What Is the Difference Between a Bank Realisation Certificate and an e-BRC?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
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- Last modified:
Short answer
A BRC was a paper Bank Realisation Certificate that a bank issued and the exporter submitted to DGFT. An e-BRC is the electronic version, introduced in June 2012. Since November 2023, banks send inward remittance messages to DGFT and exporters generate the e-BRC themselves on the DGFT portal.
| Applies to | Governed by | Deadline | Penalty | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian exporters of goods and services who need proof that export proceeds were received | DGFT Public Notice 02 (RE-2012)/2009-14, DGFT Trade Notice 33/2023-24, CGST Rule 89, FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 | Self-generated e-BRC can be cancelled by the exporter within 120 days of generation; export proceeds realised within 9 months (12 months if invoiced or settled in rupees), unless the AD bank extends the period | Not applicable to the certificate itself; a missing or wrong e-BRC can delay GST refunds and Foreign Trade Policy benefits | 8 Oct 2026 |
What is a Bank Realisation Certificate and what is an e-BRC?
A Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC) is a record confirming that payment for an export reached the exporter in India. The e-BRC is the same record kept electronically on the DGFT system, and it has fully replaced the paper format for Foreign Trade Policy purposes.
- Paper BRC: Before June 2012, exporters obtained a BRC from their bank in the formats at Appendix 22A (physical exports) and 22B (deemed exports) of the Handbook of Procedures and submitted it to DGFT by hand (DGFT Public Notice 02 (RE-2012)/2009-14, para 2).
- Bank e-BRC: From June 2012, banks issued BRCs and transmitted them electronically to DGFT's server, replacing the manual route (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), para 2).
- Self-certified e-BRC: Under Trade Notice 33/2023-24 dated 10 November 2023, banks send Inward Remittance Messages (IRMs) to DGFT and exporters generate the e-BRC themselves (DGFT eBRC page).
- Issuer today: DGFT's eBRC FAQs (Q1) say the e-BRC is issued by DGFT as confirmation that the exporter has received payment against the export of goods or services.
- IRM: An Inward Remittance Message is the bank's reference number for an inward remittance. An exporter cannot generate an e-BRC without one (eBRC FAQs, Q2 and Q29).
When people search for "BRC vs e-BRC" today, they are usually comparing two stages of the same document. The paper BRC belongs to the period before mid-2012. Since then, BRCs used for Foreign Trade Policy benefits have been kept electronically on the DGFT system. The main change since November 2023 is who creates the record.
Who needs a Bank Realisation Certificate or an e-BRC?
Exporters who must prove that export proceeds were received need an e-BRC or a bank certificate. The most common reasons are claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits, filing a GST refund on zero-rated exports and answering a bank or auditor query.
| Entity type | Applicable | Why | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goods exporter claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits | Yes | DGFT schemes rely on e-BRC data instead of a paper BRC (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), effect of the notice) | Exporters linking shipping bills to realisation on the DGFT portal |
| Exporter of services filing a GST refund | Yes | CGST Rule 89(2)(c) asks for invoices with the relevant Bank Realisation Certificates or Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates | Freelancers and firms claiming refunds on exports under LUT |
| Goods exporter filing a GST refund | Sometimes | CGST Rule 89(2)(b) asks for shipping bill and export invoice details; Rule 89(2)(bb) asks for the BRC or FIRC issued by an Authorised Dealer-I bank where the refund follows an upward price revision after export | Exporters claiming refunds after revising the price of goods already exported |
| Software and IT services exporter | Yes | e-BRC for Services, IT accepts only purpose codes P0802, P0803, P0807 and P0103 (DGFT guidelines, rule 10) | Software exporters, including those who earlier filed SOFTEX forms |
| Deemed exporter | Yes | Only purpose code P1505 is permitted for an e-BRC on deemed exports (eBRC FAQs, Q8) | Suppliers whose goods do not leave India |
| Person receiving a gift or family remittance | No | DGFT says it will apply checks that prevent e-BRC generation for non-export purpose codes (eBRC FAQs, Q71) | Non-export receipts, where a bank advice is the usual record |
How does the e-BRC process work after the 2023 change?
The bank reports each inward remittance to DGFT as an IRM, and the exporter then generates the e-BRC on the DGFT portal by matching IRMs to shipping bills or invoices. The exporter no longer asks the bank to issue the certificate.
