Executive Summary:
This circular, effective October 1, 2024, outlines the revised directions for compounding contraventions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, following the notification of the Foreign Exchange Compounding Proceedings Rules, 2024. It specifies which contraventions the Reserve Bank can compound, details the application process, and lists cases ineligible for compounding. The circular also advises Authorized Dealers to enhance their systems for foreign exchange transactions to avoid FEMA contraventions.
Key Points / Main Content:
Compounding Authority and Scope:
* The Reserve Bank is empowered to compound contraventions under Section 13 of FEMA, 1999, excluding those under Section 3(a).
* Compounding is governed by the Foreign Exchange Compounding Proceedings Rules, 2024, superseding the 2000 rules.
* Regional Offices of the Reserve Bank will handle compounding for specific rule/regulation contraventions related to FEMA notifications and Non-Debt Instruments Rules, 2019.
* The FED, CO Cell in New Delhi, will handle contraventions related to Liaison/Branch/Project offices, Non-Resident Foreign Accounts, and Immovable Property.
* Other contraventions can be submitted to the Cell for Effective implementation of FEMA (CEFA), Foreign Exchange Department, Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai.
Application Process:
* Applications can be submitted physically or through the PRAVAAH Portal.
* A non-refundable fee of INR 10,000 plus GST is required, payable via demand draft or electronic transfer.
* The application format is as per the Compounding Rules, 2024, including contact details, Annex II details (FDI, ECB, ODI, BO/LO), and an Annex III undertaking regarding Directorate of Enforcement (DoE) investigation.
* Incomplete applications or those lacking administrative action will be returned, without refund of the fee.
* Applicants must notify the compounding authority of any address/contact detail changes during the application process.
Ineligible Cases:
* Contraventions committed within three years of a similar, previously compounded contravention are ineligible.
* Cases involving money laundering, terror financing, affecting national sovereignty, or failure to pay a previously compounded sum will be referred to the DoE.
* Transactions where the amount is not quantifiable, attracting Section 37A of the Act, where the Adjudicating Authority has already passed an order, or DoE suspects serious contravention are not eligible.
* Contraventions of Section 3(a) of FEMA are not eligible for compounding.
Compounding Procedure:
* The Reserve Bank will examine applications and assess compoundability based on the Compounding Rules, 2024.
* The Compounding Authority may request additional information, and failure to provide it may result in the application's return.
* Factors considered in determining the compounding amount include undue gains, losses to the exchequer, repetitive nature of contravention, and conduct of the contravener.
* The compounding amount can be up to three times the sum involved, based on a computation matrix.
* The Compounding Authority will provide an opportunity for a hearing before passing a compounding order within 180 days of receiving a complete application.
Compounding Order and Payment:
* The Compounding Order will detail the contravention and relevant FEMA provisions.
* A copy of the order will be provided to the applicant and the Adjudicating Authority.
* Summary information about compounding orders passed on or after March 01, 2020, will be hosted on the Reserve Banks website www.rbi.org.in.
* The specified compounding amount must be paid within 15 days via demand draft or electronic transfer.
* Withdrawal or review of the compounding order is not permitted.
* Failure to pay within the specified time nullifies the compounding application.
Impact Analysis:
Authorised Dealer (AD) Category I Banks and Authorised Banks:
* Impact: Required to implement checks and balances in their systems to prevent FEMA contraventions.
* Action Required: Bring the circular's guidelines to the attention of their constituents and ensure compliance with FEMA, 1999 provisions.
Persons Involved in Foreign Exchange Transactions (Applicants/Contraveners):
* Impact: Reduced compliance burden and costs through the compounding of contraventions.
* Action Required: Comply with the application procedures, provide accurate information, and pay the compounding amount within the stipulated timeframe.
Reserve Bank of India (Compounding Authority):
* Impact: Responsible for processing compounding applications, determining eligibility, and issuing compounding orders.
* Action Required: Implement the revised guidelines, assess applications based on the Compounding Rules, and ensure timely processing of applications.
Key Entities Referenced
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999: An Act of the Parliament of India to consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
Reserve Bank of India: The central bank of India, responsible for regulating the banking system and managing the country's currency.
Foreign Exchange Compounding Proceedings Rules, 2024: Rules notified by the Government of India related to compounding of contraventions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Authorised Dealer Category I banks: Banks authorized by the Reserve Bank of India to deal in foreign exchange.
Section 15 of FEMA, 1999: Section of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 that enables compounding of contraventions.
Section 13 of FEMA, 1999: Section of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 that defines contraventions.
Foreign Direct Investment: An investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country.
Directorate of Enforcement: A law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime in India.
RBI/FED/2024-25/78
A.P. (DIR Series) Circular.No.17/2024-25 October 01, 2024
To,
All Authorised Dealer Category – I banks and Authorised banks
Madam / Sir,
Directions - Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999
The provisions of section 15 of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999)
[hereinafter referred to as ‘FEMA, 1999’], enable compounding of contraventions and,
empowers the Reserve Bank to compound any contravention as defined under section
13 of the FEMA, 1999, except the contraventions under section 3 (a) of FEMA, 1999, on
an application made by the person committing such contravention. Government of India
vide Notification G.S.R. 566 (E). dated September 12, 2024, has notified the Foreign
Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2024 in supersession of the Foreign
Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2000.
