A FIRA or FIRC from Punjab National Bank is the bank's written proof that a specific foreign payment reached your account, with the date, currency, amount, rupee credit and purpose code. Service exporters need it to close EDPMS entries on larger invoices, support GST refund claims and reconcile export revenue. If PNB does not send one automatically for each credit, ask your branch in writing, either per remittance or for a period, and check every detail the moment it arrives.
Key takeaways
- FIRA (advice) and FIRC (certificate) both evidence an inward remittance. Ask PNB which document it issues and in what form.
- You need it for invoices above ₹10 lakh to close EDPMS entries, and as supporting evidence for GST and year-end work.
- Request it in writing with the remittance date, amount, currency and sender.
- Check the purpose code, your name, the sender's name and the amounts. Errors are far easier to fix early.
- We have not verified PNB's charges or turnaround for these documents. Ask your branch.
What the document does for you
| Use | Why the FIRA/FIRC matters |
|---|---|
| Closing EDPMS entries above ₹10 lakh | The bank needs invoice, payment evidence and matching instructions |
| eBRC generation | eBRC follows once realisation is matched in EDPMS and DGFT systems |
| GST refund (IGST-paid route) or LUT records | Evidence that payment came in convertible foreign exchange |
| Year-end reconciliation | Matches each invoice to an actual receipt |
| Client disputes over short payment | Shows deductions made along the way |
For invoices up to ₹10 lakh, PNB may close the EDPMS entry on your declaration that the money has been realised, without invoice-by-invoice evidence. Even then, keep the FIRA on file; it is what supports your declaration if anyone asks.
FIRA or FIRC: which will PNB give you?
The terms are often used loosely. A Foreign Inward Remittance Advice is typically an advice generated for each credit. A Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate is a more formal certificate, sometimes issued on request. In practice, what matters is that the document identifies the remittance, the purpose code and the amounts. Ask your branch which format PNB issues for current accounts and whether it is sent automatically, by email, or only on request.
How to request it from PNB
- Collect the details. Date of credit, foreign currency and amount, rupee amount credited, sender's name and country, and your invoice number.
- Write to the branch. Address the branch manager or the forex desk, on your letterhead, signed by an authorised signatory.
- List multiple remittances in a table if you are asking for several at once, with one row per credit.
- Ask for the purpose code to be shown, and mention the code you expect.
- Keep proof of submission and follow up after a reasonable interval.
The free FIRC request letter creates this letter with a remittance table. If you are only setting up your export banking with PNB now, read our PNB EDF guide first, since the same branch conversation covers the AD code and EDF channel.
What to check the moment it arrives
Read every FIRA as if you will need to defend it in two years, because you might.
| Field | What to check | If it is wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary name | Matches your account title exactly | Ask the branch to correct it |
| Remitter name | Your client, or a payment platform you expected | Note the link to the client in your records |
| Remitter country | Matches the client's country | Ask the bank how it determined it |
| Foreign currency and amount | Matches what the client sent | Compare with the client's payment advice |
| INR amount credited | Matches your bank statement | Raise with the branch |
| Purpose code | Matches your service, e.g. P0802, P0807, P1006 | Request correction promptly |
| Date of credit | Matches the statement | Raise with the branch |
Our article on reading a FIRA field by field goes deeper into each line.
A worked example: the wrong purpose code
Prism Ledger Services LLP, a bookkeeping outsourcer in Ludhiana, banks with PNB. In December 2026 it received GBP 7,200 from a London accounting firm against invoice PLS/1126, credited as ₹7,61,000 (illustrative). The FIRA showed purpose code P0802, software consultancy, which does not describe bookkeeping work.
Prism's partner, Gurpreet, wrote to the branch within the week:
- Quoted the credit date, amount and sender.
- Explained that the service was accounting and bookkeeping.
- Asked for the code to be changed to P1005 (accounting, auditing and tax consulting), subject to the bank's confirmation.
- Attached the invoice and engagement letter.
The branch updated the record. Fixing it in December was straightforward. Had Prism discovered it at year end, while preparing GST paperwork, it would have been chasing one wrong code among dozens of credits. For written corrections, the purpose code correction letter is ready to use.
A monthly routine that keeps FIRAs under control
- Week 1 of each month: download your PNB statement for the previous month and list every foreign credit.
- Same week: check which credits already have a FIRA. Request the missing ones in a single letter.
- When FIRAs arrive: check each against the table above, then file it with the invoice it settles.
- Quarterly: for invoices up to ₹10 lakh, prepare your realisation declaration using the FIRAs you have collected.
- For invoices above ₹10 lakh: send the bank the invoice, FIRA and matching instructions so the EDPMS entry can be closed.
This rhythm also helps with your monthly EDF, which is due within 30 days from the end of the invoice month. The free PNB EDF form uses the same invoice list you build for FIRA tracking.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FIRA and FIRC from PNB?
Both evidence a foreign inward remittance. A FIRA is usually an advice for each credit, while a FIRC is a more formal certificate. Ask PNB which it issues for your account; what matters is that it shows the remittance details and purpose code.
How do I request a FIRC from Punjab National Bank?
Write to your branch on letterhead with the credit date, currency, amount, sender and invoice number, signed by an authorised signatory. List several remittances in a table if needed. Ask the branch how it prefers to receive such requests.
Does PNB charge for issuing a FIRC?
We do not have verified information on PNB's charges for FIRAs or FIRCs, and they can depend on account type. Ask your branch for its current schedule of charges.
What if the purpose code on my PNB FIRA is wrong?
Write to the branch promptly with the correct code, a short description of your service and the invoice. Early corrections are much easier than corrections months later.
Do I need a FIRA for every invoice under ₹10 lakh?
The bank may close EDPMS entries for invoices up to ₹10 lakh on your declaration, so it may not ask for each FIRA. Keep them anyway as backing for your declaration and for GST records.
Bottom line
A FIRA or FIRC from PNB is the link between your invoice and the money in your account. Ask for it in writing, check it immediately, and fix errors while they are fresh. The free FIRC request letter makes the request take two minutes.
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.