The Department of Commerce has extended Component II of the RELIEF initiative, which offers 95 per cent risk coverage to exporters hit by West Asia shipping disruptions.

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• The Department of Commerce has extended the timelines for Component II of the RELIEF initiative until March 31, 2027.
• RELIEF stands for Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation, a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission.
• The scheme was launched on March 19, 2026 to support exporters facing higher freight costs, rising insurance premia and war-related export risks.
• These pressures stem from disruptions in the Gulf and the wider West Asian maritime corridor.
• The extension was notified because geopolitical disruptions in West Asia continue to affect maritime logistics.
• Component II encourages exporters to obtain Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) cover for upcoming shipments to specified regions by offering 95% risk coverage.
• The benefit is available for Standalone Policies and Whole Turnover Policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026.
• The premium payable by eligible exporters is protected against increases beyond pre-disruption levels during the eligible period.
• Covered cargo includes Full Container Load, Less than Container Load and refrigerated containers, excluding energy shipments.
• Exporters must submit claims and supporting documents through the ECGC customer portal.
• In March, DGFT had separately extended export obligation periods for Advance and EPCG authorisations until August 31, citing disrupted shipping routes.