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Friday, January 27, 2012

RBI guideline for individuals


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Forex Facilities for Residents (Individuals)
(updated up to January 20, 2012)
Introduction :
1. The legal framework for administration of foreign exchange transactions in India is provided by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), which came into force with effect from June 1, 2000, all transactions involving foreign exchange have been classified either as capital or current account transactions. All transactions undertaken by a resident that do not alter his / her assets or liabilities, including contingent liabilities, outside India are current account transactions. In terms of Section 5 of the FEMA, persons resident in India1 are free to buy or sell foreign exchange for any current account transaction except for those transactions for which drawal of foreign exchange has been prohibited by Central Government, such as remittance out of lottery winnings, remittance of income from racing/riding, etc., or any other hobby, remittance for purchase of lottery tickets, banned / proscribed magazines, football pools, sweepstakes, etc., payment of commission on exports made towards equity investment in Joint Ventures/ Wholly Owned Subsidiaries abroad of Indian companies,  remittance of dividend by any company to which the requirement of dividend balancing is applicable, payment of commission on exports under Rupee State Credit Route, except commission up to 10% of invoice value of exports of tea and tobacco and  payment related to “call back services” of telephones. Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000 - Notification [GSR No.381(E)] dated May 3, 2000, as amended from time to time, is available in the Official Gazette as well as, as an Annex to our Master Circular on Miscellaneous Remittances from India–Facilities for Residents available at our website www.mastercirculars.rbi.org.in.
I. Guidelines on Travel Related Matters
Q.1. Who are authorized by the Reserve Bank to sell foreign exchange for travel purposes?
Ans.  Foreign exchange can be purchased from any authorised person, such as Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I bank and AD Category II. Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) are also permitted to release exchange for business and private visits.
Q.2. Who is an Authorized Dealer?
Ans.  An Authorised Dealer is any person specifically authorized by the Reserve Bank under Section 10(1) of FEMA, 1999, to deal in foreign exchange or foreign securities (the list of ADs is available on www.rbi.org.in) and normally includes banks.
Q.3. How much foreign exchange can one buy when traveling abroad on private visits to a country outside India?
Ans.  For private visits abroad, other than to Nepal and Bhutan, viz., for tourism purposes, etc., any resident can obtain foreign exchange up to an aggregate amount of USD 10,000, from an Authorised Dealer, in any one financial year, on self-declaration basis, irrespective of the number of visits undertaken during the year. This limit of USD 10,000 or its equivalent per financial year for private visits can also be availed of by a person who is availing of foreign exchange for travel abroad for any purposes, such as, for employment or immigration or studies.
No foreign exchange is available for visit to Nepal and/or Bhutan for any purpose.
A resident Indian is allowed to take INR of denomination of Rs.100 or lesser denomination to Nepal and Bhutan without limit.
Q. 4. How much foreign exchange is available for a business trip?
Ans.  For business trips abroad to countries, other than to Nepal and Bhutan, a person can avail of foreign exchange up to USD 25,000 per visit.  Visits in connection with attending of an international conference, seminar, specialised training, study tour, apprentice training, etc., are treated as business visits. Release of foreign exchange exceeding USD 25,000 for business travel abroad (other than to Nepal and Bhutan), irrespective of the period of stay, requires prior permission from the Reserve Bank.
No release of foreign exchange is admissible for any kind of travel to Nepal and Bhutan or for any transaction with persons resident in Nepal.
Investments in Bhutan are permitted in Indian Rupees as well as in freely convertible currencies. If investment is made in freely convertible currency/ies, sale/winding up proceeds are required to be repatriated to India in freely convertible currencies.
Q. 5. How much foreign currency can be taken while buying foreign exchange for travel abroad?
Ans.  Travellers going to all countries other than (a) and (b) below are allowed to purchase foreign currency notes / coins only up to USD 3000. Balance amount can be carried in the form of travellers cheque or banker’s draft. Exceptions to this are (a) travellers proceeding to Iraq and Libya who can draw foreign exchange in the form of foreign currency notes and coins not exceeding USD 5000 or its equivalent; (b) travellers proceeding to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation and other Republics of Commonwealth of Independent States who can draw entire foreign exchange in the form of foreign currency notes or coins.
Q.6. How much foreign exchange can be drawn for medical treatment abroad?
Ans. AD Category I banks and AD Category II, may release foreign exchange up to USD 100,000 or its equivalent to resident Indians for medical treatment abroad on self declaration basis, without insisting on any estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad. A person visiting abroad for medical treatment can obtain foreign exchange exceeding the above limit, provided the request is supported by an estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad.
An amount up to USD 25,000 is allowed for maintenance expenses of a patient going abroad for medical treatment or check-up abroad, or to a person for accompanying as attendant to a patient going abroad for medical treatment/check-up.
The amount of USD 25,000 allowed to the patient going abroad is in addition to the limit of USD 100,000 mentioned above.
Q.7. What are the facilities available to students for pursuing their studies abroad?
Ans.  For studies abroad the estimate received from the institution abroad or USD 100,000, per academic year, whichever is higher, may be availed of from an AD Category I bank and AD Category II. Students going abroad for studies are treated as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and are eligible for all the facilities available to NRIs under FEMA, 1999. Educational and other loans availed of by students as residents in India can be allowed to continue. A student holding NRO account may withdraw and repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from his NRO account.  The student may avail of an amount of USD 10,000 or its equivalent for incidental expenses out of which USD 3000 or its equivalent may be carried in the form of foreign currency while going for study abroad.
Q. 8. What are the documents required for withdrawal of Foreign Exchange for the above purpose?
Ans.  Documentation may be done as advised by the Authorised Dealer.
Q. 9. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on employment?
Ans.  A person going abroad for employment can draw foreign exchange up to USD 100,000 from any Authorised Dealer in India on the basis of self-declaration.
Q. 10. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on emigration?
Ans.  A person going abroad on emigration can draw foreign exchange from AD Category I bank and AD Category II up to the amount prescribed by the country of emigration or USD 100,000. He can draw foreign exchange up to USD 100,000 on self- declaration basis from an Authorised Dealer in India This amount is only to meet the incidental expenses in the country of emigration. No amount of foreign exchange can be remitted outside India to become eligible or for earning points or credits for immigration. All such remittances require prior permission of the Reserve Bank.  If requirement exceeds USD 100,000, the person requires to obtain the prior approval from the Reserve Bank.
Q.11. Is there any category of visit which requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank or the Government of India?
Ans. Dance troupes, artistes, etc., who wish to undertake cultural tours abroad, should obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Human Resources Development (Department of Education and Culture), Government of India, New Delhi.
Q.12. Whether permission is required for receiving grant/donation from abroad under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976?
Ans.  The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976 is administered and monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs whose address is given below:
Foreigners Division,
Jaisalmer House,
26, Mansingh Road,
New Delhi-110 011
No specific approval from the Reserve Bank is required in this regard.
Q.13. How many days in advance one can buy foreign exchange for travel abroad?
Ans.  Permissible foreign exchange can be drawn 60 days in advance. In case it is not possible to use the foreign exchange within the period of 60 days, it should be immediately surrendered to an authorised person. However, residents are free to retain foreign exchange up to USD 2,000, in the form of foreign currency notes or TCs for future use or credit to their Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) [RFC (Domestic)] Accounts.
Q.14. Can one pay by cash full rupee equivalent of foreign exchange being purchased for travel abroad?
Ans.  Foreign exchange for travel abroad can be purchased from an authorized person against rupee payment in cash only up to Rs.50,000/-. However, if the Rupee equivalent exceeds Rs.50,000/-, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/ banker’s cheque/ pay order/ demand draft/ debit card / credit card / prepaid card only.
Q.15. Is there any time-frame for a traveller who has returned to India to surrender foreign exchange?
Ans.  On return from a foreign trip, travellers are required to surrender unspent foreign exchange held in the form of currency notes and travellers cheques within 180 days of return. However, they are free to retain foreign exchange up to USD 2,000, in the form of foreign currency notes or TCs for future use or credit to their Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) [RFC (Domestic)] Accounts.
Q.16. Should foreign coins be surrendered to an Authorised Dealer on return from abroad?
Ans. The residents can hold foreign coins without any limit.
Q.17. How much foreign exchange can a resident individual send as gift / donation to a person resident outside India?
Ans.  Any resident individual, if he so desires, may remit the entire limit of USD 200,000 in one financial year under LRS as gift to a person residing outside India or as donation to a charitable/educational/ religious/cultural organization outside India.  Remittances exceeding the limit of USD 200,000 will require prior permission from the Reserve Bank.
Q.18. Is it permitted to use International Credit Card (ICC)/ATM/Debit card for undertaking foreign exchange transactions?
Ans.  Use of International Credit Cards (ICCs) / ATMs/ Debit Cards can be made for travel abroad in connection with various purposes and for making personal payments like subscription to foreign journals, internet subscription, etc. The entitlement of foreign exchange on International Credit Cards (ICCs) is limited by the credit limit fixed by the card issuing authority only. With ICCs one can (i) meet expenses/make purchases while abroad (ii) make payments in foreign exchange for purchase of books and other items through internet in India. If the person has a foreign currency account in India or with a bank overseas, he/she can even obtain ICCs of overseas banks and reputed agencies.
Use of these instruments for payment in foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan is not permitted.
Q.19. How much Indian currency can a person carry while going abroad?
Ans.  Residents are free to take outside India (other than to Nepal and Bhutan) currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs. 7,500/ - per person. They may take or send outside India (other than to Nepal and Bhutan) commemorative coins not exceeding two coins each.
Explanation : 'Commemorative Coin' includes coin issued by Government of India Mint to commemorate any specific occasion or event and expressed in Indian currency.
Q. 20. How much Indian currency can be brought in while coming into India?
Ans.  A resident of India, who has gone out of India on a temporary visit may bring into India at the time of his return from any place outside India (other than Nepal and Bhutan), currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.7,500.
A person can take or send out of India to Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank notes, in denominations not exceeding Rs.100.
Q. 21. How much foreign exchange can be brought in while visiting India?
Ans.  A person coming into India from abroad can bring with him foreign exchange without any limit. However, if the aggregate value of the foreign exchange in the form of currency notes, bank notes or travellers cheques brought in exceeds USD 10,000 or its equivalent and/or the value of foreign currency alone exceeds USD 5,000 or its equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency Declaration Form (CDF), on arrival in India.
Q. 22. Is it required to follow complete export procedure when a gift parcel is sent outside India?
Ans.  A person resident in India is free to send (export) any gift article of value not exceeding Rs.5,00,000 provided export of that item is not prohibited under the extant Foreign Trade Policy and the exporter submits a declaration that goods of gift are not more than Rs.5,00,000 in value.
Export of goods or services up to Rs.5,00,000 may be made without furnishing the declaration in Form GR/ SDF/ PP/ SOFTEX, as the case may be.
Q.23. How much jewellery can be carried while going abroad?
Ans.  Taking personal jewellery out of India is as per the Baggage Rules, governed and administered by Customs Department, Government of India. While no approval of the Reserve Bank is required in this case, approvals, if any, required from Customs Authorities may be obtained.
Q.24. Can a resident extend local hospitality to a non-resident?
Ans.  A person resident in India is free to make any payment in Indian Rupees towards meeting expenses, on account of boarding, lodging and services related thereto or travel to and from and within India, of a person resident outside India, who is on a visit to India.
Q. 25. Can residents purchase air tickets in India for their travel not touching India?
Ans.  Residents may book their tickets in India for their visit to any third country. For instance, residents can book their tickets for travel from London to New York, through domestic/foreign airlines in India itself.
Q. 26. Can a resident open a foreign currency denominated account in India?
Ans.  Persons resident in India are permitted to maintain foreign currency accounts in India under the following three Schemes:
a. Exchange Earners Foreign Currency Accounts:-
All categories of resident foreign exchange earners can  credit up to 100 per cent of their foreign exchange earnings, as specified in the paragraph 1 (A) of the Schedule to Notification No. FEMA 10/2000-RB dated 3rd May, 2000 and as amended from time to time, to their EEFC Account with an Authorised Dealer in India. Funds held in EEFC account can be utilised for all permissible current account transactions and also for approved capital account transactions as specified by the extant Rules/Regulations/ Notifications/ Directives issued by the Government/RBI from time to time. The account is maintained in the form of a non-interest bearing current account.
b. Resident Foreign Currency Accounts : -
A person resident in India may open, hold and maintain with an Authorised Dealer in India a Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) Account to keep their foreign currency assets which were held outside India at the time of return can be credited to such accounts. The foreign exchange received as (i) pension of any other superannuation or other monetary benefits from the employer outside India; (ii) received or acquired as gift or inheritance from a person referred to sub-section (4) of section 6 of FEMA, 1999 or (iii) referred to in clause (c) of section 9 of the Act or acquired as gift or inheritance there from or (iv) received as the proceeds of life insurance policy claims/maturity/ surrender values settled in foreign currency from an insurance company in India permitted to undertake life insurance business by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority; may also be credited to this account.
RFC account can be maintained in the form of current or savings or term deposit accounts.
The funds in RFC account are free from all restrictions regarding utilisation of foreign currency balances including any restriction on investment outside India.
c. Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) Account:-
