RBI was getting issue of transparent and fair pricing in the retail forex market in various fora and public interactions. In 2017 RBI issued “Discussion paper on foreign exchange trading platform for retail participants” and based on the feedback received a web based trading platform was developed by Clearcorp which is called FX-Retail.
Continue reading Forex Trading Platform “FX-Retail” from CCIL & RBI
Over the years Indian importers have used Suppliers Credit and Buyers Credit as two different modes of Import financing. RBI had defined them as Trade Credit under Master Direction for ECB and Trade Credit.
Suppliers Credit structure was understood as financing of import usance Letter of Credit (LC) by Overseas branches / Foreign banks where as Buyers Credit was considered as financing against LOU/LOC till it was stopped by RBI.
Below given are RBI FAQs on Trade Credit updated as on 26- Dec-2018. RBI has issued revised guidelines under” Trade Credit : New Regulatory Framework“. Will update this article as when RBI updates the FAQs with revised guidelines.
Continue reading RBI FAQs on Trade Credit : Updated as on 26 Dec 2018
As discussed in the earlier article, RBI issued a circular related to Trade Credit – New Regulatory Framework which has provided clarity on many aspects of Trade credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit). One of this aspect is All-in-Cost Ceiling.
This article is about All-in-Cost definition, relevant extracts of RBI circular, what has changed and what will be its impact on trade credit products offered by banks.
Continue reading Trade Credit : Changes in All-in-Cost Ceiling
As discussed in earlier article, RBI issued a circular related to Trade Credit – New Regulatory Framework which has provided clarity on many aspects of Trade credit. One of the aspect is Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit) availed by units based in SEZ/FTWZ/DTA.
In this article we have provided relevant extracts related to SEZ/FTWZ/DTA, definition, documentation and process to be followed by developers and units.
Continue reading Can SEZ, FTWZ and DTA units avail Buyers Credit ?
RBI has issued a new regulatory framework for Trade Credit (TC) on March 13, 2019 effective immediately. Details of the circular is given below. In next articles we will cover the major changes in the RBI circular.
Continue reading RBI Circular : Trade Credit – New Regulatory Framework
New Article: RBI Circular: Trade Credit : New Regulatory Framework
RBI revised Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) Regulations, 2018 on December 17, 2018 (link in reference). Revision is made to ECB guidelines, Trade Credit, borrowing by banks outside India and others.
This articles covers changes made to Trade Credit guidelines.
New Article: RBI Circular: Trade Credit : New Regulatory Framework
Latest RBI Circular : RBI stops Buyers Credit. As is circular copy given below. Please refer bold section.
Continue reading RBI Stops Buyers Credit Transactions (LOU & LOC)
RBI in its 2016 Circular to banks had mentioned problem in relation to process followed for issue and reconciliation of SWIFT messages related to Trade finance products and corrective actions banks should take to prevent any fraud. Worth a read.
Continue reading RBI 2016 Circular : Frauds Related to Trade Finance Transactions – Misuse of SWIFT
RBI issued a circular on 10 Sep 2015, revising the policy on Trade Credit (Buyers Credit & Suppliers Credit). Summary of the same is given below:
As per revised guidelines, RBI has allowed resident importer to raise trade credit in Rupees (INR) within below framework after entering into a loan agreement with the overseas lender:
Continue reading Buyers Credit & Suppliers Credit in Rupee (INR)
Importer has to submit a list of documents for making import payments. One such documents was A1 Form except for import payment less than $ 5000. RBI with its circular dated 12 February 2015, has removed this requirement.
Incase of raw material imports, RBI had delegated approving powers to Authorised Dealers (Banks) for Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit) for a tenure upto 1 year from the date of shipment. Bank’s based on internal policies decided customerwise tenure. Because of variation in policies between banks, few importers used buyers credit for arbitrage.
Continue reading Relevance of Operating Cycle in Buyers Credit Transaction
Further to article published below, RBI received suggestion from merchanting traders and trade bodies, based on which guidelines on merchanting trade transactions have been further reviewed on 28th March 2014 and with effect from 17th January 2014. Summary of the changes are given below.
Continue reading Revised Guidelines for Merchanting / Intermediary Trade
The trigger for this topic is a question that a reader asked:
Since Foreign Trade Policy allows imports in INR (Indian Rupees) also, what are the regulations related to buyer’s credit in respect of an import invoice which is in INR ?
Above question is more of an academic question as INR denominated import transaction are very limited but it will help in throwing light on concept of permitted methods of import payment.
Trade Credit for Import into India
In earlier article “Trade Credit Extended Upto 5 Years for Infrastructure Firms” we had seen that RBI had allowed buyers credit to infrastructure firms till 5 years subject to conditions.
Continue reading Buyers Credit Tenure Extended to 5 years for Import of Capital Goods
The trigger for this topic is a question that a reader asked:
Question : What are the RBI guidelines for availing Letter of credit facility and/or buyers credit facility for the import of second hand capital goods? Is it possible for a company to avail these facilities for second hand machinery?
