30 October 2013
It is not mandatory, but yes if you take registration under companies Act, 1956 then the provision as applicable to establishment of place of business in India will similarly apply to project office.
31 October 2013
The company incorporated outside india and has branch office in india (Foreign Company as per Section 591 of the companies Act). The company is engaged in the business of exploration and extraction of oil and gas. The GOI has granted around 8 Projects to the said compnay (Offshore Project Office). Do i required to maintain separate books of accounts for 8 Project Office and 1 Branch Office ? or Can i maintain 1 consolidated Financial Statement?
24 July 2024
Under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) and the Companies Act, the applicability of sections 591 to 608 in the context of project offices and branch offices of foreign companies in India can be understood as follows:
### FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act):
1. **Project Office and Branch Office:** - A project office is typically established by a foreign company in India for executing a specific project. It operates under specific guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). - A branch office is another form of establishment where the foreign company extends its operations in India, usually for trading, manufacturing, or providing services.
2. **Books of Accounts:** - According to FEMA regulations, project offices and branch offices are required to maintain separate books of accounts. - Each project office should maintain accounts specifically related to the project it is undertaking. - Similarly, a branch office should maintain accounts reflecting its business activities in India.
3. **Financial Reporting:** - While separate books of accounts are mandatory, FEMA does not specify the requirement for separate financial statements for each project office. - Typically, a foreign company with multiple project offices in India would prepare consolidated financial statements that include the financial results of all its operations, including branch and project offices.
### Companies Act:
1. **Applicability of Sections 591 to 608:** - Sections 591 to 608 of the Companies Act, 1956 (and their corresponding sections in the Companies Act, 2013) pertain to the registration and regulation of branch offices of foreign companies in India. - These sections specify the obligations regarding registration, maintenance of accounts, and filing of financial statements for branch offices.
2. **Separate Books of Accounts:** - Similar to FEMA requirements, the Companies Act mandates that branch offices maintain separate books of accounts in India. - Each branch office's financial statements should reflect its financial performance and position in accordance with Indian accounting standards.
### Conclusion:
- **FEMA:** Project offices and branch offices of foreign companies in India must maintain separate books of accounts. However, while project offices need to maintain separate accounts for each project, there is no explicit requirement under FEMA to prepare separate financial statements for each project office. - **Companies Act:** Section 591 to 608 of the Companies Act applies to branch offices, necessitating compliance with registration, maintenance of accounts, and filing of financial statements.
For precise compliance requirements and detailed guidance tailored to your specific situation (such as handling multiple project offices), consulting with a professional who specializes in FEMA and corporate law in India is advisable. They can provide insights into specific reporting obligations, regulatory updates, and ensure compliance with both FEMA and the Companies Act.
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