A resident Individual may open, hold and maintain with an Authorized Dealer in India, a Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) Account, out of foreign exchange acquired in the form of currency notes, Bank notes and travellers cheques, from any of the sources like, payment for services rendered abroad, as honorarium, gift, services rendered or in settlement of any lawful obligation from any person not resident in India. The account may also be credited with/opened out of foreign exchange earned abroad like proceeds of export of goods and/or services, royalty, honorarium, etc., and/or gifts received from close relatives (as defined in the Companies Act) and repatriated to India through normal banking channels. The account shall be maintained in the form of Current Account and shall not bear any interest. There is no ceiling on the balances in the account. The account may be debited for payments made towards permissible current and capital account transactions.
Q.27. Can a person resident in India hold assets outside India?
Ans.  In terms of sub-section 4, of Section (6) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, a person resident in India is free to hold, own, transfer or invest in foreign currency, foreign security or any immovable property situated outside India if such currency, security or property was acquired, held or owned by such person when he was resident outside India or inherited from a person who was resident outside India. (Please also refer to the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 200,000 discussed below).
II. Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of USD 200,000
Q.28. What is the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 200,000?
Ans.  Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 200,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.
Q.29. Please provide an illustrative list of capital account transactions permitted under the scheme.
Ans..  Under the Scheme, resident individuals can acquire and hold immovable property or shares or debt instruments or any other assets outside India, without prior approval of the Reserve Bank. Individuals can also open, maintain and hold foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for carrying out transactions permitted under the Scheme.
Q. 30. What are the prohibited items under the Scheme?
Ans.  The remittance facility under the Scheme is not available for the following:
i) Remittance for any purpose specifically prohibited under Schedule-I (like purchase of lottery tickets/sweep stakes, proscribed magazines, etc.) or any item restricted under Schedule II of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000;
ii) Remittance from India for margins or margin calls to overseas exchanges / overseas counterparty;
iii) Remittances for purchase of FCCBs issued by Indian companies in the overseas secondary market;
iv)  Remittance for trading in foreign exchange abroad;
v) Remittance by a resident individual for setting up a company abroad;
vi) Remittances directly or indirectly to Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Pakistan;
vii) Remittances directly or indirectly to countries identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as “non co-operative countries and territories”, from time to time; and
viii) Remittances directly or indirectly to those individuals and entities identified as posing significant risk of committing acts of terrorism as advised separately by the Reserve Bank to the banks.
Q.31. Whether LRS facility is in addition to existing facilities detailed in Schedule III under remittances?
Ans.  The facility under the Scheme is in addition to those already available for private travel, business travel, studies, medical treatment, etc., as described in Schedule III of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000. The Scheme can also be used for these purposes.
However, gift and donation remittances cannot be made separately and have to be made under the Scheme only. Accordingly, resident individuals can remit gifts and donations up to USD 200,000 per financial year under the Scheme.
Further, a resident individual can give rupee gifts to his visiting NRI/PIO close relatives [means relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956] by way of crossed cheque/electronic transfer within the overall limit of USD 200,000 per financial year for the resident individual and the gifted amount should be credited to the beneficiary’s NRO account. An individual resident can lend money by way of crossed cheque /electronic transfer to a Non resident Indian (NRI)/ Person of Indian Origin (PIO) close relative [means relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956] within the overall limit of USD 200,000 per financial year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, to meet the borrower’s personal or business requirements in India, subject to conditions. The loan should be interest free and have a maturity of minimum one year and cannot be remitted outside India.
Q. 32. Are resident individuals under this Scheme required to repatriate the accrued interest/dividend on deposits/investments abroad, over and above the principal amount?
Ans.  The investor can retain and reinvest the income earned on investments made under the Scheme. At present, the residents are not required to repatriate the funds or income generated out of investments made under the Scheme.
Q.33. Are remittances under the Scheme on gross basis or net basis (net of repatriation from abroad)?
Ans.   Remittance under this scheme is on a gross basis.
Q. 34. Can remittances under the facility be consolidated in respect of family members?  
Ans.  Remittances under the facility can be consolidated in respect of family members subject to the individual family members complying with the terms and conditions of the Scheme.
Q. 35. Can one use the Scheme for purchase of objects of art (paintings, etc.) either directly or through auction house?
Ans.  Remittances under the Scheme can be used for purchasing objects of art subject to the provisions of other applicable laws such as the extant Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India.
Q.36. Is the AD required to check permissibility of remittances based on nature of transaction or allow the same based on remitters declaration?
Ans.  AD will be guided by the nature of transaction as declared by the remitter and will certify that the remittance is in conformity with the instructions issued by the Reserve Bank,  in this regard from time to time.
Q.37. Can remittance be made under this Scheme for acquisition of ESOPs?
Ans.  The Scheme can also be used for remittance of funds for acquisition of ESOPs.
Q.38. Is this scheme in addition to acquisition of ESOPs linked to ADR/GDR (i.e USD 50,000/- for a block of 5 calendar years)?
Ans.  The remittance under the Scheme is in addition to acquisition of ESOPs linked to ADR/GDR.
Q.39. Is this Scheme is in addition to acquisition of qualification shares (i.e. USD 20,000 or 1% of paid up capital of overseas company, whichever is lower)?
Ans.  The remittance under the Scheme is in addition to acquisition of qualification shares.
Q.40. Can a resident individual invest in units of Mutual Funds, Venture Funds, unrated debt securities, promissory notes, etc., under this scheme?
Ans.  A resident individual can invest in units of Mutual Funds, Venture Funds, unrated debt securities, promissory notes, etc. under this Scheme. Further, the resident can invest in such securities out of the bank account opened abroad under the Scheme.
Q.41. Can an individual, who has availed of a loan abroad while as a non-resident Indian can repay the same on return to India, under this Scheme as a resident?
Ans.  This is permissible.
Q. 42. Is it mandatory for resident individuals to have PAN number for sending outward remittances under the Scheme?
Ans.   It is mandatory to have PAN number to make remittances under the Scheme.
Q. 43. In case a resident individual requests for an outward remittance by way of issuance of a demand draft (either in his own name or in the name of the beneficiary with whom he intends putting through the permissible transactions) at the time of his private visit abroad, whether the remitter can effect such an outward remittance against self declaration?
Ans. Such outward remittance in the form of a DD can be effected against the declaration by the resident individual in the format prescribed under the Scheme.
Q. 44. Are there any restrictions on the frequency of the remittance?
Ans.  There is no restriction on the frequency. However, the total amount of foreign exchange purchased from or remitted through, all sources in India during a financial year should be within the cumulative limit of USD 200,000.
Q.45. What are the requirements to be complied with by the remitter?
Ans.  The individual will have to designate a branch of an AD through which all the remittances under the Scheme will be made. The applicants should have maintained the bank account with the bank for a minimum period of one year prior to the remittance. If the applicant seeking to make the remittance is a new customer of the bank, Authorised Dealers should carry out due diligence on the opening, operation and maintenance of the account. Further, the AD should obtain bank statement for the previous year from the applicant to satisfy themselves regarding the source of funds. If such a bank statement is not available, copies of the latest Income Tax Assessment Order or Return filed by the applicant may be obtained. He has to furnish an application-cum-declaration in the specified format regarding the purpose of the remittance and declare that the funds belong to him and will not be used for purposes prohibited or regulated under the Scheme.
Q. 46. Can an individual, who has repatriated the amount remitted during the financial year, avail of the facility once again?
Ans.  Once a remittance is made for an amount up to USD 200,000 during the financial year, he would not be eligible to make any further remittances under this scheme, even if the proceeds of the investments have been brought back into the country.
Q. 47. Can remittances be made only in US Dollars?
Ans.  The remittances can be made in any freely convertible foreign currency equivalent to USD 200,000 in a financial year.
Q. 48. In the past resident individuals could invest in overseas companies listed on a recognised stock exchange abroad and which has the shareholding of at least 10 per cent in an Indian company listed on a recognised stock exchange in India. Does this condition still exist?
Ans.  Investment by resident individual in overseas companies is subsumed under the Scheme of USD 200,000. The requirement of 10 per cent reciprocal shareholding in the listed Indian companies by such overseas companies has since been dispensed with.
III. Guidelines for Financial Intermediaries offering special schemes, protection under the Scheme.
Q. 49. Are intermediaries expected to seek specific approval for making overseas investments available to clients?
Ans.   Banks including those not having operational presence in India are required to obtain prior approval from Reserve Bank for soliciting deposits for their foreign/overseas branches or for acting as agents for overseas mutual funds or any other foreign financial services company.
Q.50. Are there any restrictions on the kind/quality of debt or equity instruments an individual can invest in?
Ans.  No ratings or guidelines have been prescribed under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 200,000 on the quality of the investment an individual can make. However, the individual investor is expected to exercise due diligence while taking a decision regarding the investments which he or she proposes to make.
Q. 51. Whether credit facilities in Indian Rupees or foreign currency would be permissible against security of such deposits?
Ans.  No. The Scheme does not envisage extension of credit facility against the security of the deposits. Further, the banks should not extend any kind of credit facilities to resident individuals to facilitate remittances under the Scheme.
Q. 52. Can bankers open foreign currency accounts in India for residents under the Scheme?
Ans.  No. Banks in India cannot open foreign currency accounts in India for residents under the Scheme.
Q. 53. Can an Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) in India be treated on par with a branch of the bank outside India for the purpose of opening of foreign currency accounts by residents under the Scheme?
Ans.  No. For the purpose of the Scheme, an OBU in India is not treated as an overseas branch of a bank in India.
Q. 54. Are individuals resident in India permitted to include non-resident close relatives as joint holder(s) in their resident bank accounts?
Ans.  Individuals resident in India are permitted to include non-resident close relative(s) (relatives as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) as joint holder(s) in their resident bank accounts on ‘former or survivor’ basis. However, such non-resident Indian close relatives shall not be eligible to operate the account during the life time of the resident account holder.
Q. 55. Can a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) open NRE/FCNR (B) account with their resident close relative?
Ans. Non-Resident Indian (NRI), as defined in FEMA Notification No. 5/ 2000-RB dated May 3, 2000 may be permitted to open NRE/FCNR(B) account with their resident close relative (relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) on ‘former or survivor’ basis. The resident close relative shall be eligible to operate the account as a Power of Attorney holder in accordance with the extant instructions during the life time of the NRI/PIO account holder.
Q. 56. Can a resident individual make a rupee gift to a NRI/PIO who is a close relative of resident individual by of crossed cheque/ electronic transfer?
Ans. A resident individual is permitted to make a rupee gift to a NRI/PIO who is a close relative of the resident individual {close relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956} by way of crossed cheque/ electronic transfer. The amount should be credited to the Non-Resident (Ordinary) Rupee Account (NRO) Account of the NRI/ PIO and credit of such gift amount may be treated as an eligible credit to NRO account. The gift amount would be within the overall limit of USD 2,00,000 per financial year as permitted under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for a resident individual. It would be the responsibility of the resident donor to ensure that the gift amount being remitted is under the LRS and all the remittances under the LRS during the financial year including the gift amount have not exceeded the limit prescribed under the LRS.
Q. 57 Are resident individuals permitted to lend to a Non-resident Indian (NRI)/ Person of Indian Origin (PIO)?
Ans. A resident individual may now lend to a Non resident Indian (NRI)/ Person of Indian Origin (PIO) close relative [means relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956] by way of crossed cheque /electronic transfer, subject to the following conditions:
(i) the loan is free of interest and the minimum maturity of the loan is one year;
(ii) the loan amount should be within the overall limit under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 200,000 per financial year available for a resident individual. It would be the responsibility of the lender to ensure that the amount of loan is within the Liberalised Remittance Scheme limit of USD 200,000 during the financial year;
(iii) the loan shall be utilised for meeting the borrower's personal requirements or for his own business purposes in India;
(iv) the loan shall not be utilised, either singly or in association with other person, for any of the activities in which investment by persons resident outside India is prohibited, namely;
(a) the business of chit fund, or
(b) Nidhi Company, or
(c) agricultural or plantation activities or in real estate business, or construction of farm houses, or
(d) trading in Transferable Development Rights (TDRs).
Explanation: For the purpose of item (c) above, real estate business shall not include development of townships, construction of residential / commercial premises, roads or bridges.
(v) The loan amount should be credited to the NRO a/c of the NRI /PIO. Credit of such loan amount may be treated as an eligible credit to NRO a/c;
(vi) the loan amount shall not be remitted outside India; and
(vii) repayment of loan shall be made by way of inward remittances through normal banking channels or by debit to the Non-resident Ordinary (NRO)/ Non-resident External (NRE) / Foreign Currency Non-resident (FCNR) account of the borrower or out of the sale proceeds of the shares or securities or immovable property against which such loan was granted.
Q. 58 Can the loans of Non-resident close relatives by residents?
Ans. Where an authorised dealer in India has granted loan to a non-resident Indian in accordance with Regulation 7 of the Notification No. FEMA 4/2000-RB dated May 3, 2000 such loans may also be repaid by resident close relative (relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) of the Non-Resident Indian by crediting the borrower’s loan account through the bank account of such relative.
Q. 59 Is meeting of medical expenses of NRIs close relatives by Resident Individuals is permitted?
Ans. Where the medical expenses in respect of NRI close relative (relative as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) are paid by a resident individual, such a payment being in the nature of a resident to resident transaction may be covered under the term “services related thereto” under Regulation 2(i) of Notification No. FEMA16/ 2000-RB dated May 3, 2000.
General Information : For further details/guidance, please approach any bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange or contact Regional Offices of the Foreign Exchange Department of the Reserve Bank.

