In international trade, export payments need clear proof. This is where e-BRC or Bank Realisation Certificate becomes important. It confirms that foreign exchange reached India against an export. BRC in export is a record that connects shipping details with actual payment. Authorities often rely on it during checks, refunds, and incentive claims. Without it, export records remain incomplete.
A digital BRC has reduced paperwork and improved record accuracy. Exporters depend on it for compliance and policy benefits. This blog explains its role, process, and value in international trade.
What is e-BRC?
An e-BRC is a digital document that confirms you received payment for an export transaction. Its full form is Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate. Banks issue this certificate after the payment for exported goods or services is received in India. It works as official proof that payment came in against goods or services you exported.
Earlier, exporters depended on physical paperwork. Banks issued printed certificates, and exporters had to submit them to DGFT offices. This process took time and often led to errors. To fix this, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade introduced the e-BRC system. The entire process shifted online. Banks now upload payment realisation details directly on the DGFT portal.
A Bank Realisation Certificate also connects shipping bills with actual foreign currency receipts. Banks record export values in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System before shipment. Once payment arrives, shipping bills get matched with the realised amount. The bank then issues the e-BRC against those bills. This record becomes mandatory when you apply for benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. Without a valid e-BRC, export payment proof remains incomplete.
Difference between BRC and e-BRC
A BRC is a physical document issued by a bank. It acts as proof that payment has reached India against an export. The bank issues this bank realisation certificate after verifying the foreign buyer’s payment. Exporters earlier depended on this paper to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. The process involved bank visits, document collection, and manual submission. Errors, delays, and misplaced files were common during this stage.
An e-BRC works in digital form and replaces the paper version. Many also call it a digital BRC. Banks upload payment details directly to the DGFT system once money is received. Exporters can check and use the record online without carrying documents. This method reduces manual work and improves record accuracy. The Bank Realisation Certificate now stays linked with shipping bills in one system, which makes export compliance easier and faster.
Why do exporters need an e-BRC?
In export, an e-BRC confirms that foreign exchange reached your bank for a specific shipment or service. Authorities rely on this record during checks and reviews. It supports financial clarity and avoids disputes related to export payments. This digital proof also strengthens trust between banks, exporters, and regulators.
Export benefits depend heavily on this document. You need an e-BRC to apply for government schemes and refunds. Authorities ask for it during GST reviews and incentive claims. The record also stays shared across DGFT, RBI, and tax departments. This shared access reduces document mismatch and missing data. You can retrieve the certificate online at any time, which keeps export records clean and organized.
How does e-BRC work?
The e-BRC process starts after you receive payment for an export. Your bank verifies the foreign exchange entry linked to the shipment. Once the amount reflects in the system, the bank uploads the details to the DGFT portal. This step replaces physical submission and manual follow-ups.
DGFT records this data as an official e-BRC. The certificate stays mapped to your shipping bills and export invoices. You can view and use it online whenever required. Government departments access the same record for incentives, refunds, and checks. This digital flow keeps export payment records aligned across systems and avoids duplicate reporting.
Benefits of e-BRC for exporters
The e-BRC plays a quiet but important role in export operations. It supports compliance, payment proof, and benefit claims. This digital record also keeps export data in one place, which helps during reviews and audits. Below are the key benefits exporters rely on.
Acts as payment proof: The e-BRC confirms that export proceeds reached India. Authorities accept it as valid evidence during checks and assessments related to bank realisation certificate in export.
Required for export incentives: Government schemes ask for an e-BRC before approving any benefit. Claims remain incomplete without this record.
Supports GST refunds: Tax departments check e-BRC data during refund processing. It helps verify that international transactions were completed and paid.
Easy access across departments: DGFT shares e-BRC data with other agencies. This shared system improves coordination and reduces data mismatch.
Reduces document dependency: Digital access removes the need for physical certificates. This lowers the risk of lost or damaged records.
Documents required to generate DGFT e-BRC
Banks issue an e-BRC only after proper verification. Basic business and shipment details help link export payments with the correct records. These documents also allow DGFT to map the transaction accurately.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC): IEC remains mandatory for every exporter and without it, the system cannot generate an e-BRC.
Business details: The registered business name and address are required. Banks use this information to match export proceeds with the exporter’s profile.
Shipping bill details: Shipping bill number, invoice number, and port of dispatch are required. These details connect the export shipment with the received payment.
Bank account information: Active bank details help verify foreign exchange receipt. The e-BRC gets issued only after the payment reflects in the linked account.
How to access, download, and print e-BRC from the DGFT Portal?
The DGFT portal keeps all e-BRC records in one place. You can check if your bank uploaded the certificate, download it for records, or print a physical copy when required.
How to generate e-BRC online?
You do not create the e-BRC yourself, the bank uploads it after confirming export payment. Your role starts on the DGFT portal, where you check the uploaded record. Visit the DGFT website and log in using your credentials. Open “My Dashboard” and move to “Repositories”. Under the “Bills Repositories” section, click “Explore”. Choose Bank Realisations (e-BRC) from the bill type list. Enter the required date range and run the search. The system then shows all e-BRCs uploaded by your bank.
How to download e-BRC from the DGFT website?
Downloading the e-BRC follows the same initial steps. After the search results appear, select the relevant Bank Realisation Number. The complete e-BRC details open on the screen. Click on the “Print e-BRC” option. Choose the save option and store the file as a PDF. This downloaded copy works as valid proof for incentives, refunds, and internal records.
How to print BRC from the DGFT portal?
Open the e-BRC using the same method used for downloading. Click “Print e-BRC” and select your printer.
How to claim export incentives using e-BRC?
Export incentive claims depend on correct data linking. Shipping bills play the first role in this process. Customs generate each shipping bill electronically on ICEGATE. This data moves automatically to the DGFT system. You must link the relevant shipping bills with the e-BRC before submitting any incentive application.
DGFT checks the incentive value after you apply under a specific scheme. The system compares the FOB value shown in the shipping bill with the realised export amount mentioned in the e-BRC. Both values must align for approval because any mismatch can delay the claim.
Before final submission, review the e-BRC figures carefully. The realised value should reflect the full export payment. If the amount appears lower, request the bank to update the record. Correct data ensures smooth processing and timely release of export incentives.
Key Takeaways
- e-BRC works as digital proof of export payment.
- The bank realisation certificate confirms foreign exchange receipt.
- e-BRC replaced physical BRC paperwork.
- BRC in export remains mandatory for incentives and refunds.
- Banks upload e-BRC details on the DGFT portal.
Conclusion
The BRCcertificate remains a key document in export operations. It confirms payment, supports compliance, and enables access to government benefits. Its digital shift reduced paperwork and brought better accuracy to export records. Exporters now rely on this system to keep shipping bills, payments, and policy claims aligned. A digital BRC also helps during audits and refund checks.
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FAQs
What is e-BRC used for in exports?
e-BRC works as proof that the export payment reached India. Authorities check it during incentives, refunds, and audits.
Is e-BRC mandatory for export benefits?
Yes, as most schemes under foreign trade policies ask for a valid e-BRC before approval.
Who issues the bank realisation certificate?
Your bank issues it after confirming the foreign exchange receipt for the export transaction.
Is digital BRC accepted during audits?
Yes, authorities accept digital BRC records for checks, refunds, and compliance reviews.
