Applicability of FEMA/RBIguidelines on Loan frm Foreignbank

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

28 July 2010 A proprietary concern (small scale industry) in packaging industry want to import machine worth 1200,000 Euros.

70% of the project cost is financed by Swedish Bank with quarterly re-payment terms spread over 5 years from the installation of machinery by end 2010.
Necessary documentation to finance this project is submitted through Swedish EKN (Export Credit Council).

The repayments from proprietary concern are scheduled through their bankers "Punjab National Bank".

Now,Is there any restrictions / guidelines from RBI or under FEMA on such loans in terms of Loan Amount / re-payment period?

srinath

srinath (Expert)
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28 July 2010

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

30 July 2010 Please post the reply!

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Asha Kanta Sharma online

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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14 July 2024 In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates foreign exchange transactions and loans under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Here are the guidelines and restrictions that may apply to loans like the one your proprietary concern is considering:

### Guidelines under FEMA for Foreign Loans:

1. **Eligibility for Foreign Loans**: Indian entities, including proprietary concerns (sole proprietorships), are allowed to obtain foreign currency loans subject to certain conditions and limits prescribed by RBI.

2. **Loan Amount**: RBI typically sets limits on the amount of foreign currency loans that can be taken by Indian entities. The exact limit can vary based on factors such as the size and nature of the business, creditworthiness, and purpose of the loan.

3. **Repayment Period**: FEMA regulations also specify the permissible repayment period for foreign loans. The repayment period is generally based on the nature of the project or the asset being financed. For machinery and equipment, RBI guidelines often allow repayment over a period that aligns with the useful life of the asset, typically up to 5-7 years or longer in some cases.

4. **Interest Rates**: RBI may impose guidelines on the interest rates that can be charged on foreign currency loans to ensure they are within a reasonable range and do not create undue financial burden on the borrower.

5. **Use of Loans**: Foreign currency loans must be used for the specific purposes for which they are approved, such as importing machinery in this case. The funds should not be used for speculative or prohibited activities.

### Compliance and Documentation:

- **Approval and Documentation**: Indian entities must comply with RBI's approval process for obtaining foreign currency loans. This involves submitting necessary documentation and obtaining clearance from RBI or authorized banks (AD banks) for the loan amount, repayment terms, and other conditions.

- **Reporting Requirements**: Entities receiving foreign loans are required to comply with reporting requirements to RBI or AD banks regarding the utilization of loan proceeds, repayment schedules, and other relevant financial information.

### Specific to Your Case:

- **Loan Amount**: The loan amount of 1200,000 Euros (assuming it is 1.2 million Euros) would need to be within permissible limits set by RBI for foreign currency loans to proprietary concerns.

- **Repayment Period**: The repayment period over 5 years aligns with typical guidelines for machinery and equipment financing under FEMA, but specific approval and adherence to RBI guidelines are required.

### Conclusion:

Before proceeding with the foreign currency loan for importing the machinery, your proprietary concern should:

- Verify with Punjab National Bank or an authorized dealer bank about the specific RBI guidelines and limits applicable to the loan amount and repayment period.
- Ensure compliance with all documentation requirements and approval processes under FEMA.
- Maintain proper records and adhere to reporting requirements as mandated by RBI.

Seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor or consulting directly with Punjab National Bank or an authorized dealer bank would be prudent to ensure full compliance with RBI regulations and smooth processing of the foreign loan.