Export essentials
Posted on Sep 2, 2025
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If you are an exporter in India, you must have come across the term BRC or Bank Realisation Statement. However, the question is: what is BRC, where to find it, and why is it important?
A Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC) is a certificate issued by the banks to Indian exporters as proof that payment has been received by them in foreign currency for the goods or services exported. A BRC acts as a compliance certificate that plays a crucial role in ensuring that the proceeds from export have been received through the legal banking system.
So, whether you are a first-time exporter or a seasoned business, a BRC certificate helps you with compliance-related issues like claiming export-related incentives or filing for GST refunds. BRC also helps exporters in staying compliant with the RBI regulations.
In this article, we will break down every part of BRC for you, including its importance, the process to download, and how to use it.
Why is BRC needed?
The importance of the BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate) goes beyond just the paperwork. Here is why you need a BRC:
Payment Realisation Proof:
BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate) serves as proof that the exporter has received international payments in convertible foreign currency through legal intermediary channels.
A BRC also validates that the buyer has cleared dues for the export shipment.
2. Export Incentive:
The government of India promotes exports from the country by providing incentives to Indian exporters such as duty drawback, GST refunds, MEIS/SEIS benefits, and RoDTEP.
For an exporter to avail these incentives, a BRC is mandatory. Without it, the application is rejected.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
As per the RBI’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations, exporters must realise and send back the export proceeds within a specific timeline.
A BRC acts as proof that the requirement has been met.
4. GST Refunds for Exporters:
For exporters dealing in goods and services, the BRC is required to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) refunds under GST.
5. Business Credibility:
A valid BRC strengthens your business profile.
A BRC is proof of your business credibility to financial institutions, investors, and regulators.
So in conclusion, no BRC means no export benefits.
How to download a BRC?
With the shift towards digitisation, the process of obtaining a BRC has also been streamlined. Here is how you can download a BRC:
Step 1: Complete the export transaction
Once the buyer receives the goods/services, they make payment in foreign currency, and the amount is credited to your export account through the banking channels.
Step 2: Approach the bank
The bank through which you receive the international payments is responsible for generating the e-BRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate).
Exporters need to submit the shipping bills, invoices, and other export documents to the bank.
Step 3: Bank issues e-BRC
After reviewing all the necessary export-related documents, the bank generates the e-BRC and submits it to the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal.
Step 4: Download from the DGFT Portal
Exporters can log in to the DGFT portal using their IEC (Import Export Code)
From the DGFT portal, an exporter can download the e-BRC for each transaction.
Pro Tip: Always check the number of shipping bills and invoice details to avoid a mismatch that can lead to a delay in government incentives claims.
Why is the BRC needed by the RBI?
The Reserve Bank of India plays a crucial role in regulating foreign exchange transactions in the country. The BRC is crucial for the RBI due to the following reasons:
Monitoring Foreign Exchange Inflows
RBI ensures that all export proceeds are realised in foreign currency within the prescribed time frame.
BRC acts as proof that India’s foreign exchange reserves are being built through genuine exports.
Preventing Money Laundering and Fraud
BRC ensures that the funds are routed through legal banking channels.
A BRC helps the RBI to track illegal and fraudulent export transactions.
Trade Data Accuracy
RBI uses BRC data to analyse India’s export performance, foreign currency inflows, and trade statistics.
It also helps the government in policy-making and incentive structuring.
Enforcing FEMA Regulations
FEMA makes it mandatory that the export proceeds must be repatriated to India within 9 months (this can be extended in special cases).
A BRC is the RBI-approved proof for exporters to stay compliant.
Pro Tip: Without a BRC, the RBI can flag the transaction as unrealised export proceeds, which can ultimately lead to penalties or cancellation of export incentives.
Infinity: Making your International Payments Faster Than Ever
The Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC) may seem like just another compliance requirement, but in reality) it is the lifeline of Indian exporters. From working as a payment proof to availing government incentives and ensuring compliance with the RBI’s FEMA regulations, a BRC is unavoidable.
If you are an Indian exporter, make sure:
Request your bank to generate an e-BRC for every single export transaction.
Log in and download from the DGFT portal for maintaining proper records.
Keep your BRCs handy while applying for GST refunds, government incentives, or audits.
At InfinityApp, we help Indian exporters receive international payments from their clients seamlessly. Infinity enables Indian exporters to receive payments at the lowest transaction costs (0.5% platform fee) as compared to different traditional ways. As an exporter, you can receive your international payment within 1 day and in full compliance with RBI’s FEMA regulations. This ensures you can easily secure your BRCs and grow your export business seamlessly.
FAQs about BRC
Who issues a BRC?
A BRC is issued by the bank through which you receive your export payments.
Is BRC mandatory for exporters?
Yes, BRC is a mandatory document for exporters. BRC helps exporters to claim export incentives, GST refunds, and comply with RBI regulations.
How long does it take to get a BRC?
BRC is issued by the banks after all the export-related documents are verified. The timeline can range from a few days to weeks, depending on the dealing bank.
Does RBI directly issue BRC?
No. RBI does not issue BRC. It is issued by the dealing banks but monitored under the RBI’s foreign exchange regulations.
What is an E-BRC?
An E-BRC stands for an electronic bank realisation certificate. It is generated by the dealing bank, and you can access and download it by logging in to the DGFT portal.
