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An Export Declaration Form (EDF) is a declaration under India’s FEMA framework that reports the full value of an export and supports monitoring of export payments through EDPMS. From 1 October 2026, the 2026 FEMA regulations require EDF declarations for exports of goods and services, including software as a service. The filing requirement and route depend on the export type and the applicable rules.
In this blog, we explain EDF filing, EDPMS tracking, payment reconciliation, and export closure for Indian businesses that export goods, services, or software.
TL;DR
What is EDF? A declaration that records an export’s details and value and helps track the related payment.
Who needs to file? From 1 October 2026, the EDF framework covers exports of goods, services and software, subject to the applicable rules.
When should you file? Service and software exporters generally need to file within 30 days after the month of invoicing. Eligible service exporters can also file by the payment date.
What happens after filing? The AD bank handles applicable EDPMS reporting, payment reconciliation and closure.
What if payment is delayed? Contact your AD bank to understand the applicable extension or regularisation process. Export proceeds generally need to be realised within 9 months, or 12 months for eligible INR transactions.
What is an Export Declaration Form (EDF)?
An Export Declaration Form (EDF) is a mandatory declaration used to report the full value and key details of an export under the FEMA framework regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It tells the authorities what you exported, its value, and the information needed to monitor the related export payment through EDPMS until the payment is received and the applicable export entry is closed.
EDF is different from these related export records:
Shipping Bill: A customs document used when you export physical goods. For goods exported through an EDI port, the EDF is deemed submitted as part of the shipping bill.
EDPMS: The RBI system used to record and monitor export transactions and their payment realisation.
FIRA: A bank-issued record that provides evidence of an inward foreign remittance.
eBRC: An electronic bank certificate that records the realisation of export proceeds for applicable export-related purposes.
Who Needs to File an EDF From 1 October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, the 2026 FEMA regulations require EDF declarations for exports of goods and services, including software as part of services. The filing requirement and route depend on the export type and the rules applicable to the transaction.
The EDF requirement applies as follows:
Goods Exporters: Follow the applicable customs export declaration process. For goods exported through an EDI port, the EDF is deemed submitted as part of the shipping bill.
Service Exporters: Businesses exporting services under the 2026 FEMA framework must file an EDF. This includes freelancers, consultants, agencies and other service providers. For services other than software, the exporter may also submit the EDF on or before the date of receipt of payment.
Software Exporters: Software exports are covered by the EDF framework from 1 October 2026, with software treated as a service under the 2026 FEMA regulations. The new framework brings software exports under the unified EDF framework, replacing the earlier SOFTEX reporting route.
E-commerce Exports: EDF requirements depend on the underlying export of goods or services and the applicable filing route. Using an e-commerce platform does not by itself determine the filing route.
For service exports, a service exporter can submit a single EDF covering exports to one or more recipients during the same month. This can simplify filing for businesses that raise multiple export invoices during the same month.
EDF Filing Deadline: When Do You Need to File It?
For exports of services, including software, you generally need to submit the EDF within 30 days from the end of the month in which the service invoice is raised. For services other than software, you may also submit the EDF on or before the date of receipt of payment. The Authorised Dealer may extend the filing period if you request an extension and provide reasons for the delay.
For example, if you raise an export invoice on 15 October 2026, the month ends on 31 October. The standard EDF filing deadline is 30 November 2026, which is 30 days from the end of October.
Can You Consolidate Multiple Export Invoices Into One EDF?
Yes. A service exporter can submit a single EDF covering exports to one or more recipients during the same month.
For example, if you raise five export invoices for overseas clients in October 2026, you can consolidate those exports into one EDF instead of filing separately for each invoice.