2. Accordingly, the Directions issued under earlier circulars have been reviewed and the
list of earlier circulars superseded by this circular is given in Appendix.
3. Further, in terms of Section 11 (2) of FEMA, 1999, the Reserve Bank may, for the
purpose of ensuring the compliance with the provisions of the Act or of any rule,
regulation, notification, direction or order made thereunder, direct any authorized person
to furnish such information, in such manner, as it deems fit. Authorised Dealers are
therefore, advised to take necessary steps to ensure that checks and balances are
incorporated in systems relating to dealing with and reporting of foreign exchange
transactions so that contraventions of provisions of FEMA, 1999, attributable to the
Authorised Dealers do not occur. In this connection, it is reiterated that in terms of Section11(3) of FEMA, 1999, the Reserve Bank may impose on the authorized person a penalty
for contravening any direction given by the Reserve Bank under this Act or failing to file
any return as directed by the Reserve Bank.
4. All AD Category – I banks and Authorised banks may bring the guidelines contained
in this circular to the notice of their constituents.
Yours faithfully,
(Dr. Aditya Gaiha)
Chief General Manager in ChargeGuidelines for compounding of contraventions under FEMA, 1999
INDEX
Description Page
1. General 2
2. Compounding of contraventions by Reserve Bank 2
3. Application for Compounding 5
4. Cases not eligible for compounding 6
5. Procedure for Compounding 8
6. Issue of Compounding order 12
7. Payment of the amount for which contravention is compounded 13
Annexure I - Details for payment of Compounding application fee and 15
compounding amount.
Annexure II - Details of transactions relating to Foreign Direct Investment, 19
External Commercial Borrowings, Overseas Direct Investment and Branch
Office / Liaison Office
Annexure III - Undertaking in relation to status of investigation by 22
Directorate of Enforcement
11. General
1.1 In exercise of the powers conferred by section 46 read with sub-section (1) of
Section 15 of FEMA, 1999, the Central Government had formulated/notified the
Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2024 (hereafter referred as
‘Compounding Rules, 2024’) relating to compounding of contraventions under Foreign
Exchange Management Act,1999 (42 of 1999) (hereafter referred as ‘FEMA, 1999’).
1.2 In terms of Section 15 of the FEMA, 1999, any contravention under section 13 of
FEMA 1999 {except that of Section 3(a) of the Act} may, on an application made by
the person committing such contravention (hereafter referred as ‘applicant’), be
compounded within one hundred and eighty days from the date of receipt of such
application, by the officers of the Reserve Bank, as prescribed in Rule 4 of the
Compounding Rules, 2024.
1.3 Accordingly, in terms of Section 13(1) of the Act, if any person contravenes any
provision of FEMA, 1999, or any rule, regulation, notification, direction or order issued
in exercise of the powers under this Act, or contravenes any condition subject to which
an authorization is issued by the Reserve Bank, he shall, upon adjudication, be liable
to a penalty up to thrice the sum involved in such contravention where the amount is
quantifiable, or up to Rupees Two lakhs where the amount is not directly quantifiable,
and where the contravention is a continuing one, further penalty which may extend to
Rupees Five thousand for every day after the first day during which the contravention
continues.
1.4 Accordingly, the facility of compounding of contraventions as specified in Section
15(1) of FEMA, 1999, has been provided to persons involved in foreign exchange
transactions to reduce compliance burden as well as costs wherever violation of the
Act or the Rules and Regulations issued under the Act are involved. However,
compounding of contraventions of cases falling under Rule 4(2) and Rule 9 of the
Compounding Rules, 2024 shall not be compounded.
2. Compounding of the contraventions by the Reserve Bank
2.1 In order to facilitate operational convenience, contraventions of following Rules
and/or Regulations issued under the Act shall be compounded by the compounding
authorities of the Reserve Bank at the Regional Offices.