1 A 'person resident in India' is defined in Section 2(v) of FEMA, 1999 as :
A person residing in India for more than one hundred and eighty-two days during the course of the preceding financial year but does not include –

(A) a person who has gone out of India or who stays outside India, in either case -
for or on taking up employment outside India, or
for carrying on outside India a business or vocation outside India, or
for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period;

(B) a person who has come to or stays in India, in either case, otherwise than –
for or on taking up employment in India, or
for carrying on in India a business or vocation in India, or
for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay in India for an uncertain period
any person or body corporate registered or incorporated in India,
an office, branch or agency in India owned or controlled by a person resident outside India,
an office, branch or agency outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India
 
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Monday, January 23, 2012

How to pay for import into India(Re produced from RBI website)


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Date : 31 May 2005
Import of Goods, Currency, etc., Merchanting Trade and other related matters

CHAPTER 7


IMPORT OF GOODS, CURRENCY ETC., MERCHANTING
TRADE AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS

PART A - IMPORT OF GOODS
7A.1General
7A.2Import Licences
7A.3Obligations of Purchaser of Foreign Exchange for Import
7A.4Manner of Rupee Payment
7A.5Letters of Authority
7A.6Attestation of Invoices by Authorised Dealers
7A.7Form A1
7A.8Imports Financed in Rupees
7A.9Import Licences for c.i.f. value
7A.9AImports by Government/Public Sector Undertakings, etc.
7A.10Advance Remittance
7A.11Time Limit for Settlement of Import Payments
7A.12Interest on Import Bills
7A.13Appointment of Buying Agents Abroad
7A.14War Risk Insurance/Bunker/Congestion Surcharge/Premium for Extended Insurance cover
7A.15Endorsement on Import Licences
7A.16Imports under Penalty
7A.17Imports into Bonds
7A.18Remittances against Replacement Imports
7A.19Surrender of Import Licences to Exchange Control
7A.20Evidence of Import
7A.21Precautions for Handling Import Documents
7A.22Postal Imports
7A.23Imports through courier
7A.24Supply of Books in DTA by EOUs/EPZs
7A.25Legal Expenses connected with imports
7A.26Import of Software through Datacom.Channels/Internet
7A.27Import of Second-hand Capital Goods
7A.28Import of Gold/Platinum/Silver by Nomonated Banks/Agencies
7A.29Import of films on lease/rental basis
PART B - IMPORTS UNDER FOREIGN LOANS/CREDITS
7B.1General
7B.2Procedure for Obtaining Reserve Bank Approval
7B.3Registration Number
7B.4Opening of Bank Accounts in India/Abroad
7B.5Issue of Bank Guarantee
7B.6Submission of Utilisation Statements
7B.7Repayment of Loan/Credit and Payment of Other Charges Loans by Export-oriented Units on Self-liquidation Basis
7B.8AForeign Currency Loans under U.S.$ 3 Mn. Scheme
7B.9Sub-loans out of Lines of Credits/Loans obtained by Term Lending Institutions
7B.10Loans for Purchase of Aircraft/Ships
7B.11Import Under Foreign Loans/Credits arranged by Government of India from foreign Governments/Institutions
PART C - MERCHANTING TRADE
7C.1General
7C.2Advance Remittances to Overseas Suppliers
PART D - IMPORT OF GOLD, SILVER SECURITIES, CURRENCY, ETC.
7D.1Import of Gold, Silver and Jewellery
7D.2Import of Cheques, etc.
7D.3Import of Securities
7D.4Import of Indian Currency
7D.5Import of Foreign Exchange
ANNEXURE
Guidelines for Handling Import Bills- Operating Procedure



IMPORT OF GOODS, CURRENCY ETC., MERCHANTING TRADE AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS
PART A - IMPORT OF GOODS
General
7A.1(i)Import trade is regulated by the office of the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
and its regional offices functioning under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
Policies and procedures for import are announced by the DGFT. Sale of foreign exchange or rupee transfer to non-resident account towards payment for import of goods into India from any foreign country, except Nepal and Bhutan, permitted under the prevailing import trade control policy may be made by authorised dealers without approval of Reserve Bank subject to the conditions set out in subsequent paragraphs.

