RELIEF Scheme Timelines Extended for West Asia Exporters

The Department of Commerce has extended the operational timelines for Component II of RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation). The official announcement was published on 2 October 2026 and refers to Notification No. 37/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026. The measure responds to maritime logistics disruption in West Asia and the Gulf region.

Component II encourages exporters to obtain ECGC cover for upcoming shipments to specified regions, with 95% risk coverage. The announcement says it applies to Stand Alone or Whole Turnover policies obtained on or after 16 March 2026. Eligible cargo types include Full Container Load, Less than Container Load and reefer containers; energy shipments are excluded. The government also says premiums paid by exporters should not rise above the pre-disruption level during the eligible period.

Practical check for exporters

Before relying on the support, confirm the destination, policy issue date, cargo type and extended eligibility period against the scheme notification and ECGC terms. Preserve the policy and shipment records for your claim. Exporters who do not yet hold an Importer-Exporter Code can see our IEC registration service.

The 2 October announcement confirms an extension but does not state the revised end date in the press release. Exporters should read Notification No. 37/2026-27 for the operative dates rather than infer them from the announcement.

Official source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 2 October 2026.