FIRC and e-BRC: What an Export Invoice from India Actually Needs
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
In 2026, an export invoice from India needs the CGST Rule 46 export endorsement, under LUT or with IGST, plus the client's address and country. Its invoice number becomes the Bill ID on a DGFT e-BRC. The AD bank reports the purpose code and issues a FIRC. RBI's FEMA Regulations 2026 require realisation within nine months of the invoice date.
| Applies to | Rules involved | Platforms compared | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancers, agencies and companies in India that invoice foreign clients for services and need a FIRC or e-BRC as proof of payment, for GST refunds, audits or foreign trade policy purposes. | CGST Rule 46, CGST Rule 89(2)(c), CGST Rule 96A, IGST Act section 2(6) and section 16, the FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20, FETERS purpose codes and the DGFT e-BRC FAQs. | Skydo, Razorpay | 6 Oct 2026 |
How do payment options compare for receiving an export invoice payment with a FIRC or e-BRC trail in India?
Platforms named in the question are shown alongside the 2 highest payouts among the platforms this site covers, ranked by the INR received on a $5,000 invoice. Fees were checked on 30 Sept 2026.
| Platform | Best for | Fee | FX markup | Settlement | FIRA | RBI PA-CB status | INR on $5,000 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skydo | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices | $19 up to $2,000, $29 to $10,000, 0.3% above + GST | States zero FX margin at live rate | States under 24 hours; FAQ timelines vary by rail | States instant, free FIRA per payment | RBI authorised PA-CB Inward and Outward; on RBI list | ₹4,70,609 | Skydo pricing (checked 6 Oct 2026) |
| Razorpay | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients | 1% per bank transfer (Rs 1,000 flat below Rs 1,00,000) + GST | States 0% markup on MoneySaver at live rate | States 1 day (T+1 after invoice shared) | FIRS within 24 hours of settlement; no charge listed | RBI authorised PA-CB inward and outward, plus PA-O | ₹4,68,261 | Razorpay pricing (checked 6 Oct 2026) |
Which RBI, GST and DGFT rules connect an export invoice from India to its FIRC and e-BRC?
Three sets of rules connect the invoice to the payment proof. GST law sets the invoice contents in CGST Rule 46 and names the Bank Realisation Certificate or Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate as refund proof in Rule 89(2)(c). The FEMA Regulations, 2026 govern realisation, EDPMS closure and FETERS reporting, and the DGFT runs the e-BRC system. For example, a consultant who bills a German client EUR 3,000 under an LUT keeps invoice number EXP-014 on the invoice, the FIRC and the e-BRC so the three match. See FIRC vs FIRA vs e-BRC.
| Rule | Source | Clause | Plain meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Export invoice contents | CGST Rule 46 | Proviso on export of goods or services | The invoice carries the export endorsement and, in place of the clause (e) recipient details, the recipient's name and address, the address of delivery and the country of destination. | Anyone setting up an export invoice template |
| Export of services test | IGST Act section 2(6) | Clauses (i) to (v) | Payment must be received in convertible foreign exchange, or in Indian rupees wherever the RBI permits, for the supply to count as an export of services. | Checking whether a contract qualifies before invoicing |
| Zero-rated supply under LUT | IGST Act section 16 | Sub-sections (1) and (3) | Export of services is a zero-rated supply. An exporter supplying under a bond or LUT without paying IGST can claim a refund of unused input tax credit. | Exporters invoicing without IGST |
| Proof of payment for GST refund | CGST Rule 89(2)(c) | Sub-rule (2)(c) | A refund claim on export of services needs a statement of invoice numbers and dates with the relevant BRCs or FIRCs. | Exporters claiming refund of unused input tax credit |
| Realisation period | FEMA Regulations, 2026 | Regulation 5(1)(a) and provisos | The full value is realised within nine months from the invoice date, or twelve months if invoiced or settled in rupees. The AD bank may extend it. | Clients on long payment terms |
| EDPMS closure | FEMA Regulations, 2026 | Regulation 4(2) and proviso | The AD bank closes the EDPMS entry when it credits the payment. Invoices up to Rs 10 lakh may be closed on the exporter's declaration, including quarterly in bulk. | Small and frequent invoices |
| Purpose code reporting | FEMA Regulations, 2026 with FETERS | Regulation 18(2) | The AD bank reports every foreign trade transaction in FETERS using the RBI purpose code list. | Making sure the receipt is classed as an export |
| e-BRC generation | DGFT e-BRC FAQs | Questions 10, 29 and 78 | The exporter generates the e-BRC on the DGFT portal using an IEC and the bank's inward remittance message (IRM). The invoice number appears as the Bill ID. | Exporters who need DGFT proof of realisation |
Which option costs least to receive a $500, $2,000 or $5,000 export invoice payment with a FIRC in India?
