Economy
RBI cuts export-import timelines, shifts legacy approvals to authorised dealers
RBI shortens specified export-import timelines and lets authorised dealers handle certain transactions predating October 2026.
What happened
The Reserve Bank of India’s September 22 notification takes effect on October 1, 2026. It cuts specified periods in the export-import regulations from 15 months to nine months, and the first-proviso period from 18 months to 12 months. Exporters placed on the Caution List by September 30 under the 2015 regulations will remain governed by those orders until removed. The amendment also authorises banks designated as Authorised Dealers to handle pre-October 1 transactions involving goods, services and merchanting trade that previously required RBI approval under the 2015 regulations and related master directions.
Why it matters
Exporters and importers face shorter specified timelines from October 1. Authorised Dealers can handle covered pre-October transactions that previously required RBI approval, while existing Caution List orders continue until exporters are removed.
Source: RBI Notifications