Where and How to File an EDF
The filing route for an Export Declaration Form (EDF) depends on the type of export and the specified authority applicable to the transaction. The 2026 regulations set different filing routes for goods, services and software, including separate provisions for exports from the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Export Situation | Applicable Filing Route |
Goods exported through an EDI port | The EDF is deemed submitted as part of the shipping bill. |
Goods exported through a non-EDI port | Submit the EDF to the Commissioner of Customs. The authenticated EDF is then forwarded to the relevant Authorised Dealer (AD) bank. |
Service exports in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) | Submit the EDF through the Authorised Dealer (AD) bank. |
Software exports in the DTA | Submit the EDF through the AD bank or Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), as applicable. |
Exports from a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) | For exports from an SEZ, submit the EDF to the Development Commissioner of the SEZ, as applicable. |
To file an EDF, provide the required export details through the applicable filing route for your transaction. The specified authority processes or forwards the declaration as required, while the AD bank handles the related export proceeds and applicable EDPMS reporting, reconciliation and closure requirements.
For goods exported through an EDI port, the shipping bill serves as the EDF, so you do not need to submit a separate form.
Documents and Information Required for EDF Filing
Before filing an Export Declaration Form (EDF), keep the key export and transaction details ready. Your supporting documents may vary depending on the export type, filing route, and your Authorised Dealer (AD) bank's requirements.
Keep the following information ready for your EDF filing:
Exporter Details: Legal name, address and other required identification details.
Buyer or Consignee Details: Name and relevant details of the overseas buyer or recipient.
Invoice Details: Export invoice number and date.
Export Description: Details of the goods, services or software being exported.
Export Value: Full value of the export declared in the EDF.
Currency: Currency used for the export transaction.
Classification Details: Applicable HSN/SAC or other prescribed classification details, where required.
Shipping or Export Details: Shipping bill, port or other export details, where applicable.
Bank Details: Details of the Authorised Dealer bank handling the transaction, where required.
Make sure these details match your export invoice and other transaction records before you submit the EDF.
Supporting Documents Your AD Bank May Request
Your AD bank may ask for documents to verify the export transaction or process the EDF. The exact requirements can vary based on the export type and transaction.
You may need to provide:
Commercial invoice
Shipping or export documents, where applicable
Service invoice or contract for service exports
Payment or remittance records, where relevant
Other documents requested by your AD bank for the specific transaction
Treat these as possible supporting documents, not a fixed checklist for every EDF filing. Check with your AD bank if it asks for any additional documents for your export.
How to Fill an Export Declaration Form: Step-by-Step
To fill an Export Declaration Form (EDF), enter the required export details accurately, and make sure they match your invoice and other transaction records. The exact fields you need to complete depend on your type of export and the applicable filing route.
1. Enter Exporter Details
Enter your legal name, address, and other identification details required on the EDF. Check that these details match your registration and export records.
2. Add Buyer or Consignee Details
Enter the name and relevant details of the overseas buyer, recipient or consignee. Check these details against your invoice or contract before submitting the form.
3. Enter Export or Service Details
Describe the goods, services or software you are exporting accurately. For goods, include the applicable description and classification details. For services and software, describe the exported service accurately and consistently with the underlying invoice and transaction records.
4. Add Invoice Details
Enter:
Invoice number
Invoice date
Make sure the invoice details match the export transaction declared in the EDF. If you use a consolidated EDF for multiple service exports, ensure the invoices covered by the declaration are correctly identified in your records.
5. Enter Currency and Export Value
Enter the currency and full export value declared for the transaction. Check the amount against your invoice and other export records before submission.
6. Add Applicable Bank or Shipping Details
Enter only the bank, shipping, or other transaction details that apply to your type of export and filing route. For goods, this may include shipping and export details. Service and software exports may require the applicable bank or transaction details.
7. Review the Completed Form
Before submitting the EDF, check that:
Exporter and buyer details are correct
Invoice number and date match your records
Export description is accurate
Currency and export value are correct
Required fields are complete
The information is consistent with your supporting documents
Common EDF Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Most EDF filing mistakes happen when the declaration does not match the export invoice or underlying transaction records. Check the details carefully before filing to keep your export records consistent and make later payment reconciliation easier.
Incorrect exporter, buyer, or consignee details
Wrong export value or currency
Description that does not match the actual export
Missing required information or supporting documents
Filing after the applicable deadline
EDF Form Format, Example, and Official Download
The 2026 Export Declaration Form (EDF) is prescribed in the Annex to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026. It captures key details of the exporter, buyer, export transaction, invoice, value, realisation, and other prescribed information.