Each row applies the platform's published fee, FX markup and 18% GST on the fee to the XE mid-market rate for 3 Nov 2026. Platforms without full published pricing are not included.
| Platform and invoice | Fee | FX markup | GST | INR received | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skydo, $500 | ₹1,801 | ₹0 | ₹324 | ₹45,260 | 4.48% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Skydo, $2,000 | ₹1,801 | ₹0 | ₹324 | ₹1,87,416 | 1.12% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Skydo, $5,000 | ₹2,748 | ₹0 | ₹495 | ₹4,70,609 | 0.68% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Razorpay, $500 | ₹1,000 | ₹0 | ₹180 | ₹46,205 | 2.49% | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients |
| Razorpay, $2,000 | ₹1,895 | ₹0 | ₹341 | ₹1,87,304 | 1.18% | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients |
| Razorpay, $5,000 | ₹4,739 | ₹0 | ₹853 | ₹4,68,261 | 1.18% | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients |
For example, on a $2,000 invoice Skydo pays about ₹1,87,416 and Razorpay about ₹1,87,304 at today's reference rate, a difference of ₹112.
What documents and GST apply to a foreign client payment against an export invoice from India?
Five records follow a foreign client payment: the LUT, the export invoice, the EDF, the FIRC or bank advice, and the e-BRC. GST is zero on the invoice when an LUT is in place under Rule 96A. The FIRC comes from your AD bank, while the e-BRC comes from the DGFT portal and cannot be generated without the bank's IRM. See how to generate an e-BRC.
| Document | Who issues it | When needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUT in FORM GST RFD-11 | The exporter files it with the jurisdictional Commissioner | Before export, as Rule 96A(1) requires | Invoicing without IGST |
| Export invoice | The exporter | For each supply, with the Rule 46 endorsement and a consistent invoice number | Every foreign client |
| EDF (Export Declaration Form) | The exporter files it with the AD bank | Within 30 days from the end of the invoice month; services other than software may file on or before the date of payment | All service exports from 1 October 2026 |
| FIRC | The AD bank that credits the payment | After the money is credited; named in Rule 89(2)(c) as proof for a services export refund | GST refunds and bank records |
| Inward Remittance Message (IRM) | The AD bank reports it to the DGFT | On every inward remittance, without the exporter submitting documents (DGFT FAQ 32) | The base record for an e-BRC |
| e-BRC | The exporter self-generates it on the DGFT portal | After realisation, based on the IRM; the DGFT FAQs describe a separate e-BRC for each invoice number and for each part payment received at different banks (DGFT FAQs 15 and 35) | Foreign trade policy benefits, audits and GST refunds |
What changed in 2026 for FIRC, e-BRC and export invoice rules in India?
The FEMA rules behind export payments changed on 1 October 2026, when the FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 came into force. From the same date, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 superseded the Master Direction on Export of Goods and Services and a list of older circulars, including the 2017 circular on bank issuance of e-BRC through EDPMS. The GST invoice and refund rules in Rule 46 and Rule 89 were not part of this change.
- New regulations: The 2026 Regulations replaced the 2015 export regulations from 1 October 2026.
- Realisation: An amendment dated 22 September 2026 set the period at nine months, or twelve months for rupee invoicing (Regulation 5).
- Superseded circular: Annex A of Circular No. 20 lists A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 04 of 15 September 2017 on EDPMS issuance of e-BRC among the circulars superseded.
- Software: The 2026 Regulations treat software as a service, and Circular No. 20 supersedes the SOFTEX circulars, so software exporters file the EDF. See the EDF guide.
- Small invoices: Invoices up to Rs 10 lakh can be closed in EDPMS on the exporter's declaration (Regulation 4(2)).
How did we verify this?
Every rule is linked to its official source below with the date it was checked. Platform figures come from each platform's own pages; the full method is on the methodology page.
- CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 46, Tax invoice, Proviso on export of goods or services: endorsement, recipient name and address, address of delivery, country of destination (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 34, Rate of exchange of currency, Sub-rule (2) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 89, Application for refund, Sub-rule (2)(c) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 96A, Export under bond or Letter of Undertaking, Sub-rule (1)(b) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- IGST Act, 2017: Section 2, Definitions, Clause (6), export of services (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- IGST Act, 2017: Section 16, Zero rated supply, Sub-sections (1) and (3) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI: FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB, as amended by FEMA 23(R)/(1)/2026-RB, Regulations 1(2), 2(1)(f) and Explanation, 3(2), 4(2), 5(1), 18(2) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 dated 16 January 2026: Export and Import of Goods and Services, Paras 4 and 7; Annex A, items 9, 54, 58, 60, 83 and 90 (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 84 dated 29 February 2012: Reporting under FETERS (purpose codes), Para 3 (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- DGFT FAQs on Self-Generation of eBRC (Version 1.0, March 2024), Q1, Q10, Q15, Q16, Q17, Q25, Q28, Q29, Q32, Q35, Q36, Q70, Q71, Q77, Q78, Q80, Q81, Q82 (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo homepage (pricing and fee calculator), Know what you pay; calculator showing GST 18% of transaction fee (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Razorpay MoneySaver Export Account (International Bank Transfers) pricing, Standard Plan: 0% FX markup, 1% fee, FlashLinks 2%, GST applicable, flat fee of INR 1,000 on transactions below INR 1,00,000, setup and AMC INR 0 (checked 6 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is a FIRC or an e-BRC needed for a GST refund on an export of services invoice from India?
Either works. CGST Rule 89(2)(c) asks for a statement of invoice numbers and dates with the relevant Bank Realisation Certificates or Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates, as the case may be. Keep one for each payment you claim against. Match the invoice number on the certificate to your GST return. See the GST refund guide.
Which invoice number appears on the DGFT e-BRC for an export of services payment?
The DGFT e-BRC FAQs state that the Bill ID on the e-BRC certificate is the invoice number. Use the same number on the invoice, in your GST return and when you link the IRM on the DGFT portal. The FAQs say multiple invoices need multiple e-BRCs, one for each invoice number.
Can an e-BRC be generated without the bank's inward remittance message (IRM)?
No. The DGFT e-BRC FAQs say an exporter cannot generate an e-BRC without an IRM. Your AD bank reports an IRM for each inward remittance on an account credit basis, without asking for documents. If the IRM does not appear on the portal, ask your bank to report it.
Does the RBI purpose code on an inward remittance affect the e-BRC for export of services?
Yes. Banks report the purpose code with the IRM, and the DGFT FAQs direct exporters to the DGFT purpose code to SAC code mapping. DGFT says it will use checks to stop e-BRCs for non-export purpose codes. A wrong code is changed through your bank, which can amend the IRM. See the RBI purpose codes list.
Is an IEC needed to get an e-BRC for an export of services invoice from India?
For self-generation, yes. The DGFT e-BRC FAQs describe registering on the DGFT website, linking an existing IEC or applying for a new one, and then generating the e-BRC under Services. Banks may still report IRMs with a blank IEC. Read whether freelancers need an IEC.
How long can an exporter cancel a self-generated e-BRC on the DGFT portal?
The DGFT e-BRC FAQs allow the exporter to cancel an e-BRC within 120 days from the date it was generated. After 120 days, the exporter asks the bank to flag the e-BRC. The exporter then responds to the flagged case with a cancellation request, and the bank cancels it.
Does the export invoice currency have to match the FIRC or e-BRC currency?
No currency match is required for shipping bills. The DGFT e-BRC FAQs say the shipping bill currency can differ from the IRM currency, and the e-BRC is then generated based on the IRM currency. For GST, CGST Rule 34(2) values a service at the exchange rate under generally accepted accounting principles for the date of time of supply.
What happens to the LUT if the FIRC for an export invoice never arrives?
Under CGST Rule 96A(1)(b), tax with interest becomes payable fifteen days after one year from the invoice date, or after the FEMA period with any RBI extension, whichever is later, if payment is not received. The Commissioner may allow more time. Track realisation with the deadline guide.