DGFT Launches Global Outreach for Branding, Labelling & Export Packaging under Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Disha
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has introduced the Global Outreach for Branding, Labelling and Export Packaging initiative under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Disha. Effective immediately from 14 July 2026, the initiative aims to strengthen the global identity of Indian exports through a Unified Brand India Framework. It focuses on improving branding, packaging, international marketing, and product positioning to help Indian exporters move beyond commodity exports and build globally recognized brands. The Trade Notice also invites stakeholder comments on the operational guidelines within 30 days
What is the Global Outreach for Branding, Labelling & Export Packaging Initiative?
The initiative has been launched to create a unified and consistent international identity for Indian products and services. Instead of multiple branding efforts by different organizations, DGFT proposes a single Brand India framework that promotes trust, quality, innovation, sustainability, and Indian craftsmanship.
Its objective is to improve India’s global recognition, increase export value, and help exporters compete in premium international markets.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
Strengthening Brand India
The framework seeks to establish a unified branding strategy for Indian exports by creating a common identity across sectors while allowing sector-specific promotions.
Moving Up the Export Value Chain
Rather than exporting commodities alone, the initiative encourages Indian businesses to develop internationally recognized brands capable of generating higher value.
Supporting MSMEs and New Exporters
The programme is designed to improve global market access for MSMEs, startups, first-time exporters, export clusters, and district export hubs through branding and packaging support.
Unified Brand India Framework
The framework will serve as the central branding identity for Indian exports.
Key Features
- Common Brand India narrative
- National visual identity and branding guidelines
- Digital brand assets and centralized content libraries
- Global storytelling campaigns
- Sector-specific sub-brands
- International promotional campaigns
- AI-enabled digital promotion tools
- Tourism-linked promotion for select sectors
Participation under the framework will remain voluntary.
Brand India Trust Mark
One of the major highlights of the initiative is the introduction of the Brand India Trust Mark.
Features of the Trust Mark
- Multi-tier certification system
- Audit-based verification
- Quality and traceability assurance
- Fee-based certification after the initial waiver period
- Certification fees waived for the first two years to encourage participation
- Focus on maintaining international credibility through periodic audits
The Trust Mark aims to build confidence among global buyers regarding the quality and origin of Indian products.
Priority Sectors Covered
The initial rollout will focus on ten sectors:
- Food Processing
- Textiles & Apparel
- Leather & Footwear
- Handicrafts & GI Products
- Wellness & AYUSH
- Hospitality & Medical Tourism
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering & Automotive
- Gems & Jewellery
- Cosmetics
Types of Assistance Available
The initiative provides financial support for a wide range of branding activities, including:
Global Branding
- International multimedia campaigns
- Social media marketing
- Country-specific campaigns
- Trade fair participation
- Airport and retail branding
- Digital portals and AI-powered promotion
- Exporter branding toolkits
Sector Branding
- Product catalogues
- Digital campaigns
- Packaging and design development
- Local language packaging
- Sustainable packaging solutions
- Brand identity development
- Crisis communication planning
These activities are intended to improve international visibility and market access for Indian products.
Financial Assistance
The scheme offers different levels of financial support:
Unified Brand India Campaigns
- Up to 100% funding
- Maximum assistance of ₹200 crore for multi-year campaigns executed by Government agencies.
Sector Branding Projects
- Assistance up to 50% of eligible project cost
- Maximum assistance of ₹10 crore per project for priority sectors.
Eligible Organizations
Applications may be submitted by:
- Central and State Government organizations
- DGFT offices
- Indian Missions Abroad
- Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
- Commodity Boards
- Industry Associations
- Export clusters
- District Export Hubs
Eligible entities must be incorporated in India.
Application Process
Eligible entities must submit proposals through the designated online portal.
Project proposals should include:
- Objectives
- Target export markets
- Beneficiaries
- Campaign strategy
- Cost estimates
- Implementation plan
- Expected outcomes
- Monitoring metrics
Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, scalability, market relevance, branding effectiveness, and measurable export outcomes.
Note:
DGFT has invited stakeholder comments and suggestions on the operational guidelines. Feedback can be submitted within 30 days from 14 July 2026 through the official email specified in the Trade Notice.
Conclusion
The launch of the Global Outreach for Branding, Labelling & Export Packaging initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s presence in international markets. By introducing a Unified Brand India Framework, a Trust Mark certification system, and financial assistance for branding and packaging projects, DGFT aims to help Indian exporters build stronger global brands and improve export competitiveness. The initiative also places special emphasis on MSMEs, export clusters, and sector-specific branding, supporting India’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in value-added exports.
Notification Reference: DGFT
Trade Notice No. 12/2026-27
14 /07 /2026