MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
March, 2026
Dear Readers,
As March comes to a close, MSMEs across India stand at an important point of transition. It is a time to reflect on the past year, review key developments, and set the direction for the new financial year. This phase brings both closure and a fresh starting point for businesses.
In this edition, we bring together the key updates from March 2026, along with relevant tools and insights to support your business in the months ahead.
Until next time,
Team IRIS MSME
📢 MSME Updates: March 2026 Highlights
Modified Credit Support for MSMEs (MCGS)
The government has updated the MCGS-MSME scheme to improve access to credit. Loans of up to ₹100 crore for machinery and equipment are now covered with a 60% government guarantee, reducing the need for high collateral. The scheme also now includes service sector MSMEs, and the initial amount paid is refundable, making it easier to manage early costs.
🔹 MSME takeaway: If your business is planning machinery purchase, expansion, or capacity addition in FY 2026–27, this may be a good time to review whether your funding requirement can be structured under eligible credit support options.
Customs Duty Deferment for Manufacturers
Starting April 1, 2026, eligible MSME manufacturers may defer their customs duty payments, helping improve short-term working capital where imported inputs are involved.
🔹 MSME takeaway: If your business has an annual turnover of at least ₹5 crore and you import raw materials, you can pay the duty in the next month instead of immediately. This change is designed to improve your daily cash flow and working capital.
Export Incentive Support (RoDTEP)
The government has restored the full rates for the RoDTEP scheme (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products). This is a timely step for exporters facing high shipping and logistics costs, as it allows you to recover taxes paid during the manufacturing process, making your products more competitive globally.
🔹 MSME takeaway: Export-oriented businesses should recheck product eligibility and factor available export incentives into pricing and margin planning.
New Opportunities in Defence and Procurement
India’s growing defence sector is creating more opportunities for MSMEs in engineering and technology-based solutions. Additionally, the ‘SWAYATT’ initiative on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) recently marked seven years of helping small businesses sell directly to government departments with fewer barriers.
🔗 Stay updated on all MSME news and developments here: MSME Updates
🎥 Webinar Recap: Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
Our March session, “Opportunities Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Know in 2026,” featured a detailed discussion with finance and legal expert Indumati R. The webinar focused on recognizing the strength of women in business while offering a practical guide to growth.
During the session, we covered funding options with a closer look at PMEGP and Mudra loan benefits designed for women entrepreneurs. We also discussed how to use government resources for self-help groups and individual ventures through the Lakhpati Didi initiatives. A key part of the session focused on quality standards, explaining the 100% ZED certification subsidy available to women-led MSMEs to improve brand credibility. The discussion also highlighted the importance of professional networking and keeping personal and business finances separate for better growth.
Missed the session? Catch all the key insights here: 👉 Full webinar
🗓️ Gearing Up for April: Mastering the New Financial Year
The first week of April is the right time to align your business with current regulations and growth opportunities. Join us for an informative session to begin the year with a clear approach.
The upcoming webinar, “Mastering the New Financial Year: What Every MSME Must Know,” is happening on April 2, 2026. This session is designed to be useful, offering an overview of new tax regulations and budget planning for the year. We will also cover how to avoid common compliance errors that often come up at the start of a new cycle. Registration is now open on the IRIS Peridot App, and we encourage you to secure your spot early.
🚀 Facilitating Growth with IRIS Peridot
As you plan your strategy for the 2026-27 financial year, access to the right funding is a priority. IRIS Peridot acts as a facilitation partner, connecting you to collateral-free business loans up to ₹75 lakhs through trusted RBI-registered lending partners.
The process is designed to be transparent and efficient. By completing a single digital application, you can view offers from multiple lenders and choose the one that aligns with your goals. Our platform ensures there are no hidden costs, while enabling access to funding without the need to pledge assets.
Business Basics: Every Registration You Need
Setting up and formalizing your business should not be a complex process. We have created the IRIS MSME Registration Hub to serve as your complete resource for every essential business registration. Whether you are looking to register for Udyam, GST, or specific sector licenses, the Hub brings everything you need into one place.
You can find clear eligibility criteria to check which registrations apply to your specific business type and access detailed document checklists so you are prepared before you begin. We also provide a complete guide on how to apply with step-by-step instructions and direct links to official government portals. This resource is designed to save you time and ensure your business is correctly registered from the start.
April 2026 | Compliance Calendar
Here are key dates and suggested actions for the month:
A Final Thought for the Financial Year-End
As the financial year comes to a close, this is a key moment to review where things stand and prepare for what comes next. Moving into April with the right information and a clear approach sets the tone for the new financial cycle. The coming period brings new requirements, timelines, and opportunities that call for timely action. We look forward to continuing to support your business through this phase.
Thank you for being part of our community.