What is Wire Transfer?
A wire transfer is a direct electronic payment from one bank account to another. In cross-border business, "wire" almost always means a payment sent over the SWIFT network: the client's bank sends a payment message, the funds move through correspondent or intermediary banks where needed, and your bank in India credits your account. To send it, the client needs your name, account number, your bank's SWIFT code and address, and sometimes intermediary bank details.
International wires usually arrive within one to a few business days, depending on currencies, time zones and how many banks are involved.
Why it matters for exporters
A SWIFT wire into your Indian account is the classic form of export realisation. Your bank receives it as an inward remittance, applies a purpose code, converts it (or credits your EEFC account) and gives you a FIRA, FIRC or bank advice. That record is what the bank uses to match the payment against the invoice you declared on the EDF and close the EDPMS entry.
Two details deserve attention. First, the charges code (OUR, SHA or BEN) decides whether intermediary fees are deducted, which affects the net amount realised compared with the invoice value in Part 2B. Second, the purpose code on the inward remittance should reflect the service you actually provided; if it is wrong, ask your bank to correct it early, before it causes trouble with eBRC or GST refunds.
Example
Northgate Engineering LLP invoices a Houston client USD 22,000. The client sends a SWIFT wire with charges SHA. An intermediary deducts USD 20, and Northgate's bank credits USD 21,980, converted to ₹18,34,000, and issues a FIRA with purpose code P1009 (confirm with your bank). Northgate shares the FIRA and invoice with the bank to close the entry. Above ₹10 lakh, that documentation route applies. For the client's invoice details, see the export invoice tool.
Common confusion
A wire is not the same as ACH or SEPA, which are domestic schemes. Read EDF when you get paid through direct SWIFT wire transfers.