The Future of Trade: RBI Releases New FEMA Export and Import Regulations 2026

In its consistent effort to promote cross border trade and ease of doing business, the Reserve Bank of India initially floated draft export and import regulations and directions on 2 July 2024 and 4 April 2025 inviting comments from the stakeholders.

Following two rounds of stakeholder consultations and the receipt of multiple industry representations, the RBI notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (“2026 Regulations”) on 13 January 2026, trailed by the issuance of the Directions on Export and Import of Goods and Services on 16 January 2026.

The 2026 Regulations introduces much-needed rationalisation and simplification of the legislative framework governing trade, i.e., export and import transactions in India. The changes are aimed at enhancing ease of doing business while affording greater operational flexibility to authorised dealer banks in recognition of the evolving dynamics of cross-border transactions.

This webinar will comprise of a detailed discussion covering the following issues:
 

• Declaration for export of goods, services and software in a master form – Form EDF
• Revision in payment timelines for import and export transactions
• Liberalisation of the set-off process and revamp of write-off provisions: Surrender of export incentives?
• Treatment of exports under operating lease arrangements
• Simplification of Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT)
• Set off of export and import payables: Goods against Services?
• Expanded powers of the AD Banks and requirement for an Internal Policy and SOP
   

Speakers:
 

• Asish Philip Abraham, Executive Partner, LKS
• Pratyush Jain, Principal Associate, LKS