Archive · 3 Oct 2026
New FEMA Rules Require Service Exporters to File EDFs
India has introduced a new rule for people and businesses that provide services to customers in other countries.
This can include freelancers, consultants, creators, and agencies.
They must tell their authorised dealer bank the full value of the services they exported by filing an Export Declaration Form, or EDF.
For services other than software, the bank is generally the one handling the overseas payment.
A person can put several exports from one month on one form.
The form is due within 30 days after the month when the invoice was raised.
The rule can apply whether payment is in US dollars or another foreign currency, if the transaction qualifies under FEMA.
The money generally must be received and brought back to India within nine months of the invoice date.
If filing is late, the exporter can explain the reason and ask the bank for more time.
India’s new Foreign Exchange Management regulations took effect on October 1, 2026.
Service exporters receiving payment from recipients outside India must declare the full export value using an Export Declaration Form (EDF).
For non-software services, the EDF is submitted to the authorised dealer bank handling the foreign-exchange transaction.
A monthly EDF can cover services exported to one or more recipients; it is due within 30 days after the month in which the invoice was raised.
The full export value generally must be realised and repatriated within nine months of the invoice date; exporters can ask their bank for an EDF filing extension.
- Who
- People and businesses in India exporting services to recipients outside India, including freelancers, consultants, agencies, influencers, and content creators.
- What
- A requirement to declare the full value of exported services on an Export Declaration Form and submit it to the authorised dealer bank for non-software services.
- When
- The regulations took effect on October 1, 2026. The EDF is due within 30 days after the month in which the service invoice was raised.
- Where
- India; for services other than software, the EDF is submitted to the authorised dealer bank handling the foreign-exchange transaction.
- Why
- To report the full export value of services under the new foreign-exchange regulations.
- Regulations
- Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026
- Effective date
- October 1, 2026
- Declaration
- Export Declaration Form (EDF), stating the full value of exported services
- Filing deadline
- Within 30 days from the end of the month in which the service invoice was raised
- Monthly filing
- One EDF may cover exports to one or more recipients during a month
- Bank processing
- The authorised dealer bank enters EDF details into EDPMS within five working days of receiving the declaration
- Realisation and repatriation
- The full export value generally must be realised and repatriated within nine months from the invoice date
- Late filing
- An exporter may request an extension from the authorised dealer bank, giving reasons