EDF Form for Freelancers & Service Exporters

The Export Declaration Form (EDF) is required by authorized dealer banks in India to process inward remittances for the export of goods and software services. We provide a private tool to prepare a draft PDF instantly.

What is the EDF Form?

The Export Declaration Form (EDF) replaced the older GR/SDF forms. It is used to declare the export of goods and software from India. For software exporters, freelancers, and IT agencies receiving payments from foreign clients, banks often request an EDF or an equivalent purpose declaration before crediting foreign inward remittances (FIRC) to your account.

Who needs it?

• Software Developers exporting IT services to clients in the US, UK, or Europe.
• Freelancers receiving direct bank wires via SWIFT.
• Agencies that need to provide their authorized dealer bank with documentation of the service export.

EDF vs SOFTEX

For software exports, the RBI mandates the SOFTEX form for bulk/corporate exports filed through the STPI (Software Technology Parks of India). However, for individual freelancers and small agencies, many authorized dealer banks accept a standard Export Declaration (often referred to informally as an EDF or purpose declaration) for non-STPI service exports under $25,000. Always confirm the exact requirement with your specific bank branch.