RBI mandates monthly filing of Export Declaration Form (EDF) for service exporters under FEMA from 1 October 2026. Non-individual entities must comply with 30-day filing deadlines and realisation norms.
EDF compliance now mandatory for service exports
Effective 1 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India requires all resident entities (excluding individuals) engaged in export of services to file a monthly Export Declaration Form (EDF) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The EDF must be submitted within 30 days of the month-end via the EDPMS portal.
The regulation applies broadly, including software exports, influencer income from overseas platforms, and digital content creators. The RBI clarified that individuals are not required to file EDF, though businesses and proprietorships must assess their classification. The form captures details such as invoice value, currency, realisation timeline (up to 12 months), and third-party payments.
Failure to comply may attract penalties under FEMA’s reporting regime. Legal teams must implement internal tracking systems and ensure coordination between finance and compliance departments. The EDF is part of broader reforms under the FEMA Export-Import Regulations 2026, aimed at improving data accuracy and monitoring of invisible transactions.
