Guidelines for Support for Market Access under the Export Promotion Mission

**Executive Summary** This Trade Notice, dated December 31, 2025, announces the launch of the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION – NIRYAT DISHA, aimed at strengthening India's export market access. Implementation is undertaken through the Trade Connect ePlatform. All concerned stakeholders are invited to submit their comments and suggestions on the draft Guidelines within 30 days from the date of issuance of the Trade Notice, through email at epm-dgft@gov.in. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention:** * Launched with immediate effect to strengthen India's export market access through activities like Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs), trade fairs, and exhibitions. * Detailed Guidelines for implementation are enclosed in Annexure. * **Call for Proposals:** * MAS component operationalized on a pilot basis via the Trade Connect ePlatform (https://www.trade.gov.in/). * Eligible Organising Agencies can submit proposals for activities. * **Registration Process on the Trade Connect ePlatform:** * Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and other eligible Organising Agencies must register to ensure transparency and audit trail. * Organising agencies must identify and authorize an administrator for EPM activities on https://www.trade.gov.in/pages/register. * Previously registered EPM administrators on Trade Connect do not need to re-register. * Events receiving MAS support must be published on the 'Trade Events Worldwide' service of Trade Connect. * Applications for MAS support are filed by completing the online application form on Trade Connect. * **Industry Associations and Participation:** * Industry Associations (other than EPCs and Commodity Boards) seeking Market Access Support must submit a list of members mapped with IEC. * **Stakeholder Consultation on Draft Guidelines:** * Stakeholders are invited to submit comments and suggestions on the draft Guidelines within 30 days of the notice issuance via epm-dgft@gov.in. * Consultation will run concurrently with the pilot implementation. * **Market Access Support Initiative : Draft Provisions for Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and Handbook of Procedures (HBP)** * Objective is to enhance global reach, visibility and competitiveness of Indian firms by facilitating participation in international B2B, B2C BSMs, RBSMs, trade delegations or other similar initiatives across goods and services sectors. * Initiative seeks to strengthen India's engagement in international markets through structured activities to enable MSMEs. * Initiative also aims to position India as a preferred destination for international MICE, strengthening India's role as a hub for global trade related engagements. * **Eligibility:** * Eligible agencies must submit project proposals with rationale, potential and measurable outcomes in line with FTP objectives. * List of activities includes organization or participation in B2B or B2C Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) including physical, virtual, or hybrid formats, trade fairs and exhibitions, organisation of Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) and events abroad, organisation of trade delegations, and any other activity consistent with the objectives of this initiative and as recommended by the Sub-Committee on Market Access. * The Sub-Committee on Market Access shall monitor implementation and evaluate outcomes. * **Criteria for Participating Entities in BSMs** * All entities must possess a valid IEC (not suspended or cancelled) and should have been a member of the organizing agency for a minimum period of six months. * Participating entities shall create their profile on the Source from India section online for availing this support. * Airfare support may be provided to delegates representing entities whose previous year's export turnover is up to ₹75 lakh. Such support shall be provided to Indian nationals only. **Impact Analysis** **Organising Agencies (EPCs and other Eligible Agencies):** * **Impact:** Need to register on the Trade Connect ePlatform, identify and authorize an administrator, and submit proposals for activities. They may also need to coordinate pavilion arrangements, publicity, and branding activities. Liable for post-event reporting, submission of utilisation certificates and must submit an outcome report 15 days post-event. * **Action Required:** Register on the Trade Connect ePlatform, submit proposals according to guidelines, ensure administrator authorization, and comply with transparency and audit trail requirements. **Industry Associations (other than EPCs and Commodity Boards):** * **Impact:** Must submit a list of members mapped with IEC to seek Market Access Support for participation in events abroad. * **Action Required:** Provide the required member list via email to relevant authorities. **Concerned Stakeholders:** * **Impact:** Invited to provide comments and suggestions on the draft Guidelines. * **Action Required:** Submit comments and suggestions to epm-dgft@gov.in within 30 days of the notice issuance. **Participating Entities (Exporters/Firms):** * **Impact:** Must meet specific criteria (IEC, membership, etc.) and create a profile on "Source from India" to avail support. * **Action Required:** Check eligibility criteria, ensure compliance, and create/update profiles online. Must express interest online for support against the activity and new IEC Holders should be registered with the concerned agency for at least 6 months to be eligible for the given support. **Indian Missions Abroad (IMAs):** * **Impact:** IMAs may assist in ensuring Brand India visibility, including providing guidance on local branding norms, venue suitability, and opportunities for strategic promotion in the destination market. * **Action Required:** Provide inputs during examination of proposals, verification of buyer credentials, assessment of market potential and identify local partners or stakeholders. **Commodity and Territorial Divisions:** * **Impact:** Commodity and Territorial Divisions shall prepare Annual Action Plans, based on long-term and short-term export promotion strategies, covering respective commodities and territories. * **Action Required:** Commodity and Territorial Divisions shall prepare Annual Action Plans.

Key Entities Referenced