The Reserve Bank of India notified its new export regulations (FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB) on 13 January 2026, effective 1 October 2026. A single Export Declaration Form (EDF) now covers exports of goods, services and software, and the Softex form has been withdrawn.
Who certifies the declaration
Software exporters in the Domestic Tariff Area can now have their declarations certified by their Authorised Dealer (AD) bank, as well as by STPI. SEZ units continue to route declarations through the Development Commissioner.
What the EDF is
The EDF declares the value and realisation details of your exports. For services and software, exporters can file one consolidated EDF per calendar month covering all invoices, due within 30 days after the month ends. Your AD bank confirms the exact filing method it uses.
What GCCs should do now
- Confirm your AD bank's EDF process and document checklist.
- Make sure every inward remittance from the parent carries the correct purpose code.
- Obtain an e-FIRA or FIRC for every receipt.
- Reconcile remittances to declarations every month.
- Keep export records for at least six years.
Realisation timelines have changed
Under the new framework, export proceeds generally need to be realised within 15 months of the invoice date (18 months where invoicing is in INR), and smaller outstanding entries can be closed on self-declaration. Clear any old unreconciled EDPMS entries now.
Why it matters for your GST refund
Because exports of services are zero-rated, input GST builds up and is recovered only through a refund. Certified declarations and bank realisation records support the export evidence GST officers ask for. Under FEMA, a contravention can attract a penalty of up to three times the amount involved where it is quantifiable.
Need help with this?
See EDF & Export Compliance, or talk to an expert.