Transport and Marketing Assistance Guidelines Revised, how to Apply for TMA?

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has revised the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Specified Agricultural Products scheme on 10th September 2021, which was introduced back in February 2019 for agricultural products that frequently get exported to Europe, Africa, China, and other countries to provide financial assistance for the transportation and marketing of agricultural products because of the rising logistic cost and delay. The scheme has now been revised to benefit the exporters from April 2021 to March 2022.

In this latest announcement, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notified the industries that the previously excluded dairy industry will also benefit from the scheme and the rate of assistance has been increased by 50% for exports by sea and 100% for exports by air.

The Objectives of TMA is:

• To assist with the international component of freight and agricultural product marketing.
• To compensate for the disadvantage of increased transportation costs associated with the export of specific agricultural products as a result of trans-shipment.
• To raise brand awareness for Indian agricultural products in the targeted international markets.

Who is Eligible for TMA Scheme?

According to the Foreign Trade Policy, the scheme applies to all exporters of qualified agricultural products who are registered with the relevant Export Promotion Council.

Which Products Are Eligible Under TMA Scheme?

The TMA scheme is eligible for products covered under chapters 1 to 24 of the ITC HS like meat, edible oil, live animals, whey, onions, shallots, garlic, rice, marine products, plantation products, and after the latest inclusion – dairy products.

Important Terms and Conditions under the TMA scheme:

• The scheme will only be valid till March 2022.
• The TMA scheme pays for shipping costs based on the freight paid for TEU containers (twenty-foot equivalent units).
• The TMA scheme is not available for LCL containers (less than container load) or for a vessel carrying both eligible and ineligible cargo. When goods are carried in bulk or break-bulk form, TMA is not relevant.
• For exports through the air, assistance will be based on per kilogram.
• Assistance under the TMA scheme will only be paid in cash through bank transfers.
• FOB supplies will not be benefitted from this scheme.

Documents Required for Claiming Benefit:

• Import Export Code (IEC Code)
• Registration-Cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC)
• TMA Application Form- ANF- 7 (Part- A & Part- B)
• Certificate of Chartered Accountant (C.A.)/ Cost and Works Accountant (ICWA)/ Company Secretary (C.S) as per Annexure A to ANF- 7(A)A
• Shipping Bill Copy
• Commercial Invoice
• Pre-receipt.
• E-BRC
• Bill of Lading, in case of Shipment by Sea
• Airway Bill, in case of Shipment by Air

How to Apply:

• The application must be submitted by a registered exporter with a current RCMC.
• During the first application, the applicant must select the choice of “RA’s” headed by Additional DGFT, and no adjustments will be allowed for subsequent claims.
• The documents necessary for physical submission include shipping bills, E-BRCs, Bills of Lading, and CA Certificates.
• The applicant must submit a tangible PDF copy of ANF 7(A) A together with the required documentation, which must be physically submitted with RA within 30 days.
• Incomplete or inadequate applications will result in non-acceptance; consequently, the application will be denied if a physical copy of the application with the necessary documentation is not submitted within 30 days of filing the online application.

How A V Internationals Can Help You?

A V International provides all-around service for exporters to benefit from the several schemes introduced by the DGFT, including MEIS, SEIS, and TMA.

1. For starters, we collect all the necessary documents required to submit the application like invoices, shipping bills, etc.
2. Following the collection, our team of experienced professionals prepares the online application in a full proof way after receiving your confirmation.
3. We will send you the physical documents for verification and signing purposes.

Then our team will submit the documents and follow through with the office of DGFT and you for further updates.