2Regulations under Regulations under Rules under FEM Regulations
Notification No. Notification No. FEMA (Non–Debt under Notification
FEMA 20/2000-RB 20(R)/2017-RB dated Instruments) No. FEMA
dated May 3, 2000 November 07, 2017 Rules, 2019 dated 395/2019-RB
October 17, 2019 dated October 17,
2019
Paragraph 9(1)(A) of Regulation 13.1(1) Rule 2(k) read with Regulation
Schedule 1 Rule 5 3.1(I)(A)
Paragraph 9(1)(B) of Regulation 13.1(2) Rule 21 Regulation 4(1)
Schedule 1
Paragraph 9(2) of Regulation 13.1(3) Paragraph 3 (b) of Regulation 4(2)
Schedule 1 Schedule I (Issue
of shares without
approval of RBI or
Government,
wherever required)
Paragraph 8 of Paragraph 2 of Rule 4 (Receiving Regulation 4(3)
Schedule 1 Schedule 1 investment in India
from non-resident
or taking on record
transfer of shares
by Investee
Company)
Paragraph 5 of Regulation 11 Rule 9(4) and Rule Regulation 4(6)
Schedule 1 13(3)
Regulation 2(ii) read Regulation 2(v) read Regulation 4(7)
with Regulation 5(1) with Regulation 5
Paragraph 2 or 3 of Regulation 16.B (Issue Regulation 4(11)
Schedule 1 (Issue of of shares without
shares without approval of RBI or
approval of RBI or Government, wherever
Government, required)
wherever required)
Regulation 10A (b)(i) Regulation 13.1(4)
read with paragraph
10 of Schedule 1
Regulation 10B (2) Regulation 4
read with paragraph (Receiving investment
10 of Schedule 1 in India from non-
resident or taking on
record transfer of
shares by investee
company)
3Regulations under Regulations under Rules under FEM Regulations
Notification No. Notification No. FEMA (Non–Debt under Notification
FEMA 20/2000-RB 20(R)/2017-RB dated Instruments) No. FEMA
dated May 3, 2000 November 07, 2017 Rules, 2019 dated 395/2019-RB
October 17, 2019 dated October 17,
2019
Regulation 4 Regulation 13.1(11)
(Receiving
investment in India
from non-resident or
taking on record
transfer of shares by
investee company)
Regulation Regulations 13.1(7)
14(6)(ii)(a) and 13.1(8)
Paragraphs 7(1) (for Regulation 10(5)
the period upto
02.03.2017) and
6(1) (for the period
03.03.2017 to
06.11.2017) of
Schedule 9
Regulation 10(A)(a)
2.2 The contraventions of Rules and/or Regulations related to Liaison/ Branch/ Project
office (LO/ BO/ PO), Non-Resident Foreign Account (NRFAD) and Immovable
Property (IP) shall be compounded by the compounding authorities of the Reserve
Bank attached to the FED, CO, Cell at New Delhi office:
FEMA Notification
FEMA 7/2000-RB, dated 3-5-2000 / FEMA 7(R) /2015-RB dated 21-1-2016 /
Rule 21 of Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Rules, 2022
dated 22-08-2022
FEMA 21/2000-RB, dated 3-5-2000 / FEMA 21(R)/2018-RB, dated 26-3-2018
/Chapter IX of Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules,
2019 dated 17-10-2019
FEMA 22/2000-RB, dated 3-5-2000 / FEMA 22(R) /2016-RB dated 31-3-2016
FEMA 5/2000-RB, dated 3-5-2000 / FEMA 5(R)/2016-RB dated 1-4-16
2.3 Accordingly, compounding applications related to any of the above contraventions
shall be submitted by the applicants to the respective Regional Offices under whose
jurisdiction they fall or to FED, CO Cell, New Delhi, as applicable. With respect to
jurisdiction to be exercised by Regional Offices, any compounding application related
to foreign investment-related contraventions (as mentioned hereinabove) is to be
4submitted to the Regional Office having jurisdiction over the registered office of the
investee Indian company concerned.
2.4 For all other contraventions, applications may be submitted to the Cell for Effective
implementation of FEMA (CEFA), Foreign Exchange Department, Reserve Bank of
India, 11th floor, Central Office Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai -
400001.
3. Application for Compounding
3.1 An applicant may submit a compounding application, along with the relevant
documents, physically or through PRAVAAH Portal of the Reserve Bank, either suo
moto or based on a Memorandum of Contraventions issued by the Reserve Bank.
Where an applicant, after issue of the Memorandum of contraventions issued by the
Reserve Bank, does not opt for compounding within the period as may be stated in the
Memorandum of Contravention, the relevant provisions of the FEMA, 1999, shall apply.
3.2 All compounding applications shall be submitted along with the prescribed fee of
₹10,000/- (plus applicable GST, which at present is 18%) by way of demand draft in
favour of “Reserve Bank of India” and payable at the concerned Regional Office/ CO
Cell, New Delhi/ Central Office or through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT),
or other permissible electronic or online modes of payment. The necessary details for
making the payment through electronic mode is provided in Annexure I. It may be
ensured that intimation of payment of application fee, to respective Regional Office,
CO Cell, or Central Office, as the case may be, shall be made as soon as possible but
not later than 2 hours from time of payment, through an email as per the template
provided in Para B of Annexure I. In such cases, the compounding application must
be accompanied by the payment details including the UTR number evidencing the
payment of the application fee.
3.3 The format of the compounding application is appended to the Compounding
Rules, 2024. Applications submitted to the Reserve Bank must contain the contact
details i.e., Name of the applicant/Authorised official or representative of the applicant,
telephone/ mobile number and email ID.
3.4 Along with the compounding application in the prescribed format, the applicant
5shall also furnish the details as per Annex-II relating to Foreign Direct Investment,
External Commercial Borrowings, Overseas Direct Investment and Branch Office/
Liaison Office, as applicable; a copy of the Memorandum of Association, if available,
and an undertaking as per Annex-III regarding enquiry/ investigation/ adjudication by
Directorate of Enforcement (DOE).
