4 minutes read
Indian exporters lose 5-7% of their profit margins due to embedded taxes and duties that weren't refundable before. The RoDTEP scheme has altered the map for Indian businesses that venture into international markets.
Export incentives can be complex to navigate. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme provides a systematic approach to duty remission. It replaces the earlier MEIS scheme and works alongside the existing duty drawback system.
Exporters need to boost their competitive edge in global trade. A clear understanding of the RoDTEP scheme's benefits, rates, and eligibility criteria is vital. This piece guides you through the scheme's simple framework and implementation strategies.
Understanding RoDTEP scheme framework
The government has extended the RoDTEP scheme framework for DTA Units until September 30, 2025, and for AA/EOU/SEZ Units until December 31, 2024. A budgetary framework of Rs 23,922 crores for FY 24-25 will support this scheme.
The framework includes 8,555 tariff items and covers sectors of all types. Remission rates range from 0.5% to 4.3% of the FOB value, which makes it one of the most important export incentive mechanisms.
The framework's key features are:
-
Transferable electronic scrips through digital implementation
-
Quick processing with automated verification
-
Central, state, and local levies coverage
-
International acceptance with WTO-compliant structure
Recent changes have added 39 new tariff lines at the 8-digit level while removing 13 existing lines. Previously unrefunded taxes, such as VAT, excise duty on fuel, electricity duty, and several local levies, now fall under this framework.
The Department of Revenue fully manages the scheme's implementation. A dedicated RoDTEP Policy Committee (RPC) led by DGFT handles any remaining issues. This well-laid-out system helps distribute benefits systematically while following international trade norms.
Industry-specific benefits and rates
The RoDTEP scheme's compensation rates vary by sector, but the latest update shows rates between 0.3% and 3.9%. These rates significantly support companies that focus on exports.
The scheme works really well for sectors that create lots of jobs. Some key beneficiaries include:
-
Marine products
-
Leather goods
-
Gems and Jewellery
-
Agricultural products
-
Automobiles and machinery
-
Electronics and plastics
Exporters can now get money back for taxes they couldn't recover before. This includes electricity tax, stamp duty, and mandi fees. The government has shown its steadfast dedication to boosting exports by setting aside Rs 23,922 crores for FY 24-25.
Some sectors don't qualify for these benefits yet. Pharmaceutical companies, steel manufacturers, and chemical industries stay outside the scheme's scope. On top of that, export units in biotechnology parks and electronic hardware technology parks can't access these benefits.
The scheme simplifies the benefits calculation. Exporters receive a fixed percentage based on their products' FOB value. The rates are easily accessible on the DGFT website.
Implementation and compliance guide
Exporters need a structured approach to successfully implementing the RoDTEP scheme. The process starts when exporters declare their intention to claim RoDTEP benefits in shipping bills.
Several essential documents support compliance:
-
Shipping Bills and Export Invoices
-
Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC)
-
Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3)
-
Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)
The claiming process works through the ICEGATE portal, where exporters create a RoDTEP credit ledger account. Customs processes the claim and creates a scroll with individual shipping bills and admissible amounts after filing the Export General Manifest (EGM).
The digital implementation needs specific declarations in the shipping bill's SW_INFO_TYPE table. These declarations should list INFO TYPE as DTY and INFO QFR as RDT. Exporters cannot change their claims once they file the EGM.
A secure process safeguards Scrip transfer through OTP validation. The OTP remains valid for 15 minutes and reaches users through their registered mobile number and email ID. RoDTEP benefits may be suspended or withheld if authorities detect fraud or misuse.
RoDTEP marks a most important advancement for Indian exporters and provides essential relief from embedded taxes that cut into profit margins. The scheme covers 8,555 tariff items with rates ranging from 0.5% to 4.3%. This detailed support system helps export businesses thrive.
The scheme's digital-first approach and automated verification system make it accessible and user-friendly. Employment-intensive industries like marine products, leather goods, and agricultural products now receive systematic tax remission benefits.
Exporters can get the most value from RoDTEP when they maintain accurate records and follow digital procedures properly. The scheme rewards businesses that stay compliant with documentation requirements.
This WTO-compliant framework shows our government's steadfast dedication to enhancing India's export competitiveness while following international trade norms. The scheme runs until 2025 and will be a vital factor in boosting India's export growth and supporting businesses in global markets.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information on the RoDTEP scheme and is not intended as legal or financial advice. For specific guidance, consult with a trade compliance expert or relevant authority.
Small financial savings lead to big wins for your business!
- Collect from 130+ countries.
- Local USD, GBP, CAD, EUR accounts.
- Free FIRA