NOTE:For Exchange Control purposes, accounts in India of Indians, Nepalese and Bhutanese resident in Nepal and Bhutan as well as Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese firms, companies or other organisations including banks functioning in these countries are regarded as resident accounts and rupee transfers to such accounts against imports into India from these countries (or for any other purpose) may be made freely without reference to Reserve Bank. Sale of foreign currencies in payment for imports from the above countries is not permitted. Payments from India to suppliers in third countries against imports into Nepal/Bhutan are also not permitted.
(ii)Authorised dealers are permitted to open letters of credit on behalf of their
customers who are known to be participating in the trade. While doing so, they should follow normal banking procedures, UCPDC provisions, etc. The letter of credit should, in particular, stipulate a condition requiring that the bill of lading should indicate the name and address of the importer in India as well as the authorised dealer opening the credit. Remittances for imports under letters of credit or otherwise should be made against shipping documents/lorry/railway receipts/Exchange Control copies of bills of entry/postal/courier wrappers, etc. except where it is otherwise provided in this Chapter.

(iii)In terms of item No.54 of the list of consumer goods given under paragraph 156
in Part II(A) of Chapter XV of Export and Import Policy (1992-97), import of designs and drawings is permitted without any restrictions. Remittances towards import of designs and drawings may be allowed by authorised dealers on production of (i) suppliers' invoice; and (ii) postal wrappers/exchange control copy of Bill of Entry as documentary evidence in support of import, subject to the following conditions :-

a)Import of designs and drawings has been made strictly as per the Exim Policy in force.
b)The transaction is as per provisions of paragraphs 7A.1(iii), 7A.107A.11,7A.207A.217A.22 7A.23 & 7A.26 of ECM.
c)The entire payment relates to the cost of import of designs and drawings only and does not include any other cost.
d)Production of undertaking/certificate regarding payment of Income-tax (cf. Paragraph 3B.10).
e)The value of designs and drawings imported has been declared to the Customs authorities and incorporated in the Exchange Control copy of Bill of Entry.
f)In terms of Research and Development Cess Act, 1986 a Research and Development Cess has to be paid by Industrial concerns importing technology, drawings and designs, on all payments made by such concerns which will also include payments made locally in Rupees towards fare, living expenses etc. of foreign technicians/personnel who have been deputed to India in connection with the import of technology, drawings and designs. Authorised dealers should, therefore, while allowing such remittances, obtain confirmation/ evidence from the Indian companies that Research and Development Cess has been paid. In terms of Technology Department Board Act, l995 and amendment made to the R & D Cess Act, in 1995 by Government of India, the power of the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) to call for information and impose penalty has been transferred to the newly constituted Technology Development Board. Accordingly, where such a confirmation/evidence is not produced by Indian companies, authorised dealers should immediately, but not later than 30 days from the date of remittance, report the matter to the Secretary, Technology Development Board, Technology Bhavan, Department of Science and Technology, Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110 016 alongwith the following particulars.

i]Name and address of applicant industrial concern
ii]Name and address of the beneficiary
iii]Purpose of remittance(with brief details)
iv]Amount and currency of remittance
v]Date of remittance.

Authorised dealers may also open letters of credit covering imports of designs and drawings subject to the above referred conditions and also subject to the applicant's undertaking to produce documentary evidence of import within 3 months from the date of remittance.
Import Licences

7A.2Authorised dealers should not open letters of credit or allow remittances for the import of goods
included in the negative lists unless the importer submits a licence marked For Exchange
Control Purposes'. Special conditions, if any, attached to the licence should be adhered to while opening letters of credit or making remittances.

Obligations of Purchaser of Foreign Exchange for Import

7A.3Section 8(3) of FERA 1973 makes it obligatory for any person who acquires
foreign exchange for any particular purpose but does not for any reason whatsoever
use it for that purpose, to surrender the foreign exchange without delay to an authorised dealer in foreign exchange. Use of such foreign exchange for any other purpose is an offence under the Act. Furthermore, in terms of Section 8(4) ibid, where any person acquires foreign exchange for importing goods into India but does not at all import the goods or does not import goods of a value representing the foreign exchange acquired within a reasonable time or imports goods of a kind, quality or quantity different from that specified by him at the time of acquisition of the foreign exchange, he shall be presumed to have been unable to use the foreign exchange for the purpose for which it was acquired or, as the case may be, to have used the foreign exchange for a purpose other than the one for which it was acquired. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 of FERA 1973, Reserve Bank has permitted credit of rupees to non-resident accounts as one of the methods of payment to persons resident outside India for making payment towards imports. This permission is subject to the condition that payment in such manner by any person is made towards imports as declared by the importer and not for any other purpose. It is, therefore, obligatory for any such person to use the payment only for the purpose declared by him. If the payment is used for any other purpose, it will amount to a breach of the condition subject to which permission has been granted. These provisions are also applicable in case of payments through Asian Clearing Union.

Manner of Rupee Payment

7A.4Payments in retirement of bills drawn under letters of credit as well as bills received from
abroad for collection against imports into India, must be received by authorised dealers,
irrespective of amount, by debit to the account of the importer with themselves or by means of a crossed cheque drawn by him on his other bankers. Payments against bills should not be accepted in cash. This rule also applies to private imports where the amount involved is Rs.20,000/- or more.

Letters of Authority

7A.5Authorised dealers may open letters of credit or make remittances where the
Exchange Control copy of relative import licence has been issued in the name of a
party other than the applicant, provided the applicant produces a letter of authority obtained from the import licence holder in his favour authorising him, inter alia, to open letters of credit or make remittances in payment towards import under the licence (subject to the terms and conditions, if any, stipulated in this regard in the Import Policy in force). Authorised dealers may also open letters of credit or make remittances towards imports permitted without licences on behalf of agents appointed by eligible importers, after satisfying themselves by reference to the Import Policy in force that the latter are permitted to utilise services of agents for the purpose of opening letters of credit etc. for the imports in question. In all such cases, the responsibility for production of the Customs Bills of Entry, where required, will rest on the letter of authority holder or agent and an undertaking to do this must be taken from him.

Attestation of Invoices by Authorised Dealers

7A.6Under Customs regulations, importers have to submit to Customs at the time of
clearance of goods a copy of the invoice attested by the authorised dealer through
whom remittance has been or will be made, as corroboratory evidence of the value of the goods declared on Customs Bills of Entry. To enable the importer to comply with this requirement, authorised dealers should furnish to him a duly attested copy of the invoice in all cases where relative bills of exchange and/or shipping documents were received through their medium. Where documents were received by the importer direct, authorised dealers may also attest copy of the invoice on request by the importer, provided the remittance has been or will be made through them.

Form A1
7A.7Applications by persons, firms and companies for making payments towards imports
into India must be made on form A1. Variants of this form have been devised in
different colours to be used for -

(a)remittance in foreign currency,
(b)transfer of rupees to non-resident bank accounts, and
(c)remittance through Asian Clearing Union.

Care should be taken to see that appropriate form A1 is used. Care should also be taken to fill in correctly the various details relating to the import as required on the form and to furnish necessary declarations/undertakings thereon.

Imports Financed in Rupees

7A.8Regulations contained in this Chapter are also applicable to imports which are financed in
rupees and payment for which is made by crediting rupees to a non-resident account in India.
There is also no objection to proceeds of rupee bills being converted into any convertible foreign currency, if remitting bank so desires.
Import Licences for c.i.f. Value

7A.9(i)Import licences wherever issued are for the c.i.f. value of the goods to be imported which
includes commission, if any, allowed by the supplier/manufacturer. Import licences cannot be
used to the full amount in cover of f.o.b. cost of the goods leaving insurance, freight and commission to local agent of the supplier, as additional charges to be paid in rupees over the amount specified in the import licence. (See paragraph 7A.13 also).

(ii)Importers sometime enter into contracts on f.o.b. terms and agree to the suppliers paying
for the freight to be reimbursed to them along with the cost of the goods. Authorised dealers in such cases should, before making the remittance of freight charges, ascertain the actual freight amount paid with reference to the original freight bill or memo issued by the shipping company or the amount stated on the relative bill of lading.

Imports by Government/Public Sector Undertakings, etc.

7A.9AAs per the procedure laid down by Government of India, import contracts by Central/State
Governments, Central & State Public Sector undertakings and autonomous bodies are required
to be made on FOB/FAS basis in respect of transportation of Government owned / controlled cargo by foreign flag vessels (i.e. ocean transportation of cargo) . In case of the import contracts entered into on terms other than FOB/FAS, a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Surface Transport (MOST), Government of India is required to be obtained. Authorised dealers, before opening import letters of credit or releasing foreign exchange for imports, should ensure that necessary No Objection Certificate is obtained by the concerned Government organisation in cases of import contracts made on terms other than FOB/FAS.

Advance Remittance
7A.10Authorised dealers may allow advance remittances for import of goods without any ceiling subject to the following conditions :
(a)Documentary evidence indicating the cost of the goods and the insistence of the overseas seller on advance payment should be submitted by the importer.
(b)The importer should hold the EC copy of a valid import licence if the goods to be imported are those included in the negative list of imports given in the Export and Import Policy.
(c)Remittance is made direct to the suppliers.
(d)If the amount of advance remittance exceeds U.S.$ 25,000 or its equivalent, a guarantee from an international bank of repute situated outside India or a guarantee of an authorised dealer in India, if such a guarantee is issued against the counter-guarantee of an international bank of repute situated outside India, should be obtained. An unconditional standby L/C from an international bank of repute situated outside India may be accepted in lieu of bank guarantee provided it is irrevocable, non-transferable and lists out full particulars of the transactions and there is a clear provision for prompt payment being received in convertible currency in an approved manner. The validity of the guarantee/letter of credit should cover adequately the period for the purpose of enforcing payment.
(e)Physical import of goods into India should be made within three months (twelve months in case of capital goods) from the date of remittance and the importer should give an undertaking to furnish documentary evidence of import within fifteen days from the close of the relevant period. Authorised dealers may allow extension of time for import not exceeding one month (three months in the case of capital goods) provided the reasons for seeking extension of time are found convincing. In cases where the advance remittance has been made against a bank guarantee, the guarantee should be suitably amended, if need be, to cover the extended period for import of goods into India.
(f)In case of import of capital goods, certified copy of importer's contract with the supplier or any other evidence indicating terms of payment should be submitted.
(g)In the case of import of books, a list of books to be imported should be obtained. This should be attached to the form A1 while submitting it along with the relevant R return.
(h)Authorised dealer should ensure that in the event of non-import of goods, the amount of advance remittance is repatriated to India.

