RBI/2021-22/16
A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 01

April 07, 2021

To

All Category-I Authorised Dealer Banks

Madam / Sir,

External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) Policy – Relaxation in the period of parking of unutilised ECB proceeds in term deposits

Please refer to paragraph 12 of the Governor’s Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated April 07, 2021. In this connection, attention of Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD Category-I) banks is invited to paragraph 4.2 of the of Master Direction No.5 dated March 26, 2019, on “External Commercial Borrowings, Trade Credits and Structured Obligations”, in terms of which ECB borrowers are allowed to park ECB proceeds in term deposits with AD Category-I banks in India for a maximum period of 12 months cumulatively.

2. Based on requests from stakeholders, including Industry associations, and with a view to providing relief to the ECB borrowers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided to relax the above stipulation as a one-time measure. Accordingly, unutilised ECB proceeds drawn down on or before March 01, 2020 can be parked in term deposits with AD Category-I banks in India prospectively for an additional period up to March 01, 2022.

3. All other provisions of the ECB policy remain unchanged. AD Category-I banks should bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their constituents/ customers.

4. The aforesaid Master Direction No. 5 dated March 26, 2019, is being updated to reflect the changes.

5. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under section 10(4) and 11(2) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions/ approvals, if any, required under any other law.

Yours faithfully

Ajay Kumar Misra
Chief General Manager-in-Charge