Service exporters in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula file the EDF like exporters anywhere in India: one declaration a month covering all foreign invoices, filed with the AD bank where the money lands, or with STPI if you export software and prefer it, or with the SEZ Development Commissioner if you operate from an SEZ. The Tricity's export base leans towards IT services, customer support and digital agencies, and many firms are small enough that one person handles the whole process.
Key takeaways
- Non-SEZ IT firms in the Tricity can file with their AD bank or STPI; other services file with the AD bank.
- SEZ units file with the SEZ Development Commissioner.
- October 2026 invoices are due by 30 November 2026; November invoices by 30 December 2026.
- Customer support and back-office exporters should confirm their purpose codes carefully; they differ from IT.
- Small firms benefit most from a fixed monthly routine and the ₹10 lakh declaration route.
The Tricity's export profile
Chandigarh's IT Park area and Mohali's growing technology corridor host a mix of service exporters. Without inventing figures, the common types are:
- IT services and software development companies, from start-ups to mid-sized firms.
- Customer support, BPO and back-office operations serving overseas clients.
- Digital marketing and SEO agencies, many working for clients in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
- Design, video and content studios.
- Freelancers across software, design and marketing.
Many Tricity businesses have strong links with clients in Canada, the UK and Australia, which means invoicing in CAD, GBP or AUD alongside USD is common.
Who files where
| Exporter type | File EDF with | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Software/IT, not in SEZ | AD bank or STPI | Within 30 days from end of invoice month |
| BPO, agency, design or other non-software services | AD bank | 30 days from month-end, or on or before payment date |
| SEZ unit | SEZ Development Commissioner | As per the DC office's process |
| Individual freelancer | Check with your bank | RBI's 7 October 2026 statement says individuals need not report; FAQs pending |
STPI has a long-standing presence serving software exporters in the region. If you were STPI-registered for SOFTEX, you may continue filing software EDFs there, or move to your AD bank, which is now a specified authority on par with STPI. If both your software and non-software invoices are paid into the same bank, a single EDF to the bank is often simplest.
Codes for typical Tricity exporters
| Business | SAC to discuss with CA | Purpose code to discuss with bank |
|---|---|---|
| Software development | 998314 | P0802 or P0807 |
| IT support and consulting | 998313 | P0802 |
| Digital marketing, SEO, paid media | 998361 | P1007 |
| Market research | 998371 | P1007 |
| Business consulting | 998311 | P1006 |
| Customer support, back-office | Confirm with CA | Confirm with bank; codes vary by service |
Customer support exporters should take particular care. Their services do not fit the software or advertising codes, and a wrong purpose code on receipts can cause questions at realisation and in GST refunds. Agree the code with your bank once and use it consistently. Our purpose code finder lists the options.
Worked example: a Mohali digital agency
Pinewood Growth Labs LLP, a digital marketing agency in Mohali, has clients in Canada, the UK and Australia. Payments arrive by wire into its current account.
October 2026 invoices:
| Invoice | Client country | Work | Currency | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGL/EX/120 | Canada | SEO retainer | CAD | 3,200 |
| PGL/EX/121 | Canada | Paid media management | CAD | 1,800 |
| PGL/EX/122 | UK | Content marketing | GBP | 2,100 |
| PGL/EX/123 | Australia | SEO audit, one-off | AUD | 2,700 |
One EDF covers all four invoices across three countries. SAC 998361 on all; purpose code P1007 confirmed with the bank. At illustrative rates (CAD ₹61, GBP ₹110, AUD ₹55), the total is ₹1,95,200 + ₹1,09,800 + ₹2,31,000 + ₹1,48,500 = ₹6,84,500. Due by 30 November 2026. As non-software services, Pinewood could also file on or before payment dates, but it files once in the first week of November for simplicity.
All four invoices are under ₹10 lakh, so the bank may close the EDPMS entries on the LLP's periodic declaration that the money has been received. Pinewood gives that declaration quarterly.
Practical points for Tricity exporters
Get the AD code early
Ask your branch for the AD code of the branch that handles export transactions. It may not be your home branch. Our AD code request letter puts the request in writing.
Watch Canadian and Australian payment timing
Clients in different time zones and with different payment cycles may pay slowly. The 9-month realisation clock runs from each invoice date. Track it monthly.
Keep currencies straight
CAD and AUD invoices both use the "$" symbol. Always print the ISO code on invoices and enter the right currency in Part 2B.
Use the ₹10 lakh route
Many Tricity exporters invoice in amounts well under ₹10 lakh. If your bank accepts periodic declarations, they save time compared with invoice-by-invoice matching.
Monthly routine
- Raise all export invoices by the last working day.
- In the first week, file last month's EDF with your bank, STPI or SEZ office.
- Match receipts to invoices as they arrive; collect FIRAs.
- Review open invoices against 9-month deadlines each month.
- Give the realisation declaration quarterly if your bank uses it.
The EDF is a FEMA declaration and does not change GST or income tax. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Chandigarh and Mohali IT firms file the EDF?
Non-SEZ software exporters can file with their AD bank or STPI. Other services file with the AD bank. Units in an SEZ file with the SEZ Development Commissioner.
Can one EDF cover clients in Canada, the UK and Australia?
Yes. One EDF per month covers all service exports to one or more recipients. Each invoice is a separate row in Part 2B with its own country and currency.
Which purpose code should a Tricity BPO use?
Customer support and back-office services do not fit the software or advertising codes neatly. Ask your bank which code it expects for your service and use it consistently on all receipts.
Do Tricity freelancers need to file the EDF?
RBI said on 7 October 2026 that individuals providing services abroad are not required to report, with FAQs to follow. Check with your bank in the meantime. Freelancers trading through a proprietorship or firm should assume they are covered.
What happens if a Canadian client pays after 9 months?
Full value must be realised within 9 months of the invoice date for services. If you expect a delay, ask your AD bank for an extension with reasons before the deadline passes.
Bottom line
Tricity exporters have a short, repeatable job once codes and routes are settled. Prepare each month's form on the free EDF form generator and keep your due dates in the calendar.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.