Nagpur's service exporters split into two groups, and the split decides where the EDF goes. Units inside an SEZ, such as the one at MIHAN, file with the SEZ Development Commissioner; offices elsewhere in the city file with their AD bank, within 30 days from the end of each invoice month. A company with both kinds of unit files two sets of EDFs.
Key takeaways
- SEZ units file with the Development Commissioner. Non-SEZ offices file with the AD bank where the money lands. Software exporters outside an SEZ can choose the AD bank or STPI.
- One company can have both an SEZ unit and a city office. Each unit's exports follow its own route.
- Your bank must be an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank to handle export proceeds. Not every bank is.
- Many Nagpur exporters are small or first-time. A simple monthly routine and the ₹10 lakh declaration route keep the workload light.
- No Nagpur-specific form exists. The EDF is the same national form everywhere.
Two kinds of exporter in one city
Nagpur's IT and services activity is partly concentrated in its SEZ and IT park areas, and partly spread across smaller firms in the city: engineering design consultancies, healthcare services companies, digital agencies, software start-ups and solo professionals who have grown into firms.
| Your unit | EDF goes to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside an SEZ | SEZ Development Commissioner | Category of exporter in field 1.5 is SEZ |
| Outside an SEZ, services other than software | AD bank | Category usually "Others" |
| Outside an SEZ, software | AD bank or STPI | AD banks are now specified authorities on par with STPI |
| Goods exports | Shipping bill or manual EDF | Goods process largely unchanged |
STPI has a presence serving the region; check STPI's website for current office details. For more on the SEZ route, see our guide to SEZ units and the EDF and the glossary entry on SEZ.
Is your bank an AD bank?
Nagpur businesses bank with a wide range of institutions, from large national banks to smaller local and cooperative banks. For exports, the bank that receives your foreign payments needs to be an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank, licensed by RBI to deal in foreign exchange.
If your main account is with a bank that is not an AD Category-I bank, ask it how foreign remittances to your account are handled, and whether you should open an export receiving account with an AD bank. Do this before your first foreign invoice goes out, because the EDF must go to the AD bank and the bank's details must be on your invoice.
A worked example: one company, two routes
Vidarbha Infotech Pvt Ltd has a 120-seat development centre inside an SEZ in Nagpur and a small design and consulting team in a city office in Dharampeth. In January 2027:
| Unit | Invoice | Client | Amount | Files with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEZ unit | VI-SEZ/27/004 | Calloway Insurance Inc., USA | USD 38,000 | Development Commissioner |
| SEZ unit | VI-SEZ/27/007 | Brannock Retail plc, UK | GBP 14,200 | Development Commissioner |
| City office | VI/27/012 | Saguaro Clinics LLC, USA | USD 4,600 | AD bank |
| City office | VI/27/015 | Linden Parks Council, Australia | AUD 3,900 | AD bank |
The SEZ unit's EDF goes to the Development Commissioner, with field 1.5 showing SEZ. The city office's EDF goes to the company's AD bank, with field 1.5 showing Others. Both cover January invoices and are due 2 March 2027, since February has 28 days.
The two city-office invoices are under ₹10 lakh, so once paid they can be closed through a periodic realisation declaration. Vidarbha keeps separate invoice series for the two units, which makes it obvious which EDF each invoice belongs on.
Starting out: a routine for small exporters
Many Nagpur firms are filing their first EDF in late 2026. If that is you, keep it simple. Our guide for first-time exporters covers the basics in more depth.
Once, before your first filing: - Confirm your bank is an AD bank and get the AD code of the branch handling your export account, in writing. - Ask the bank how it accepts EDFs: branch, email or online. - Confirm your IEC (if you have one), GSTIN, PAN and authorised signatory. - Make sure your LUT is in place if you export without paying IGST.
Every month: 1. List all export invoices dated in the previous month. 2. Fill the EDF: Part 1 once, one Part 2B row per invoice, Part 4 declaration. 3. Sign and submit through the bank's channel before the 30-day deadline. 4. Note the acknowledgement or reference in a simple register.
When money arrives: - Save the FIRA or bank advice next to the invoice. - Check the purpose code fits your service.
Every quarter: - Give one realisation declaration for paid invoices up to ₹10 lakh, if your bank accepts it.
Common Nagpur scenarios
A healthcare services firm billing a US provider. File monthly with the AD bank. Check the purpose code and SAC with your CA, since healthcare-related services can be classified in different ways.
An engineering design consultancy with Gulf clients. Purpose code P1009 (architectural, engineering and other technical services) is the likely starting point; confirm with your bank. Keep contract references in Part 2B, as engineering clients usually work on formal purchase orders.
A solo developer who has just incorporated. The company is now the exporter and should file. Before incorporation, as an individual, RBI's 7 October 2026 remarks that individuals are not required to report may have been relevant, pending FAQs. After incorporation, the company should assume it is covered.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Where does a Nagpur SEZ unit file its EDF?
With the SEZ Development Commissioner, not the bank. Field 1.5 of the EDF, category of exporter, should show SEZ.
Our company has an SEZ unit and a city office. Do we file one EDF or two?
Two sets. The SEZ unit's exports go to the Development Commissioner, and the city office's exports go to the AD bank. Keeping separate invoice series for each unit makes this much easier.
Can I receive export payments in a cooperative bank account?
The bank receiving export proceeds should be an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank. If your bank is not one, ask it how foreign remittances are handled and consider opening an export account with an AD bank.
Is there an STPI option for software exporters in Nagpur?
Software exporters outside an SEZ can file with STPI or with their AD bank, since AD banks are now specified authorities on par with STPI. Check STPI's website for the office serving your area.
When are January 2027 invoices due?
By 2 March 2027, because February 2027 has 28 days and the deadline is 30 days from the end of January.
Bottom line
In Nagpur, the first question is whether a unit is inside an SEZ; the second is whether your bank is an AD bank. Settle both, then run a simple monthly routine. Prepare each month's form with our free EDF form generator.
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.