Centre extends RELIEF scheme Component II to protect exporters from West Asia shipping risks

Key facts

• The Department of Commerce, through a September 30 notification, extended Component II of the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme, a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission.
• Under Component II, exporters shipping to specified regions can obtain ECGC cover with 95 per cent risk coverage for upcoming consignments, applicable to Stand Alone and Whole Turnover Policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026.
• The cover extends to full-container-load, less-than-container-load and reefer-container cargo, while energy shipments are excluded.
• Premiums paid by eligible exporters will not rise beyond the pre-disruption level during the covered period.
• The RELIEF scheme was launched on March 19, 2026, amid rising freight costs, insurance premiums and war-related risks along the Gulf and West Asian maritime corridor.