Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme for Exporters

Struggling with High Costs of Export Marketing & Global Expansion?

Attending International Trade Shows/Exhibitions/Buyer Meetings can be very costly, typically in lakhs, for many Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which makes it difficult to enter new international markets.

If there is no financial assistance available:

• The potential international market will rarely be accessed
• Limited exposure to Global Buyers/Distributors
• Upfront Costs of Expanding into New Markets are so high that they decrease Return on Investment (ROI)

What is Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme?

The Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme is an initiative by the Government of India under its Niryat Protsahan (Export Promotion Mission) and aims to provide financial assistance for activities that promote exports.

The MAS enables the exporter to:

• Participate in International Trade Fairs/Exhibition, etc.
• Maintain a relationship with global buyers via structured Business-to-Business (B2B) events
• Enter into the new and growing export markets

The MAS Scheme will help improve the global visibility and competitiveness of the exporter from India.

What is the Actual Benefit for Exporters?

The MAS is designed to offer considerable economic relief to exporters through supporting a large component of exporters’ international marketing and participation costs. Exporters are generally able to receive up to 60-80% government support for certain sectors and activities. With this form of assistance, export financing obligations decrease significantly when entering international markets.

This allows the exporter to attend international trade shows/exhibitions/buyer meetings at a reduced cost, ultimately allowing them to promote products, meet verified international buyers and grow an export business. Not only does this improve the ability of exporters to be seen globally, but it also increases the level of competition as access to exporting internationally becomes easier and more economical. Businesses can further improve funding access through collateral support mechanisms for MSME exporters.

Real Example (Cost Saving)

If your trade fair participation cost is ₹10 lakh, government may support ₹6–8 lakh, reducing your cost to ₹2–4 lakh.

What Activities Are Covered Under MAS?

• Buyer-Seller Meets (BSM)
• Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSM)
• International Trade Fairs & Exhibitions
• Export Trade Delegations
• Branding & Promotional Campaigns

Exporters entering new markets can also benefit from support schemes for emerging export opportunities.

What Expenses Are Covered?

The MAS Scheme provides funding to help cover the expenses of exporting goods, including but not limited to participation at trade shows, travel, and/or airfare (subject to qualifying criteria outlined in the MAS Scheme). In addition to supporting exports through participation at trade show events and providing support for advertising and promotional activity, exporters may also receive assistance for the shipping costs associated with moving exhibit pieces internationally. Exporters may also be supported with respect to creating catalogs, brochures, etc., to promote their product(s) when participating in international trade shows.

Managing these costs alongside working capital is easier with export factoring and trade finance solutions.

Who is Eligible?

• MSME exporters with valid IEC
• Udyam Registration (for MSME benefits)
• Not listed in Denied Entity List (DEL)
• Participating in approved MAS activities

Note: Applications are usually routed through organizing agencies such as EPCs and associations.

Documents Required

• IEC Certificate
• Udyam Registration
• Export product details
• Event participation proof
• Invoice & expense documents
• Bank details

How to Apply for MAS Scheme

• Register on Trade Connect Portal
• Identify approved MAS activity
• Apply for participation
• Participate in the event
• Submit claim with documents
• Government verifies and releases support

Important Conditions to Know

• Applicable only for approved events
• No retrospective claims
• Subject to audit and verification
• Limited participation support per year
• Funding depends on sector priority

Who Should Apply?

• Exporters entering new markets
• Businesses planning trade fair participation
• MSMEs seeking global exposure
• Exporters targeting B2B connections
• Companies expanding internationally