Time Limit for Settlement of Import Payments

7A.11(i)The basic rule relating to remittances against imports is that they should
be completed not later than six months from the date of shipment. Accordingly,
deferred payment arrangements involving payments beyond a period of six months from the date of shipment are not permissible without approval of Reserve Bank/Government of India (See Part B of this Chapter). There would, however, be no objection to importers withholding a small part of the cost of the goods not exceeding 15 per cent towards guaran3tee of performance etc. Authorised dealers may make remittances of amounts so withheld, provided the earlier remittance had been made through them. No interest payment should be allowed to be remitted on these withheld amounts.

(ii)Sometimes, settlement of import dues may be delayed due to disputes,
financial difficulties, etc. Authorised dealers may make remittances in such cases even if the period of six months has expired, provided -

(a)authorised dealer is satisfied about the bona fides of the circumstances leading to the delay in payment;
(b)No payment of interest is involved for the additional period. However, in cases where the overseas supplier insists on payment of interest, it may be allowed in accordance with the provisions contained inparagraph 7A.12 upto a maximum period of 60 days beyond 180 days from the date of shipment provided the import bill is paid within that period.

NOTES:A.The above concession permitting remittances beyond six months from the date of shipment should not be construed as general permission for importers concluding extended payment terms with overseas suppliers of goods providing payment beyond six months from date of shipment. All cases of extended payment terms require prior approval of Reserve Bank.
B.In case of import bills negotiated under letter of credit and retired by importer after expiry of six months from the date of shipment of relative goods, settlement of the payment would be deemed to be completed within six months from shipment if reimbursement was given to overseas bank within that period,
C.Remittances against import of books may be allowed without restriction as to time limit, provided no interest payment is involved nor has the importer forgone any part of the discount/ rebate normally allowed to importers towards compensation for delay in settlement of dues.

Interest on Import Bills

7A.12Authorised dealers may make remittances on account of interest accrued on usance bills under
'normal interest clause' or of overdue interest paid on sight bills for a period not exceeding six
months from the date of shipment in respect of imports without prior approval of Reserve Bank. In case of pre-payment of usance import bills, remittances may be made only after reducing the proportionate interest for the unexpired portion of usance at the rate at which the interest has been claimed or the 'prime' rate (or its equivalent) of the country in the currency of which the goods are invoiced, whichever is higher. Where interest is not separately claimed, remittances may be allowed after deducting the proportionate interest for the unexpired portion of usance at the prevailing 'prime' rate.

NOTE :Interest under 'normal interest clause' would mean interest at the 'prime' rate (or its equivalent) of the country in the currency of which the goods are invoiced.

Appointment of Buying Agents Abroad

7A.13Authorised dealers may, on application and supported by particulars including
relevant correspondence/buying agency agreement, allow remittance of
commission to overseas buying agents of Indian importers provided the rate of commission does not exceed 2.5 per cent of f.o.b. value of imports. The amount remitted should be endorsed on Import Licence [See paragraph 7A.9(i) also].

War Risk Insurance/Bunker/Congestion Surcharge/ Premium for Extended Insurance

7A.14Authorised dealers may make remittances towards war risk insurance premium,
bunker/congestion surcharges at foreign ports, premia for extended insurance cover
etc. which are incidental to imports provided the amounts are reasonable and adequate and satisfactory documentary evidence therefor have been submitted.

Endorsement on Import Licences

7A.15(i)Authorised dealers should note to endorse on import licences, under their stamp
and signature, the details of letters of credit opened or forward contracts booked or
remittances made in foreign currency as also the amount of insurance, freight and commission paid by the importer locally in rupees [See paragraph 7A.9].

(ii)Authorised dealers may likewise endorse the value of the back-to-back inland
letters of credit opened by them on behalf of duty free licence holders (including transferees) as required in terms of the relevant provisions of the Export Import Policy.

Imports under Penalty

7A.16Authorised dealers may make remittances against goods imported without authority,
but later allowed to be cleared by the Customs Authorities against payment of penalty,
to the extent of c.i.f. value of the goods indicated on the relative Exchange Control copy of Customs Bill of Entry evidencing imports of goods to India.

Imports into Bond

7A.17(i)Goods are frequently imported into bond by merchants for purpose of re-export.
No import licence is required for such imports. Sales of foreign exchange against such
imports are not permitted.

(ii)Reserve Bank grants special facility to firms and companies in India to import goods into
bond without import licences, for supply to foreign going vessels and sale to diplomatic missions/personnel etc. subject to certain conditions. The procedure to be followed in regard to opening of letters of credit/making remittances towards cost of import of goods into bond in such cases is as follows :-

(a)The importer who has been granted the facility should advise the concerned office of Reserve Bank the name and address of the authorised dealer (designated authorised dealer) through whom letters of credit will be opened/remittances will be effected covering cost of import of goods into bond, under advice to the concerned authorised dealer.
(b)The designated authorised dealer may thereafter open letters of credit/make remittances on behalf of the importer concerned in accordance with the regulations covering import of goods into India. The importer should alongwith the application for opening remittance furnish a declaration to the designated authorised dealer that he will submit the Exchange Control copy of bill of entry for bond within three months from the date of remittance. In case of non-submission of the bills of entry designated authorised dealer should follow up with the matter with importer.

(c)While opening the letter of credit/making remittance for import of goods into bond, the designated authorised dealer should ensure that
(i)the importer holds a valid permission from Reserve Bank for import of goods into bond.
(ii)the goods sought to be imported do not fall under the list of `Prohibited Items' for import as per the Exim Policy.
(d)The designated authorised dealer should maintain a separate register to record the details of letters of credit opened/remittances effected (importer wise) in respect of such imports. The authorised dealer should also furnish to the concerned importer a monthly statement under his stamp and signature giving the following details of letters of credit opened/remittances effected during the calendar month for import of goods into bond for submission by the importer alongwith the monthly statements to Reserve Bank.
(i)Date of opening of letter of credit/remittances
(ii)Description of goods

(iii)Name & address of the supplier
(iv)Value of goods

Remittances against Replacement Imports

7A.18Where goods are short-supplied, damaged, short-landed or lost in transit, the procedure laid down below should be followed for payment against replacement goods:

(a)In cases where no letter of credit has been opened or remittances made, Exchange Control copy of the import licence may be automatically treated as valid for the replacement consignment, provided it is shipped within the validity period of the licence.

(b)If the Exchange Control copy has already been utilised to cover the opening of a letter of credit against the original goods which have been lost, the original endorsement to the extent of the value of the lost goods may be cancelled by authorised dealers without reference to Reserve Bank, provided the insurance claim relating to the lost goods has been settled in favour of the importer by remittance from abroad through an authorised dealer if insurance was covered abroad and by local payment in rupees if insurance was covered in India. Payment for the replacement goods may then be made against suitable endorsement on the import licence subject to the conditions that the replacement consignment is shipped within the validity period of the licence.

(c)If replacement goods are to be shipped after the expiry of import licence, the importer should be asked to apply to ITC Authorities for replacement or for revalidation of the expired licence.

Surrender of Import Licences to Exchange Control

7A.19Exchange Control copy of import licence submitted by importer for opening letters
of credit or making remittances should be retained by authorised dealer and
forwarded to Reserve Bank after it has been fully utilised along with R Returns pertaining to the period during which the last remittances under the licences were made.

Evidence of Import

7A.20(i)It is obligatory on the part of importers to submit Exchange Control copy of
Bills of Entry for Home Consumption/Postal/Wrappers to the authorised
dealer hrough whom relative remittance was made as evidence that the goods for which the payment was made have actually been imported into India. Authorised dealer should ensure that in all cases, including cases of advance remittances permitted vide paragraph 7A.10, these are submitted by their importer customers and are verified. In respect of imports made on D/A basis, since goods would normally be cleared before the due date of payment, authorised dealers should insist on production of documentary evidence of import i.e. Exchange Control copy of Bill of Entry for Home Consumption/Postal/Wrappers at the time of effecting remittance of the import bill. Authorised dealers should also advise this requirement to their importer customers in writing while delivering the documents against acceptance.

NOTES:A.In case of goods imported and stored by 100% Export Oriented Units/Units in Export Processing Zones and Free Trade Zones in bonded warehouses, it will be in order for authorised dealers to accept Exchange Control (quadruplicate) copy of Into Bond Bill of Entry for Warehousing as evidence of import.

B.As regards submission of evidence in respect of imports by courier services, please see paragraph 7A.23.
C.In respect of imports on D/A basis if importers fail to produce documentary evidence due to genuine reasons such as non-arrival of consignment, delay in delivery/customs clearance of consignment, etc. authorised dealers may, on merits, allow reasonable time not exceeding three months from the date of remittance to the importer to submit the evidence of import.

(ii)Authorised dealers should in all cases acknowledge receipt of Exchange
Control copy of bill of entry/postal/wrappers from importers by issuing acknowledgement slips containing the following particulars:

(a)Importer's full name and address with code number.
(b)Import licence number and date (wherever applicable)
(c)Bank's reference of letter of credit number etc., if any.
(d)Number and date of Exchange Control copy of bill of entry/postal wrapper and the amount of import.
(e)Particulars of goods imported.

(iii)Internal inspectors or auditors (including external auditors appointed by
authorised dealers) should carry out 100% verification of all the Exchange Control copies of bills of entry/postal/wrappers and a certificate to that effect should be forwarded, on half-yearly basis, to the office of Reserve Bank under whose jurisdiction the authorised dealer is situated.

(iv)In case an importer does not furnish the Exchange Control copy of Bill of
Entry within three months from the date of remittance (or within prescribed period as provided in paragraph 7A.10), the authorised dealer should issue a reminder to the importer asking him to roduce it forthwith. If there is still no response, a reminder by registered post with acknowledgement due should be issued not later than one month from the date of the first reminder.

(v)Authorised dealers should forward to Reserve Bank a statement as at the end
of each calendar quarter in form BEF furnishing details of import transactions in respect of which the importers have defaulted in submission of Exchange Control copies of Bills of Entry within a period of 21 days from the date of issue of registered (acknowledgement due) reminder. The quarterly statement should be submitted to Reserve Bank within 15 days from the end of the quarter to which the statement relates.

(vi)Exchange Control copy of Bill of Entry for Home Consumption/postal wrappers
should be preserved by authorised dealers for a period of one year from the date of its verification as required under paragraph (iii) above. However, in respect of cases which are under investigation by investigating agencies, the Exchange Control copy of Bill of Entry for Home Consumption/postal wrappers should be preserved till the investigating agency concerned gives clearance for destruction.

