A FIRA or FIRC from IndusInd Bank is the bank's proof that foreign money reached your account, with the amount, currency, remitter and purpose code. You get it by asking IndusInd for it against each inward remittance, through your relationship manager, branch or whichever channel the bank offers. Check the purpose code, amount and remitter name the moment you receive it, because those details decide whether your EDF entry closes cleanly and whether a GST refund goes through.
Key takeaways
- FIRA means Foreign Inward Remittance Advice; FIRC means Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate. Both evidence an inward foreign payment.
- You need them to close EDPMS entries above ₹10 lakh, to support zero-rated exports under GST and for your own records.
- Ask IndusInd how it issues them; we do not list menu paths or fees, because the bank sets those.
- Check purpose code, remitter, amount, currency and date against your invoice.
- Request corrections early; a wrong purpose code is far easier to fix in week one than in month eight.
FIRA or FIRC: what you are actually asking for
People use the two terms loosely. In practice:
| Term | What it usually is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| FIRA (advice) | The bank's advice of an inward remittance, often issued per credit | Matching, records, supporting GST and EDF closure |
| FIRC (certificate) | A certificate of inward remittance, sometimes requested formally | Where a client, authority or auditor asks for a "certificate" |
| SWIFT/MT103 copy | The payment message from the remitting bank | Tracing a payment, seeing deductions |
Both FIRA and FIRC are the bank's own evidence, and both normally show the purpose code. If someone asks you for a "FIRC" and IndusInd gives you an advice, ask the requester whether the advice will do before chasing a separate certificate. Our article on FIRA vs FIRC explains the difference in detail.
Why you need it from October 2026
The FIRA has always mattered for GST: zero-rating of export of services depends on, among other conditions, receiving payment in convertible foreign exchange (or rupees where RBI permits). Payment evidence supports that.
The 2026 FEMA Regulations add a second use. Each invoice you declare on your EDF becomes an open entry in EDPMS. For invoices above ₹10 lakh, IndusInd closes the entry using the invoice, payment evidence such as a FIRA or FIRC, and your matching instructions. For invoices up to ₹10 lakh, the bank may close on your declaration of realisation, but you should still keep the FIRA on file.
Once realisation is matched, an eBRC can be generated, which some export benefits and GST refund claims rely on.
How to ask IndusInd for it
IndusInd decides how it issues inward remittance documents. Depending on your account type, that might be through your relationship manager, the branch, or an online banking or trade facility. Charges, if any, are set by the bank's schedule. Rather than guess, ask:
- How do I get a FIRA or advice for each inward remittance?
- Is it issued automatically, or must I request it each time?
- Can I get a formal FIRC if a client or authority asks?
- What charges apply, if any?
- How do I request a correction to the purpose code?
If you prefer a written request, our FIRC request letter lets you list several remittances in one letter, with dates, amounts and remitter names.
What to check on every FIRA
Treat each FIRA as a document you will rely on later. Check it against your invoice the day it arrives.
| Field on the FIRA | Check against | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Remitter name | Your client's legal name, or explained third party | Matching to the EDF row |
| Amount and currency | Invoice amount; note any deductions | Net realisable value and short payments |
| Date of credit | Your realisation timeline | Must fall within nine months of invoice date |
| Purpose code | Your actual service | Mismatch can complicate matching and GST |
| Your account details | Your current account | Confirms the right account received it |
| Rupee amount and rate | Your books | Accounting entries |
Purpose codes. Common examples include P0802 for software consultancy or implementation, P0807 for off-site software exports, P1006 for business and management consultancy, P1007 for advertising and market research and P1009 for architectural, engineering and other technical services. Always confirm the right code with your bank. Our purpose code finder helps you shortlist.
Worked example: matching an IndusInd FIRA
Pragati Ledger Services LLP, an accounting outsourcing firm in Indore, invoices an Australian client AUD 12,000 on 10 November 2026 (invoice PLS/26-27/077). The client pays on 14 December 2026.
IndusInd's advice shows:
- Remitter: the Australian client's legal entity name
- Amount: AUD 11,975 (AUD 25 deducted along the way)
- Purpose code: P1005 (accounting, auditing and tax consulting)
Pragati checks it against the invoice. The remitter matches. The amount is short by AUD 25, which its SWIFT copy shows as an intermediary charge. The purpose code fits. Pragati files the FIRA with the invoice, notes the deduction in its register, and keeps the SWIFT copy to explain the difference. The invoice was on its November 2026 EDF, filed by 30 December 2026. Since it is below ₹10 lakh, Pragati includes it in its next periodic realisation declaration.
When something on the FIRA is wrong
Wrong purpose code. Write to IndusInd promptly asking for correction, quoting the remittance reference. Our purpose code correction letter is built for this.
Remitter is not your client. If a parent company or payment platform paid, explain the link in the EDF's third-party fields and remarks, and keep supporting documents.
Missing FIRA for an old credit. Ask IndusInd for a duplicate or a statement-based advice. The sooner you ask, the easier it is.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. IndusInd's published procedures apply to your account.
Frequently asked questions
What is a FIRC from IndusInd Bank?
It is IndusInd's certificate or advice confirming that a foreign inward remittance was credited to your account, usually showing remitter, amount, currency, date and purpose code. Exporters use it to support GST zero-rating and to close EDF entries.
Is a FIRA enough, or do I need a FIRC?
For most purposes the bank's advice is accepted as payment evidence. If a client, authority or auditor specifically asks for a certificate, check whether the advice will do before requesting a separate FIRC from IndusInd.
Does IndusInd charge for issuing a FIRC?
Charges, if any, depend on IndusInd's schedule of charges and your account type. Ask your relationship manager or check the bank's published schedule rather than assuming.
What if the purpose code on my IndusInd FIRA is wrong?
Request a correction in writing as soon as you notice, quoting the remittance details and the correct code with a short reason. A wrong code can cause problems with EDF matching and GST refunds later.
Do I need a FIRA for invoices under ₹10 lakh?
The bank may close entries up to ₹10 lakh on your declaration of realisation, but you should still keep the FIRA as evidence. It supports both your declaration and your GST records.
Bottom line
The FIRA is the receipt for your export. Get one for every IndusInd credit, check it against the invoice straight away and fix errors early. When you need a formal request, use the free FIRC request letter.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.