A. Background of the Scheme

The Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) was introduced under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015–2020 to promote the export of notified services from India.

• SEIS replaced the earlier Served from India Scheme (SFIS) of FTP 2004–2009
• Unlike SFIS (limited to Indian companies), SEIS is available to all types of service providers in India
• The scope of eligible services has been expanded compared to the earlier scheme
• SEIS benefits are also extended to SEZ units, which were not covered under SFIS
• The scheme provides incentives in the form of Duty Credit Scrips, calculated as a percentage (typically 3%–5%) of Net Foreign Exchange earnings
• Applicable for services rendered on or after 1st April 2015
• Benefits are available in addition to input service tax rebates as per applicable rules

B. Eligibility Criteria

• Only services listed in Appendix 3D of FTP are eligible for SEIS benefits
• Applicable to all types of service providers (Company, Partnership, Proprietorship)
• Eligible modes of service delivery:
  • Mode 1: Cross-border trade – Services supplied from India to another country ✔️
  • Mode 2: Consumption abroad – Services supplied to foreign consumers ✔️
  • Mode 3: Commercial presence – Not eligible ❌
  • Mode 4: Presence of natural persons – Not eligible ❌

Minimum Net Foreign Exchange Earnings (previous financial year):

• USD 10,000 for Individuals / Sole Proprietors
• USD 15,000 for Others
• Certain INR payments for specified services may be treated as deemed foreign exchange (as per RBI guidelines – Appendix 3E)

Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) =
Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings – Foreign Exchange Expenses/Outflows related to services

• Only earnings from notified services are considered; other inflows (like loans, equity, donations) are excluded
• A valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory at the time of service delivery

C. Duty Credit Scrip

Eligible service providers receive Duty Credit Scrips based on their Net Foreign Exchange earnings.

Key Features & Uses:

• Can be used for payment of:
  • Customs duty on imports (except restricted items)
  • Excise duty on inputs and capital goods
  • Service tax on procurement of services
• Can also be used for:
  • Settling export obligation defaults
  • Duty payments under schemes like EPCG, DFIA, and Advance Authorization
  • Payment of application or composition fees under FTP

Additional Highlights:

• Freely transferable in the market
• Reward rate ranges between 3% to 5% depending on service category
• Valid for 18 months from date of issue
• Application must be filed within 12 months from the relevant financial year using Form ANF 3B with digital signature

D. How We Can Help You

Eligibility Assessment
We thoroughly evaluate your services to determine eligibility and applicable reward rates. We also guide you on addressing any gaps in qualification criteria.

End-to-End Application Support
Our experts handle the complete documentation and filing process to ensure accuracy and avoid delays or rejections.

Department Coordination
We actively coordinate with authorities post-filing to expedite approval and issuance of Duty Credit Scrips.

Scrip Monetization Support
If you prefer not to utilize the scrip, we assist in selling it in the market—helping you convert benefits into liquid funds.