3.5 A compounding application shall be returned where administrative action has not
been completed by the applicant or the application is incomplete, or the application fee
has not been paid by the applicant. The application fee, if paid, shall not be returned
in case of return of the compounding application. However, in case such applications
are re-submitted, then the application fee need not be paid again.
3.6 The applicants are also advised to bring changes, if any, in the address/ contact
details of the applicant to the notice of the compounding authority, during the pendency
of the compounding application with the Reserve Bank.
3.7 In case of an incomplete application, wherever the applicant is allowed by the
Reserve Bank to submit any necessary information or documents within a reasonable
time, then the date of receipt of such information or documents, as the case may be,
shall be taken as the date of receipt of the application.
4. Certain cases not eligible for compounding
4.1 In respect of a contravention committed by any person (applicant) within a period
of three years from the date on which a similar contravention was committed and the
same was compounded, such contraventions shall not be compounded, and the
relevant provisions of the Act shall apply. Any contravention committed after the expiry
of a period of three years from the date on which a similar contravention was previously
compounded shall be deemed to be a first contravention.
4.2 No compounding application shall be processed unless the requisite
administrative action is completed by the applicant.
Explanation: Administrative action shall mean such action as may be necessary with
respect to the transactions involved in such contravention (as per Rule 8(1) of the
Compounding Rules, 2024) and shall include such corrective action that shall be
6undertaken by the applicant to bring the transaction involved in contravention in
compliance with applicable provisions of FEMA. An indicative (but not exhaustive) list
of such administrative actions include:
(i) Obtaining requisite approvals/ permissions from the Government or Reserve
Bank or any other statutory authority concerned, as case may be;
(ii) Unwinding/ reversing the transaction;
(iii) Repatriating the receivables due;
(iv) Compliance with pricing guidelines or submission of valuation certificate;
(v) Compliance with reporting requirements;
(vi) any other such corrective action as may be required
4.3 Contraventions of serious nature viz. transactions suspected of money
laundering, terror financing or affecting sovereignty and integrity of the nation or where
the contravener fails to pay the sum for which contravention was compounded within
the specified period in terms of the compounding order, shall be referred to the DoE
for further investigation and necessary action under the Act.
4.4 Further, in terms of the Rule 9 of Compounding Rules, 2024, transactions, in
which amount involved is not quantifiable or, attracting provisions of Section 37A of the
Act or, where the Adjudicating Authority has already passed an order imposing penalty
under section 13 of the Act or where the DoE is of the view that the compounding
proceeding relates to a serious contravention suspected of money laundering, terror
financing or affecting sovereignty and integrity of the nation, contraventions of such
transactions shall not be eligible for compounding by the Reserve Bank.
4.5 Also, in terms of Rule 4(1) of Compounding Rules, 2024, transactions involving
contravention of Section 3(a) of the Act shall not be eligible for compounding by the
Reserve Bank.
4.6 It is clarified that whenever a contravention is identified by the Reserve Bank or
brought to its notice by the person involved in contravention, the Reserve Bank shall
examine whether:
(i) such contravention(s) may be compounded, and necessary compounding
procedure must be followed or
7(ii) the issues involved are sensitive / serious in nature and, therefore, need to be
referred to the DoE for adjudication or further investigation.
5. Procedure for compounding
5.1 On receipt of an application, the Reserve Bank shall examine the application
based on the documents and submissions made in the application and assess whether
contravention can be compounded in accordance with the Compounding Rules, 2024
and, if so, the sum involved in the contravention.
5.2 The Compounding Authority may call for any information, or any other documents
relevant to the compounding proceedings. In case the contravener fails to submit the
additional information/documents called for within the specified period, the application
for compounding shall be liable to be returned.
5.3 The following factors, which are only indicative, shall be taken into consideration
for the purpose of passing compounding order and determining amount on payment of
which contravention shall be compounded:
a) Undue gains i.e., the amount of gain of unfair advantage, wherever
quantifiable, made as a result of the contravention (or) economic benefits
accruing to the contravener from delayed compliance or compliance avoided;
b) the amount of loss caused to any authority/ exchequer as a result of the
contravention;
c) the repetitive nature of the contravention, the track record and/or history of non-
compliance of the contravener;
d) contravener’s conduct in undertaking the transaction and in disclosure of full
facts in the application and submissions made during the personal hearing; and
any other factor as considered relevant and appropriate.
5.4 As per provisions under section 13 of FEMA,1999, the compounding amount can
be up to three times the sum involved in the contravention. The compounding amount
payable is calculated based on guidance note given below. It may, however, be noted
that the guidance note is meant only for the purpose of broadly indicating the basis on
which the compounding amount is derived by the compounding authorities in the
8Reserve Bank. The actual compounding amount payable may sometimes vary,
depending on the circumstances of the case considering the factors indicated in the
foregoing paragraph.
