Form A1 for Foreign Remittance: When & How to File
TL;DR - Summary
- What is Form A1 for foreign remittance? - Form A1 was an import-payment application. The RBI removed the requirement to submit it to authorised dealer banks in 2015.
- When must an Indian importer file Form A1 for foreign remittance? - RBI removed the general import A1 requirement in 2015, but a bank can still ask for an A1-labelled application under its own process.
- What is the difference between Form A1 and Form A2 for foreign remittance? - A1 was the import form under the former RBI requirement. RBI directs dealers to obtain A2 for cross-border remittances; confirm the process for an import with your bank.
- How do you fill Form A1 for foreign remittance correctly? - If your bank asks for A1 or another import application, use its instructions and check the invoice, currency, beneficiary details and purpose with the bank.
What Is Form A1 for Foreign Remittance?
Form A1 was an application form prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for making foreign exchange remittances from India. It was used by importers to provide their authorised dealer (AD) bank with details of the overseas payment, including the purpose and nature of the transaction, before the bank processed the remittance.
In 2015, the RBI removed the requirement to submit Form A1 for import payments. However, the reporting and compliance requirements under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and applicable RBI directions continue to apply. Your AD bank must still collect the necessary transaction details and verify the purpose and legitimacy of the remittance before processing the payment.
Importers should not assume that the removal of Form A1 means there are no documentation requirements for outward remittances. Banks continue to collect transaction details and declarations under RBI's foreign exchange framework. Confirming which application the bank requires can prevent avoidable delays.
Who Needs to File Form A1, and When?
RBI removed the general requirement to submit Form A1 for import payments, including advances. But an authorised dealer bank can still request an A1-labelled application as part of its own process. For example, South Indian Bank lists Form A1 in its advance-import checklist. Ask your bank which application, declarations and documents it requires before you submit the payment.
If you are an Indian exporter or freelancer receiving payments from foreign clients, Skydo helps with inward remittance documentation, including FIRA documents for eligible transactions.
Is Form A1 Mandatory for Import Payments?
No. The RBI removed the general requirement to submit Form A1 for import payments in 2015. Importers no longer need to submit the prescribed Form A1 to make an overseas payment.
However, this does not mean that import payments are exempt from documentation or verification. Your authorised dealer (AD) bank may still ask you to complete an A1-labelled application or another form as part of its internal process. You must provide the transaction details, declarations and supporting documents required by the bank to process the remittance.
Form A1 vs Form A2: What Is the Difference?
Form A1 was used for import payments under the former RBI requirement, but some banks still request an A1-labelled form. Form A2 is an outward-remittance application. RBI directs authorised dealers to obtain A2, on paper or digitally, for cross-border remittances regardless of value. Another paragraph describes A2 for payments other than imports and intermediary trade. Ask your bank how it applies these instructions to your payment.
| Form | Who Files It | Transaction Direction | When It Is Required | Which Bank Processes It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form A1 | Importer, if requested by the authorised dealer | Outward payment | Formerly required by RBI for imports; some banks still request an A1-labelled form | Authorised dealer bank |
| Form A2 | Remitter, through the authorised dealer | Outward payment | RBI directs dealers to obtain A2 for cross-border remittances; confirm the process for imports | Authorised dealer bank |
How to Fill Form A1 for Import Remittance, Field by Field?
For a USD 15,000 advance to a Singapore supplier, use the application or online process your authorised dealer bank asks for, rather than assuming Form A1 is required. Have the supplier's proforma invoice ready and confirm the purpose code with your bank.
ICICI Bank's published customer request letter for an advance import of goods is one example of a bank-specific application. Its fields are shown below in the order they appear. The current form and supporting documents can differ by bank and transaction, so follow your own bank's instructions rather than treating this as an RBI A1 template.
- Importing account and goods: Enter the account number to be debited, the commodity, whether the goods are capital or non-capital, and whether the business is a trader or manufacturer. Use the actual purchase details, not a generic description.
- Classification and business details: Enter the goods' Harmonised System (HS) code, Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and PAN as requested. Check that the goods description and classification match the supplier's documents and your own import records.
- Amount and currency: For this example, enter USD 15,000 as the advance and write the amount in words where the form asks. Check the invoice currency and whether the request is for a part payment. Do not substitute an estimated rupee amount.
- Remitter and beneficiary: Provide the importer's name and address and the beneficiary's name and address. The form asks whether the beneficiary is the overseas supplier. If a different party will receive the money, explain the arrangement and give the bank any evidence it requests.
