What Is IDPMS?

Author:: Manoj Sharma
Verified by:: Editorial team
Published:: 9 Oct 2026
Last modified:: 9 Oct 2026

Short answer

IDPMS stands for Import Data Processing and Monitoring System. Authorised Dealer banks use it to record and follow imports of goods and services. The FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 refer to it alongside EDPMS, which covers exports. Importers make payment within the period in the contract.

IDPMS at a glance
Full form	Governed by	Best for	Where it is used	Related terms
Import Data Processing and Monitoring System	FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, Regulations 4(2), 9 and 18	Importers of goods or services, and exporters who also pay overseas suppliers	Maintained and used by AD banks to track imports and related remittances	EDPMS, bill of entry, AD bank, EDF

What does IDPMS mean in simple words?

IDPMS is the system through which an AD bank follows its customers' imports. Regulation 9 says the AD bank monitors its IDPMS entries and follows up with the importer for payment within the period specified. Regulation 4(2) says the AD bank closes or updates the entry in EDPMS or IDPMS. The mirror system for exports is EDPMS. A freelancer who only receives export payments rarely deals with IDPMS directly, but a business that buys goods or services from abroad may.

For example, an Indian design studio pays an overseas software vendor for a licence. The AD bank records the remittance against the import, and follows up if the paperwork is incomplete.

Why does IDPMS matter for Indian exporters and freelancers?

Bank compliance: Under Regulation 9 the AD bank follows up with the importer for payment within the period specified, with extension possible on request.
Small imports: Regulation 4(2) allows IDPMS entries to be closed on a declaration where the bill of entry or invoice is up to Rs 10 lakh.
Reporting: Regulation 18(1)(e) requires AD banks to enter inward and outward remittances for exports, imports and merchanting trade in EDPMS or IDPMS.
Tax: IDPMS is a FEMA monitoring system. GST and income tax on imports are handled separately, so ask your adviser.

How does IDPMS work?

Import details reach IDPMS, the AD bank matches outward remittances to them, and the entry is closed or updated once the import is settled.

The importer receives the goods or services and the related bill of entry or invoice.
Import details are entered in IDPMS by the AD bank, including details from non-EDI ports under Regulation 18(1)(c).
The importer pays through the AD bank within the period in the contract.
The bank matches the outward remittance to the entry.
The bank closes or updates the entry under Regulation 4(2).
The bank follows up with the importer on any open entry.

How do you use IDPMS as an importer?

You deal with your AD bank, which maintains the IDPMS record. Share the bill of entry or invoice, pay within the contract period and ask the bank for the entry status.

Pay overseas suppliers only through your AD bank.
Give the bank the bill of entry for goods or the invoice for services.
Note the payment period in the contract.
Ask the bank for the IDPMS status of any open import.
Request an extension in writing if payment will be late, with reasons.
Keep copies of all documents with the bank advice.

What is the difference between IDPMS and EDPMS?

IDPMS monitors imports while EDPMS monitors exports. Both are named together in Regulation 4(2) and 18(1)(e) of the 2026 regulations.

IDPMS compared with EDPMS
Item	IDPMS	EDPMS	Best for
Tracks	Imports of goods and services	Exports of goods and services	Knowing which system applies
Main duty	Importer pays within the contract period	Exporter realises export proceeds	Planning payments and receipts
More detail	This page	EDPMS guide	Exporters and importers

What do people get wrong about IDPMS?

Exporters only: IDPMS covers imports. EDPMS covers exports.
Direct access: AD banks maintain entries. Ask your bank about status.
Goods only: Regulation 4(2) refers to bill of entry for goods and invoice for services.
Tax system: IDPMS monitors FEMA compliance and is not a GST or income tax system.

How did we verify this?

Every rule and definition on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.

RBI, FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB, Regulations 4(2), 9, 18(1)(c) and 18(1)(e) (checked 9 Oct 2026)

FAQs about IDPMS

What does IDPMS stand for?

IDPMS stands for Import Data Processing and Monitoring System. The FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 mention it together with EDPMS in Regulation 4(2) when describing how AD banks close or update entries. Confirm the details with your AD bank or tax adviser before relying on this.

Who maintains IDPMS entries?

The AD bank monitors its IDPMS entries under Regulation 9 and enters import details under Regulation 18. Importers should ask their AD bank for the status of an entry rather than expect direct access. Confirm the details with your AD bank or tax adviser before relying on this.

Can small import entries be closed on a declaration?

Regulation 4(2) allows an IDPMS entry to be closed on the importer's declaration where the bill of entry for goods or invoice for services is up to Rs 10 lakh. Confirm the current conditions with your AD bank. Confirm the details with your AD bank or tax adviser before relying on this.

Does IDPMS apply to service imports?

Regulation 4(2) refers to a bill of entry for goods and an invoice for services, so services imports are within the monitoring language. Ask your AD bank how it records a services payment. Confirm the details with your AD bank or tax adviser before relying on this.

Is IDPMS relevant to a freelancer receiving export payments?

Receipts for exports fall under EDPMS. IDPMS matters only if you also pay overseas suppliers for goods or services. Keep invoices for those purchases so your AD bank can match each outward remittance. Confirm the details with your AD bank or tax adviser before relying on this.