Precautions for Handling Import Documents

7A.21Authorised dealers should exercise due care while handling import documents on collection basis
on behalf of importer customers with reference to their line of business, financial standing,
frequency of import, etc. to establish the genuineness of the import. In the case of bills involving large values, authorised dealers should satisfy themselves that the importer is known to be trading in items mentioned in the shipping documents or that the items are required for his actual use. In case of importers who are not their constituents, authorised dealers should, at the time of acceptance of the documents/making payment, call for detailed Certificate-cum-Report from their bankers in support of the genuineness of imports. Authorised dealers should comply with the detailed procedural precautions laid down in Annexure to this chapter while handling import documents.

Postal Imports

7A.22 (i)Remittances against bills received for collection in respect of imports by post parcel
may be made by authorised dealers, provided the goods imported are such as
are normally despatched by post parcel. In these cases, the relative parcel receipts must be produced as evidence of despatch through the post and an undertaking to submit post parcel wrappers within three months from the date of remittance should be furnished by importers. If the parcel has already been received in India, the parcel wrapper should be produced in support of the remittance application. Where goods to be imported are not of a kind normally imported by post parcel or where authorised dealer is not satisfied about the bona fides of the application, the case should be referred to Reserve Bank for prior approval with full particulars together with relative parcel receipt/s (or wrapper/s).
Imports through Post
7A.22(ii) Authorised dealers may allow remittance towards import of books, samples, etc. through post parcel, on production of original invoice by the importer, without insisting on submission of parcel receipt/postal wrappers, where the amount of the bill does not exceed U.S.$ 250, or its equivalent provided the import is made in accordance with the current EXIM policy and a declaration is furnished by the applicant that the goods have been imported through post parcel.

NOTE:Authorised dealers may make remittances towards import of books by post parcel by book-sellers/publishers against bills received for collection, irrespective of the amounts involved, without prior approval of Reserve Bank against endorsement on the import licence where applicable in the normal course. They may also make remittances even if import licences covering the imports have been issued subsequent to the date of import subject to endorsement on such licences.

Imports through Courier

7A.23Under the current Exim Policy, import of goods through courier is permitted, in
accordance with the Courier Imports (Clearance) Regulations, 1995, as amended by
the Courier Imports (Clearance) Amendment Regulations, 1997, notified by the Government of India, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC), New Delhi. Where the C.I.F. value of the consignment imported through courier service, does not exceed Rupees one lakh, the relative Bill of Entry is required to be filed by the registered courier service. However, where the value of the consignment is Rupees one lakh or more, importers are required to file separate Bill of Entry, as in the case of other imports. Accordingly, in respect of remittances for imports through courier services, authorised dealers should ensure submission of Exchange Control Copy of Bill of Entry for home consumption in the case of imports valued at Rupees one lakh or more. Where the value of import is less than Rupees one lakh, authorised dealers may obtain from the importer, a copy of Bill of Entry in the prescribed Form, issued by the Customs in the name of the registered courier, duly certified by the courier company, indicating thereon the particulars of the consignment for which the copy has been issued.

Supply of Books in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) by EOUs/EPZs

7A.24EOUs and Units in EPZs undertaking printing of books in India on behalf of
overseas publishers are sometimes required to supply books to Indian booksellers
as per instructions from the overseas publishers. The cost (less discount) of such books is remittable to overseas publishers. Authorised dealers may allow such remittances by Indian booksellers to overseas publishers on application from the Indian bookseller subject to the production of the following documents:

(a)A letter from the overseas publisher that the books will be supplied by EOU/unit in EPZ which had undertaken the job of printing of books on its behalf.
(b)Original invoice from the publisher indicating the description and price of books and the discount allowed.
(c)A letter/certificate from the Development Commissioner conveying his approval to the EOU/ unit in EPZ for the supply of books in DTA, indicating therein the description of books and number of copies.
(d)Evidence regarding customs duty, if any, payable on release of books from EOU/EPZ to DTA.

Legal Expenses Connected with Imports

7A.25Authorised dealers may effect, on behalf of their importer constituents, remittances towards
legal expenses relating to import transactions subject to submission of suitable documentary
evidence and satisfying themselves about the chances of success of the case by calling for legal opinion and an estimate of the total likely expenses to be incurred to satisfy themselves with the reasonableness of the charges. However, where the amount of remittance exceeds U.S.$ 100,000 or its equivalent, full details of such remittances should be reported to Reserve Bank on a quarterly basis.

Import of Software through Datacom.Channels/Internet

7A.26 Authorised dealers may allow remittances towards import of software through Datacom channels/Internet and also for import of drawings and designs through E-Mail/Fax, on production of the following documents by the applicant, as applicable.
    1. A declaration from the importer that the software/drawings and designs in question, have been actually received by him from the overseas licensor/supplier.
    2. Invoice stating the details of software/drawings and designs supplied, in support of the amount to be remitted.
    3. User's licence authorising the importer to use the software/drawings and designs.
    4. Copies of E-mail/Fax certified by the officials of the remitter, at the level of Company Secretary/Financial Director/ Adviser.
NOTE:- Authorised dealers should advise importers to keep Custom authorities informed of the imports made by them under this paragraph.
Import of Second-hand Goods

7A.27In terms of Export-Import Policy presently in force, second hand capital goods are allowed to
be imported freely subject to certain conditions. Such imports sometimes involve payment against
delivery of second hand plant and machinery abroad on 'as is where is basis'. In the absence of shipping documents, it will not be possible for authorised dealers to open letters of credit or make remittances against such imports. Applications for opening of Letters of Credit or for making remittances in regard to imports with such payment conditions should, therefore, be referred to Reserve Bank for prior approval with full details.

Import of Gold/Platinum/Silver by Nominated Banks/Agencies

7A.28Under the liberalised policy of import, Government of India has permitted import of
gold by certain nominated agencies viz. MMTC, HHEC, STC, SBI and a few banks
authorised by Reserve Bank for sale to jewellery manufacturers, exporters, NRIs, holders of Special Import licences and domestic users. Accordingly, Reserve Bank would permit the nominated agencies/banks to import gold under different arrangements, besides outright purchase on D/P basis, as follows:

(i)Import of Gold on loan basis
Gold loan my be availed of by nominated agencies/banks, where the loan is denominated on the basis of the quantity of gold, subject to the following conditions -

(a)The loan shall be obtained directly from the overseas supplier.
(b)The period of loan shall not be more than 180 days from the date of shipment. Extension of period beyond 180 days will require prior approval of Central Office of Reserve Bank (Imports Division)
(c)Rate of interest on loan shall be as per the prevailing international practice.
(d)Metal account in the books of the overseas supplier, if required by the supplier, may be maintained by the nominated agency/bank for the purpose of routing the import transactions only. No deposits will be permitted.
(e)Guarantee for the loan, if required by the supplier may be furnished by the nominated agency/bank.

(ii)Import of gold on Suppliers' credit/ Buyers' credit basis
Suppliers' credit up to a period of 180 days may be availed of by the nominated agencies/banks subject to the provisions of paragraph 7A.12. Prior approval of Reserve Bank will be required if the period of credit exceeds 180 days. However, buyers' credit will require prior approval of Reserve Bank, irrespective of the period of credit.
(iii)Import of Gold on Consignment basis
Gold may be imported by the nominated agencies/banks on consignment basis where the ownership of the goods will remain with the supplier and the importer (consignee) will be acting as an agent of the supplier (consignor). Remittances towards the cost of import shall be made as and when sales take place as per the provisions of agreement entered into between the overseas supplier and nominated agency/bank.
(iv)Import of gold on unfixed price basis
The nominated agency/bank may import gold on outright purchase basis subject to the condition that although ownership of the gold shall be passed on to the importer at the time of import itself, the price of gold shall be fixed later, as and when the importer sells the gold to the users.

NOTE:Instructions contained in this paragraph would also apply to import of platinum and silver.
Import of films on lease/rental basis
7A.29 Authorised dealers may allow remittance of rent, royalty, licence fee, profit, etc. in connection with import of cinematograph feature films and video films subject to the following conditions :
(i) Import has been made in accordance with provisions of Exim Policy in force.
(ii) A 'No Objection Certificate' from Central Board of Film Certification, wherever required, has been submitted.
(iii) Exchange Control copy of Bill of Entry for Home Consumption has been submitted as evidence of import.
(iv) The remittance is in accordance with the agreement entered into between the overseas supplier and importer. A certified copy of the contract/agreement should be retained by authorised dealer for record.
(v) A Chartered Accountant's certificate is produced indicating that the payment to overseas supplier is due and the amount sought to be remitted is as per the terms of contract.
(vi) Undertaking/Certificate regarding payment of income-tax has been submitted (cf. paragraph 3B.10).

PART B - IMPORTS UNDER FOREIGN LOANS/CREDITS
General
7B.1(i)Proposals for raising foreign currency loans/credits viz. Buyer's Credits, Supplier's Credits or lines of credits by firms/companies/lending institutions, banks, etc. for financing cost of
import of goods, technology or for any other purposes other than those considered by Reserve bank in terms of paragraph 7B.8 and 7B.8A should first be submitted to Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs), ECB Division, New Delhi for necessary clearance. The proposals are considered by the Government on merits and in light of prevailing Government policy.

(ii)In terms of Section 8(1) of FERA 1973 no person resident in India can borrow any
foreign exchange from any person resident in or outside India without prior permission of Reserve Bank. Similarly, Section 9(1) of the Act places certain restrictions on persons resident in India receiving payments from or making payments to persons resident outside India. Consequently, all loans or credits secured by persons resident in India from non-residents as also repayment of such loans/credits and payment of interest and other charges thereon, require prior permission of Reserve Bank.

NOTE:The above procedure is also applicable for import of capital goods on financial
lease basis.

Procedure for Obtaining Reserve Bank Approval

7B.2On receipt of letter indicating the terms and conditions regarding amount of loan/credit, rate of interest, period of repayment, etc. from the Ministry of Finance, the borrower firm/company
should make an application in form ECB1 to the concerned office of Reserve Bank within whose jurisdiction its Head/Registered Office is situated. On receipt of Reserve Bank approval, the borrower firm/company may conclude the loan/credit agreement with the overseas lender, taking care to ensure that no liability, direct or indirect, other than that specifically approved by Government/Reserve Bank is assumed by the borrower through the loan/credit agreement. The borrower should file the requisite number of copies of loan/credit agreement with Government. Government will take the agreement on record under advice to the borrower if it is found to be strictly in conformity with the approved terms. Thereafter, the borrower should apply to Reserve Bank along with two copies of the loan agreement for permission to effect drawal of the loan amount for utilisation towards approved purpose/s.

