BROCHURE ONEXPORT PROMOTION MISSION (EPM)OUTLAY: ₹25,060 CRORES | SCHEME PERIOD: FY 2025–26 TO FY 2030–31Ministry of Commerce & IndustryDepartment of CommercethroughDirectorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)BROUGHT OUT BY Council for Leather Exports (CLE)(Sponsored by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of IndiaEmpowering Indian Leather & Footwear Exports for Global Competitiveness Scheme Implemented byCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION (EPM)Empowering Indian Leather & Footwear Exports for Global Competitiveness DISCLAIMER This brochure has been prepared exclusively for awareness and information purposes based on the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Guidelines, Trade Notices and amendments issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, up to 14 July 2026. Users are advised to refer to the latest notifications, Trade Notices and operational guidelines issued by DGFT from time to time. FOR AUTHENTIC AND UPDATED INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO OFFICIAL DGFT SOURCES. https://www.dgft.gov.inCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
ABOUT CLE The Council for Leather Exports (CLE), established in 1984, is the apex Export Promotion Council for the Indian leather, leather products, footwear, and allied products sector. CLE is working under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. VISIONTo make India a global leader in leather and footwear exports through innovation, sustainability, and market diversification. SECTORS COVERED• Finished Leather • Leather Garments • Leather Goods & Accessories • Footwear & Components • Saddlery & Harness • Non-Leather Footwear KEY ACTIVITIES• Export Promotion & Trade Fairs • Policy Advocacy • Capacity Building & Skill Development • Market IntelligenceCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Shri Ramesh Kumar JunejaChairman, Council for Leather ExportsDear Fellow Exporters and Industry Friends, The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) marks a transformative step in India's journey towards becoming a global export powerhouse by empowering MSMEs, strengthening manufacturing competitiveness and expanding India's footprint in international markets. I sincerely express my gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon'ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Ji for launching this visionary initiative, which provides a comprehensive framework for accelerating exports through market access, logistics, finance, compliance and digital facilitation. For the Leather & Footwear Sector, the Mission opens new opportunities to enhance global competitiveness and integrate with international value chains. I urge all stakeholders to make optimum use of the Export Promotion Mission and contribute towards realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' through export-led growth.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHAIRMAN Shri Mukhtarul AminVice-Chairman, Council for Leather ExportsDear Esteemed Members and Partners, India's future export growth depends on the strength, innovation and global readiness of our MSMEs and startups. The Export Promotion Mission provides timely financial assistance, market development support, international compliance facilitation and branding opportunities that can significantly enhance export competitiveness. I encourage every entrepreneur, manufacturer and first-time exporter in the leather and footwear sector to make full use of these initiatives. Together, let us seize these opportunities, expand into new global markets, and contribute towards realizing the vision of a stronger, more competitive and export-driven India.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION (EPM) What is Export Promotion Mission? The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a flagship initiative designed to provide coordinated support across key elements of the export ecosystem, including trade finance, standards compliance, logistics, overseas warehousing and market development. Approved by the Government in November 2025, the Mission brings together multiple export-support measures under single, unified and digitally driven framework. With a total outlay of Rs.25,060 crore for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, EPM seeks to enhance export competitiveness and expand India’s global presence. The EPM was launched on 26th February 2026. The Mission is implemented through two integrated sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan, which focuses on financial enablers and trade-finance support, and Niryat Disha, which addresses non-financial, market- access and ecosystem enablers.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