What Does the EDF Form Look Like?
Use the official 2026 EDF form in the Annex as your reference, rather than a recreated version. It covers the key details of the export, including:
General Information: Type of export, form number, shipping bill details where applicable, mode of transport or delivery, exporter category and other basic transaction details.
Exporter Details: Exporter name and address, IEC, GSTIN, PAN and relevant Authorised Dealer details.
Buyer and Consignee Details: Consignee name and address, destination and third-party details where applicable.
Export and Shipping Details: Port, shipping or delivery information and other details relevant to the export route.
Invoice and Value Details: Information used to identify the export transaction, including the relevant invoice and declared export value.
Realisation Details: Details related to the realisation of export proceeds, where applicable.
Exporter Declaration: The exporter confirms that the information provided in the form is true and correct and makes the required declaration under the applicable FEMA rules.
Specified Authority Section: The designated section is for use by the applicable specified authority, such as Customs, the SEZ authority, an Authorised Dealer or STPI, as applicable.
Not every field applies to every export. The information you provide depends on whether you export goods, services or software and which filing route applies. Check the applicable route before completing fields related specifically to Customs, shipping or the Authorised Dealer.
Official EDF Form Download
The official export declaration form PDF is included in the Annex to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026. The regulations specifically define the EDF as the form provided in this Annex.
Use the 2026 Annex form when the new regulations apply from 1 October 2026. Avoid relying on older EDF, SDF or SOFTEX formats for transactions covered by the new unified EDF framework.
What Happens After You File the EDF
After you file the Export Declaration Form (EDF), the export record moves through the applicable payment and reporting process. The exact steps depend on the export type and filing route, while the AD bank handles the related export proceeds and EDPMS requirements.
The post-filing process generally involves:
How is the EDF Recorded in EDPMS?
The Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) records and monitors export transactions and payment realisation. For non-EDI goods exports and service exports where the AD bank receives the EDF, the AD bank enters the EDF details into EDPMS within five working days of receipt.
The AD bank also monitors outstanding export entries and takes the required action to reconcile and close them.
You do not need to treat EDPMS as a separate form that you file yourself. Your role is to provide the required export and payment information to the relevant authority or AD bank.
What Happens When the Export Payment is Received?
When your overseas customer sends the export payment, the AD bank receives the export proceeds and verifies the transaction before taking the applicable reporting or closure action.
The bank may check the payment against your EDF, invoice, and other export records before updating the applicable export entry. You may also receive payment documentation such as a FIRA, depending on the bank and transaction.
Receiving the payment does not necessarily close the export record immediately. The AD bank must complete the applicable reconciliation and reporting steps.
What Does EDPMS Closure Mean?
EDPMS closure means the applicable export entry has been reconciled and closed after the required checks. An export entry can remain outstanding if the payment has not been received, the amount does not match, or the bank needs additional information or documentation.
For an export shipping bill or invoice where the export value does not exceed ₹10 lakh or its equivalent in foreign currency, the AD bank may close the EDPMS entry based on the exporter's declaration that the payment has been realised, in full or otherwise. The exporter may also submit such a declaration quarterly for bulk closure, subject to the applicable rules.
What Happens If Your Export Payment is Delayed or Not Fully Received?
If your overseas customer pays late or sends only part of the export value, the export record can remain outstanding until the payment or applicable regularisation is resolved. Your Authorised Dealer (AD) bank is the main point of contact for handling the outstanding export record.
Keep in mind that the EDF filing deadline and payment realisation period are two different timelines. Filing the EDF on time does not mean you have received the export payment.
What is the Export Payment Realisation Period in 2026?
Under the amended 2026 FEMA export framework, export proceeds must generally be realised and repatriated to India within 9 months from the date of shipment for goods or from the date of invoice for services. For exports invoiced or settled in Indian rupees, the applicable period is 12 months, subject to the conditions prescribed under the regulations. For project exports, the realisation period is governed by the payment terms specified in the contract.
