In simple terms, External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) means commercial borrowings availed (in the form of bank loans, trade credits, and securitized instruments) from external sources (from abroad) with a minimum average maturity of three years. The borrowings under ECB take place in two channels namely automatic route and approved routes. Eligible borrowers like Corporate Importers,…
Export finance plays a pivotal role in enabling businesses—particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—to participate effectively in global trade. It encompasses various financial instruments designed to support exporters in managing working capital, mitigating risks, and maintaining liquidity throughout the export cycle. The following case studies illustrate how Indian companies from different sectors leveraged export finance…
The Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) is a centralized online platform developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to facilitate effective tracking, monitoring, and regulation of import transactions. Introduced to strengthen transparency and foreign exchange compliance, IDPMS plays a pivotal role in aligning import payments with the actual receipt of goods in…
Import finance plays a critical role in supporting Indian businesses engaged in international trade by facilitating the purchase of goods and services from overseas suppliers. These financial instruments and services ensure liquidity, reduce transaction risks, and enhance the competitiveness of importers. A variety of import finance options are available in India to cater to diverse…
Importers in India are required to comply with a comprehensive set of guidelines governed by the Foreign Trade Policy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and customs regulations. These measures ensure transparency, regulatory compliance, and the orderly conduct of foreign exchange and trade transactions. Key regulatory requirements are outlined below: 1. Import Export Code (IEC)…
The Reserve Bank of India has relaxed rules for rescheduling/restructuring of ECBs by permitting an increase in the total cost of borrowing offshore. In suppression of earlier provisions, this year the banking regulator has delegated powers to the designated AD category-I banks to allow changes/modification in the draw-down and repayment schedules notwithstanding the average maturity period or…
The Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) is an online platform developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2014 to streamline, track, and monitor export transactions in India. It serves as a centralized system, integrating information from banks and customs authorities to ensure effective oversight of export shipments and the corresponding inward…
The Reserve Bank of India relaxed rules for rescheduling/restructuring of ECBs by permitting an increase in the total cost of borrowing offshore. In suppression of earlier provisions, the banking regulator has delegated powers to the designated AD category-I banks to allow changes/modification in the draw-down and repayment schedules notwithstanding the average maturity period or changes…
With a view to providing greater flexibility for structuring of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) arrangements, it has been decided by RBI that all recognised non-resident ECB lenders may extend loans in Indian Rupees by mobilising Indian Rupees through swaps undertaken with an Authorised Dealer Category I bank in India. At present all eligible borrowers are…
The revised guidelines on External Commercial Borrowing are as per the updated circular of RBI as of December 22, 2023. In simple terms, External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) means commercial borrowings availed (in the form of bank loans, trade credits, and securitized instruments) from external sources (from abroad) with a minimum average maturity of three years.…
