Logistics and trade infrastructure are important aspects for any government as they facilitate the transportation of goods and services from one country to another. An efficient infrastructure is crucial for a smooth and seamless trading process. Strong export infrastructure in India ensures fewer delays, faster movement of goods, and a wider range of affordable products for end customers.
In this article, you will get detailed information about the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme in India, its benefits, eligibility, application process, and more, useful for students preparing for the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme UPSC as well.
Overview
Before diving deep into the scheme’s features and benefits, here is a quick snapshot of what the TIES Scheme offers.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Launched In | 2017 |
| Implemented By | Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) |
| Objective | To improve export-oriented infrastructure across India |
| Financial Support | Up to 50% of project cost; up to 80% for NE and Himalayan states |
| Maximum Grant | ₹20 crore per project |
| Eligible Entities | State agencies, SEZ authorities, commodity boards, trade organisations, government bodies, and government-private JVs |
| Types of Projects Covered | Testing labs, border infrastructure, cold chains, ports, airports, SEZ facilities, Trade Promotion Centres |
You can also access the official Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme PDF and TIES Scheme PDF through DGFT portals for deeper understanding and exam preparation.
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Latest News
In recent updates, the Government of India has emphasised expanding export-focused infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) under the TIES framework. Several states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, have submitted new proposals for cold chain expansion, port modernisation, and integrated cargo handling systems. These efforts support broader initiatives such as the RoDTEP Scheme and strengthen institutional infrastructure for export promotion in India.
What Is The Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)?
The Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme in India, launched by the Indian government in 2017, aims to develop and improve infrastructure facilities to increase exports. Since 2015, when the ASIDE (Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities) scheme was de-linked from federal assistance,States and implementing agencies can use the scheme to develop quality testing labs, certification centres, cold chains, Trade Promotion Centres, border infrastructure, SEZ storage units, and cargo handling systems.
Through their implementing agencies, the states can utilise this government scheme to finance infrastructure projects that significantly contribute to exports. This includes border ports, land customs stations, quality testing and certification laboratories, cold chains, Trade Promotion Centres (TPCs), export storage and packing facilities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and cargo handling facilities at ports and airports.
This central government scheme will provide financial support in the form of grants to create infrastructure. Generally, this assistance will not exceed 50% of the equity capital contributed by a promoter to the project or the equity capital specified in the project budget. However, for projects in the North Eastern States and Himalayan States, including J&K, UT and Ladakh, this grant can go up to 80% of the total investment.
This policy works alongside programmes like the Market Access Initiative Scheme (MAI Scheme), which promotes export readiness and international branding.
Goal Of Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
The Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) has been introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to address the infrastructural challenges faced by Indian exporters. This government scheme aims to achieve the following objectives:
Increase exports -The scheme aims to create and improve infrastructure to increase the efficiency of Indian exports and increase their share in the international market.
Reduce transaction costs- Inadequate infrastructure leads to higher transaction costs for exporters, such as higher transportation costs, longer turnaround times and higher warehousing costs. By providing financial assistance for the construction of infrastructure facilities, TIES hopes to reduce exporters’ costs.
Capacity bottlenecks- In some cases, existing infrastructure facilities are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand for exports. TIES is trying to address this problem by providing financial assistance for the construction of new infrastructure facilities and the expansion of existing ones.
Quality standards - By setting up testing labs and certification centres, the scheme helps ensure that Indian exports meet global quality expectations, complementing the Market Access Initiative Scheme.
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Benefits
To understand how TIES helps exporters and states, explore the major benefits listed below. These advantages highlight why the scheme is crucial for strengthening India's export capabilities.
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Reduces logistics and transaction costs: By improving testing labs, storage, and transport facilities, exporters face fewer delays and lower costs.
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Improves export competitiveness: High-quality infrastructure strengthens India’s position in international markets and aligns with incentives such as the RoDTEP Scheme.
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Encourages investment: The scheme promotes Public-Private Partnerships, supporting broader institutional infrastructure for export promotion in India.
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Strengthens supply chains: Cold chains and cargo facilities help maintain product quality and reduce wastage.
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Supports remote and border regions: Special provisions for NE and Himalayan states ensure inclusive development.
Eligibility & Provisions Of Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme [TIES]
Entities eligible for financial support under this provision include commodity boards, SEZ authorities, trade organisations, state and federal government entities, or joint ventures between a government entity and a private company.
Under the scheme, the Central Government funds will be provided as grants to the selected institutions or companies. This grant cannot amount to more than 50% of the total equity contributed by the entity to the project.
However, for projects in Northeast India (Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim and Mizoram) and the Himalayan region (Jammu & Kashmir and Leh-Ladakh), there is a special scheme where the Centre promises to contribute up to 80% of the cost.
The grant for a single infrastructure project is limited to a maximum of Rs. 20 crore.
These guidelines are framed under official TIES Guidelines, available in the DGFT portal and related TIES Scheme PDF resources.
What Is The Application Process Of The TIES?
To help states and agencies access funding easily, the government has streamlined the online application process. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official DGFT portal.
Step 2: Log in using authorised government credentials.
Step 3: Go to the TIES Funding Application section.
Step 4: Fill in the project details, cost estimates, and supporting documents.
Step 5: Upload feasibility and impact assessment reports.
Step 6: Submit the proposal for review by the Empowered Committee.
Applicants can refer to the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme PDF for detailed instructions.
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List Of Documents Required For The Trade Infrastructure for Export Schemes
You must provide the following documents when applying for TIES, read the list below to understand it better:-
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Detailed Project Report (DPR)
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Cost estimates and fund requirement details
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Land availability documents
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Export impact assessment
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Financial statements of the implementing agency
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Registration certificates of the organisation
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Government approval letters (if applicable)
These documents help in evaluating projects under programmes supporting export readiness, including the MAI Scheme and Market Access Initiative Scheme.
Conclusion
The Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme in India plays a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s export potential. By improving quality testing labs, storage facilities, cargo systems, and border infrastructure, the scheme enhances India’s global competitiveness. With dedicated support for NE and Himalayan states, the government ensures inclusive development aligned with broader export promotion initiatives like the RoDTEP Scheme and MAI Scheme.
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