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All you need to know about the Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA Scheme)

Transport and marketing assistance (TMA) scheme promotes Indian agricultural products across export markets. Learn about its objectives and registration process in this blog.

Although several sectors like IT, engineering and pharmaceuticals are booming in the country, India has largely been an agricultural economy. To keep this industry’s growth steady, the government supports the agriculture sector with required incentives and schemes. One such scheme launched for the promotion of exports of Indian agricultural goods is the Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA Scheme).

What is the Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA Scheme)?

The Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme was launched in March 2019 to promote brand recognition of specified Indian agricultural products across certain export markets. The scheme states that the government will reimburse price inflation costs incurred as freight costs when exporting Indian agricultural goods. Exporters also receive assistance in marketing¹.

Objectives of TMA Scheme

The scheme aims to make Indian agri products more competitive in international markets by assisting in mitigating high cost of transportation and providing marketing support for the sector.

Coverage under TMA scheme

The TMA scheme covers all exporters registered with relevant export promotion councils as per the requirement of the Foreign Trade Policy and those who are exporting eligible agriculture products. The scheme is valid for all modes of transport except road.

List of eligible countries and regions under TMA Scheme

Some of the eligible countries are Australia, New Zealand, Georgia, UAE, Oman, Denmark, France, Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, South Korea, etc. There are standard rates for sea and air transport. In case of sea transport, standard and reefer’s rates apply on each shipment as per the case applicability.

Eligibility criteria for TMA scheme

Some of the key points to consider in terms of eligibility for TMA scheme are:
· Shipping bill should either be for CIF or C&F
· Payment in foreign currency following the normal banking route
· Exports executed via EDI Ports are allowed under this Scheme.
· Assistance is provided only for full container loads where eligible and ineligible items cannot be mixed.
· There should be only one shipping bill per container.
· Shipment follows the country and product matrix.

Eligible products

Products under Chapters 1 to 24 of the ITC HS Codes are valid for assistance in this scheme.

Documents required to claim assistance

Some of the documents required to claim assistance are:
· Import Export Code (IEC)
· RCMC certificate
· Copy of the shipping bill
· Copy of the commercial invoice
· E-BRC

Procedure to claim assistance

Below are the steps to avail benefits under this scheme²:
Step 1: Log in to the DGFT website.
Step 2: Open the services page and select TMA from the drop-down list.
Step 3: Click on ‘file new application’.
Step 4: Enter business and personal details.
Step 5: Enter RCMC number.
Step 6: Enter details of the shipment, container, etc.
Step 7: Complete payment, as required.
Step 8: Add details of the freight paid and ITC HC codes.
Step 9: Attach documents, as required.

Products not eligible under TMA scheme

Specific items covered under Chapters 1-24 are not eligible for assistance. Some of these products are³:
· Curd and cheese
· Meat and animal-products
· Beverages
· Vinegar
· Shallots, Garlic, Onions, other alliaceous vegetables, chilled or fresh

Apart from these products, goods exported via SEZ and EoUs are not eligible for assistance. Understanding TMA and other export schemes help exporters benefit from them and optimize their export procedure.

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13. What is Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme: How to register and obtain AEO certificate?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligible agencies under the TMA scheme?

The scheme covers exporters who are exporting edible agricultural goods that are registered with relevant export promotion councils, as per the requirements of the Foreign Trade Policy.

What is the time limit for claiming the assistance under the TMA Scheme?

An applicant is expected to apply for the claim within one year of the quarter of an export transaction.

Who implements the TMA scheme?

DGFT is the implementing agency for the TMA scheme.

Published on December 29, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=tma
2. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=application-help
3. https://commerce.gov.in/press-releases/centre-revises-transport-and-marketing-assistance-tma-scheme-for-specified-agriculture-products

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