We at Finakon track the regulatory changes. We also use AI to create a summary. We are providing a quick overview of the RBI circulars on a weekly basis on our website. The summary is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive. For accurate information, users shall refer to the original circular of the regulator. Finakon shall not be responsible for inferences drawn based on the summary provided.
RBI Unveils 2025 Trade Relief Package to Energize India’s Export Sector
The Reserve Bank of India has introduced the Trade Relief Measures, 2025—a targeted support framework designed to help export-driven businesses navigate global trade disruptions. Effective immediately, these measures apply to banks, NBFCs, financial institutions and Credit Information Companies.
What’s New?
- Moratorium for Exporters:
Term-loan instalments and working-capital interest falling between Sept 1 and Dec 31, 2025 can be deferred. Interest will accrue on a simple (non-compounding) basis, with repayment allowed up to Sept 2026. - Extended Export Credit Tenor:
Pre- and post-shipment export credit disbursed till March 31, 2026 can now go up to 450 days, offering exporters crucial breathing room. - Flexible Settlement of Packing Credit:
Exporters can settle packing credit using domestic sales or proceeds from alternate export orders if shipments were delayed. - No NPA Impact:
These reliefs will not be treated as restructuring and will not trigger asset-classification downgrades. - Prudent Provisioning:
REs must create a 5% general provision on eligible standard accounts by December 31, 2025. - Transparent Reporting:
Fortnightly reporting via RBI’s DAKSH platform will ensure accountability and visibility.
RBI Calls for Immediate Update to UNSC Sanctions List
The Reserve Bank of India has issued an advisory (dated November 14, 2025) directing all Regulated Entities (REs) to update their sanctions-screening processes in line with recent changes to the UNSC ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List, as required under Section 51A of the UAPA, 1967 and the RBI Master Direction on KYC.
UNSC Update
The Ministry of External Affairs has informed RBI of the UNSC press release SC/16214 (November 6, 2025), announcing the delisting of two individuals:
- Ahmed al-Sharaa (QDi.317)
- Anas Hasan Khattab (QDi.336)
This action forms part of UNSC Resolution 2799 (2025).
Actions Required from Regulated Entities
REs must:
- Ensure no accounts exist in the name of persons/entities on UNSC sanctions lists.
- Update screening systems and follow procedures in the UAPA Order (Feb 2, 2021; amended Apr 22, 2024).
- Refer delisting requests to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA, and note the UN Ombudsperson mechanism for direct applications.
Updated lists for ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and Taliban sanctions are available on the UNSC website.
RBI has stressed the need for immediate and strict compliance with these updates to uphold India’s counter-terrorism and financial security obligations.
RBI Extends Key Export Timelines Under FEMA Amendment 2025
The Reserve Bank of India has notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods and Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025, bringing important changes to export realisation and export-related compliance timelines. These amendments, issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, come into effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.
Key Amendments
- Extension of Export Realisation Period
Under Regulation 9, the permissible time for exporters to realise and repatriate export proceeds has been extended from 9 months to 15 months, providing businesses additional flexibility in managing export payments.
- Longer Timeframe for Export Write-offs
Regulation 15 has been amended to extend the period for authorised dealers to write off unrealised export bills from 1 year to 3 years. This includes:
- Write-offs permitted by authorised dealers
- Provisions linked to exporter requests
- Related sub-regulations and provisos
RBI Updates FEMA Compounding Payment Process
The Reserve Bank of India has updated the Master Directions on Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 to streamline the payment process for compounding application fees and compounding amounts.
The revised guidelines introduce new account details for receiving these payments via NEFT and RTGS, reflected in the updated Annexure I of the Directions.
Authorised Persons are advised to update their processes and inform their customers of these changes. The amendments have been issued under Sections 10(4) and 11(1) of FEMA, 1999 and do not affect any other regulatory approvals required.