I. Guidance Note on Computation Matrix
Type of contravention Formula
1] Reporting/ Fixed amount: INR 10,000/- (applied once for each
submission regulation/ rule contravened, in a compounding application)
Contraventions under plus
provisions of
Variable amount:
i. FEMA 20/ FEMA
20(R)/ FEMA 395 Compounding amount
Amount under
that may be imposed
ii. FEMA 3/ FEMA Contravention (in INR)
(in INR)
3(R)
Less than 10 lakh 1,000 per Year
iii. FEMA 120/ FEMA
400
10 lakhs or more and below 40 2,500 per year
iv. Any other reporting lakhs
contraventions
40 lakhs or more and below 100 7,000 per year
(except those in
lakhs
Row 2 below and
of LO/BO/PO) 1 crore or more and below 10 50,000 per year
crore
10 crore or more and below 100 100,000 per year
Crore
100 crores and above 200,000 per year
As above, subject to ceiling of INR 2 lakhs. In case of Project
v. Reporting
Office, the amount imposed shall be calculated on 10% of total
contraventi
project cost.
ons by LO/
BO/ PO
2] Submission of AAC/ INR 10,000 per AAC/ APR/ FCGPR (B) / FLA Return delayed.
APR/ FLAR/ Share
Delayed/Non receipt of share certificate – INR.10000/- per
certificate
year, the total amount being subject to ceiling of 300% of the
Non-submission/ amount invested.
delayed submission of
i. APR/ share
certificates (FEMA
120/ FEMA 400) or
ii. AAC (FEMA 22/
FEMA 22(R)) or
iii. FCGPR (B) or FLA
Returns - FEMA 20
/ FEMA 20 (R) /
FEMA 120/ FEMA
395/ FEMA 400
9Fixed Amount: INR 30,000/- (applied once for each regulation/
3]
rule contravened, in a compounding application) plus
A] Allotment/ Refunds
Non-allotment of shares
Variable amount:
or allotment/ refund after
Variable amount that
the stipulated period for
Period of delay/ non may be imposed as
Foreign Investment
submission, as applicable percentage of "amount
B] Contraventions under contravention"
(Other than the reporting Less than 1 year 0.30%
contraventions 1 year and above but less than 2 0.35%
mentioned in Para 1(v) years
above) by LO/ BO/ PO
2 years and above but less than 3 0.40%
years
3 years and above but less than 4 0.45%
years
4 years and above but less than 5 0.50%
years
5 years or more 0.75%
(For project offices the amount of contravention shall be
deemed to be 10% of the cost of project).
Fixed Amount: INR 5,00,000/- (applied once for each
4] Any contravention
regulation/ rule contravened, in a compounding application)
pertaining to issuance
plus
of any guarantee (other
than reporting
Variable amount:
contraventions)
Variable amount that
may be imposed as
Duration of contravention
percentage of "amount
under contravention"
Less than 1 year 0.050%
1 year and above but less than 2
0.055%
years
2 years and above but less than 3
0.060%
years
3 years and above but less than 4
0.065%
years
4 years and above but less than 5
0.070%
years
5 years or more 0.075%
In case the contravention includes issue of guarantees for raisin
loans which are invested back into India, the amount impose
may be trebled.
5] All other non- Fixed Amount: INR 50,000/- (applied once for each regulation/
reporting contraventions rule contravened, in a compounding application) plus
Variable amount:
10Variable amount that
may be imposed as
Duration of contravention
percentage of "amount
under contravention"
Less than 1 year 0.50%
1 year and above but less than 2
0.55%
years
2 years and above but less than 3
0.60%
years
3 years and above but less than 4
0.65%
years
4 years and above but less than 5
0.70%
years
5 years or more 0.75%
II. The above amounts are presently subject to the following provisos, viz.
i. The compounding amount payable shall not exceed 300% of the sum involved
in contravention.
ii. In case the sum involved in contravention is less than Rupees one lakh, the total
compounding amount payable shall not be more than amount of simple interest
@5% p.a. calculated on the sum involved in contravention and for the period of
contravention in case of reporting contraventions and @10% p.a. in respect of
all other contraventions.
iii. In case of paragraph 8 of Schedule I to FEMA 20/2000 RB contraventions, the
compounding amount payable will be further graded as under:
a. If the shares are allotted after 180 days without the prior approval of
Reserve Bank, 1.25 times the amount calculated as per table above
(subject to provisos at (i) & (ii) above).
b. If the shares are not allotted and the amount is refunded after 180 days
with the Bank’s permission: 1.50 times the amount calculated as per table
above (subject to provisos at (i) & (ii) above).
c. If the shares are not allotted and the amount is refunded after 180 days
without the Bank’s permission: 1.75 times the amount calculated as per
table above (subject to provisos at (i) & (ii) above).
iv. In cases where it is established that the contravener has made undue gains, the
11amount thereof may be neutralized to a reasonable extent by adding the same
to the compounding amount calculated as per matrix above.
v. If an applicant against whom a compounding order had been passed earlier and
applicant didn’t pay the compounding amount as mentioned in such order and
reapplies for compounding of contravention relating to the same transaction, the
amount calculated as above may be enhanced by 50% of earlier compounding
amount subject to sub-para (i) above.
