My bank rejected my EDF. What now?
Last reviewed
Banks are still learning the new monthly EDF, and some return forms that are fine. Below are the reasons we know of, what to do for each, and a short form to tell us the reason your bank gave.
Why are banks returning EDFs?
“RBI said one thing. Banks did not formulate the SOP. So they are using the traditional EDF approach ie EDF for each invoice.”
The monthly EDF for services is new, and many branches are still working out how to handle it. Some returns are about a real gap in the form. Others come from a branch applying an older practice. Either way, a written answer from the branch is worth asking for.
The reasons we know, and what to do
These are the reasons exporters have reported so far. We add to this list as reports come in.
The bank wants a separate EDF for each invoice
One EDF a month may cover all of that month's invoices; HDFC's instructions allow "one consolidated EDF Request Letter". Ask the branch to confirm its requirement in writing. If it still insists, file the way it asks so the date is not missed, and keep the email.
The bank asked for a purchase order
Many service clients never send one. Say in writing that there is no formal purchase order, and offer what you have: the signed contract, the engagement letter, or the email in which the client agreed the work and the price.
The branch did not know the format
Ask for the Trade Desk, the team that handles foreign exchange paperwork, rather than the counter. Send the form with a cover letter that lists what is enclosed, and ask the desk to confirm the format by email.
You sent it to the wrong bank
The EDF goes to your AD bank: the bank that receives the foreign currency. If a platform pays you in rupees, ask your own branch in writing whether it expects the EDF from you.
The bank asked for the FIRA
A FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) is the bank's advice for a payment received from abroad. The EDF declares the invoice, often before payment. If you have been paid, attach the FIRA. If not, say so: the FIRA follows when the money arrives.
The form was not signed
The authorised signatory signs the request letter or EDF and the cover letter, with the company seal if you have one. If the branch does not accept a scanned signature, print it, sign it in ink and hand it in.
The amounts did not match
Check that the EDF total equals the sum of the invoices, in the invoice currency, and that the amount in words matches the figures. The rupee amount you receive differs because of exchange rates and charges; that is expected.
Whatever the reason, ask the branch to put it in writing, fix what you can, and send the form again. If the due date has passed, file anyway: Missed an EDF filing? has a note you can send with a late EDF.
Tell us your bank's reason
Your bank returned your EDF for a reason not listed here, or for one that is? Tell us in a sentence or two. We read every report, and we use them to improve the pack and this page. No account needed.
Common questions
My bank wants a separate EDF for every invoice. Is that right?
One EDF a month may cover all of that month's invoices. Some branches still follow the older practice of one EDF per invoice. Ask the branch to confirm its requirement in writing; if it insists, file the way it asks so the deadline is not missed.
The bank asked for a purchase order, but my client never sent one. What do I send?
Say in writing that there is no formal purchase order, and offer what you have: the signed contract, the engagement letter, or the email in which the client agreed the work and the price.
The amount on my EDF does not match what I received. Is that a problem?
The EDF declares the invoice value in the invoice currency. The rupee amount you receive differs because of exchange rates and charges. Check that the EDF total matches your invoices, and attach the FIRA once you are paid.
Can I tell you why my bank rejected my EDF?
Yes. Use the form on this page. We read every report and use it to fix our pack and this page. Leave an email only if you want a reply.
EDF Filing is a document generator; you remain the declarant. Nothing here is legal or tax advice.
Make this month's EDF from your invoices in a few minutes.
Generate my first EDF freeRelated questions
- EDF for HDFC Bank customers: the format and where to send it HDFC Bank's EDF for services: the request letter cum EDF, the annexure, the cover letter, where to send them, and a submission checklist.
- Missed an EDF filing? What to do now Missed an EDF due date? What the bank does next, how to file late with a supplementary pack, and what to keep ready. Filing late beats not filing.
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