Registration Number

7B.3Reserve Bank will allot a registration number to each foreign currency loan/credit which should invariably be quoted on all returns/statements submitted to Reserve Bank. The number should also
be quoted on Form A-2 covering remittance of foreign exchange or rupee transfer towards repayment of the loan/credit.

Opening of Bank Accounts in India/Abroad

7B.4Reserve Bank may, on application, permit opening of foreign currency bank accounts in India/abroad for retention of the loan funds pending disbursement/utilisation. Borrowers
should approach Reserve Bank giving details of loan, name and address of the overseas bank, type of account and rate of interest, etc.

Issue of Bank Guarantee

7B.5Issue of guarantees in favour of foreign lenders or suppliers (in the case of Supplier's Credits) requires approval of Reserve Bank. While granting approval for raising the foreign currency
loan/credit, Reserve Bank will grant the required permission to the concerned authorised dealer. In the event of invocation of the guarantee, the concerned authorised dealer may make the necessary remittance without reference to Reserve Bank. A report should, however, be sent to Reserve Bank giving full details citing reference to the approval for furnishing the guarantee. A copy of the claim received from the overseas party should be enclosed with such report.

Submission of Utilisation Statements

7B.6(i)Borrowers in India are required to submit to Reserve Bank quarterly statements in
form ECB 2, in duplicate, about drawal and utilisation of the loan amount. The statements should
also contain details of all the repayments/payments made under the loan/credit during the quarter under report [cf. paragraph 7B.7(ii)] and submitted to Reserve Bank duly certified by an authorised dealer by the 10th day of the month following the quarter to which they relate. The statements in form ECB 2 should continue to be submitted to Reserve Bank until such time the loan/credit is fully repaid and in case of financial lease the period of lease is over. In case there are no drawals/repayments during a particular quarter a `NIL' statement should be submitted. In the event of default in timely submission of the statement in form ECB 2, the borrowers shall be liable for such action as may be deemed necessary by Reserve Bank under FERA 1973. The borrowers are also required to submit to Reserve Bank a supplementary statement by way of an annexure to ECB 2 in the prescribed form giving details of utilisation of the loan/credit duly certified by the statutory auditors/chartered accountants and supported by a complete set of documents such as Exchange Control copy/ies of the import licence/s (where applicable), original invoices and Exchange Control copy/ies of bill/s of entry for home consumption evidencing import into India of goods for which the loan/credit in question was obtained. This supplementary statement should be submitted by the borrowers till the loan/credit is fully utilised and the supporting documents are submitted to Reserve Bank.

(ii)On receipt of the statements in form ECB 2, Reserve Bank will issue an
acknowledgement for receipt of the statement. It should be noted that no remittances towards repayment of the loan/credit would be allowed by authorised dealers/Reserve Bank until the statement in form ECB 2 has been submitted to Reserve Bank for the last quarter and an acknowledgement obtained therefor from Reserve Bank.

Repayment of Loan/Credit and Payment of Other Charges

7B.7(i)Application for repayment of the loan/credit and/or any other charges connected
with the loan/credit is required to be made by the borrower in form ECB 3 to the
authorised dealer. The authorised dealer in turn should refer the application to Reserve Bank, together with appropriate supporting documents, sufficiently in advance to avoid payment of additional charges by way of overdue/penal interest.

(ii)Reserve Bank has been granting general permission to the authorised dealer designated by
the borrower to effect remittances towards repayment of the loan where it is satisfied that the loan amount has been fully utilised and the required documentary evidence regarding utilisation of the loan has been submitted. Under the revised procedure effective June 1997, Reserve Bank would grant general permission for repayment of the loan/credit to the branch of the authorised dealer i.e. designated bank indicated by the borrower in the application in form ECB 1, at the time of granting permission to effect drawal of the loan (cf. paragraph 7B.2). The borrowers should approach the same designated branch for making all future remittances connected with the loan as per terms approved by Reserve Bank/Government of India. In cases where Reserve Bank has granted such general permission, applications for repayment of loan and interest thereon should be made to the designated authorised dealer and the designated authorised dealer may make the remittance subject to compliance with the conditions stipulated in the letter of approval issued by the Government/Reserve Bank and after ensuring that the borrower has submitted the statement in form ECB 2 to Reserve Bank for the last quarter and obtained the acknowledgment therefor (cf. paragraph 7 B.6)

(iii)(b)The penal interest may be allowed as per the rate indicated in the approval letters issued by the Government/Reserve Bank. In case no rate is mentioned in such approval letters, the authorised dealers may allow the payment of penal interest based on the rate indicated in the relative debit note/invoice raised by the lender, subject to the ceiling of 2% per annum, besides the normal approved interest, provided the relative loan agreement taken on record by the Government/Reserve Bank contains the provision for payment of penal interest. In case of defaults by the borrowers on three consecutive occasions, authorised dealers should report the same, with full details, to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank.
(c)The borrower should report the payment of penal interest in form ECB 2 to be submitted to Reserve Bank on quarterly basis against column marked 'others' in item No.7.
(d)The authorised dealer should allow the remittances of interest, penal interest and other charges only after the borrower has submitted an Undertaking and Accountant's certificate in compliance with Income-tax provisions(cf. paragraph 3B.10)

(iv) Applications for remittance towards prepayment of outstanding ECB which was earlier approved by the Government of India, should be made to the designated branch of authorised dealer through whom the borrower is making debt servicing payments, together with the Government approval in original for prepayment of outstanding ECB. The designated branch of authorised dealer may effect the remittance on behalf of their constituent borrower based on the Government approval, under advice to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank quoting the Registration number of the loan.
In case of prepayment of outstanding ECB approved by Reserve Bank, the borrower is required to submit an application for prepayment of loan to the Reserve Bank of India, Exchange Control Department, Central Office (ECB Division), Mumbai through the designated branch of an authorised dealer together with the following documents:-
  1. A certificate from Statutory Auditor to the effect that the ECB proceeds have been utilised for the purpose for which ECB was sanctioned.

  2. Acknowledgement from the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank for having received ECB-2 statement for the last quarter.
The designated authorised dealer may effect the remittance towards prepayment of ECB based on the approval granted by Reserve Bank under advice to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank quoting the Registration number allotted for the loan.
(v)The borrowers of foreign currency loan/credit are not permitted to use balances in
their foreign currency accounts maintained in India or abroad as per Reserve Bank's specific/general permission for repayment/payment of principal/interest and any other charge connected with the loan/credit unless (a) specific application for the proposed repayment/payment in form ECB 3 has been made to Reserve Bank and approval obtained from Reserve Bank (where necessary) or to the authorised dealer, as the case may be, (b) a statement in form ECB 2 for the last calendar quarter has been submitted to Reserve Bank and its acknowledgement obtained and (c) Reserve Bank has granted approval for debt servicing out of funds held in the foreign currency account.

(vi)The designated bank should maintain proper records for each foreign currency
loan/credit handled by it and record therein all essential particulars of the amount of loan/credit raised, repaid and outstanding including those remittances made through other authorised dealers. Head Offices of authorised dealers should evolve a suitable system for maintenance of records and supervision over remittances under foreign currency loan/credit.

(vii)At times borrowers desire to make remittance towards repayment of the loan or
interest through an authorised dealer other than the designated one in order to take advantage of the finer exchange rate available in the forex market. In such cases, the borrower should submit his application for remittance to the designated bank in form ECB 3 together with all the relevant documents and obtain a letter from it in favour of the authorised dealer through whom he proposes to effect the remittance, along with form A 2 under proper authentication by the designated bank. The borrower may then submit the letter and form A2 to the remitting bank for making the remittance. The remitting bank should certify the form A2 after effecting the remittance and forward the same to Reserve Bank along with the relevant R Return. It should also separately send a certificate to the designated bank indicating complete details of the remittance (the name of the remitter and the beneficiary, currency and amount remitted as also date and the purpose of the remittance) to enable the latter to maintain proper record of remittances made. On receipt of the certificate from the remitting bank, the designated bank should verify the particulars of the remittance made and retain the certificate for its record. The designated branch should not allow any subsequent remittance either by itself or through another authorised dealer, if a proper certificate from the remitting bank has not been received for the previous remittance.

(viii)The applicant borrowers who are permitted to remit the principal amount and
interest in connection with their foreign currency borrowings through designated bank should submit the statement in form ECB 2 to the office of Reserve Bank positively within the prescribed period. In case of failure of submission of statement as stated above, Reserve Bank may be constrained to withdraw the facility of general permission granted for remittances to be made through the designated bank and the applicant would have to seek specific permission each time from Reserve Bank.

(ix)Reserve Bank attach great importance to statement in form ECB 2 with a view to
monitoring etc. of foreign currency borrowings. In the case of persistent default in timely submission of statement in form ECB 2 to Reserve Bank on more than one occasion by the applicant, Reserve Bank would take suitable action against the defaulting borrowers.

Short Term Loans/Credits
7B.8(i)Short term foreign currency loans/credits with maturities less than three years for
the purpose of financing imports into India do not require prior clearance from
Government of India. Applications for raising such loans/credits should be made in form ECB 4 through an authorised dealer to the Chief General Manager, Exchange Control Department, Central Office (IMD-II), Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai 400 001. The proposals shall be considered by Reserve Bank on merits of each case and in the light of prevailing policy.

(ii)In approved cases, Reserve Bank will issue a letter of approval indicating the terms
and conditions under advice to the concerned authorised dealer. The borrowers, hould thereafter, report the details of drawals, utilisation, repayments and outstandings under the foreign currency loan/credit in respect of each approval granted by Reserve Bank, every month in form ECB 5, (in duplicate); one copy of ECB 5 alongwith the Annexure thereto duly duly countersigned by the concerned authorised dealer and supported by a complete set of documents such as Exchange Control copy of the import licence/s [where applicable], original invoice and Exchange Control copy/ies of Bill/s of Entry for home consumption evidencing import of goods for which the loan/credit was obtained should be submitted to the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank, and another copy without the Annexure/documents should be submitted to the Chief General Manager, Exchange Control Department, (IMD), Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai 400 001, by the 10th of the month following the month to which it relates. In case the loan/credit has not been drawn, a 'NIL' statement in form ECB 5 should be submitted. In the event of default in timely submission of the statement in form ECB 5, the borrowers shall be liable for such action as may be deemed necessary by Reserve Bank under FERA, 1973.