Two Integrated Sub-Schemes (EPM unifies finance, compliance, logistics, and market access through two complementary pillars) Driving Trade Finance Access Interest Subvention on export credit Collateral Guarantee Support Alternate Trade Instruments E-commerce credit Emerging Export Opportunities Expanding Holistic Market Access Market Access Support (MAS) TRACE: Compliance & certification FLOW: Logistics & warehousing LIFT: Freight reimbursement INSIGHT: Trade intelligence GLOBE: Brand India NIRYAT PROTSAHAN NIRYAT DISHA
Objectives of Export Promotion Mission (EPM) The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) aims to strengthen India's export ecosystem by providing an integrated framework for trade finance, market access, logistics, compliance, branding and export intelligence. The Mission seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of MSMEs, promote sustainable export growth, expand India's presence in international markets and build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready export ecosystem. Benefits of EPM for the Leather & Footwear Sector The Export Promotion Mission offers comprehensive support to the leather and footwear industry through improved access to export finance, international market development, compliance and certification assistance, branding support, overseas warehousing, export intelligence and digital trade facilitation. These initiatives will enable MSMEs, startups and exporters to improve competitiveness, access new global markets and strengthen India's position as a preferred sourcing destination for leather and footwear products.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT PROTSAHAN Component 1: Interest Subvention Support Objective: Reduce interest burden on MSME exporters for pre‑ and post‑shipment credit. Who can apply: MSME manufacturer, First Time Exporters, Start-up Companies etc. Eligibility: Valid IEC, Udyam Registration; notified HS codes (Leather, Footwear, Fur). Funding Support: 2.75% p.a. subvention; max ₹50 lakh/year. Documentation: Online declaration of intent → UIN generation. Separate UINs for pre‑shipment and post‑shipment credits. Year‑specific UINs mandatory for running accounts. Auditor‑certified claims for past cases. Key Updates (Trade Notice No. 13/2026‑27, 14 July 2026): Claim timelines extended till 31.07.2026 for Jan–Mar 2026 cases. UIN must be generated within 15 days of disbursal (FY 2026‑27 onwards). Past claims (Jan–May 2026) require separate auditor certificates. Banks must file claims within one month of disbursal. Relaxation for FY 2025‑26 only; FY 2026‑27 requires strict 15‑day UIN generation.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT PROTSAHAN Component 2: Collateral Support for Export Credit Objective: Improve institutional credit access through Government-backed credit guarantee support. Who can Apply: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Nature of Support: 85% guarantee for Micro & Small Enterprises; 65% for Medium Enterprises; up to ₹10 crore. Eligible Activities: MSMEs seeking Export Credit under the notified credit guarantee framework (Export Working Capital; Export Term Loans). Documents Required: IEC, Udyam Registration, Loan Application, Bank Appraisal, Credit Proposal. Benefits: Easier access to finance, Lower collateral requirement, Better cash flow.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT PROTSAHAN Component 3: Alternate Trade Instruments (ATI) Objective: Promote export factoring as a modem working capital instruments Eligibility Criteria: MSME Exporters undertaking notified merchandise exports and registered factoring institutions. Funding Support: 2.75% Interest Subvention on factoring, recourse and non-recourse options, Rs.50.00 Lakh cap per IEC. Documents Required: IEC, Export Invoices, Shipping Bill, factoring agreement, bank details, proof of export etc. Benefits: Faster Cash conversion, improved liquidity and enhanced ability to execute larger export orders.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
Component 4: Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters Objective: Facilitate affordable working capital for exporters using e-commerce channels Eligibility: MSME exporters with valid IEC and Udyam Registration Funding Support: Upto 90% guarantee for direct e-commerce credit (Rs.50L), upto 75% guarantee for overseas inventory (Rs.5.00 Cr), and 2.75% interest subvention upto Rs.15.00 Lakh annually Documentation: IEC, Udyam Registration, e-commerce sales records, bank documents, credit proposal Benefits: Increased participation of MSMEs in cross-border e-commerce NIRYAT PROTSAHANCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
