Step 1 — Check Eligibility for TMA Scheme
Eligible Exporters
- Manufacturer exporters
- Merchant exporters
- Exporters of agriculture, horticulture, and plantation products
Eligible Products
- Listed under Appendix 2T of Foreign Trade Policy
- Includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat products, cereals, spices, organic products, etc.
Eligible Transport Modes
- Sea and Air shipments
- Freight subsidy varies by destination region and product category
Not Eligible
- SEZ units
- EOUs
- Exports under MEIS/SEIS where double benefit is claimed
- Re-exports
- Products not listed in the eligible schedule
Step 2 — Understand Benefit Structure
TMA provides assistance in the form of freight reimbursement based on:
- Destination country group (A, B, C)
- Mode of transport
- Type of export product (perishable/non-perishable)
Assistance is paid in INR after DGFT verifies claim documents.
Step 3 — Keep Required Documents Ready
- IEC
- GST certificate
- RCMC
- Export invoice
- Packing list
- Shipping bill(s)
- Bill of lading / Airway bill
- Freight invoice from shipping line / airline
- E-BRC (proof of realization)
- Chartered Accountant (CA) certificate
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Additional documents may be required for organic/agri certification.
Step 4 — Register on DGFT Portal
- Visit https://dgft.gov.in
- Create user login
- Link IEC
- Add DSC
- Update exporter profile
- Ensure bank account details are correct for receiving TMA assistance
Step 5 — File Online TMA Application
- Go to Services → Claims → TMA
- Select relevant financial year
- Enter shipment details:
- Shipping Bill No.
- HS Code
- Destination country
- Freight details
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application
- Save the TMA reference number for tracking
Step 6 — DGFT Scrutiny & Queries
DGFT will check:
- Whether product is eligible
- Freight invoices and BL/AWB
- Shipping bill details
- Export realization through e-BRC
- CA certificate validation
- Wrong claim values
If needed, DGFT issues a Deficiency Letter.
Respond to it through DGFT portal:
TMA → View Deficiency → Upload Reply + Supporting Documents
Step 7 — Claim Approval & Financial Assistance
Once the claim is verified:
- DGFT approves the TMA claim
- Reimbursement amount is sanctioned
- Payment is routed to exporter’s registered bank account via PFMS
You can track payment status online through the DGFT dashboard.
Documents Required (Summary)
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Basic Docs | IEC, GST, RCMC, DSC |
| Shipment Docs | Shipping Bill, Invoice, Packing List, BL/AWB |
| Freight Proof | Freight invoice & charges proof |
| Financial Docs | e-BRC, CA certificate |
| Others | Product-specific certifications (e.g., organic, APEDA) |
Timeline Overview
| Stage | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Application filing | 1–2 days |
| DGFT processing | 30–90 days |
| Claim payment | 15–45 days after approval |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Claiming for ineligible products
- Incorrect shipping bill details
- Missing freight invoices
- e-BRC value mismatch
- Not responding to deficiency notices in time
- Double claiming benefits with other schemes
- Using unsupported freight components (local transport, warehousing, etc.)
Benefits of TMA Scheme
- Reduces cost burden on exporters
- Encourages agricultural exports
- Makes Indian products more competitive in global markets
- Support for new and small exporters
Saving Mantra — TMA Claim Support (CTA)
We assist exporters with:
- Eligibility evaluation
- Document preparation
- DGFT TMA filing
- Responding to deficiency letters
- Monitoring claim status
- Ensuring faster reimbursement
CTA for WordPress:<a href="/contact">Need Help Filing TMA Scheme Claims? Contact Saving Mantra</a>
FAQ
Q: Is TMA available for all agricultural products?
A: Only for products listed under Appendix 2T.
Q: Can merchant exporters apply?
A: Yes, merchant exporters are eligible.
Q: Is e-BRC mandatory?
A: Yes, DGFT requires proof of foreign exchange realization.
Q: Can I revise my TMA claim later?
A: Yes, through DGFT portal before final approval.
Excerpt (Short WordPress Summary)
A detailed step-by-step guide explaining eligibility, documentation, DGFT online filing, deficiency reply, and claim settlement under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme for exporters.
Disclaimer (Add at end of post)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. TMA scheme rules, eligible products, and DGFT procedures may change through official notifications. Exporters should verify the latest guidelines or consult a qualified professional before filing TMA claims. Saving Mantra does not take responsibility for any errors, omissions, or actions based on this content.