RBI Notifies FEMA Changes, Revises Export Receivables Realisation Timeline

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2015, revising the time limit available for the realisation and repatriation of export proceeds.

The amendment has been introduced through the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods and Services) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Under the revised framework, exporters are required to realise and repatriate the value of goods and services exported from India within nine months from the date of export, unless a different period is permitted under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

Prior to this amendment, the applicable period for repatriation of export proceeds was fifteen months. The revised timeline has been incorporated into Regulation 9(1) and Regulation 9(2)(a) of the principal regulations.

The regulatory change is aimed at strengthening the monitoring of export receivables and ensuring quicker inflow of foreign exchange into the country. By reducing the permissible period for bringing export earnings back to India, the amendment introduces a stricter compliance framework for exporters regarding outstanding export payments.

The notification has been issued by the RBI in exercise of powers conferred under Sections 7, 8 and 47(2) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Exporters and authorized dealer banks are required to align their compliance and reporting processes with the revised provisions.

The amendment forms part of recent foreign exchange management measures notified by the central bank and will apply in accordance with the provisions specified in the amended FEMA regulations.