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RBI ReportPublished 5 Oct 2026Read time 1 minEffective 1 Oct 2026

RBI Cuts Payment Deadline for Indian Exporters from 15 to 9 Months

RBI reduced the export payment collection window from 15 months to 9 months.

Impact
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For information only. Not financial advice. Verify with official sources before taking any action.

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What happened

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has changed a key rule for businesses that export goods and services from India. Earlier, exporters had up to 15 months to receive payment from foreign buyers. From October 1, 2026, this window is reduced to 9 months. A special extended limit that applied in certain cases has also been cut from 18 months to 12 months.

Why it matters

This rule exists to ensure that money earned by Indian exporters actually comes back into India within a reasonable time. Shortening the deadline tightens oversight of foreign currency flows, which helps the RBI manage India's overall foreign exchange position. It also means exporters need to plan their payment terms with overseas buyers more carefully.

What to check

  • →Check your current export contracts — find out when your foreign buyers are scheduled to pay you, and whether that falls within 9 months of shipment.
  • →Ask your bank (called an Authorised Dealer in RBI language — these are banks permitted to handle foreign currency transactions) how this change affects your existing export bills.
  • →Find out if your business is on the RBI's Caution List — if yes, older rules still apply to you until you are officially removed from that list.
  • →Look at any export deals made before October 1, 2026 — your bank can now handle approvals for those older transactions without needing RBI's direct permission.
  • →Consider reviewing payment terms in new export agreements to ensure collections happen within the new 9-month window.

This is general information, not financial advice. Check your own position with your lender or an adviser.

What this means for you

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