Can someone explain GR Waiver to me?

Import / Export 12563 views 2 replies

Kunal Vanjare

27 Points Posted on 15 December 2023

Hello, I had recently done two import transactions through UPS and my bank has brought to my notice today that the bank's AD Code & IEC Branch Code were not mentioned in the Bill of Entries.

Upon asking, UPS gave the clarification that the nature of shipment was marked as 'Samples' and hence AD Code & IEC Branch Code were not mentioned.

Now thankfully the bank has managed to clear this matter since they were small value transactions, but have asked me to apply for 'GR Waiver' going ahead.

I have tried to google this and whatever little I could find was applying to Exports of goods w.r.t exemption of duty. Requesting someone to help me explain what GR Waiver is and how does it apply to Imports?

Replies (2)

Quick Summary

GR Waiver is approval from an AD bank to waive GR/SDF form requirements in certain import or export cases like samples, free-of-cost goods, repairs, or intra-company transfers. It helps regularize transactions where AD Code or IEC details are missing in shipping documents.

Money Money

433 Points Posted on 16 December 2023

GR Waiver is a document issued by an Authorized Dealer (AD) bank that waives the requirement of filing a GR Form or SDF Form for certain types of exports or imports. GR Form or SDF Form is a declaration by the exporter or importer to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that guarantees the realization of the export or import proceeds within a specified period1.

According to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2000, GR Waiver can be granted by the AD bank for the following cases of exports or imports2:

Export or import of goods free of cost, for export promotion or as trade samples, up to a certain limit
Export or import of goods for repair, replacement, or re-import
Export or import of goods on lease, hire, or loan basis
Export or import of goods on elongated credit terms
Export or import of goods under counter-trade arrangements
Export or import of goods by Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Export or import of currency
In your case, since the nature of shipment was marked as ‘Samples’, you may be eligible for GR Waiver, subject to the approval of your AD bank. You will have to submit a GR Waiver form along with the shipping bill or bill of entry to the customs authorities at the port of export or import34. You can download the GR Waiver form from the RBI website or from the How to Export Import website5.

I hope this helps you understand the concept of GR Waiver and its relevance to your transactions. If you have any further queries, you can contact your AD bank or the RBI for more guidance.