The Reserve Bank of India has amended its 2026 foreign exchange rules for exports, imports and merchanting trade, with the changes taking effect on October 1, 2026. The amendments shorten two periods under Regulation 5 from 15 months to nine months and reduce the period in its first proviso from 18 months to 12 months. Authorised Dealers will handle transactions undertaken before October 1, 2026 that previously required Reserve Bank of India approval under the earlier export and import framework. Exporters on the Caution List as of September 30, 2026 will remain subject to existing Reserve Bank orders until they are removed from the list.
2026-09-22Reserve Bank of India
Reserve Bank of India shortens foreign exchange timelines and transfers legacy trade approvals to Authorised Dealers
The Reserve Bank of India has shortened specified foreign exchange periods from 15 months to nine months and from 18 months to 12 months, effective October 1, 2026. Authorised Dealers will handle legacy export, import and merchanting trade transactions that previously required central bank approval. Existing orders will continue to apply to exporters on the Caution List as of September 30, 2026 until their removal.