Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC) is one of the most important documents as it is used to confirm the receipt of export earnings within India. The BRC is vital for claiming Export Incentives, obtaining GST Refunds, and ensuring compliance with RBI and FEMA Regulations.
The BRC system has evolved from physical certificates to a fully digital verification framework. Today, RBI uses EDPMS to monitor export realisation and electronically validates export realisation through backend integration with ICEGATE by DGFT.
Under today’s digital export realisation framework, eligible export incentive schemes allow exporters to electronically declare their own export realisation through a system rather than relying upon physical documentation, thereby maintaining compliance with the regulations.
What is BRC in Export?
BRC Full Form: Bank Realisation Certificate
An Authorized Dealer Bank issues a Bank Realization Certificate (BRC), confirming to exporters that the bank has accepted a transfer of convertible foreign exchange for the sale of the products.
A BRC is required from a legal standpoint to confirm that:
- Export receipts were realized
- Payment was made via proper banking channels
- Transaction(s) were conducted in accordance with applicable RBI & FEMA rules
A BRC will serve as a certificate of realization of exports for eligibility purposes under DGFT incentives and compliance purposes.
Prerequisites of e-BRC Self-Certification on the DGFT Portal
The prerequisite conditions must exist prior to initiating the generation of an e-BRC via the DGFT portal; the self-certification process will operate as an integrated function between the exporter, the Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank, RBI’s EDPMS, and the exporter’s DGFT records.
Exporter must have the following information available:
- Valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) linked to the exporter’s DGFT portal account
- Updated exporter profile within the exporter’s registered DGFT account
- Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank code associated with the exporter’s IEC
- Details related to the shipping bill filed through ICEGATE pertaining to the export of goods
- Corresponding invoice details for the export transaction
- Inward Remittance Message (IRM) from the AD Bank after receipt of export proceeds
- Foreign remittance details (currency & amount realized)
It is necessary for these prerequisites to exist so that export realization data may be accurately correlated between the banking system, RBI’s EDPMS, and the exporter’s DGFT records prior to submitting the self-certification.
Evolution of BRC – From Physical Certificate to Digital System
Physical BRC System
Earlier exporters had to obtain a physical certificate from their bank and manually submit it while claiming incentives, which often resulted in delays and documentation mismatches.
Introduction of e-BRC
With digitalization, banks have been electronically uploading realisation details to DGFT, which eliminated the need for a physical submission and enhanced transparency.
Integrated Digital Ecosystem (Current Framework)
Today, the system is fully integrated:
- RBI monitors export realisation through EDPMS
- Shipping bills are filed through ICEGATE
- Realisation data flows electronically to DGFT
- Incentive claims are validated through system-based verification
For more info related to registration on EDPMS read our blog IEDPMS Portal Registration for Exporters & Importers
The process is now data-driven rather than document-driven.
Updated BRC Process – Step-by-Step (2026 System Flow)
Step 1: Export Shipment Filed
An exporter must file a shipping bill via customs (via ICEGATE) that is connected with their Importer/Exporter Code (IEC).
Step 2: Receipt of Foreign Remittance
A payment made in convertible foreign exchange is received by the Authorized Dealer (AD) bank.
Step 3: Reporting in RBI’s EDPMS
The AD bank confirms receipt of the remittance and indicates whether the shipping bill has been realized either wholly or in part in EDPMS.
Step 4: Automatic Data Transmission
Data on realization is automatically sent from EDPMS to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which maps the realization data with IEC and shipping bill data.
Step 5: Scheme-Level Validation
At the time the exporter makes an application for incentives, the system will validate the realization status directly from the back-end records.
Self-Certification / Self-Declaration of BRC (2026 Framework)
For specific DGFT export incentive schemes, exporters can submit a self-certification of export realization (as opposed to submitting a physical BRC) where the RBI has already uploaded the realization information into the system via its EDPMS and ICEGATE integrations.
The self-certification mechanism will operate on a scheme-by-scheme basis and will be based on a system-driven validation process.
Self-Certification / Self-Declaration of BRC
For specific DGFT export incentive schemes, exporters can submit a self-certification of export realization (as opposed to submitting a physical BRC) where the RBI has already uploaded the realization information into the system via its EDPMS and ICEGATE integrations.
The self-certification mechanism will operate on a scheme-by-scheme basis and will be based on a system-driven validation process.
The DGFT e-BRC platform allows exporters to generate self-certified e-BRCs directly through the portal when export realization data is already available in the system.
Self-Certification of e-BRC on DGFT Portal – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Login to the DGFT Portal
The exporter logs in to the official DGFT portal using their registered credentials and IEC-linked account.
Step 2: Navigate to the e-BRC Service
After logging in, navigate to:
Services → e-BRC → Generate e-BRC
Step 3: Start a New Application
The exporter selects “Start Fresh Application” to generate a new e-BRC entry.
Step 4: Select Export Type
The exporter must select whether the e-BRC is being generated for:
- Export of Goods
- Export of Services
The required fields vary depending on the selected export type.
Step 5: Enter Inward Remittance Message (IRM) Details
The exporter enters the IRM number generated by the AD Bank, which contains details of the foreign inward remittance received for the export transaction.
The system retrieves and verifies remittance data linked to the exporter’s IEC.
Step 6: Map Shipping Bill or Invoice Details
For goods exports, the exporter maps the remittance with the relevant shipping bill number and date.
For services exports, the exporter maps the remittance with the invoice number and invoice date.
Step 7: Verify Export Realisation Details
The portal displays auto-populated information such as:
- Bank details
- Remittance amount
- Currency
- Realisation date
The exporter reviews the details for accuracy.
