What Types of Documents are Issued for Foreign Inward Remittances?
Understanding the types of documents for foreign inward remittances can help ensure compliance and make the process smoother. Here’s a quick guide:
- FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) – Issued for inward remittances related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investment (FII).
- eFIRC – A unique identifier provided after uploading a shipping bill or SOFTEX form on the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). The Beneficiary’s AD1 Bank is responsible for the process.
- eBRC (Electronic Bank Realization Certificate) – Generated after the issuance of an eFIRC, eBRC is commonly required for goods and software exports where the shipping bill or SOFTEX form is registered on EDPMS, the government export portal. The Beneficiary’s AD1 Bank is responsible for the process.
- FIRA/FIRS/NOC/Payout Advice – Issued for transactions not covered under (1) and (2/3) above, fulfilling requirements for transactions not directly linked to shipping bills or SOFTEX. We'll refer to this as "document (4)" for ease of understanding.
These terms (FIRA, FIRS, NOC, and Payout Advice) are used interchangeably and provide comprehensive details of your foreign inward remittance, including:
- Client/Remitter Details
- Purpose Code
- Beneficiary Details
- Foreign Currency (FCY) Amount
- INR Amount
This “document (4)” meets all regulatory requirements for GST compliance and export benefits.
Key Points to Note:
- All platforms (such as Mulya, PayPal, Stripe, etc.) and most banks (such as IDFC, ICICI, etc.) typically issue “document (4)” for all export payments not under GR/PP/SOFTEX/SDF.
- For example, purpose code P0802 (Software Consultancy/Implementation) is not covered under SOFTEX. Therefore, “document (4)” serves as adequate proof.
- If a platform claims to provide a “FIRC” or “e-FIRC”, you should confirm this with the platform, as it usually is transaction advice.
If you have any questions or need assistance with GST or documentation, our legal team of Lawyers and CAs is here to help!