- Make sure the foreign payment carries the correct export purpose code, because DGFT rules decide which purpose codes can produce an e-BRC (DGFT guidelines, rules 3 and 10).
- Your bank reports the IRM to DGFT on a remittance basis, without collecting export documents (eBRC FAQs, Q32 and Q76).
- Register on the DGFT website as an importer or exporter and link your IEC, or apply for one (eBRC FAQs, Q10). See how to apply for an IEC code.
- Check the IRM under Services, eBRC, IRM/ORM Repository (DGFT exporter guide, section 5).
- Go to Services, eBRC, Generate eBRC, select the IRM, and enter the shipping bill or invoice details. For services, only invoices with SAC codes matching the service can be attached (DGFT guidelines, rule 12).
- Enter commission, discount, insurance, freight or other deductions, read the declaration, and generate the e-BRC (DGFT exporter guide, section 6).
- Download the e-BRC from My Dashboard, Repositories, Bills Repository, with bill type set to e-BRC (eBRC FAQs, Q18).
Does the bank still issue an e-BRC after the 2023 change?
For IRMs dated on or after a bank's cut-off date, the bank no longer issues the e-BRC and the exporter generates it. For IRMs dated before that cut-off date, the bank can still issue e-BRCs under the legacy system (eBRC FAQs, Q47 and Q48).
What did the paper BRC process look like before 2012?
Before June 2012, an exporter collected a BRC from the bank in the prescribed appendix format and submitted it manually to DGFT to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), para 2).
- The physical BRC and the e-BRC ran side by side for one month from 5 June 2012 (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), para 3).
- After that month, issuance and transmission of the e-BRC in electronic form became mandatory, and a physical copy was no longer required to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), para 3).
Which DGFT platform hosts the e-BRC system now?
The e-BRC system runs on the main DGFT website. The original e-BRC platform, run by NIC-DGFT from 2012, was moved to a new IT platform, and the old site was planned to be discontinued from the end of July 2022 (DGFT Trade Notice 13/2022-23).
- The current eBRC services include IRM/ORM repository, Generate eBRC, Bulk Generate eBRC, View/Cancel eBRC and IRM utilisation reports (DGFT eBRC page).
What are the differences between the paper BRC, the bank-issued e-BRC and the self-certified e-BRC?
The three formats differ in who prepares the record, how it reaches DGFT and what the exporter has to do. The format has moved from paper to bank upload to exporter self-certification.
| Feature | Paper BRC (before mid-2012) | Bank-issued e-BRC (2012 to bank cut-off) | Self-certified e-BRC (from November 2023) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who prepares it | The exporter's bank | The exporter's bank | The exporter, on the DGFT portal, using the bank's IRM | Knowing whom to ask for a missing record |
| How DGFT receives it | Exporter submits a physical copy | Bank transmits it electronically to DGFT's server | Generated directly in the DGFT system | Checking whether a record exists on DGFT |
| Bank checks | Issued by the bank in the prescribed appendix format (Public Notice 02 (RE-2012), para 2) | Banks ran checks such as name screening before issuing, as part of export bill regularisation (eBRC FAQs, Q73) | The bank reports the IRM without collecting export documents (eBRC FAQs, Q32), and banks can flag e-BRCs through a risk-based system (Q46) | Exporters planning paperwork |
| Bank charges for the certificate | Not covered in the DGFT notices we reviewed | Bank charges could apply; DGFT lists ending them as a benefit of the 2023 change (DGFT exporter guide, section 2) | DGFT says exporters do not have to pay e-BRC charges to banks (DGFT exporter guide, section 2) | Comparing costs of the old and new routes |
| Who can cancel it | Not applicable | The exporter cannot cancel bank-issued e-BRCs (eBRC FAQs, Q49) | Exporter within 120 days of generation if the e-BRC is unutilised, later through the bank (eBRC FAQs, Q80 and Q81; DGFT exporter guide, section 7) | Fixing a wrong invoice or amount |
| Legal basis | Handbook of Procedures appendices 22A and 22B (2009-14) | Public Notice 02 (RE-2012)/2009-14 | Trade Notice 33/2023-24 and DGFT generation rules | Citing the rule in a refund or audit file |
What happens if an exporter has no valid BRC or e-BRC?
