End-to-end SOFTEX form filing for IT and software exporters. We handle STP and NSTP registration, SOFTEX number generation, online filing and certification, monthly and quarterly performance reports, CA-certified Annual Performance Reports, and corrections to past filings.
Indian export regulations require exporters to declare the value of goods leaving the country through the Export Declaration Form (formerly the GR and PP forms). This lets foreign exchange from exports be tracked and regulated.
Software exported electronically created a challenge: there is no physical product for Customs to examine and value. To solve this, the government introduced the SOFTEX form for software exports in non-physical form, and set up Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). STPI acts as the authority that certifies the value of software exports declared in SOFTEX forms.
Under RBI and FEMA regulations, companies exporting software and IT services through data communication links or digital platforms must declare those exports in a SOFTEX form and get it certified.
Software products and services, including design, development, implementation, deployment and maintenance.
Services supported by information technology, such as BPO, KPO and data processing, where covered by the reporting requirements.
The requirement applies to units registered under the STP or SEZ schemes, and also to exporters that are not registered under either scheme, known as non-STP (NSTP) units. Failing to report exports and obtain SOFTEX certification can lead to unreconciled export entries with your bank, delays in closing them, and penalties under FEMA. Low-value exports below the prescribed threshold may be exempt from declaration, so each case should be checked.
We act as a one-stop shop for all STPI compliance. For recurring compliance, we follow an extensive checklist to review every application before submission.
We prepare and submit the application, with the nominal fee and supporting documents:
The MPR tracks the export certification of STP and NSTP units every month. Unlike a SOFTEX application, it can be filed with a nil export value. Registered units report monthly investments, exports and changes in employee count.
We generate the SOFTEX number, complete the online form on the STPI portal, and submit the digitally signed form for certification within 30 days of the invoice date, or of the last invoice of the month.
Units that report monthly exports must file the CA-certified APR with STPI by 30 June after the financial year. We certify the APR and reconcile it with certified SOFTEX exports.
We revise filed applications through the STPI authority, cancel approved SOFTEX applications before the AD bank authorises the SOFTEX number on EDPMS, and advise on condonation of delay.
We match certified SOFTEX forms with export receipts and help close outstanding export entries on the RBI's Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) with your AD bank.
Generate the SOFTEX form under the single or bulk category through the RBI's FEMA forms facility, and download it to upload with the STPI application.
Complete the online SOFTEX form on the STPI portal within 30 days of the invoice date, or of the last invoice issued in the month.
Digitally sign the completed form and submit it to the STPI officer for certification, with the RBI letter and a copy of the internet or datacom bill for the period.
| Compliance | Frequency | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| SOFTEX form | Per invoice, or bulk per month | Within 30 days of the invoice date or the last invoice of the month |
| MPR / QPR | Monthly or quarterly | As prescribed by the STPI centre |
| Annual Performance Report | Annually | By 30 June after the financial year |
Condonation periods for monthly and annual compliance vary between STPI centres. The generally accepted SOFTEX period under RBI guidelines is 30 days from the invoice date.
Tell us about your exports and current filings. We will check your SOFTEX and STPI position and fix any gaps, at no cost and with no obligation.
Book a Free SOFTEX ConsultationShare a few details about your exports. We usually respond within one business day.
