Department of Commerce extends RELIEF program timelines to support exporters facing geopolitical risks

The Department of Commerce on Friday announced the extension of timelines under Component II of RELIEF - Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation as a part of the government’s initiative to protect exporters against risks arising from political and economic turbulence in the Middle East under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).

RELIEF was launched on March 19, 2026, as a measure dedicated to protect Indian exporters affected by extraordinary freight escalation, heightened insurance premiums and war-related export risks arising from disruptions in the Gulf and wider West Asia maritime corridor.

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According to the statement released by the department, Component II of the RELIEF scheme would provide 95% risk coverage to exporters who obtain ECGC cover for upcoming shipments to the specified regions.

The component is viable for standalone policies or whole-turnover policies obtained on or after March 16.

According to the release, the types of cargo under the scheme include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), and Reefer containers (excluding energy shipments).

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The component also ensures that the premium paid for exporters shall not exceed the pre-disruption level for the eligible period.

The development comes as a measure by the government to ensure export resilience, sustaining trade flows and supporting exporters amid geopolitical and logistical instability.