Component 5: Emerging Export Opportunities Objective: Encourage expansion into new and high-risk export markets through shared-risk credit support Eligibility: Exporters meeting the notified risk assessment framework Funding Support: Risk sharing from 10% to 90% with country, exporter, transaction and issuing bank exposure limits Documents Required: IEC, export proposal, market details, financing documents, bank appriasal etc. Benefits expected: Greater market diversification and improved resilience to market concentration risks. NIRYAT PROTSAHANCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 6: Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement (TRACE) Objective: Support MSMEs for international testing, inspection, certification. Who can apply: MSMEs exporting notified HS codes. Eligibility: IEC, Udyam Registration; Positive & Priority lists. Funding Support: Micro & Small: up to 95% (₹25 lakh cap). Medium: up to 80% (₹50 lakh cap). Documentation: Two‑stage claim: RC‑1 (after certification), RC‑2 (after linked exports). Disbursement in instalments (50% + 50%). Key Updates (TN 09/2026‑27, 01 July 2026): Differentiated support by MSME category. Expanded eligible certifications list. Strict 2‑year timeline for claim submission; failure leads to lapse/recovery.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 7: Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT) Objective: Reduce inland transportation costs for exporters located in notified districts Who can apply: MSMEs in notified states (NE, hill states, Bihar, Uttarakhand etc). Eligibility: MSME exporters operating from eligible districts with admissible transport expenditure. Funding Support: Upto 30% of actual transport cost. Maximum assistance of Rs.20.00 Lakh per exporter per financial year. Documents Required: Transport invoices, lorry receipts, shipping bill, export invoice, proof of payment and claim form. Note: Leather, leather products, footwear excluded (HS Code 41,42,43 & 64)CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 8: Integrated Support for Trade Intelligence & Facilitation (INSIGHT) Objective: Strengthen exporter capacity through market intelligence, research, digital tools and training. Eligibility Criteria: Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Government Departments, Research Institutions, Universities and notified organizations. Nature of Funding Support: Toolkits: 50% funding for modules (upto Rs.15L), Training: 50% support (upto Rs.25L), District Facilitation: 50% support (upto Rs.50L), Research & Analytics: 50% support (upto Rs.25L) & Government Entities may eligible for upto 100% funding support. Documents Required: Project Proposal, budget, activity plan, institution registration, utilization certificates and completion report.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 9: Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing & Fulfilment (FLOW) Objective: Reduce logistics constraints by supporting overseas warehousing fulfilment centres, display facilities and e- commerce export hubs. Eligibility: Eligible exporters establishing overseas warehousing fulfilment infrastructure. Funding Support: Overseas Warehousing: Lower of Rs.10.00 Cr.or 30% of project cost Overseas Fulfilment: Rs.5.00 lakh /month or 30%. Display & Market Access Facilities: Rs.5.00 Cr. or 30% E-Commerce Export Hubs: Rs.10.00 Cr. or 30% Documents Required: Warehouse Agreement, export invoices, freight documents, lease agreement, payment proof and utilization records. Benefits of the scheme: Reduced delivery time, lower logistics costs, improved customer service and stronger overseas presence.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 10: Market Access Support (MAS) Objective: Support MSMEs in trade fairs, BSMs, RBSMs, delegations. Who can apply: Export Promotion Councils, Industry Associations. Eligibility: IEC, Udyam Registration; priority sectors (Leather). Funding Support: ₹5 crore per delegation; Rs.10 crore for RBSM. Airfare reimbursement: 50–80% (Rs.45k–Rs.1.25 lakh caps). Preferential 80% Govt funding for priority sectors. Documentation: DGFT portal application; event participation norms. Key Updates (TN 08/2026‑27, 01 July 2026): Minimum delegation size reduced from 50 → 25 participants. Refund clause: advance grants refunded within 15 days if event cancelled, else 10% interest applies.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
