Indian exporters lose lakhs every year just because they don’t know how to properly claim RODTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) benefits. And no, this isn’t some complicated government scheme wrapped in red tape. It’s money that’s legally yours—all you need to do is claim it the right way.

No boring jargon, no textbook explanations. Just practical, actionable steps to help you get your refunds and boost your export profits.

What Is the RoDTEP Scheme?

The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme allows Indian exporters to claim a refund on taxes, duties, and levies paid on the manufacturing and distribution of exported goods. 

These include all local, state, and central taxes and duties not refunded under any other scheme, such as:

• Mandi Tax (fee on sale and purchase of agricultural produce), municipal taxes, and property taxes.

• VAT and excise duty are paid on the transportation of raw materials and supplies to create goods for export (inbound transportation).

• VAT and excise duty are paid on transportation of exported products from the factory to the gateway port (outbound transportation).

• Electricity duty is paid on the manufacturing of exported products.

• Stamp duty is paid for exported documents.

• VAT and excise duty are paid on fuel for manufacturing exported products.

• Uncreditable CGST/SGST/IGST paid on food and beverages, rent-a-cab, works contract services, etc. 

The refund is calculated as a specific percentage of FOB (Freight on board) value of exports, and issued in the form of an e-scrip. 

Note: If exporters intend to claim the e-fund under the RoDTEP scheme, they need to clearly mention it in the Shipping Bill. 

The RoDTEP scheme came into effect on January 1, 2021 and replaced the older Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). 

For exports made by Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), this scheme was earlier valid till February 5, 2025. 

As per the RoDTEP Scheme latest notification, the Government has now reinstated the scheme for special categories from June 1, 2025 for the financial year 2025-26.

So if you're an exporter, whether an MSME or a big player in the industry, the RoDTEP Scheme can increase your profit margins as you get refunds.

Related Read: Understanding FEMA Guidelines for Indian Exporters

Who is Eligible for a Refund Under the RoDTEP Scheme?

Here is the eligibility criterion for claiming a refund:

• All exporters from India, including MSMEs and startups.

• Exporters with FOB value in shipping bills.

• Businesses registered under GST and DGFT.

• Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Service exporters and non-GST-compliant businesses are not eligible to claim a refund. 

Categories non-eligible for seeking a refund:

• Goods initially imported for the purpose of export.

• Goods are exported from other countries but transshipped through India.

• Products restricted and prohibited for export.

• Exports for which electronic documentation under ICEGATE is not generated.

If your business fits the eligibility criteria, then you can claim refunds.

Related Read: GST on Exports: What Every Indian Exporter Must Know

Benefits of RoDTEP Scheme

The RoDTEP Scheme helps exporters in the following ways:

1. Tax/duties reimbursement

Exports can claim refund of tax and duties paid for exports. The scheme now also covers products that were previously under the MEIS scheme and RoSTCL. This boosts revenue for exporters.

2. Automatic reimbursement

The refunds under this scheme are generated through an automated digital system. An electronic ledger processes the refunds in the form of transferable electronic scrips. This ensures better security and transparency. 

3. WTO-Compliant

RoDTEP replaces the MEIS scheme, which was ruled non-compliant with WTO rules. The new scheme ensures India’s export incentives are globally acceptable and not challenged in trade disputes.

How to Claim RoDTEP Scheme Benefits?

Here is the step-by-step guide to claim a refund under the RoDTEP Scheme

Step 1: Include RODTEP in your shipping bill

While filing your shipping bill on ICEGATE, ensure you tick the RODTEP box. No selection means no refund.

Step 2: Register for the ICEGATE portal

Sign up on the ICEGATE portal to claim benefits under the RoDTEP Scheme. 

Step 3: Track Your RODTEP credit

Once DGFT approves your claim, your credits will appear in your ICEGATE account.

Step 4: Convert your RODTEP credits into refunds

• Sell your RODTEP credits in the ICEGATE trading module

• Cash is transferred directly to your bank account

And just like that, you’ve recovered hidden costs that most exporters forget to claim.