Export Credit Guarantee Scheme or ECGC Cover

Exports are promoted by the government as it helps in boosting our country’s economy. Export Guarantee Scheme is an initiative to secure exports and encourage exporters. There are risks in trading with foreign country because of which Indian exporters need to be ensured that their exports are smoothly functioning. Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) originally known as Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd is a government owned enterprise was set up to provide various benefits to exporters. It gives assistance and credit facilities to exporters

The points covered in this article are
 

ECGC is an enterprise owned by government of India and is managed through Ministry of Commerce. ECGC was set up with an initiative to give export credit insurance to exporters. It covers all the risks in exporting and strengths export promotion. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry which administrates ECGC comprises of government officials, Reserve Bank of India and representatives from GST department. It provides insurance as per the requirements of exporter.

● The most important function of ECGC is the credit risk insurance to the exporters against loss or fraud on export of goods or services

● Supports banks and financial institutions so that more and more exporters can get credit and other facilities at ease

● If any exporter wants to make foreign investment, overseas investment insurance is given to Indian companies investing in joint ventures as equity or advances

● The insurance provided by ECGC acts as security on payment risk

● Not only that the exporters get credit facility but guidance is provided in every step of export

● Before exporting, exporters can check the credit ratings of the buyer and see if has enough credit worthiness

ECGC offers different credit policies based on the need of exporter. Different credit schemes are
 

i. Standard policy

This policy covers short term export risk, which is for about 180 days. It covers both financial and political risks of exports from the date of shipment. These policies are also called as Shipment policy

ii. Other policies

Other Specific policy covers Indian firms from the risk of

● Exports on deferred payments

● Services rendered to foreign companies

● Construction projects in foreign country

These policies are used to cover risk of specific contracts, from the

date of contract. A specific cover named Construction works policy is

to the contractors executing construction job abroad

iii. Financial Guarantee

These are not the policies for exporters instead to the banks of exporter. It is to protect Indian banks from risk of providing high financial support at post and pre shipment stages.

iv. Special Guarantee

Some banks issue Letter of Credit to foreign banks. These guarantees are meant to protect banks that include such letter for Buyers Credit and Exchange Fluctuation Risk Insurance

Exports are influenced by economical and political issues as the transaction is between two countries. So there can risk of any kind, any time during exports. Problems like war or tension between two countries can cause delay in settlement of payments. Not only external issues, the importer can face financial problems which shall result in bad debt to the exporter
 

● Export Credit insurance protects exporters from both financial and political risks

● The exporters can conduct overseas business without fear of loss

● Whenever exporters face bad debts, ECGC helps in recovering such bad debt

● Guidance is given with any step in export

● Credit worthiness of importer can be checked which can ensure exporter about payment

The exporter after executing the purchase order to the importer, should submit it with the Export Guarantee Corporation located in Mumbai, India. The purchase order should include all the necessary details from name of the importer to his bank details. The ECGC checks credit worthiness of importer and on the basis of that, informs about the maximum amount that can be covered under insurance policy. The policy can be taken on shipment wise or lump sum amount can be taken. Amount covered under insurance policy decides the policy premium. It varies for different policies.

Many exporters have been benefited from ECGC. It covers for about 90% of losses incurred. However there are certain risks which are specifically excluded from the cover, they are
 

● Loss due to exchange rate fluctuations

● Default on part of exporter

● Loss due to dispute regarding quality of goods or services exported

● Not obtaining import authorisation by the importer

Both banks and exporters can cover themselves against risk of non payment by the buyer. These schemes enhances the accessibility and affordability of credit to the exporters. This initiative makes Indian exporters competitive benefiting the country’s economy