RBI adds EDF reporting for service exports
India’s new export regulations took effect October 1, 2026. Service exporters must generally file an Export Declaration Form within 30 days after the invoice month, while foreign-currency service proceeds generally must be realized and repatriated within nine months.
Published 1/10/2026
What happened?
RBI’s 2026 export-import regulations took effect October 1. A service exporter must generally submit an EDF stating full export value within 30 days after the invoice month; one form may cover multiple recipients for that month, and non-software service exporters may file on or before payment receipt. A September amendment set the standard realization period at nine months for foreign-currency service invoices and 12 months where invoicing or settlement is in INR. Authorised Dealers can grant extensions when satisfied with the reason.
Why it matters
India-based freelancers and small agencies billing overseas clients need invoice records, remittance evidence, and their bank’s EDPMS process to align. For invoices up to ₹10 lakh or equivalent, an Authorised Dealer may close the EDPMS entry using the exporter’s declaration, including a quarterly bulk declaration, but implementation details can vary by dealer.
What should you do?
Ask the bank or payment provider acting as Authorised Dealer for its EDF and EDPMS procedure. Add filing and realization dates to the invoice register; retain the contract, invoice, payment reference, and inward-remittance evidence together; and request an extension before a deadline if collection is delayed.