Exporters can utilise bulk upload and API integration for eBRC certification after implementation

The DGFT has introduced API integration and bulk upload functionalities for eBRC self-certification, starting August 20, 2024. These updates will streamline the certification process, reduce manual errors, and enhance efficiency for exporters. Learn more about the new features and their benefits. On August 14, 2024, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) released Trade Notice No. 12/2024-25 detailing new functionalities to enhance the self-certification process for electronic Bank Realisation Certificates (eBRC). Effective from August 20, 2024, exporters can now utilise bulk upload and API integration features to streamline and automate eBRC certification. Ready to Grow? Choose a Course That Fits Your Goals! The bulk upload feature allows for concurrent certification of multiple eBRCs, while the API integration facilitates direct interface with the DGFT system for real-time data retrieval and verification. The trade notice stated – “Reference is made to the earlier Trade Notice No. 33/2023-24 dated 10th November 2023, where this Directorate piloted an online self-certification process for the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC), aimed at simplifying and streamlining the reconciliation of export realisations for both merchandise and service sectors. Building on the pilot phase, the Directorate has now seamlessly integrated banks with the DGFT eBRC System, facilitating the automatic transmission of Inward Remittance Messages (IRMs) for all Trade Account transactions. Exporters accordingly login to the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) to review IRMs shared by their respective banks and efficiently self-certify their eBRCs by matching with the relevant invoice or Shipping Bill details. To further facilitate the eBRC self-certification process, the Directorate is pleased to introduce two additional functionalities, effective from 20.08.2024: a. Bulk Upload Exporters shall now have the capability to generate multiple eBRCs concurrently through the bulk upload functionality. By uploading a spreadsheet that contains the requisite IRM mapping along with Shipping Bill and Invoice details, exporters can facilitate the automatic certification of multiple eBRCs. Exporters shall be required to adhere to the prescribed rules and guidelines specified in the spreadsheet template to ensure compliance with the applicable business rules and data formats in the eBRC workflow. This feature is intended to enhance efficiency, minimise manual entry errors, and further streamline the management of eBRC self-certification documentation. Ready to Grow? Choose a Course That Fits Your Goals! b. API Integration The Application Programming Interface (API) integration provides exporters with the capability to interface their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Accounting, or other software systems directly with the DGFT eBRC system in near real-time. The API shall facilitate the retrieval of IRM/ORM data from the DGFT eBRC systems and enable the request and verification of eBRCs in accordance with the guidelines delineated on the DGFT website (Services -> eBRC -> eBRC Generation Rules). This API integration shall ensure a secure and faster certification process, with controlled access through credential management. The following stipulations shall apply for enabling API integration: • Exporters are required to complete an online registration process, specifying the IEC for which the API will be utilised. This registration must be authenticated through the IEC holder’s account. • It is the responsibility of exporters to manage API consumer access, including its activation, deactivation, and re-authorization. The API consumer will be unable to interact with DGFT systems once deactivated and otherwise reactivated by the IEC holder. Outreach, Awareness & Feedback: User Manuals may be accessed on the DGFT website under the ‘Learn’ section (Application Help and FAQs -> eBRC). The manuals also provide detailed guidance on the alignment of purpose codes with eBRC fields and the validation rules for eBRC generation. Additionally, DGFT Regional Authorities (RAs) will host Exporter Outreach Programs to promote awareness and demonstrate the advanced eBRC capabilities. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback via email to ebrc-dgft@gov.in Support Channels: Exporters and other stakeholders may contact the DGFT Helpdesk for eBRC-related assistance through the following channels: • Call the Toll-Free Helpdesk support number. • Raise a Helpdesk ticket via the DGFT website (Services -> DGFT Helpdesk Service) and track the status of previously filed tickets.” These improvements aim to boost efficiency, minimise errors, and support exporters in managing their documentation more effectively.