- Beneficiary bank: Copy the beneficiary's account number and bank name, address and SWIFT code from verified payment instructions. The request also has a field for a correspondent bank. Complete it when applicable, following your bank's instructions.
- Payment purpose: Describe the advance against the import and check the correct purpose code with the bank. ICICI's request asks for a purpose of remittance; that free-text field should not be confused with a separate purpose-code field on another form.
- Charges and transaction type: Select who will bear the foreign bank charges as the request asks, and answer whether the payment concerns merchanting trade or part of a shipment. Charges can affect the amount the beneficiary receives, so agree the arrangement with the supplier.
- Invoice and shipment: Enter the contract or proforma invoice number, date and amount, the HS classification, country of origin and country of consignment. Add the shipment mode and expected date using the information available. The bank may request the invoice or contract as evidence.
- Debit and declaration: Complete the requested debit authorisation and any applicable forward-contract details. An authorised signatory should review and sign the declarations requested by the bank. Ask for an acknowledgement or payment reference and keep it with the invoice and payment confirmation.
After payment, follow the delivery terms in the contract and provide the import evidence your bank requests. For an advance and any later payments for the same import, RBI generally requires the same authorised dealer; if you change dealers, notify both. If the import does not happen within the contract period or an extension allowed by the bank, the regulations require the advance to be repatriated. Contact the bank promptly about the next steps.
✅ PRO TIP
Incorrect payment details or purpose codes can lead to a bank query or delay. Check the invoice, payment instruction and supplier's bank details before you submit.
What Information Does Form A1 Carry?
The historical A1 recorded the importer's details and the reason for an outward import payment. A bank's current application may collect the same kinds of information: the amount and currency, beneficiary and bank details, the goods, and the invoice or contract. These details help the bank understand the transaction and identify the payment against the purchase. The exact fields depend on the bank's form.
Keep the bank application or acknowledgement, invoice or purchase order, payment confirmation and any declarations or supporting documents the bank requests. For physical imports, retain the relevant bill of entry and follow your bank's instructions for matching the payment with evidence of import. These records help explain what was ordered, what was paid and whether the goods arrived. They do not replace any transaction-specific requirement from the bank.
Which Form Is Required for Foreign Remittance, A1, A2, or Both?
The form required for foreign remittance depends on the transaction and the bank. The former RBI A1 requirement for imports has been removed, though some banks still request an A1-labelled form. RBI says authorised dealers shall obtain A2 for cross-border remittances, while another paragraph describes A2 for payments other than imports and intermediary trade. Ask your bank how it collects the required declaration for your payment.
- Import advance payment: Provide the import and supplier details your authorised dealer requests. Your bank may use an A1-labelled form or another import application. Ask how it collects the A2 declaration for this transaction, and follow its instructions for supporting evidence.
- Other outward payments: RBI directs authorised dealers to obtain Form A2 on paper or digitally for cross-border remittances, regardless of value. Ask your bank how to submit it and what other documents or declarations apply to the payment.
How Does Skydo Help Indian Exporters Skip the Paperwork?
If you import goods and also receive payments from foreign clients, you send money abroad and bring money in. The inward side has its own documentation, such as proof of receipt and purpose details.
Skydo helps eligible exporters manage the inward side. Here is what you get:
- Free FIRA: Skydo says it automatically generates a Foreign Inward Remittance Advice for payments received through its platform.
- Pricing: Skydo lists Global Bank Account fees of USD 19 for payments up to USD 2,000, USD 29 for USD 2,001–10,000, and 0.3% above USD 10,000, plus GST. Skydo advertises zero FX markup; SWIFT charges may apply before funds reach Skydo.
- Virtual accounts: Skydo lists local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, CAD and AED. Availability is subject to eligibility and verification.
- eBRC generation: For goods exports, Skydo says you can link your DGFT account, bulk upload shipping bills, review matched inward remittances and approve eBRC generation.
- EDPMS closure assistance: Skydo supports the closure process for eligible exporters. The authorised dealer bank's EDPMS reconciliation is separate from generating an eBRC.
- India-based support: Contact the team by phone, email or WhatsApp.
- No monthly fees: Skydo says there is no monthly cost for its virtual accounts; transaction fees apply.
What is A1 remittance?
An A1 remittance commonly refers to an import payment associated with Form A1, the application used under the former RBI import procedure. RBI removed the general submission requirement in 2015. Some banks still use the A1 name for their own import-payment paperwork, so check what your bank asks for.
Is Form A1 mandatory for import payment?
Which form is required for foreign remittance - A1 or A2?
What happens if Form A1 is filed incorrectly or missed?
