ECB Policy modified: All-in-cost Ceiling enhanced; ECB raised for Rupee Outlay to be brought in Immediately

On a review of the developments in the global financial markets and current macro-economic conditions, it has been decided, in consultation with the Government of India, to modify certain aspects of the External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) policy as under:

(i) Enhancement in all-in-cost ceiling

The all-in-cost for ECBs has been revised as under:

(ii) Parking of ECB Proceeds

The proceeds of the ECB raised abroad for Rupee expenditure in India, such as, local sourcing of capital goods, on-lending to Self-Help Groups or for micro credit, payment for spectrum allocation, etc., should be brought immediately for credit to Rupee accounts with AD Category I banks in India. In other words, ECB proceeds meant only for foreign currency expenditure can be retained abroad pending utilisation. As hitherto, however, the Rupee funds will not be permitted to be used for investment in capital markets, real estate or for inter-corporate lending.

These amendments in ECB policy will come into force immediately and the enhancement in all-in-cost ceiling is applicable up to March 31, 2012 subject to review thereafter.

Detailed instructions have been issued vide A. P. (DIR Series) Circular Nos . 51 and 52 dated November 23, 2011.

Alpana Killawala
Chief General Manager

ECB policy: all-in-cost ceiling raised and rupee-focused ECB proceeds must be repatriated immediately to rupee accounts. Modification to External Commercial Borrowing policy raises the all-in-cost ceiling for certain maturities using the currency-specific six-month LIBOR benchmark and requires that ECB proceeds raised abroad for rupee expenditure be brought immediately into rupee accounts with authorised dealer Category I banks, while proceeds for foreign currency expenditure may remain offshore; prohibitions on using rupee funds for capital markets, real estate or inter-corporate lending remain in force.