How to Set Up an Import Collection Account and an Export Collection Account
Indian businesses engaged in global trade must use dedicated banking structures for handling foreign payments. RBI distinguishes between accounts used for collecting payments from overseas buyers and accounts used for settling import dues. These are known as Export Collection Accounts (ECA) and Import Collection Accounts (ICA). Setting them up correctly is essential because these accounts […]
Documentation Required for Cross Border Merchant Onboarding in India
When an Indian business wants to receive payments from overseas clients, the onboarding process is not the same as opening a domestic payment gateway account. Cross border transactions fall under FEMA, RBI’s Payment Aggregator framework and bank level compliance rules. Because of this, onboarding requires a deeper set of documents that help the provider verify […]
PA CB Specific Additional Due Diligence Steps for Exporters
When Indian exporters receive payments from overseas buyers, the transaction passes through a Payment Aggregator for Cross Border (PA CB). RBI requires PA CBs to conduct additional checks beyond standard KYC because these entities handle foreign currency inflows that must comply with FEMA, anti-money laundering standards, and export reporting rules. For exporters, these additional checks […]
How to Perform Video KYC for an Overseas Company’s Authorised Signatory
Cross border payments and international merchant onboarding often require verification of individuals who control or operate a foreign company. When a foreign business wants to use an India regulated payment service, the authorised signatory must undergo identity verification under Indian standards. For many platforms, this includes Video KYC. Although Video KYC became more common for […]
Timeline and Penalties for Non Compliance With PA Cross Border Rules
Payment Aggregators handling cross border transactions operate under a strict regulatory framework issued by the Reserve Bank of India. These rules ensure that every foreign inflow entering India is traceable, legitimate and properly reported under FEMA. When a PA CB fails to meet these rules, RBI does not allow it to continue operating normally. The […]
Mandatory KYC Documents for Foreign Merchants Selling From India
Cross border commerce has expanded enough that many foreign businesses now sell to customers in India. Some operate e commerce stores shipping goods into the country. Others run SaaS platforms, digital subscription products or online services consumed by Indian users. Regardless of the business model, any foreign merchant that wants to accept Indian payments must […]
Compliance Timeline and Wind Down Rules for Non Compliant Payment Aggregators
India’s digital payments ecosystem runs on strict regulatory oversight, especially for entities that handle customer funds. Payment Aggregators sit at the center of this structure. They onboard merchants, collect payments, manage escrow accounts, and settle funds. Because they directly touch money, RBI imposes clear licensing, capital, and governance requirements. In recent years, RBI has tightened […]
How Settlement Currency Rules Affect Exporter Onboarding in India
For any Indian exporter, freelancer, SaaS founder or service provider who earns from clients abroad, settlement currency is not just a technical detail. It directly affects compliance checks, onboarding requirements and how quickly foreign payments reach the Indian bank account. RBI governs how foreign currency enters India and how exporters receive their final payout. These […]
Impact of Data Localisation Rules on Cross Border Payment Aggregators
India’s digital economy has expanded quickly, and with it the volume of cross border online payments. As more freelancers, SaaS companies and exporters receive money from clients abroad, payment aggregators must follow regulations not only for foreign exchange but also for how user data is stored and processed. One of the most important regulatory shifts […]
When Do Cross Border Receipts Attract Withholding Tax Under Section 195?
Understanding when foreign clients must deduct TDS on payments to Indian businesses. Section 195 of the Income Tax Act governs withholding tax on payments made to non residents, but it also influences how Indian exporters and freelancers treat payments they receive from clients abroad. Many service exporters assume that foreign clients never deduct tax when […]
How to Offset GST Input Tax Credit on Imported Services Paid From Abroad
A practical guide for Indian businesses using foreign tools, subscriptions and professional services. Indian businesses today rely heavily on foreign service providers. Software subscriptions, advertising tools, cloud hosting, design platforms, and specialised consulting are often purchased from companies outside India. These payments qualify as import of services under GST, which means the recipient in India […]
Compare Document Lists Required by PayPal, Wise and Stripe for Businesses in India
Why most exporters still prefer India focused platforms built for inward remittance compliance. Documentation is one of the biggest friction points when Indian freelancers, agencies and businesses try to onboard with global payment platforms. PayPal, Wise and Stripe are well known internationally, but their verification processes are designed around global compliance rules rather than India […]