(iii)Authorised dealers may allow remittances towards loan instalments and interest
strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions indicated in the letter of approval issued by Reserve Bank. For this purpose, the borrower should make an application to authorised dealer on form A2.
Foreign Currency Loans under US$ 5 million/
USD 10 million Schemes

7B.8A (i) Proposals from corporates/institutions for raising external commercial borrowings (ECBs) will be considered under the following schemes:
(a)
USD 5 million Scheme
Raising of ECB under the scheme will be considered provided (a) the amount to be raised does not exceed USD 5 million or its equivalent and (b) the borrowing should be for a minimum simple maturity of three years. Corporates/institutions may utilise the proceeds of such borrowings for their business related expenditure (including rupee expenditure) subject to the caveat that only one such loan should be outstanding at any point of time.
(b)
USD 10 million Scheme
Raising of ECBs under this scheme will be considered provided (a) the amount to be raised does not exceed USD 10 million or its equivalent and (b) the minimum average maturity of the loan should be of three years under various windows i.e. Exporters/Foreign Exchange Earners Scheme, Infrastructure Project Scheme, Long Term Borrowers Scheme and others. The proceeds of the ECB raised under the scheme may be utilised for the purpose for which it has been sanctioned.


Applications for raising ECB under USD 5 million Scheme or under USD 10 million Scheme should be submitted in form ECB 6 through an authorised dealer to the Chief General manager, Exchange Control Department, ECB Division, Central Office, Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai,400 001.

(ii)In approved cases, Reserve Bank will issue a letter of approval indicating the terms
and conditions of the proposed loan and allot a loan key number. On receipt of Reserve Bank's approval, the borrower firm/company may conclude the loan agreement with the overseas lender taking care to ensure that no condition or financial liability, direct or indirect, other than that specifically approved by Reserve Bank is accepted in terms of the said loan agreement. The borrower, after concluding the loan agreement, should file a certified true copy thereof with the concerned Regional Office of Reserve Bank. Reserve Bank will take the agreement on record, allot a registration number for the proposed foreign currency loan and advise the borrower accordingly if the agreement is found to be in conformity with approved terms. The borrower should draw the foreign currency loan amount for utilisation towards approved purpose(s) only after the loan agreement has been taken on record by Reserve Bank. The Registration Number should be quoted on all returns/statements including form A2 to be submitted to Reserve Bank.

(iii)As regards drawal of foreign currency loan, utilisation and repayments
there against, the borrowers should follow the instructions contained in paragraphs 7B.6and 7B.7.

Sub-loans out of Lines of Credits/Loans obtained by Term Lending Institutions
7B.9Term lending institutions viz.IDBI,ICICI and IFCI have been granted general permission for signing Heads of Agreements with their sub-borrowers in India, without prior approval of
Reserve Bank in individual cases, in respect of sub-loans in foreign currency sanctioned to the latter to cover the cost of capital funds and the net amount of technical know-how fees payable, out of foreign currency loans/lines of credit arranged by the former from overseas institutions with the prior permission of Reserve Bank. Full details of the documents and particulars required to be furnished by the sub-borrowers should be ascertained from the financial institution concerned. IDBI, ICICI and IFCI have been granted general permission to accept personal guarantees of directors/promoters/partners/ associates of sub-borrower companies/firms by way of collateral/ interim security, without prior permission of Reserve Bank in each case, provided such guarantees do not involve any direct or indirect outgo of foreign exchange by way of guarantee commission or otherwise. It will not be necessary for sub-borrowers to approach Reserve Bank separately for permission for obtaining foreign currency loans through IDBI, ICICI and IFCI or for executing personal guarantees by way of collateral/interim security.

Loans for Purchase of Aircraft/Ships

7B.10Airline/Shipping companies desirous of raising foreign currency loans/credits for
financing purchase of aircraft/ships should follow the procedure outlined in paragraph 8B.12.

Import under Foreign Loans/Credits arranged by Government of India from Foreign Governments/Institutions

7B.11(i)Import of goods under foreign loans/credits arranged by Government of India
would be governed by the detailed instructions set out in Public Notices issued by the
Director General of Foreign Trade/AD Circulars issued by Reserve Bank.

(ii)Generally, one of the two methods viz. letter of commitment method or reimbursement
method is followed for payment for imports under foreign loans/credits. Under letter of commitment method (also called direct payment method), payment is made direct by the loan/credit disbursing agency to foreign suppliers whereas under reimbursement method payment to supplier is made in the first instance by remittance through normal banking channels and reimbursement subsequently claimed by Government of India by submitting prescribed documents. Remittances in foreign exchange from India or rupee transfers to non-resident accounts are not permitted in case of imports covered by licences issued under letter of commitment method. The manner of converting the foreign currency payments made under letter of commitment method into rupees, and of transferring the funds for credit of Government of India and other regulations incidental thereto will be advised to authorised dealers from time to time. At the time of opening letters of credit against import licences where the reimbursement method applies, authorised dealers should make appropriate stipulations to ensure that the prescribed documents are submitted to them without fail. In cases where bills are received for collection in respect of such import licences, authorised dealers should not allow remittances until the required documents are furnished.
PART C - MERCHANTING TRADE
General

7C.1The basic requirements to be fulfilled from the Exchange Control angle in the case of merchanting trade or intermediary trade transactions are that the transactions should not involve foreign
exchange outlay from India except for the normal transit period not exceeding one month; both the legs of the intermediary trade transaction are financed through the opening of Letters of Credit (with drafts drawn under them being of even tenor) and such credits are on back to back terms. If the Letter of Credit to be opened in favour of the overseas supplier is not backed up by a letter of credit from the overseas buyer, an advance remittance for the full value should have been received from the overseas buyer. Authorised dealers are accordingly authorised to open letters of credit on behalf of their clients, who should be genuine traders in goods and not mere financial intermediaries, in accordance with the basic requirements spelt out in this paragraph and to effect remittances under such letters of credit. They should watch foreign currency receipts from these transactions and for this purpose should maintain suitable records.

Advance Remittances to Overseas Suppliers

7C.2Authorised dealers may allow advance remittances by Indian merchant exporters who are
their customers to the overseas suppliers, provided (a) confirmed orders have been received by them from the overseas buyers, (b) authorised dealer is satisfied about the capabilities of the merchant exporter to perform the obligations under the order, (c) the transactions would result in adequate profit to the merchant exporter and (d) the other conditions stipulated in paragraph 7C.1 are satisfied. Where the amount of advance remittance exceeds US $ 15,000, a guarantee from an international bank of repute outside India should be obtained from the overseas seller. The concerned authorised dealer should also monitor such transactions to ensure that they are completed and proceeds representing cost of goods supplied to the foreign buyer are repatriated to India by the merchant exporter within a period of six months from the date of advance payment.

PART D - IMPORT OF GOLD, SILVER, SECURITIES, CURRENCY ETC.
Import of Gold, Silver & Jewellery
7D.1Bringing in of personal jewellery by the traveller is regulated by the Customs under the Customs Act/Baggage Rules. Bringing in of gold and silver would be subject to the Export and Import
Policy announced by the Government of India from time to time. Government of India has permitted the bringing into India gold and silver upto certain stipulated quantity by persons of Indian nationality or origin while coming into India, subject to certain conditions and on payment of the prescribed duty in foreign exchange. Gold/silver so brought to the country is permitted to be sold to residents against payment in rupees. General permission has been granted by Reserve Bank vide its Notification No.FERA 167/95-RB dated 30th May 1995 to persons resident in India to make payment in Indian rupees to NRIs selling gold/silver imported by them by means of a crossed cheque in India towards the cost of gold/silver purchased by them. Authorised dealers should credit the amounts so received only to ordinary non-resident rupee (NRO) accounts of the concerned NRI seller.

Import of Cheques, etc.

7D.2There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, postal orders and such other financial instruments but the foreign exchange so received in India should be
offered by the person receiving it for sale to an authorised dealer in India within seven days from the date of receipt.

Import of Securities

7D.3(i)There are no restrictions on the import into India of any security, whether Indian or foreign.

(ii)It is obligatory on the part of persons resident in India (other than foreign nationals
not permanently resident in India) to obtain Reserve Bank's permission to acquire or hold foreign securities.

NOTE:This will not apply to a person who has been resident outside India for a continuous period of not less than one year, in respect of securities acquired/held as provided in Notification No. FERA 118/92-RB dated 7th September 1992 [See also paragraph 12.6(i)].

Import of Indian Currency
7D.4In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 13(1) of FERA 1973, Government of India have issued Notification No. F1/107/EC/73 dated 1st January 1974 in terms of which no person
shall bring into India any Indian currency notes or coins except with the general or special permission of Reserve Bank. Reserve Bank by its Notification No. FERA.81/89-RB dated 9th August 1989 (as amended) has permitted import of Indian currency subject to the conditions as under:

(a)From Nepal by any personCurrency notes of Government
and Reserve Bank of India
notes other than notes of the
denominations of above
Rs. 100/-)
(b)From other countriesCurrency notes of Government of
by Indian travellersIndia and Reserve Bank of India
notes up to an amount not
exceeding Rs.1000 per resident
Indian, provided the amount
sought to be brought into India
had earlier been taken out
while proceeding abroad on a
temporary visit.

NOTE:The above restrictions apply to import of Indian currency notes and coins. There are no restrictions on the import of cheques, drafts, etc. drawn on banks and expressed in Indian rupees.

Import of Foreign Exchange

7D.5Reserve Bank has granted general permission to any person to bring foreign currency into India from any place outside India without limit, provided he declares to Customs authorities on arrival
the particulars of all such foreign currency brought in by him on the Currency Declaration Form (CDF). However, if the aggregate value of foreign currency brought in by him in the form of currency notes, bank notes or travellers cheques does not exceed U.S.$ 10,000 or its equivalent, and/or the value of foreign currency notes does not exceed U.S.$ 5,000 or its equivalent, CDF is not required to be completed.

NOTE:Bringing in or sending into India of foreign coins is exempt from the prohibition contained in Section 13(1) of FERA 1973 by virtue of Central Government Notification No. F1/107/EC/73 dated 1st January 1974.
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