NIRYAT DISHA Component 11: Global Outreach for Branding, Labelling & Export Packaging (GLOBE) GLOBE – Branding & Packaging Objective: Strengthen Brand India globally through unified and sector branding. Who can apply: EPCs, Govt Depts, Commodity Boards, Industry Associations, District Export Hubs. Eligibility: IEC, Udyam Registration; sector branding projects. Funding Support: Tier 1: 100% support (Rs.200 crore for central campaigns). Tier 2: 50% support (Rs.10 crore cap for priority sectors). Documents Required: Proposal submission via DGFT Trade Connect portal. Trust Mark certification framework (multi‑tier, audit‑led). Scheme Support: Global Branding Campaigns, Digital & Social Meida, Storytelling Campaigns, Packaging & Labelling, Trade Fair & Retail, Microsites & Catalogues etc Target Export Market: USA, European Union, UK, Gulf, Asean, Africa, Latin America etc.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
SPECIAL INTERVENTION RELIEF Scheme Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation — supports exporters affected by freight escalation and war-related risks in the Gulf/West Asia corridor (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan). ECGC existing customers · 14 Feb–15 Mar 2026 · 100% cover at existing premiums Non-ECGC & MSMEs · 14 Feb–15 Mar 2026 · 50% freight/insurance reimbursement · Cap: ₹50 lakh New ECGC policies (non- energy) · 16 Mar–15 Jun 2026 · 95% cover at existing premiums Component 3 Component 1 Component 2
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED (Component-wise) Component Documents Required Interest Subvention IEC, Udyam Certificate, UIN, Export Credit Sanction Letter, Bank Certificate, Shipping Bills, eBRC, CA/Auditor Certificate (if applicable) Collateral Support IEC, Udyam, Bank Sanction Letter, CGTMSE application, Export Credit documents Alternative Trade Instruments IEC, Udyam, Factoring Agreement, Invoice, Shipping Bill, Bank documents Credit Assistance for E-Commerce IEC, Udyam, E-commerce sales proof, UIN, Bank sanction, Export documents Emerging Export Opportunities IEC, Udyam, EXIM Bank proposal, LC/SBLC/Risk Instrument documents MAS Application through Trade Connect, Event approval, Air Ticket, Boarding Pass, GST Invoice, Participation Certificate TRACE IEC, Udyam, Certification Invoice, Testing Reports, Certificate copies, Payment Proof, Export documents FLOW Project Proposal, Lease Agreement, Overseas Warehouse Agreement, Cost Estimates, Financial Statements LIFT Transport Bills, LR/RR, Shipping Bills, Freight Invoices, Payment Proof INSIGHT Project Proposal, Training Plan, Budget Estimate, Utilization Certificate GLOBE Detailed Branding Proposal, DPR, Budget, Creative Plan, Marketing Strategy, Cost Estimates, Approval LetterCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Fo
IMPORTANT WEBLINKS Purpose Official Government Source DGFT Official Website https://dgft.gov.in DGFT Notifications, Public Notices & Trade Notices https://dgft.gov.in/CP/ Trade Connect Portal (Official) https://tradeconnect.gov.in Import Export Code (IEC) Services https://dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=iec Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 & Handbook of Procedures https://dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=ft-policy Council for Leather Exports (CLE) https://leatherindia.orgNote: Please scan the QR codes for authenticated access to official portals TRADE CONNECT PORTAL https://tradeconnect.gov.inCLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector
INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY - STRIDING WITH CONFIDENCEEmpowering Indian Leather & Footwear_exports for Global CompetitivenessGLOBAL VISION, INDIAN STRENGTH.QUALITY LEATHER, LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.PARTNERING TODAY, LEADING TOMORROW.COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS (An Export Promotion Organisation sponsored by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India)Agra - cleagra@cleindia.com • Jalandhar - clealandhar@cleindia.comRegistered Head Office: 1, Sivaganga Road, Nungambaskham, Chennai 60034Tel : +91-44-4868 4380 - 84 | Fax : +91-44-4868 4386 | E-mail : cle@cleindia.com | Website : www.leatherindia.orgRegional Offices: South - cle@cleindia.com • North - cledelhi@cleindia.com • West - cle@cleindia.comExtension OfficesLET’S SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LEATHER TOGETHER.Partner with India. Grow with Confidence.CLE Brochure on EPM - Leather & Footwear Sector