Govt Eases Export Compliance for MSMEs and Small Businesses

30 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has implemented extensive digital reforms through its online portal, offering seamless application and approval for various Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) benefits, including Advance Authorisation, Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), and Status Holder certification. The system is integrated with ICEGATE, GSTN, MCA, and PFMS, enabling smooth data validation and faster processing.

Other reforms include self-certification for electronic Bank Realisation Certificates (eBRCs) and the enhanced e-Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) system. This system supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential CoOs with real-time, QR-coded, Aadhaar-signed digital authentication and connects exporters with issuing bodies on a unified platform—reducing manual processes and boosting service quality.

To further support Indian exporters, the Ministry launched the Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in)—a one-stop hub offering information on trade agreements, FTA benefits via a Tariff Explorer, country and product market access guides, global e-commerce resources, trade event listings, EXIM Paathshaala learning modules, and the Ask an Expert feature for resolving queries. It also includes a “Source from India” tool for international buyers to connect with verified Indian exporters and a unified Certificate of Origin system.

To foster real-time support, the Ministry has introduced the Jan-Sunwai platform—a grievance redressal system that enables on-demand video conferencing between exporters and government officials, ensuring prompt responses, transparency, and traceable communication.

Benefits under Chapters 4 and 5 of the FTP 2023, including Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes, are open to all eligible exporters. To ensure MSMEs can participate effectively, the Government has reduced application fees under these schemes, making them more accessible.

The DGFT’s Niryat Bandhu Scheme also offers mentorship, expert advice, and handholding support to first-time and small exporters, helping them enter global markets with confidence and strengthening India’s export ecosystem.

Additionally, the District as Export Hub initiative under Chapter 3 of FTP 2023 identifies high-potential products and services (including agricultural, GI-tagged and toy clusters) in each district. It is backed by institutional mechanisms such as State Export Promotion Committees and District Export Promotion Committees to address local challenges and facilitate export growth—benefiting even agro-focused districts like Erode.

These comprehensive measures were shared by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to improve transparency, streamline compliance, and boost exports—particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses with limited capital.The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has implemented extensive digital reforms through its online portal, offering seamless application and approval for various Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) benefits, including Advance Authorisation, Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), and Status Holder certification. The system is integrated with ICEGATE, GSTN, MCA, and PFMS, enabling smooth data validation and faster processing.Other reforms include self-certification for electronic Bank Realisation Certificates (eBRCs) and the enhanced e-Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) system. This system supports both Preferential and Non-Preferential CoOs with real-time, QR-coded, Aadhaar-signed digital authentication and connects exporters with issuing bodies on a unified platform—reducing manual processes and boosting service quality.To further support Indian exporters, the Ministry launched the Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in)—a one-stop hub offering information on trade agreements, FTA benefits via a Tariff Explorer, country and product market access guides, global e-commerce resources, trade event listings, EXIM Paathshaala learning modules, and the Ask an Expert feature for resolving queries. It also includes a “Source from India” tool for international buyers to connect with verified Indian exporters and a unified Certificate of Origin system.To foster real-time support, the Ministry has introduced the Jan-Sunwai platform—a grievance redressal system that enables on-demand video conferencing between exporters and government officials, ensuring prompt responses, transparency, and traceable communication.Benefits under Chapters 4 and 5 of the FTP 2023, including Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes, are open to all eligible exporters. To ensure MSMEs can participate effectively, the Government has reduced application fees under these schemes, making them more accessible.The DGFT’s Niryat Bandhu Scheme also offers mentorship, expert advice, and handholding support to first-time and small exporters, helping them enter global markets with confidence and strengthening India’s export ecosystem.Additionally, the District as Export Hub initiative under Chapter 3 of FTP 2023 identifies high-potential products and services (including agricultural, GI-tagged and toy clusters) in each district. It is backed by institutional mechanisms such as State Export Promotion Committees and District Export Promotion Committees to address local challenges and facilitate export growth—benefiting even agro-focused districts like Erode.These comprehensive measures were shared by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

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