EXPORT

What Can You Claim?

tagThe Export Market Development Grants scheme allows Australian businesses to claim expenditure on export promotional activities that are eligible under the scheme for the financial year prior to the application period. If it is your first EMDG application you may be able to claim expenses incurred over the two fiscal years prior to application.

What Can't You Claim?

There are plenty of things you can claim as legitimate promotional expenses for your export business, but there are a few exclusions under the scheme. The EMDG is focused at aiding export promotion, and as such it does not include any reimbursement for expenses for production, product development, distribution, or certification. There are literally hundreds of other government grants available that can help your businesses grow in these areas but EMDG is not designed for that purpose.

In addition to aforementioned exclusion, all claims must not: be unsubstantiated (proof required for all claims), relate to business in unapproved countries, relate to after-sales activities, are subject to reimbursement by a third party other than EMDG, relate to in illegal or unlawful activity, are a commission or discount, or are related to an Australian tax or levy.

Contact Pattens Group today to arrange a free no-obligation professional consult to find which government grants you qualify for.

What are approved promotional activities?

tagPromotional activities are broadly defined which means it is possible to claims most of the common promotional practices for export companies. You can claim the some costs associated with having an overseas representative acting on your behalf or promoting your product on a long-term basis. You can also claim the expenses of an arms length marking consultant for export market research or marketing activities.

Costs related to marking visits such as travel and living expenses, or for the costs of bringing overseas buyers to Australia for promotional purposes are able to be included in a grant claim. You can also include any communication, literature, or advertising costs associated with promoting your export product - this includes website development. Any product samples that are produced, costs associated with trade fairs, seminars, in-store promotions are also able to be included your claim. Finally, you are also claim for costs relating to the registration of, and insurance for eligible intellectual property.

There are many conditions and limitations on each of these claims. They need to have the required documentation, claimed within the appropriate limits and in accordance with Austrade's eligibility criteria. Severe penalties can occur from incorrect claims. We suggest using the grants professional consultant Pattens Group to lodge your claims - to reduce the risk of making an incorrect claim and to maximise your EMDG claim's size.