Overview
This document contains the complete list of purpose codes for inward remittance as per RBI guidelines. These codes are used to categorize different types of foreign exchange transactions.Purpose Codes Table
01 - Exports (of Goods)
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0101 | Value of export bills negotiated / purchased / discounted (covered under GR/PP/SOFTEX/EC copy of shipping bills etc.) – other than Nepal and Bhutan |
| P0102 | Realisation of export bills (goods) sent on collection – other than Nepal and Bhutan |
| P0103 | Advance receipts against export contracts, to be covered later by GR/PP/SOFTEX/SDF – other than Nepal and Bhutan |
| P0104 | Receipts against export of goods not covered by GR/PP/SOFTEX/EC copy (e.g., intermediary/transit trade) |
| P0108 | Goods sold under merchanting / receipts against export leg of merchanting trade |
| P0109 | Export realisation on account of exports to Nepal and Bhutan |
02 - Transport
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0201 | Surplus freight/passenger fare by Indian shipping companies operating abroad |
| P0202 | Operating expenses of foreign shipping companies in India |
| P0205 | Operational leasing (with crew) – Shipping companies |
| P0207 | Surplus freight/passenger fare by Indian Airlines operating abroad |
| P0208 | Operating expenses of foreign Airlines in India |
| P0214-P0226 | Receipts on account of transportation services, postal & courier (sea/air/others) |
03 - Travel
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0301 | Purchases towards travel (foreign TCs, currency notes, TT/SWIFT transfers, NR accounts, etc.) |
| P0302 | Business travel |
| P0304 | Medical travel receipts (including TCs purchased by hospitals) |
| P0305 | Travel for education (fees/receipts by educational institutions) |
| P0306-P0308 | Other travel-related receipts, including surrender of foreign currency by returning Indian tourists |
05 - Construction
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0501 | Services relating to cost of construction of projects in India |
| P0502 | Construction works abroad by Indian companies |
06 - Insurance & Pension
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0601-P0612 | Life insurance premiums, freight insurance, reinsurance, auxiliary services, claims, pension entitlements, guarantees |
07 - Financial Services
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0701-P0703 | Banking charges, investment banking, custodial/depository services |
08 - Telecom, Computer & Information Services
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0801-P0809 | IT consultancy, software exports (SOFTEX), telecom, satellite, news agency services |
09 - Intellectual Property
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0901-P0902 | Franchise services, receipts for use of patents, trademarks, copyrights |
10 - Other Business Services
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1002-P1099 | Trade-related commissions, leasing, legal, accounting, consultancy, advertising, R&D, engineering, architecture, mining, technical, wholesale & retail trade, etc. |
11 - Personal, Cultural & Recreational Services
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1101-P1109 | Audio-visual, broadcasting, entertainment, sports, education, health services |
12 - Government n.i.e.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1201, P1203 | Maintenance of foreign embassies, international institutions in India |
15 - Others
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1505 | Deemed Exports (SEZ, EPZs & DTAs) |
16 - Maintenance & Repair Services
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1601, P1602 | Maintenance/repair services for vessels, aircraft, spacecraft |
17 - Manufacturing
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P1701 | Processing of goods |
Usage Guidelines
For eBRC Applications
- Use the appropriate purpose code when filing eBRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) applications
- Ensure the purpose code matches the actual nature of the foreign exchange transaction
- Refer to RBI guidelines for detailed descriptions of each code
Code Format
- Main categories are numbered (01, 02, 03, etc.)
- Specific purpose codes follow the format P0XXX
- Some codes cover ranges (e.g., P0214-P0226)
Important Notes
- Purpose codes are mandatory for all foreign exchange transactions
- Incorrect purpose code selection may lead to regulatory issues
- Always refer to the latest RBI circulars for any updates to these codes
Related Documents
- RBI Master Direction on Foreign Exchange Management
- eBRC Technical Specifications
- Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) guidelines
Last Updated: October 2024 Source: RBI Guidelines for Purpose Code for Inward Remittance