A prospective pilot scheme LIFT provides partial reimbursement...

A prospective pilot scheme LIFT provides partial reimbursement of freight costs to eligible MSMEs located in specified low-export districts to offset locational logistics disadvantages. Eligibility requires active IEC and Udyam registration, exports of notified products from listed districts, and distance of at least 200 km to ICD/CFS/ACC/sea port; air shipments from Northeastern districts are included. Assistance is uniform across MSME categories, limited to 30% of eligible freight expenditure, with freight value capped at 20% of FOB and a maximum cumulative ceiling of Rs.20 lakh per IEC per financial year. Deemed exports and SEZ shipments are excluded. A two-stage online Intent-to-Claim and Reimbursement Claim process, prescribed documentation, quarterly filing, and direct disbursement to the IEC bank account apply. A Sub-Committee and EPM section will govern implementation and list eligible districts/products.

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