III. For calculating compounding amount in respect of reporting contraventions under
para I.1 of above matrix, the period of contravention may be considered
proportionately {(approx. rounded off to next higher month ÷ 12) X amount for 1 year}.
The total no. of days does not exclude Sundays/holidays.
6. Issue of the Compounding Order
6.1 The Compounding Authority shall pass a compounding order after affording an
opportunity of being heard to the applicant as expeditiously as possible and not later
than 180 days from the date of receipt of such compounding application by Reserve
Bank and complete in all respects, on the basis of the averments made in the
application as well as other documents and submissions made in this context by the
contravener during the personal hearings.
6.2 If the applicant opts for the personal hearing, the Reserve Bank would
encourage the applicant to appear either personally or through a virtual mode rather
than being represented / accompanied by legal experts / consultants, as compounding
is a voluntary process and only for admitted contraventions. Appearing for or opting
out of personal hearing does not have any bearing whatsoever on the compounding
amount that may be specified in the compounding order. If the applicant does not opt
for personal hearing or absents on the day of hearing, Compounding Authority may
pass the order based on available information/ documents.
6.3 The Compounding Order shall specify the provisions of the FEMA, 1999 or any
rule, regulation, notification, direction, or order issued in exercise of the powers under
FEMA, 1999 in respect of which contravention has taken place along with details of
the contravention.
126.4 One copy of the compounding order shall be provided to the applicant and another
copy shall also be provided to the Adjudicating Authority, where the compounding of
any contravention is made after making of a complaint under sub- section (3) of section
16 of the FEMA, as the case may be.
6.5 The summary information about the compounding orders passed on or after March
01, 2020, shall be hosted on the Reserve Bank’s website (www.rbi.org.in) in the
following format:
Sr. Name of Details of Date of Amount imposed
No. the contraventions compounding for compounding
Applicant order of contraventions
(provisions of the
Act/Regulation/Rules
compounded)
7. Payment of the amount for which contravention is compounded.
7.1 The compounding amount as specified in the compounding order shall be paid by
way of demand draft in favour of the “Reserve Bank of India” or National Electronic
Fund Transfer (NEFT), or Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), or such other
permissible electronic or online modes of payment within 15 days from the date of the
order of compounding of such contravention. The manner in which the demand draft
has to be drawn and deposited/ details of bank account for transferring through
electronic mode of payment shall be indicated in the compounding order. It may be
ensured that intimation of payment of amount for which contravention is compounded
shall be made as soon as possible, but not later than 2 hours from time of payment in
the template provided in Para B of Annexure I.
7.2 The provisions of Compounding Rules, 2024, do not confer any right to the
contravener, after a compounding order is passed, to seek to withdraw the order or
to hold that the compounding order is void or request review of the order passed by
the Compounding Authority.
7.3 In case of failure to pay the sum compounded within the time specified in the
compounding order and Compounding Rules, 2024, it shall be deemed that the
contravener had never made an application for compounding of any contravention
under these Rules.
137.4 In respect of the contraventions of the FEMA, 1999 which are not compounded by
the Compounding Authority, the provisions of the Act for contravention shall apply to
such person.
7.5 On realization of the sum for which contravention is compounded, a certificate in
this regard shall be issued by the Reserve Bank subject to the specified conditions, if
any, in the order.
**********************************************************
14Annexure I
A. Bank account for making payment of compounding application fee and
compounding amount by way of electronic or online mode of payment.
S.No RBI’s Regional Account No. IFSC Code Email Id
Office
1 Ahmedabad 186003001 RBIS0AHPA01 fedahmedabad@rbi.org.in
2 Andhra Pradesh 186003001 RBIS0APPA01 fedapro@rbi.org.in
3 Bengaluru 8024133 RBIS0BGPA01 firmsbengaluru@rbi.org.in
4 Bhopal 186003001 RBIS0BLPA01 fedbhopal@rbi.org.in
5 Bhubaneswar 186003001 RBIS0BBPA01 fedbhubaneswar@rbi.org.in
6 Chandigarh 186003001 RBIS0CGPA01 fedchandigarh@rbi.org.in
7 Chennai 186003001 RBIS0CNPA01 helpfirmschennai@rbi.org.in
8 Guwahati 186003001 RBIS0GWPA01 fedguwahati@rbi.org.in
9 Hyderabad 186003001 RBIS0NEFTHY fedhyderabad@rbi.org.in
10 Jaipur 186003001 RBIS0JPPA01 fedjaipur@rbi.org.in
11 Jammu 8714295 RBIS0JMPA01 fedjammu@rbi.org.in
12 Kanpur 186003001 RBIS0KNPA01 fedkanpur@rbi.org.in
13 Kochi 186003001 RBIS0KCPA01 fedrbikochi@rbi.org.in
14 Kolkata 186003001 RBIS0KLPA01 fedkolkata@rbi.org.in
15 Mumbai 4802413301 RBIS0MBPA04 fedmro@rbi.org.in
16 New Delhi 186003001 RBIS0NDPA01 fednewdelhi@rbi.org.in
17 Panaji 186003001 RBIS0PJPA01 fedpanaji@rbi.org.in
18 Patna 186003001 RBIS0PTPA01 fedpatna@rbi.org.in
Details of Central office and CO Cell, New Delhi
1 Central Office, 41861403801 RBIS0MBPA04 fedcocefa@rbi.org.in
Mumbai
2 FED CO Cell, 186003001 RBIS0NDPA01 fedconewdelhi@rbi.org.in
New Delhi
15Annexure I
B. Mail to be sent (as soon as possible but not later than 2 hours from the time of
payment) to RBI Regional Office / Central office/ CO Cell, New Delhi post making payment
of compounding application fee/ compounding amount*. (A copy of the mail sent to RBI
office may also be included along with the application form).