For example, if you raise a service export invoice on 15 October 2026, the standard realisation period would generally run for 9 months from the invoice date. If the export is invoiced and/or settled in INR, the applicable period can extend to 12 months, subject to the prescribed conditions.
The amended 9-month and 12-month periods apply from 1 October 2026. The amendment was notified on 22 September 2026 and changes the original 15-month and 18-month periods in Regulation 5. Certain transactions undertaken before 1 October 2026 may continue to be governed by the applicable earlier provisions and transitional requirements.
What Happens If You Receive Only Part of the Export Payment?
A partial payment does not necessarily close the full export record. For example, if your export value is USD 10,000 and you receive USD 7,000, the remaining USD 3,000 may remain outstanding. Your AD bank can review the payment against the EDF, invoice and other export records and guide you on the applicable reconciliation or regularisation process.
Keep records of the amount received, the outstanding balance and any communication or documents explaining the delay.
What If the Payment is Not Received?
If you do not receive the export payment within the applicable period, the export may remain outstanding in EDPMS until the payment or applicable regularisation is resolved.
Contact your AD bank as soon as you know the payment will be delayed. The bank can guide you on whether an extension or other regularisation process applies and what documents you need to provide.
Keep your EDF, export invoice, payment records and supporting documents together so you can address the outstanding export record and complete the applicable reconciliation.
How Infinity Helps You Manage Export Payments
When you receive an export payment, you need to manage more than just receiving the money; you also need to track the payment, keep the right records, and complete the required export formalities.
Infinity brings these steps together, from receiving and managing international payments to keeping payment records and getting support with EDF filing.
You can receive payments from overseas customers through supported multi-currency receiving accounts and payment routes. Once the payment comes in, you can track the incoming deposit and transaction details, keeping your payment records organised.
You can then convert your funds to INR with:
0% FX markup on the stated live exchange rate
0.5% all-inclusive transaction fee
Funds can reach your Indian bank account within 1 business day, subject to the applicable payment route and processing conditions
You also get FIRA for your international payments, giving you the remittance record to keep with your export invoice and other transaction documents.
Need help filing your EDF?
Infinity can help with the EDF filing process too. Simply share the contact details of your relevant Authorised Dealer (AD) Bank’s Relationship Manager with us. Our team can get in touch with them and help coordinate and complete the EDF filing process on your behalf.
Your AD Bank continues to handle the applicable banking, payment reconciliation and EDPMS requirements.
With Infinity, you can manage your export payments and get support with the documentation and EDF filing needed along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Export Declaration Form (EDF)
1. Who needs to file an EDF under the 2026 export framework?
The 2026 regulations require exporters of goods and services, including software, to file an EDF under the applicable rules. For goods exported through an EDI port, the EDF is deemed submitted as part of the shipping bill.
2. Can freelancers and small service exporters file an EDF?
Yes. Freelancers, consultants, and other service exporters can file an EDF under the 2026 framework. A service exporter can consolidate exports to one or more recipients during the same month into one EDF.
3. What happens if the details in an EDF do not match the export invoice or payment received?
If the EDF does not match the invoice or payment received, contact your AD bank and provide the relevant explanation or supporting documents. The bank can review the export and payment records and take the applicable reconciliation or follow-up action.
4. What is the difference between an EDF, EDPMS, FIRA and eBRC?
These serve different purposes:
EDF: The declaration used to report exports and their full export value under the FEMA framework.
EDPMS: The RBI system used to record and monitor export transactions and outstanding export entries.
FIRA: A bank-issued record of an inward foreign remittance received in India.
eBRC: An electronic bank realisation certificate used for applicable export-related purposes to evidence realisation of export proceeds.
In simple terms, EDF declares the export, EDPMS records and monitors the export entry, FIRA provides evidence of an inward remittance, and eBRC provides evidence of export realisation for applicable purposes.
5. Can an EDF be amended after it has been submitted?
If you find an error after submitting an EDF, do not assume you can edit it yourself. Contact the relevant specified authority or AD bank, depending on the export type and filing route, and provide the requested corrected information and supporting documents.
