India’s export ecosystem is undergoing a powerful transformation in 2026. With global trade becoming more competitive, Indian exporters need more than just quality products—they need visibility, market intelligence, and institutional support. This is where the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme has emerged as a game changer.
For the MAS scheme exporters in India, the initiative is not merely a subsidy program but a strategic tool that helps Indian businesses penetrate new international markets, establish brand presence, and compete with global players on equal footing. As India pushes toward its ambitious export targets, the MAS Scheme is opening new export frontiers across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
This article explores how the MAS Scheme works, why it matters in 2026, and how exporters can leverage it alongside other export facilitation tools such as the Advance License Scheme to scale globally.
Understanding the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme
The Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting Indian exports by providing financial assistance for export promotion activities. Unlike traditional export incentives that focus on production or tax refunds, MAS is designed to support market entry and expansion.
The scheme primarily assists exporters in:
Participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions
Organizing buyer-seller meets abroad
Conducting product launches and brand promotion
Undertaking market research and capacity-building activities
By reducing the cost burden of these activities, MAS enables Indian exporters—especially MSMEs—to explore markets that were previously out of reach.
Why the MAS Scheme Is Crucial in 2026
The global trade environment in 2026 is shaped by several realities:
Supply chain realignments post-pandemic
Rising protectionism in developed economies
Increasing demand for diversified sourcing
Digitalisation of trade and marketing
In this context, the MAS scheme exporters in India gain a strategic advantage. The scheme helps exporters respond to these challenges by encouraging proactive market exploration rather than reactive selling.
Moreover, India’s focus on “Make in India for the World” requires exporters to build long-term international relationships. MAS supports exactly that—sustainable market access rather than short-term gains.
Key Objectives of the MAS Scheme
The MAS Scheme operates with clearly defined objectives that align with India’s export growth strategy:
Diversification of Export Markets
Reducing dependence on traditional markets like the US and EU by promoting exports to emerging economies.Brand India Promotion
Supporting Indian brands in building recognition and credibility in foreign markets.MSME Export Empowerment
Helping small and medium exporters overcome financial and informational barriers to global trade.Product Diversification
Encouraging exports of value-added and non-traditional products.
How the MAS Scheme Exporters India Are Benefiting
Entry into New and Emerging Markets
One of the biggest contributions of the MAS Scheme is market diversification. Indian exporters are increasingly exploring:
African economies such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa
Latin American markets like Brazil, Chile, and Peru
Central Asian and ASEAN nations
MAS-funded trade delegations and exhibitions help exporters test demand, understand regulations, and identify local partners.
Reduced Cost of Global Promotion
International exhibitions and buyer meets involve significant expenses—stall rentals, logistics, travel, and marketing materials. For MSMEs, these costs are often prohibitive.
The MAS Scheme reimburses a substantial portion of these expenses, making global promotion affordable and encouraging first-time exporters to step onto the international stage.
Stronger Buyer Connectivity
Buyer-seller meets supported under MAS are curated events where Indian exporters interact directly with verified foreign buyers. These interactions:
Reduce reliance on intermediaries
Improve negotiation power
Build long-term trade relationships
For many MAS scheme exporters in India, these meetings result in repeat orders and long-term contracts.
Sector-Wide Export Growth
MAS is not limited to a single industry. In 2026, major beneficiary sectors include:
Engineering goods
Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Textiles and apparel
Handicrafts and GI-tagged products
Processed foods and agri-products
This broad coverage ensures balanced export growth across industries.
MAS Scheme and MSMEs: A Perfect Match
MSMEs form the backbone of India’s export economy, but face challenges such as:
Limited international exposure
Lack of marketing expertise
High compliance and promotion costs
The MAS Scheme directly addresses these pain points. By partnering with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry bodies, and trade associations, the government ensures that MSMEs receive guided and structured exposure to global markets.
As a result, MAS scheme exporters from the MSME segment are increasingly contributing to India’s non-traditional export basket.
Integration with Other Export Promotion Schemes
The real strength of the MAS Scheme lies in how it complements other export facilitation initiatives.
For instance, exporters often combine MAS benefits with duty exemption programs like the Advance License Scheme, which allows duty-free import of inputs used in export production. While MAS focuses on market creation, such schemes focus on cost competitiveness, together forming a holistic export growth strategy.
Similarly, MAS works alongside:
RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes
Export Credit Guarantee mechanisms
Districts as Export Hubs initiative
This integrated approach ensures exporters are supported at every stage—from production to global promotion.
Digital Transformation and MAS in 2026
In 2026, the MAS Scheme has evolved to embrace digital tools and hybrid promotion models. Exporters now benefit from:
Virtual international trade fairs
Online B2B matchmaking platforms
Digital branding and e-catalogue support
These innovations reduce costs further and allow exporters to reach multiple markets simultaneously. Digital participation is especially useful for MSMEs that cannot frequently travel abroad.
Role of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
Export Promotion Councils play a critical role in implementing the MAS Scheme. They:
Identify target markets
Organize delegations and events
Vet participating exporters
Facilitate buyer interactions
For the MAS scheme exporters in India, EPCs act as both facilitators and mentors, ensuring that participation leads to tangible outcomes rather than mere exposure.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite its success, the MAS Scheme faces some challenges:
Limited awareness among small exporters
Complex documentation procedures
Budgetary constraints limit coverage
To address these issues, the government is focusing on:
Simplifying application processes
Increasing digital outreach
Enhancing coordination between ministries and EPCs
Conclusion
In 2026, the Market Access Support Scheme stands as a cornerstone of India’s export promotion strategy. By reducing market entry barriers, promoting brand India, and empowering MSMEs, it is helping exporters move beyond traditional destinations and unlock new global opportunities.
For MAS scheme exporters in India, the scheme is not just financial assistance—it is a gateway to global expansion, resilience, and long-term growth. When used strategically alongside other export facilitation tools, it has the potential to transform Indian businesses into global brands.
As India marches toward becoming a leading export powerhouse, the MAS Scheme will continue to open new export frontiers—one market at a time.
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