SUBJECT: - ……………….(Please provide name of the applicant) - Details of payment
made for compounding application fee / compounding amount * through electronic or
online mode of payment
Sir/ Madam,
In reference to captioned subject, it is brought to your notice that compounding application fee/
compounding amount has been paid by ………………..(name of the applicant). Details of the
transaction are as below.
a. Compounding application reference no.# :
b. Mode of payment [NEFT/ RTGS/ Others (please specify)]:
c. Unique Transaction reference (UTR) No.:
d. Name of A/c holder:
e. A/c No.:
f. IFSC:
g. Branch Name:
h. Bank Name:
i. Date of payment:
j. In case of resubmission of application, details of UTR and date of payment of
earlier application fee:
2. In view of the above, you are requested to take the aforesaid compounding
application fee/ compounding amount* payment on record.
Regards,
XXXXX
* Strike off whichever is not applicable
# Compounding application reference no. is the alphanumeric code mentioned in the order and may only be
filled for payment of compounding amount but not for compounding application fee.
16Annexure I
C. Details of RBI Offices for submission of compounding application
S.No RBI’s Regional Office Address
1 Ahmedabad Reserve Bank of India
Near Gandhi Bridge, Ahmedabad, India.
Tel: 079 -27540943/ 27540093
2 Andhra Pradesh Reserve Bank of India
1st Floor and 3rd Floor, 6-1-56, Secretariat Road,
Saifabad, Hyderabad-500004.
Tel: 040-2323 2785
3 Bengaluru Reserve Bank of India
P.B No. 5467, 10/3/8, Nrupathunga Road,
Bengaluru - 560001
Tel: 080-22212789,
4 Bhopal Reserve Bank of India
Hoshangabad Road, P.B. No.32,
Bhopal-462011.
Tel: 0755-2550233
5 Bhubaneswar Reserve Bank of India
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, P.B.No.16,
Bhubaneswar - 751001, Odisha,
Tel: 0674-2392800
6 Chandigarh Reserve Bank of India
Central Vista, Sector 17, Chandigarh - 160017.
Tel: 0172-2721071,
7 Chennai Reserve Bank of India
Fort Glacis, No. 16, Rajaji Salai, Chennai -600001
Tel: 044 – 2536 1631
8 Guwahati Reserve Bank of India,
Pan Bazaar, Station Road, Guwahati- 781001
Tel: 0361-3513072
9 Hyderabad Reserve Bank of India
6-1-56, Secretariat Road, Saifabad,
Hyderabad-500004.
17Tel: 040-23230863/ 23267300
10 Jaipur Reserve Bank of India
Rambagh Circle, Tonk Road, Jaipur-302004.
Tel: 0141-2563794/ 2577961
11 Jammu Reserve Bank of India
Rail Head Complex, Jammu - 180012.
Tel: 0191-247 0061
12 Kanpur Reserve Bank of India,
Post Box No. 82/142,
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kanpur- 208001.
Tel: 0512-2305949
13 Kochi Reserve Bank of India
Banerji Road, Ernakulam North,
Post Box No. 3065, Kochi - 682018.
Tel: 0484-2402911/ 2400985
14 Kolkata Reserve Bank of India
15, N S Road, Kolkata - 700001
Tel: 033-22303299
15 Mumbai Reserve Bank of India,
Mumbai Regional Office,
Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Tel: 022 - 22704715
16 New Delhi Reserve Bank of India
6, Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110001.
Tel: 011-23325225
17 Panaji Reserve Bank of India
7th Floor, Gera's Imperium-II
Patto, Panaji - 403001,
Tel: 0832-2467888
18 Patna Reserve Bank of India
South Gandhi Maidan,
Patna - 800001, India.
