Department of Commerce Extends RELIEF Initiative to March 2027

The Department of Commerce extended Component II of the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) initiative until March 31, 2027. Announced on October 26, 2026, the extension was notified through Notification No. 37/2026-27, dated September 30, 2026.

RELIEF Initiative and Export Promotion Mission

RELIEF operates under the Export Promotion Mission and was launched on March 19, 2026. It addresses exceptional freight escalation, increased insurance premiums and war-related risks affecting exports. The extension applies amid continuing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, which have affected maritime logistics, insurance costs and trade in the Gulf and adjoining regions.

ECGC Risk Cover for Exporters

Component II encourages exporters to obtain cover from the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) for upcoming shipments. It provides 95% risk coverage for eligible losses arising from war-related and associated political risks. Exporters with standalone or whole-turnover ECGC policies taken out on or after March 16, 2026, are also eligible for protection against premium increases beyond pre-disruption levels during the eligible period. A whole-turnover policy covers a portfolio of export transactions, while standalone policies apply to specified transactions or risks.

Eligible Cargo and Claims

Eligible cargo includes Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated (reefer) containers. Energy shipments are excluded from coverage. FCL cargo uses a container booked for one shipper’s consignment, while LCL cargo combines consignments from multiple shippers in a container. Exporters can submit claims and supporting documents through the ECGC customer portal at www.ecgcltd.in.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• RELIEF stands for Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation.
• Component II offers 95% risk coverage for eligible war-related and associated political-risk losses.
• The extension of Component II runs until March 31, 2027.
• Energy shipments are excluded from the cargo categories covered under the initiative.

ECGC provides export credit insurance to protect exporters against specified risks associated with overseas trade. The Department of Commerce administers the Export Promotion Mission, under which RELIEF operates.</final