ICEX will refund fees to Spanish companies affected by the cancellation of activities in the Middle East

 

ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones will proceed with the automatic refund of fees paid by Spanish companies to participate in international trade fairs and events cancelled due to the conflict in Middle East, according to him Royal decree law approved this Friday, March 20, 2026 by the Council of Ministers en Madrid.

 

Urgent measures for the protection of foreign trade

 

The new regulations of Government of Spain It incorporates instruments specifically designed to mitigate the negative impact on the international activity of national companies. The main focus of these actions is on the area of foreign promotion and the mobility of professionals, sectors that have been seriously disrupted by the current geopolitical instability.

 

Under this legal framework, the public entity ICEX It will automatically reimburse the amounts paid by companies for international trade promotion activities that have been suspended. This measure includes retroactive effects from February 28, 2026ensuring that no failed action prior to the approval of the decree is left out of the economic coverage.

 

Case studies of refunds and collaborating entities

 

The aid plan includes two main scenarios for the reimbursement of funds:

• Total cancellation of the event: The refund of the fee by ICEX it will be automatic.
• Inability to attend: In cases where the activity continues but the company cannot attend due to the cancellation of the planned transport, the refund will be made upon request. "duly justified" by the interested party.

 

Likewise, the protection extends to the Associates. ICEX will assume the non-recoverable expenses incurred by both these organizations and the companies participating in international promotion calls that have been cancelled as a direct result of the conflict.

 

Concept of Measurement	Details and Conditions
Retroactive date	From February 28, 2026
Area of ​​application	International trade fairs and promotional activities
Automatic refund	Due to the cancellation of the event because of the conflict
Refund upon request	Due to confirmed cancellation of transport
Additional beneficiaries	Partner entities of ICEX

 

The fundamental objective of this intervention is "to avoid unforeseen economic harm" to the companies that rely on the structure of ICEX for its global expansion. The institution is already working on the technical implementation of these solutions to ensure that capital flows return to companies in the shortest possible period.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about ICEX grants

What happens if the event takes place but my flight has been cancelled?

The company has the right to request a refund of the participation fee provided it presents documentary justification that proves the cancellation of the planned transport due to the conflict.

From what date are cancelled activities covered?

The measures approved by the Council of Ministers They are retroactive and cover all incidents occurring from February 28, 2026 onwards.

Are the expenses of collaborating entities covered?

Yes, ICEX It will pay the non-recoverable expenses to both the entities that organize promotional activities and the participating companies themselves, mitigating the financial risk of intermediation.