FEMA Export–Import Regulations, 2026 Notified w.e.f. 1 October 2026

·         The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 along with corresponding Directions on Export and Import of Goods and Services.

·         The new regulations and directions will come into force from October 1, 2026.

·         The framework is primarily principle-based, moving away from prescriptive controls to provide greater flexibility in trade-related foreign exchange transactions.

·         A key objective is to promote ease of doing business, with special emphasis on small exporters and importers.

·         The regulations are designed to empower Authorised Dealers (AD banks) to deliver faster and more efficient services to exporters and importers.

·         The final regulations incorporate stakeholder feedback received on the draft versions released on:

o    July 2, 2024

o    April 4, 2025

·         RBI examined and suitably addressed stakeholder comments, with its responses to major issues provided in an Annex to the notification.

·         Overall, the new FEMA regulations aim to streamline export–import procedures, reduce compliance burden, and improve the efficiency of foreign exchange management in India.

 

Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 and Directions on Export and Import of Goods and Services

The Reserve Bank of India has issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 and Directions on Export and Import of Goods and Services, which shall come into force from October 01, 2026. The regulations are primarily principle based and intended to promote ease of doing business, especially for small exporters and importers. They are also intended to empower Authorised Dealers to provide quicker and more efficient service to their customers.

2. These regulations and directions have been issued after examining and suitably including feedback received from stakeholders on the draft regulations and draft directions published on the Bank’s website vide Press Release dated July 02, 2024 and Press Release April 04, 2025. Bank’s response to the major comments received are in the Annex.

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