No rule we found sets a direct penalty for not having a BRC or e-BRC. The practical effect is that claims depending on proof of realisation, such as GST refunds and Foreign Trade Policy benefits, can be delayed or questioned.
- Refund delay: A refund on exports of services needs a statement of invoices with the relevant BRCs or FIRCs (CGST Rule 89(2)(c)). A missing certificate can lead to a query on the refund claim.
- Blocked generation: e-BRCs cannot be generated for purpose codes P0101 and P0108, and two purpose codes cannot be clubbed in one e-BRC except P0103 (DGFT guidelines, rules 3 and 9).
- Open EDPMS entry: EDPMS and the e-BRC system are separate (eBRC FAQs, Q23). Your AD bank still marks off the export entry after ensuring realisation (FEMA Regulation 18(1)(g)).
- Unrealised exports: If proceeds stay unrealised for more than one year beyond the due date, further exports are allowed only against full advance or an irrevocable letter of credit (FEMA Regulation 13).
Ask your bank to report or amend the IRM where it is missing or carries the wrong purpose code (eBRC FAQs, Q25 and Q28), then generate the e-BRC yourself. Cancel and regenerate a wrong, unutilised self-generated e-BRC within 120 days, or go through the bank after that (Q80 and Q81).
Which RBI, DGFT and GST rules govern the BRC and the e-BRC?
The e-BRC is a DGFT system, so most of its rules come from DGFT notices and guidelines. RBI's FEMA regulations govern realisation and EDPMS closure, and the CGST Rules name the BRC or FIRC as a refund document for services and for some goods refunds.
| Circular or regulation | Clause | Date | Plain meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGFT Public Notice 02 (RE-2012)/2009-14 | Paras 2 and 3 | 5 June 2012 | Introduced the e-BRC; banks transmit BRCs electronically; physical BRC no longer needed after one month | Understanding when paper BRCs ended |
| DGFT Trade Notice 13/2022-23 | Paras 1 and 2 | 30 June 2022 | Moved the e-BRC module from the old NIC site to the new DGFT platform | Banks and exporters looking for older records |
| DGFT self-certified eBRC guidelines under Trade Notice 33/2023-24 | Rules 1 to 12 | 10 November 2023 | Exporters generate e-BRCs from bank IRMs, subject to purpose code and clubbing rules | Exporters generating e-BRCs today |
| DGFT Trade Notice 02/2025-26 | Paras 3 and 4 | 21 April 2025, effective 1 May 2025 | Service export e-BRCs generated on or after 1 May 2025 carry a mandatory Mode of Export of Services field | Exporters of services |
| CGST Rule 89 | Sub-rule (2)(bb), (2)(bc) and (2)(c) | As amended | Services refunds list the BRC or FIRC; goods refunds list it where the price was revised upward after export | Exporters claiming GST refunds |
| FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 | Regulations 5 and 18(1)(g) | 13 January 2026, amended 22 September 2026, in force 1 October 2026 | Proceeds realised within 9 months (12 if in rupees); AD bank marks off EDPMS after realisation | Every exporter tracking realisation |
| A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 | Para 4 and Annex | 16 January 2026, effective 1 October 2026 | Supersedes the Master Direction on Export of Goods and Services and listed circulars, including the 2017 EDPMS circular on e-BRC issuance | Readers checking whether older RBI references still apply |
What are the common mistakes exporters make with the BRC and the e-BRC?
- Waiting on bank: Waiting for the bank to issue an e-BRC for a recent remittance, when the bank has passed its cut-off date and the exporter must generate it.
- Wrong purpose code: Leaving a non-export or wrong purpose code on the payment, which stops e-BRC generation until the bank amends the IRM. See wrong purpose code consequences.
- Early advance: Trying to generate an e-BRC for an advance under P0103 before the shipping bill or invoice date, which the DGFT rules do not allow.
- Mixed IRMs: Clubbing IRMs in different currencies or from different bank accounts into one e-BRC.
- EDPMS confusion: Assuming that generating an e-BRC closes the EDPMS entry. The two systems are separate. See EDPMS closure.
- Late correction: Noticing an error after 120 days, when the exporter can no longer cancel the e-BRC alone and must go through the bank.
