eBRC Self Generation Process: Complete Guide to eBRC

eBRC self generation is a new DGFT facility that allows exporters to generate their own Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate online, without depending on banks, using IRM data transmitted directly to the DGFT portal.

eBRC Self Generation: Complete Step‑by‑Step Guide for Exporters

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eBRC self generation has completely changed how Indian exporters handle export payment proof and incentive claims. Instead of chasing banks for weeks, exporters can now log into the DGFT portal and generate eBRC themselves against inward remittances recorded as IRM messages.

What Is eBRC and Why It Matters

The Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) is a digital document that confirms an exporter has actually received payment in India for goods or services exported abroad.
It is issued in the DGFT system based on foreign exchange realization details transmitted by banks through electronic Inward Remittance Messages (IRMs).

Key reasons eBRC is important for every exporter:

Acts as official proof that export proceeds have been realized in line with RBI and Foreign Trade Policy norms.
Mandatory for claiming DGFT incentives (like MEIS/SEIS where applicable), RoDTEP/RoSCTL benefits, and sometimes for GST refunds and bank facilities.

Evolution from Manual BRC to eBRC Self Generation

Earlier, exporters relied on physical Bank Realisation Certificates (BRC) issued manually by bank branches, which meant forms, visits, and long delays.
DGFT then introduced eBRC, where banks generated XML files of BRC data and uploaded them to DGFT, allowing exporters to download digital BRCs online.

With the upgraded system and eBRC self generation:

Banks now transmit IRM (Inward Remittance Message) data electronically to DGFT, instead of full BRCs.
Exporters themselves log in, select the IRM, and self‑certify details to generate eBRC directly on the DGFT portal.

How the New DGFT eBRC System Works

DGFT’s enhanced eBRC module is built around IRM messages sent by banks in near real time to the DGFT server.
For each inward remittance, the bank sends details such as amount, currency, date, reference number, and exporter’s IEC‑linked account.

In the upgraded eBRC self generation model:

Once IRM data is available in DGFT, the exporter can pick one or more IRMs and link them with relevant shipping bills or service exports.
The exporter self‑certifies the correctness of mapping and generates eBRC immediately, which then becomes visible to DGFT and banks in the central repository.

Key Features of eBRC Self Generation

Exporters can generate eBRC for single or multiple IRMs through one interface on the DGFT portal.
The system allows clubbing multiple IRMs for one eBRC or splitting one shipping bill across multiple eBRCs of different banks, subject to rules.

Other important features:

View, print, or cancel eBRCs directly from the eBRC repository section after generation.
New mandatory fields like “Mode of Export of Services” for service categories ensure proper classification and compliance.

Prerequisites Before Starting eBRC Self Generation

To use eBRC self generation smoothly, exporters must ensure some basic conditions are met.

Documents and data readiness:

Valid IEC linked with DGFT portal login and updated profile with correct bank accounts.
Export details such as shipping bills, invoices, product/service codes (ITC HS or SAC), and foreign buyer information.

Bank and IRM readiness:

Confirm that the export bank is live on the upgraded DGFT eBRC system and is transmitting IRMs electronically.
Ensure inward remittances (export proceeds) are correctly booked and visible in the bank’s export system before checking DGFT.

Step‑by‑Step eBRC Self Generation Process on DGFT

This section walks through a typical eBRC self generation flow using the DGFT portal under the upgraded system.

1. Login and Navigate to eBRC Section

Go to the DGFT portal and log in using your IEC‑linked credentials and OTP as required.
From the main menu, open Services → eBRC to reach the eBRC landing page where generation and repository options are available.

2. Open “Generate eBRC” / Start Application

On the eBRC page, select Generate eBRC to start the self‑generation workflow.
The system usually presents options like “Start Fresh Application” to generate a new eBRC and “Proceed With Existing Application” to resume a saved draft.

3. Check Available IRM Data

Before creating eBRC, verify that the corresponding IRM(s) from your bank are already visible by using the IRM search or filter options.
If specific IRMs are missing, the exporter must coordinate with the bank to transmit or correct IRM data before eBRC self generation can continue.

4. Select BRC Type (Goods or Services)

After choosing the relevant IRM or transaction, select the BRC type, such as export of goods (physical or deemed) or services (IT/non‑IT).
For services exports, fill in the required “Mode of Export of Services” field introduced by DGFT in the new eBRC format.

5. Map IRM to Shipping Bills / Invoices

The exporter then maps IRM values to one or more shipping bills or export invoices, ensuring the realized amount matches or aligns with the export value.
The system also supports clubbing multiple IRMs for a single shipping bill or using one shipping bill for multiple eBRCs, within the rules defined in the DGFT guidelines.

Typical data fields required:

Shipping bill number and date, port, and FOB value.
Currency code, realized amount in foreign currency and INR equivalent, and buyer details.

6. Fill Required Additional Details

Apart from mapping, exporters must fill certain mandatory parameters like product/service codes, purpose, and bank branch details.
For service exports, SAC code and related service details must be entered correctly to avoid issues in incentive or compliance checks later.

7. Save, Preview, and Self‑Certify

Use the Save & Next option to store entries and open the preview screen showing all mapped IRMs, shipping bills, and amounts.
Carefully cross‑check values, then tick the declaration checkbox confirming that details are correct and self‑certified by the exporter.

