Expert opinion · Exports

eBRC and FIRC: what they prove and who issues them

Exporters are asked for proof of realisation for GST refunds, export incentives and audits. Two documents answer that question, and they are not interchangeable.

FxLayer compliance deskFEMA, RBI reporting and cross-border tax 4 min read Updated
  1. BuyerPayment sentThrough the banking channel
  2. AD bankRemittance creditedFIRC / FIRA available
  3. EDPMSRealisation reportedAgainst the Shipping Bill
  4. DGFTeBRC generatedLinked to the Shipping Bill
From inward remittance to eBRC

Key points

  • A FIRC or FIRA confirms that a foreign remittance was received in your bank account.
  • An eBRC confirms that the remittance has been realised against a specific export.
  • eBRCs are generated through DGFT's system from the bank's realisation data.
  • Service exporters without a Shipping Bill rely on the bank's certificate and, where available, an eBRC raised for the service.

FIRC and FIRA

A Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC), or the advice banks now issue in its place (FIRA), confirms that money was received from abroad: the remitter, amount, currency, date and purpose code. It proves receipt, not that the receipt was matched to a particular export.

eBRC

The electronic Bank Realisation Certificate is generated through DGFT's eBRC system once the bank has realised the export proceeds. It links the realisation to the Shipping Bill or invoice and is the document used for export incentive claims, GST refunds on zero-rated supplies and audits.

Keeping the two in step

An eBRC will not appear until the bank has matched the remittance to the export. If a remittance arrives without Shipping Bill references, tell the bank which bills it settles. FxLayer records the FIRC and eBRC numbers on each Shipping Bill and shows which realised exports are still missing their eBRC.

Questions

For exports of goods the refund generally follows the Shipping Bill and realisation data. For services, the bank's certificate of realisation or an eBRC is commonly used. Check the current GST requirements.

This article is general information on Indian foreign exchange and tax rules as they stood on the date shown. It is not legal or tax advice. Rules and limits change; confirm the current position with your AD bank, the relevant RBI Master Direction or your adviser before acting.

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