid Import and Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
• Attested copy of the valid Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the respective Export Promotion Council.
• Original or attested copy of the previous RCMC for existing members renewing their registration.
• Proof of any previous support received through PFMS or NSSHO within the current financial year.
• Original or attested fee payment receipts and system-generated GST invoices with a clear breakup of entrance and annual fees.
• A cancelled cheque from the enterprise current account from which the membership fee was paid.

References

Further details and official guidelines are available on the National SC-ST Hub website.

• Scheme guidelines
• Point of interest
• Application form

FAQ's

What is Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe?

This scheme gives cash reimbursement to SC/ST owned Micro and Small Enterprises for the annual membership, entry, or subscription fees paid to various Export Promotion Councils.

Which ministry manages this scheme?

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises manages this scheme as part of the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH).

What is the eligibility criteria?

The scheme is for SC/ST individuals who own or represent Micro and Small Enterprises. Medium and large enterprises are not eligible.

How should I apply for this reimbursement?

Apply online through the official National SC-ST Hub portal at scsthub.in.

Are there specific age limits for applicants?

No, there is no age restriction for applicants under this scheme.