SOFTEX is gone: what replaced it on 1 October 2026

Software exporters declared their off-site software exports on the SOFTEX form, usually certified by STPI or the SEZ authority, and the bank tracked each export against it.

Only software and IT exports were covered. A designer, a consultant or a marketing agency billing clients abroad had no equivalent declaration.

• The EDF is filed with your AD bank, once a month, within 30 days of the month’s end.
• Each invoice on it has to be paid within 9 months, or 12 if invoiced in rupees.
• Details are in the EDF guide.

1. 1Stop raising SOFTEX forms for invoices dated 1 October 2026 or later.
2. 2Ask your AD bank how it wants the monthly EDF: at the branch, by email or through its portal, and whether it has its own template.
3. 3Get your bank’s AD code if you do not have it.
4. 4File one EDF a month listing every export invoice. October 2026's is due by 30 November 2026.

Is SOFTEX still required after 1 October 2026?

Not for exports of services invoiced from 1 October 2026. They go on the monthly EDF instead.

Is the EDF only for software?

No. The EDF covers every export of services: development, design, consulting, marketing, content and the rest.

• RBI, Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB), and amendment FEMA 23(R)/(1)/2026-RB of 22 September 2026

• Export Declaration Form (EDF) for servicesFrom 1 October 2026 every Indian exporter of services, freelancers included, files one EDF a month with their AD bank.
• AD codeThe AD (Authorised Dealer) code identifies the bank branch and account that handle your export payments.
• Export payment deadlineUnder FEMA, payment for an export of services has to reach India within 9 months of the invoice, or 12 months if invoiced in rupees.
• SAC code for software development998314: Information technology (IT) design and development services