Continue reading Buyers Credit on Import of Second Hand Machinery
In the circular issued on 11th July 2013, RBI has made following two changes in relation to Trade Credit transactions:
Continue reading Period of Buyers Credit Linked to Operating Cycle
In earlier articles, we had seen that, banks are permitted by RBI to approve Suppliers’ and Buyers’ Credit (Trade Credit) including the usance period of Letters of Credit opened for Import of gold in any form including jewelery made of gold/ precious metal and or studded with diamonds /semi precious /precious stone not exceeding 90 days from the date of shipment.
Continue reading Buyers Credit on Import of Precious and Semi Precious Stone
The earlier article on Buyers Credit on Gold Import, specified rules and process under which buyers credit can be taken against gold import. RBI has recently come out with a circular which resulted in changes in financing of gold; which in turn would also affect buyers credit on gold import. This article gives extract of the circular and its impact on various stake holders:
After the expiry of deadline of 30-09-2012, there was a prolonged uncertainty for last 9 days on what is the all in cost ceiling for Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit). Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a clarification or revised circular today clarifying the same. Summary of the same is given below
In earlier articles on Buyers Credit on Import of Gold and Import of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Silver, as stated, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had permitted banks to approve Suppliers and Buyers Credit (Trade Credit) including the usance period of Letters of Credit for import of rough, cut and polished diamonds, for a period not exceeding 90 days, from the date of shipment.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a fresh circular on September 11, 2012 in relation to Trade Credit for Import into India. Please find below summary of changes made into existing policy:
Continue reading Trade Credit Extended Upto 5 Years for Infrastructure Firms
Of late few banks have started asking their clients to compulsorily book forwards against their buyers credit exposure (existing as well new transactions). This change is because of earlier and current directives given by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Summary of which is given below:
Continue reading Banks Insisting of Forward Booking for Buyers Credit Exposure
In its circular dated 30/03/2012, RBI has decided to continue with the enhanced all-in-cost ceiling for Trade Credit for further period of six months.
RBI Circular of External Commercial Borrowing and Trade Credit gives information about buyers credit. But with specific type of transaction, inference has to taken from other related circulars. For example, for Buyers Credit in case of import against direct documents received by importers, RBI Circular on Import of Goods and Services has to be referred along with Trade Credit Circular. RBI has put in various criteria under which such transactions are allowed.
Continue reading Buyers Credit for Imports Under Direct Documents
RBI via circular dated 28/12/2010 revised the extant guidelines on OTC (Over the Counter) Foreign Exchange Derivatives and which became effective from 1st February 2011. Below is the extract of the guidelines related to importers and exporters.
Continue reading Comprehensive Guidelines on Foreign Exchange Derivatives
RBI via circular dated 15/12/2011 made changes in Foreign Exchange Derivative Contacts with immediate effect until further review. Below is the extract of the same related to importers and exporters.
Continue reading Recent Changes to India’s Currency Forward Contract Norms for Hedging
RBI reviewing the developments in global finance markets and the fact that domestic importers are experiencing difficulties in raising Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit) within the existing all-in-cost ceiling, RBI has made below changes in the existing policy.
Continue reading RBI Increase Buyers Credit All-in-Cost Ceiling
Considering the specific needs of the Infrastructure sector, RBI under its circular External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) – Bridge Finance for Infrastructure Dated 23-09-2011, reviewed the ECB policy. An amendment was made in this policy on 21-09-2012. Brief summary is given below:
Continue reading Infrastructure Companies – Bridge Finance before availing ECB
As per RBI Circular, Bank can open Letters of Credit and allow remittances on behalf of EOUs, units in SEZs in the Gem & Jewellery sector and the nominated agencies / banks, for direct import of gold, subject to the following
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its circular dated 28-08-2008 had revised guidelines for Import of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Silver. Extracts of the circular are given below.
Suppliers’ and Buyers’ credit, including the usance period of Letters of Credit opened for import of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Silver should not exceed 90 days from the date of shipment. The revised directions will come into force with immediate effect.
Continue reading Import of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Silver
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its circular dated 06-05-2011 has revised guidelines for import of Rough, Cut and Polished Diamonds. Extracts are given below.
Supplier’s Credit and Buyer’s Credit (Trade Credit) including the usance period of Letter of Credit (LC) opened for import of rough, cut and polished diamonds has been restricted to 90 days from the date of shipment from immediate effect.
Continue reading Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit on Rough, Cut and Polished Diamonds
1. ECB Form (Application Form for Buyers Credit /Supplier Credit)
2. Buyers Credit Cost Calculation Sheet
3. Current Exchange Rate
4. Future / Forward Rates of USD, EURO, GBP, JPY
New Article: RBI Circular : Trade Credit – New Regulatory Framework
Updated on 19 October 2016
Trade Credits refer to the credits extended by the overseas supplier, bank and financial institution for maturity up to five years for imports into India. Depending on the source of finance, such trade credits include suppliers’ credit or buyers’ credit. Suppliers’ credit relates to the credit for imports into India extended by the overseas supplier, while buyers’ credit refers to loans for payment of imports into India arranged by the importer from overseas bank or financial institution. Imports should be as permissible under the extant Foreign Trade Policy of the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Continue reading RBI Trade Credit (Buyers/Suppliers Credit) Circular Extract
Buyer's Credit & Supplier's Credit 