8. Generate eBRC and Note eBRC Number

Click the Generate eBRC button to create the electronic BRC in the system instantly.
A confirmation message appears on screen with the unique eBRC number, and the eBRC status moves to “Loaded” in the central repository for banks and RAs.

How to View, Download, and Print eBRC

Once eBRC self generation is complete, exporters should download and archive the certificate for internal and external use.

Basic steps to access generated eBRC:

From the DGFT dashboard, go to Repositories → eBRC or use the eBRC section’s view options.
Search by eBRC number, shipping bill, date range, bank, or IEC to locate the required certificate and then view, download, or print it for records.

For many incentive schemes and audits:

A printed copy or PDF of the eBRC is often attached along with shipping bill, invoice, and other linked documents in claim files.
Having a proper digital and physical archive of eBRCs helps during DGFT, GST, or bank inspections.

Rules on Clubbing and Splitting in eBRC Self Generation

The upgraded eBRC module gives flexibility but also strict rules on how IRMs and shipping bills can be combined.

Important points on clubbing and splitting:

One shipping bill can be utilized for two or more eBRCs of different banks, where realizations arrived through different accounts.
Multiple IRMs may be added while generating one eBRC, allowing clubbing of several inward remittances against the same export.

Exporters must ensure:

No double‑counting of realized amounts or shipping bills across different eBRCs.
Mapping aligns with actual bank entries and export documentation for clean audit trails.

eBRC Self Generation vs Bank‑Issued eBRC

Aspect	Earlier Bank‑Issued eBRC	New eBRC Self Generation
Control	Bank generated and controlled BRC	Exporter generates eBRC on DGFT portal
Speed	Depended on branch processing time	Near‑instant after IRM availability
Process	Manual forms, physical visits possible	Fully online, IEC login based
Flexibility	Limited clubbing/splitting options	Club/split IRMs and shipping bills as per rules
Transparency	Exporter often waited for status updates	Real‑time status and repository access

This shift gives exporters higher control and makes eBRC self generation the central workflow for most new remittances after cut‑off dates defined by DGFT and individual banks.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

While eBRC self generation is simpler, errors can lead to rejection, cancellation, or wrong incentive claims.

Frequent mistakes:

Selecting the wrong IRM (incorrect amount, currency, or buyer) while mapping to shipping bills.
Typing errors in shipping bill number or date, causing mismatches with customs and GST systems.

Best practices to reduce issues:

Maintain a reconciliation sheet matching IRMs, shipping bills, invoices, and buyer‑wise statements before starting eBRC self generation.
Always preview and cross‑check totals, currency, and IEC details on the eBRC screen before clicking Generate.

When and How to Cancel or Amend an eBRC

Sometimes an eBRC generated through self certification may carry a mistake and needs correction.

General approach:

Use the View / Cancel eBRC option available under the eBRC services section on DGFT to cancel a wrongly generated eBRC where permitted.
After cancellation, regenerate a new eBRC using corrected mapping of IRMs and export documents as per standard eBRC self generation steps.

In more complex error cases:

Exporters may need to coordinate with the bank to correct IRM data first, especially if amounts or remitter details were wrongly reported.
DGFT trade notices and eBRC rules provide specific conditions under which cancellation or rectification is allowed.

Using eBRC for Incentive and Compliance Needs

Once eBRC self generation is complete and certificates are in place, they become the base for several regulatory and commercial processes.

Typical uses of eBRC:

Claim DGFT export incentives, service export benefits, and other schemes that link benefits with realized export proceeds.
Support documents for GST refunds, duty remission claims, and bank finance such as packing credit regularization.

For long‑term compliance:

eBRC data also supports proof of realization under FEMA, FTP, and RBI regulations, especially during audits or investigations.
Properly generated eBRCs reduce disputes regarding under‑invoicing, delayed realization, and mismatched shipping data.

Bank and Exporter Responsibilities in the New System

The eBRC self generation model divides responsibilities clearly between banks and exporters.

Bank responsibilities:

Accurately transmit IRM data to DGFT with correct IEC, amount, date, and foreign currency information.
Rectify IRM errors when notified, ensuring that exporters can then perform proper eBRC self generation.

Exporter responsibilities:

Map IRMs to shipping bills/invoices correctly, self‑certifying that the realization relates to the stated exports.
Maintain full documentation and reconciliations so that eBRC entries can be justified during any verification.

Advanced Tips to Make eBRC Self Generation Faster

Many exporters handle high transaction volumes and need efficient methods for managing eBRC self generation.

Practical tips:

Schedule weekly or fortnightly eBRC sessions where finance or export teams clear all IRMs visible on the DGFT portal.
Use internal tools or spreadsheets to track which shipping bills already have eBRCs and which still need self generation.

Some third‑party platforms and service providers:

Offer bulk eBRC processing, dashboards, and integrated digital signing to simplify generation and monitoring.
Help exporters avoid missing any IRM or shipping bill, which is useful for incentive deadlines and audit readiness.

Latest Policy References and Where to Check Updates

Since eBRC self generation is part of DGFT’s ongoing digital drive, exporters should monitor official updates regularly.

Key reference points:

DGFT’s dedicated eBRC page explains the scope, features, and links to rules and trade notices.
Trade Notice 33/2023‑24 and subsequent notifications describe the upgraded system and shift to self‑certification for eligible remittances.

For continuous updates:

Check DGFT’s “What’s New” and trade notice sections whenever planning major export incentive claims.
Follow reliable trade consultants, export platforms, or professional blogs that summarise changes in plain language for exporters.