Step 8: Submit Self-Declaration
The exporter submits a declaration confirming that:
- Export proceeds have been realised in accordance with RBI regulations
- Information submitted is accurate and compliant with DGFT guidelines
Step 9: System Validation
The DGFT system validates the declaration using backend integration with EDPMS and banking data.
Step 10: Generate e-BRC
Once validated, the e-BRC is generated and becomes available for download and use in export incentive applications.
Understanding the IRM (Inward Remittance Message), in e-BRCs
The IRM provides the main element for the self-certification of e-BRCs, in terms of linking the export proceeds to the export transaction.
Upon receipt of export proceeds, the Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank will generate an IRM that contains the following information about the export proceeds:
- Remittance Reference Number
- Details of the remitting bank.
- Details of currency and amount received
- Date of Remittance
- Exporters IEC reference
This will enable the link between the remittance and the export transaction, enabling RBI’s EDPMS system to record the export proceeds correctly. The same data is also provided to DGFT to assist in generating e-BRCs and validating export incentives.
Applicability & Limitations
- Available only under specific schemes
- Not applicable if realisation data is not reflected in the system
- Manual clarification may be required in cases of mismatch or partial realisation
Compliance Obligations
Self-certification does not remove RBI or FEMA obligations. Exporters remain responsible for:
- Timely realisation of export proceeds
- Accurate reporting through AD Bank
- Correct declaration during incentive filing
Is Physical BRC Still Required?
In most cases, physical submission is no longer required. However, manual clarification may be necessary if:
- Realisation data is missing
- There is a mismatch between bank and shipping bill records
- Partial realisation requires reconciliation
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BRC vs. FIRC – Key Differences
BRC
- Linked to export of goods
- Connected to specific shipping bills
- Used for DGFT incentive validation
FIRC
- Proof of foreign inward remittance
- Common in service exports
- Does not automatically confirm export realisation closure
Time Limit for Realisation of Export Proceeds
Under RBI regulations, export proceeds must be realised within the prescribed timeframe. Extensions may be granted through the AD Bank where applicable.
Delayed or non-realisation can impact:
- Incentive eligibility
- FEMA compliance
- EDPMS closure status
Common Reasons e-BRC May Not Reflect on DGFT Portal
- Remittance not properly linked to shipping bill
- Delay in reporting by AD Bank in EDPMS
- Partial realisation not updated
- Data mismatch between ICEGATE and bank records
- Invoice or documentation inconsistencies
Regular follow-up with the AD Bank helps avoid such issues.
Scheme-Wise Applicability of BRC
- RoDTEP: System-based validation of export realisation
- Duty Drawback: Customs-linked verification
- Service Export Incentives: Often rely on FIRC along with realisation proof
Exporters should always review current scheme guidelines before filing claims.
Practical Example – Export Realisation Under Current Framework
The exporter sends the shipment and submits the Shipping Bill. The exporter receives payment from the customer in foreign currency through the Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank. The authorized dealer bank reports the realization of export proceeds to EDPMS, and the information gets reflected on the DGFT portal. When the exporter applies for any incentive or subsidy, then the EDPMS system verifies the realization of the exports and allows the exporter to submit a self-declaration form as per the rules and regulations of the Government of India.
Important e-BRC Generation Rules for Exporters
Exporters are expected to follow certain operational guidelines when creating an e-BRC using the DGFT System:
- Exports made using a single transaction in one currency can have as many as multiple IRMs as needed.
- The e-BRC must be created at the same AD Bank as the IRM was created to enable mapping.
- Depending on the type of remittance, some purpose code types may prevent an exporter from creating an e-BRC.
- Due to partial payments being received, exporters may need to create an e-BRC multiple times during the course of the shipment or reconcile each payment separately in the DGFT System.
- Exporters may experience delays in the creation of the e-BRC if there are discrepancies in the information entered into the shipping bill, invoice or bank records.
Exporters are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their AD Bank regarding any issues associated with the recording of remittances and ensuring that such remittances appear correctly in the DGFT System.
FAQ
1. Is e-BRC automatically generated?
It is system-driven but depends on proper reporting by the AD Bank.
2. Who reports export realisation?
The Authorised Dealer (AD) Bank through RBI’s EDPMS system.
3. Can e-BRC be amended?
4. What happens in case of partial realisation?
The system reflects partial closure, and full compliance requires complete realisation.
5. Is self-certification applicable to all schemes?
No, it is scheme-specific and subject to DGFT guidelines.
Latest Compliance Update (2026)
The updated export documentation framework has enhanced the ability to digitally verify all aspects of an exporter’s export transaction(s). In a lot of instances, exporters will also be required to confirm and/or link the GSTIN, GST Invoice Number and Invoice Date for export records to validate the accuracy of export records when generating electronic BRC and/or claiming export incentives.
The updated regulations are intended to enhance the level of transparency and provide better integration between DGFT, GST, Customs Data and Banking Records.
Conclusion
The BRC is now an entirely digital verification of export realization system based on RBI’s EDPMS, ICEGATE, and DGFT platform. As such, it has made exporting easier by allowing exporters to realize their export incentives in a much more transparent manner, as well as significantly faster than in the past.
Exporters are also required to ensure that they have timely realization of the export proceeds and that they report these exports accurately to their Authorized Dealer (AD) bank for continued compliance with RBI and DGFT rules and regulations.
Afleo Group supports exporters with all aspects of their BRC coordination, compliance tracking, and DGFT filings to assist them with their documentation needs.