SOFTEX is gone, but STPI is not. Under the export regulations in force from 1 October 2026, software exporters declare exports on the same EDF as every other service exporter, and they can file that EDF with either their AD bank or STPI, because AD banks are now "specified authorities" on par with STPI. STPI certification is no longer mandatory, so STPI has moved from gatekeeper to one of two options.
Key takeaways
- The SOFTEX form no longer exists; software exports use the single EDF from the Annex to the 2026 Regulations.
- Software exporters outside an SEZ may file the EDF with their AD bank or with STPI.
- STPI certification is optional, not a precondition for your bank to process export proceeds.
- SEZ units still file with the SEZ Development Commissioner, not STPI.
- Whatever else your STPI centre offers continues on its own terms; ask your centre directly.
What changed on 1 October 2026
Under the earlier regime, software exporters prepared SOFTEX forms and had them certified, typically by STPI, before the bank could treat the export as documented. For many small software firms, that certification step was the slowest part of the cycle.
The Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 replaced that with one EDF for goods, services and software. Field 1.1 of the form lets you mark the type of export as Software. The same monthly deadline applies: within 30 days from the end of the month in which the invoice was raised.
The key structural change is that AD banks became specified authorities for software exports alongside STPI. Your bank can receive and process your software EDF directly.
Where software exporters file now
| Your set-up | Where the EDF goes | Is STPI involved? |
|---|---|---|
| Software company outside an SEZ | AD bank or STPI | Optional |
| Software unit inside an SEZ | SEZ Development Commissioner | No |
| Non-software services, outside an SEZ | AD bank | No |
| Mixed software and other services | AD bank (and STPI optional for the software part) | Optional |
If you are unsure which category your unit falls into, check your registration documents and ask your bank. Our glossary entry on specified authority explains the term.
So what does STPI still do
STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) has historically done more than certify SOFTEX forms. Over the years it has been associated with the STP scheme for registered units, infrastructure and facilities in its parks, and incubation support for young companies. How those activities continue after the 2026 change is a matter for STPI's own policies, not the RBI regulations.
So the practical questions for a registered STP unit are:
- Does your STPI registration carry any obligations of its own, separate from the EDF? Check your registration terms.
- Do you use STPI facilities or services that depend on continued registration?
- Does filing the EDF with STPI give you any advantage in your situation, for example consistency with existing records?
We do not list specific STPI services or fees here, because they vary by centre and change over time. Ask your STPI centre what applies to your unit.
Bank or STPI: how to choose
For most small and mid-sized software exporters, filing with the AD bank is simpler. The bank already sees your inward remittances, enters the EDF into EDPMS, and matches payments. One relationship handles everything.
Filing with STPI may still suit you if:
- your unit is registered with STPI and your team has a working routine there;
- your CA prefers to keep the software trail with STPI for continuity with past years; or
- your bank is not yet comfortable processing software EDFs and asks you to use STPI.
Whatever you choose, be consistent. Switching back and forth makes your records harder to follow.
A worked example
Vertex Code Labs Pvt Ltd, a Pune software firm registered with STPI, raised four invoices in October 2026 to clients in the US and Germany: USD 18,000, USD 6,500, EUR 4,200 and EUR 2,800. Previously its accounts manager spent a week each month on SOFTEX forms.
From October, Vertex prepares one EDF with four rows in Part 2B, marks field 1.1 as Software, and submits it to its AD bank by 30 November 2026. It writes to STPI to ask whether its registration requires any separate reporting, and files the reply. If the bank asks Vertex to route software EDFs through STPI for a transition period, Vertex can do that instead.
The SAC codes Vertex uses, such as 998314 for IT design and development, stay the same. Its inward remittances will typically carry purpose codes like P0802 or P0807, which it confirms with the bank. Our article on moving from SOFTEX to the EDF covers the switch step by step.
Things that did not change
The EDF is a FEMA declaration. Dropping SOFTEX does not change your GST position: export of services remains a zero-rated supply when the IGST Act conditions are met, and you still need an LUT if you export without paying IGST. Income tax treatment is also unaffected.
Realisation rules apply equally to software: full value within 9 months from the invoice date, or 12 months where invoiced in rupees. Your bank can extend that period on a reasoned request.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Because RBI amended some provisions on 22 September 2026 and may issue FAQs, keep an eye on the current RBI text and confirm details with your bank or CA.
Frequently asked questions
Is STPI certification still required for software exports?
No. Under the 2026 export regulations, STPI certification is no longer mandatory. AD banks are specified authorities on par with STPI, so a software exporter outside an SEZ can file the EDF directly with its bank.
Can I still file my software EDF with STPI if I want to?
Yes. Software exporters outside an SEZ may submit the EDF to either the AD bank or STPI. If you choose STPI, confirm the centre's current process for receiving EDFs and keep proof of submission.
Does an SEZ software unit file with STPI?
No. Units inside an SEZ file the EDF with the SEZ Development Commissioner. STPI is not the filing point for SEZ units under the 2026 regulations.
Should I cancel my STPI registration now that SOFTEX is gone?
Not automatically. Your registration may be linked to other obligations, facilities or benefits that have nothing to do with SOFTEX. Review your registration terms with your CA and ask your STPI centre before making any change.
Is there a separate software section in the EDF?
There is no separate form, but field 1.1 lets you choose Software as the type of export. You then list each invoice as a row in Part 2B, just as other service exporters do.
Bottom line
STPI is now a choice, not a checkpoint, for software exporters outside SEZs. Prepare your monthly software EDF with our free EDF form generator, decide whether your bank or STPI receives it, and stick with that routine.
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.