How did we verify this?
Every rule, deadline and form on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- DGFT Public Notice No. 02 (RE-2012)/2009-14: Introduction of electronic Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) system, Paras 2 and 3, and effect of the Public Notice (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 13/2022-23: Migration of e-BRC Portal/Website to new IT platform, Paras 1 and 2 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Self-Certified eBRC Generation Guidelines, Version 1.0 (10 November 2023), Rules 1 to 12; refers to Trade Notice 33/2023-24 dated 10 November 2023 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Public eBRC FAQs (Self-Generation of eBRC), Version 1.0, March 2024, Q1, Q2, Q8, Q10, Q18, Q21, Q23, Q25, Q28, Q29, Q32, Q46 to Q49, Q71, Q73, Q76, Q80 to Q82, Q86, Q87 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Self-certification of e-BRC on DGFT e-platform: User Guide for Exporters v1.0, Sections 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) page, Trade Notice 33/2023-24 (10 November 2023); Trade Notice 02/2025-26 (21 April 2025); bank onboarding and cut-off dates; list of eBRC services (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- DGFT Trade Notice No. 02/2025-26: Introduction of 'Mode of Export of Services' field in eBRC format for services exports with effect from 1 May 2025, Paras 3 and 4 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017: Rule 89 (Application for refund), Rule 89(2)(b), 89(2)(bb), 89(2)(bc) and 89(2)(c) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, Notification FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB, amended up to 22 September 2026, Regulations 3(2), 5, 13 and 18(1)(g); in force from 1 October 2026 (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 (RBI/2025-26/194), Export and Import of Goods and Services, 16 January 2026, Paras 4 and 7, and Annex (item A.90: EDPMS circular on issuance of e-BRC, 15 September 2017) (checked 8 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is a paper Bank Realisation Certificate still accepted for Foreign Trade Policy benefits?
DGFT Public Notice 02 (RE-2012) made the e-BRC mandatory one month after 5 June 2012. From then, a physical BRC copy was no longer required for Foreign Trade Policy benefits. CGST Rule 89 still lists the BRC or FIRC for some GST refunds, so check what your refund office accepts.
Who issues the e-BRC under the self-certification system: the bank or DGFT?
DGFT's eBRC FAQs say the e-BRC is issued by DGFT as confirmation that the exporter has received payment. Under self-certification, the exporter generates it on the DGFT portal from the IRM that the bank reports. Banks issue e-BRCs only for IRMs dated before their own cut-off date.
Does generating a self-certified e-BRC cost anything?
DGFT's user guide for exporters lists, among the advantages of the revamped process, that exporters do not have to pay e-BRC charges to banks or visit them in person. The guide does not list a DGFT fee for generation. Check with your AD bank about charges for related services such as amending an IRM.
Can an exporter of services generate an e-BRC without a shipping bill?
Yes. Exporters of services enter invoice details instead of shipping bills when generating an e-BRC. DGFT's rules let you attach only invoices whose SAC code matches the service description. Under Trade Notice 02/2025-26, service export e-BRCs generated on or after 1 May 2025 carry a mandatory Mode of Export of Services field.
Can an e-BRC be generated for a payment received through an online payment platform?
DGFT's eBRC FAQs (Q82) say an e-commerce exporter paid through an online platform can ask the bank to report the IRM. Once the IRM is on the DGFT portal, the exporter can self-generate the e-BRC. Without an IRM from the bank, the DGFT system does not allow e-BRC generation.
Can an exporter generate many e-BRCs at once on the DGFT portal?
Yes. DGFT's eBRC FAQs (Q86) say an exporter can generate bulk e-BRCs by uploading a file under Services, eBRC, Bulk Generate eBRC on the DGFT portal. Q87 adds that an exporter can also generate e-BRCs through an API integrated with the DGFT system. DGFT's generation rules allow clubbing only IRMs with the same currency and bank account.
Is an e-BRC the same as a FIRC from the bank?
No. DGFT's eBRC FAQs (Q21) say e-FIRC and e-BRC are different systems. A FIRC is a certificate from an Authorised Dealer bank for an inward remittance. An e-BRC links realised payment to a shipping bill or invoice on the DGFT portal. See FIRC vs FIRA vs e-BRC for a fuller comparison.