Getting paid: RBI rules, e-BRC and protecting yourself

01The RBI deadline: nine months (from 1 October 2026)

Under the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB, in force from 1 October 2026, as amended by FEMA 23(R)/(1)/2026-RB of 22 September 2026), the full export value of goods must be realised and brought to India within nine months from the date of shipment. For exports invoiced or settled in Indian rupees the period is twelve months. For goods sent to a warehouse abroad, nine months run from the date of sale from the warehouse. The amendment cut these from fifteen and eighteen months. Shipments made before 1 October 2026 may fall under the older rules — confirm with your AD bank.

• If proceeds stay unrealised for more than one year past the due date, you may export further only against full advance or an irrevocable LC (Regulation 13).
• Banks track every shipping bill in RBI's Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). Open entries show against your IEC.
• If a buyer delays, ask your bank early about an extension — do not wait for the deadline.

02Proving payment: e-BRC

When money arrives, your bank reports it and an electronic Bank Realisation Certificate is generated on the DGFT e-BRC system. Give the bank the shipping bill number with each inward remittance so it links correctly. DGFT schemes and GST refunds rely on this data.

03Check the buyer before you ship

Ask for the buyer's trade licence and company registration, check their website and address independently, and talk on a video call. ECGC can check a buyer's standing and sets a credit limit on them before you ship on credit; it also publishes a Specific Approval List of risky buyers.

04Insure the payment risk: ECGC

ECGC (a Government of India company) insures exporters against the buyer not paying because of insolvency, default or political events in the buyer's country. Banks can also get ECGC cover for export credit they give you. Check current policies and premium on ecgc.in.