Tel: 0612-2323291/2323109
18Annexure II
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Details to be furnished along with application for compounding of contravention relating
to Foreign Direct Investment in India
• Name of the applicant
• Date of incorporation
• Income-tax PAN
• Nature of activities under taken (Please give NIC code – 1987 / 2008)
• Brief particulars about the foreign investor
• Details of foreign inward remittances received by Applicant Company from date of
incorporation till date
Table A
Sl.No. Name of Total Date of Reported to RBI Delay if any
Remitter Amount Receipt on*
(INR)
Total
* date of reporting to RBI and not AD
Table B
Name of allotment of Number of Amount for Date of Delay if
Investor Date of shares which shares reporting to any
shares allotted allotted RBI*
Total
* date of reporting to RBI and not AD
Table C
Sl. Name of Total Date of Excess Date of Amount RBI
No. Remitter Amount Receipt share refund of in forex Approval
(INR) application share letter and
money Application date
money
Total
19Annexure II
Table D
Authorised Capital
Sl. Date Authorised With effect Date of Board Date of filing with
No. Capital from meeting ROC
A= B+C
Please give supporting documents
Table A - Copies of FIRC with date stamp of receipt at RBI
Table B - Copies of FCGPR with date stamp of receipt at RBI
Table C – letter seeking refund/ allotment of shares- approval letter from RBI A2 form
• Copies of Balance Sheet during the period of receipt of share application money
• and allotment of shares
• Nature of contravention and reasons for the contravention
External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)
Details to be furnished along with application for compounding of contravention relating
to External Commercial Borrowing
• Name of the applicant
• Date of incorporation
• Income-tax PAN
• Nature of activities under taken (Please give NIC code – 1987)
• Brief particulars about the foreign lender
• Is the applicant an eligible borrower?
• Is the lender eligible lender?
• Is the lender an equity holder?
• What is the level of his holding at the time of loan agreement?
• Details of ECB
• Date of Loan agreement
• Amount in Foreign Currency and Indian Rupee
• Rate of interest
• Period of loan
• Repayment particulars
Date of draw Amount in Foreign Amount in
down Currency INR
• Details of draw down
• Details of LRN Number- application and receipt
• Details of ECB 2 returns submitted; Period of return: Date of submission
• Details of Utilization of ECB in Foreign Currency and Indian Rupee
20Annexure II
• Nature of contravention and reasons for the contravention
• All supporting documents may be submitted
Overseas Direct Investment (ODI)
Details to be furnished along with application for compounding of contravention relating to
Overseas Investment
• Name of the applicant
• Date of incorporation
• Income-tax PAN
• Nature of activities under taken (Please give NIC code – 1987)
• Name of Overseas entity
• Date of incorporation of overseas entity
• Nature of activities under taken by overseas entity
• Nature of entity- WOS/JV
• Details of remittance sent- Date of remittance; Amount in FCY and in INR
• Details of other financial Commitment
• Details of UIN applied and received
• Date of receipt of share certificate
• Approval of other regulators if required
• Details of APRs submitted: For the period ended; date of submission
• Nature of contravention and reasons for the contravention
• All supporting documents may be submitted
Branch Office / Liaison Office
Details to be furnished along with application for compounding of contravention relating
to Branch/Liaison Office in India
• Name of the applicant
• Date of incorporation
• Income-tax PAN
• Nature of activities under taken (Please give NIC code – 1987)
• Date of approval for opening of Liaison Office/ Branch Office
• Validity period of the approval
• Income and expenditure of the LO/BO
• Dates of submission of Annual activity Certificates
• Nature of contravention and reasons for the contravention
• All supporting documents may be submitted.
21Annexure III
UNDERTAKING
(On the letterhead of the applicant)
* I/We (Name of the applicant) hereby confirm/declare that I/we
am/are not under any enquiry/investigation/adjudication by Directorate of Enforcement, as on the
date of this application.
I/We further undertake to inform to the Compounding Authority / Reserve Bank of India immediately,
in writing, if any enquiry/investigation/adjudication proceedings are initiated by the Directorate of
Enforcement against me/us at any time hereafter but on or before the date of issuance of the
compounding order in respect of the compounding application filed by me/us.’
OR
*I/We (Name of the applicant) hereby confirm/declare that I/we
am/are or was/were under enquiry/investigation/adjudication by Directorate of Enforcement, and
the details are given in the Annex.
I/We further undertake and confirm that no adjudication order has been passed by the Adjudicating
Authority in respect of the contraventions for which this compounding application is being submitted.
I/We further undertake to inform to the Compounding Authority / Reserve Bank of India immediately,
in writing, if any such order is passed at any time hereafter but on or before the date of issuance of
the compounding order in respect of the compounding application filed by me/us.
(* Strike out one)
Signature of the authorised signatory
22Appendix
List of A.P. (DIR Series) Circulars superseded.
S.No A.P (DIR Series) Circular Date
1 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 31 February 1, 2005
2 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 56 June 28, 2010
3 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 57 December 13, 2011
4 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 11 July 31, 2012
5 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 76 January 17, 2013
6 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 20 August 12, 2013
7 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 117 April 4, 2014
8 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 36 October 16, 2014
9 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 73 May 26, 2016
10 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 29 February 02, 2017
11 A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 6 November 17, 2020
23