16 March, 2026

ECGC Registration in India – Eligibility, Benefits, Cost and Complete Process for Exporters

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Exporting goods or services to international markets involves payment risk from foreign buyers. To protect Indian exporters from such risks, the Government of India has established Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC).

ECGC provides export credit insurance, helping exporters safeguard their receivables and expand into global markets with confidence.

What is ECGC Registration?

ECGC registration refers to obtaining export credit insurance coverage from the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation.

It protects exporters against:

✔ Non-payment by foreign buyers
✔ Insolvency of overseas buyers
✔ Political risks in importing countries
✔ Delays in payment beyond agreed credit terms

ECGC operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Who Should Obtain ECGC Registration?

ECGC coverage is particularly useful for:

📦 Exporters selling goods on credit terms
🌍 Businesses exporting to new international buyers
🏭 Manufacturers entering high-risk export markets
🏦 Exporters seeking bank finance against export receivables

Banks also prefer exporters to have ECGC coverage when granting packing credit or post-shipment finance.

Types of ECGC Policies

ECGC offers different policies depending on export activity.

1. Shipment Comprehensive Risk Policy

This is the most common policy used by exporters.
It covers short-term export receivables against commercial and political risks.

2. Specific Shipment Policy

Provides insurance for a particular export order or shipment.

3. Buyer Exposure Policy

Suitable when exporters have regular business with specific overseas buyers.

4. Export Turnover Policy

Covers entire export turnover under a single policy.

Step-by-Step ECGC Registration Process

Step 1 – Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)

Exporter must first obtain IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Step 2 – Register on ECGC Portal

Visit the official ECGC website and create a customer account.

Step 3 – Submit Online Application

Provide details such as:

• IEC number
• PAN of the exporter
• Business profile
• Export markets
• Bank details

Step 4 – Upload Required Documents

Typical documents include:

📄 IEC certificate
📄 PAN card
📄 GST registration
📄 Bank certificate
📄 Financial statements
📄 Export orders (if available)

Step 5 – ECGC Risk Assessment

ECGC evaluates:

• Exporter financial profile
• Buyer country risk
• Export experience

Step 6 – Policy Issuance and Premium Payment

After approval, the exporter pays the insurance premium, and the policy becomes active.

Government Cost for ECGC Registration

There is no fixed registration fee for ECGC.

The main cost is the insurance premium.

Typical cost range:

• Premium: 0.3% – 0.8% of export value
• Minimum premium: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 annually (approx.)

The premium depends on:

✔ Country risk classification
✔ Credit period offered to buyer
✔ Export turnover
✔ Type of policy selected

Conclusion

ECGC registration is an important risk management tool for exporters. By providing insurance protection against payment defaults, it enables Indian businesses to trade globally with greater financial security.

APEDA Registration for Exporters in India | Eligibility, Benefits, Process & Documents

CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY

7760252581

India is a major exporter of agricultural and processed food products. To regulate and promote these exports, the Government established the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Exporters dealing in certain agricultural products must obtain a 📜 Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA before exporting these products.

This article explains ✅ who needs APEDA registration, 📌 its benefits, and 🧾 how to obtain it.

📌 What is APEDA Registration?

📜 APEDA Registration refers to obtaining an RCMC certificate issued by APEDA.

It allows exporters to legally export scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India.

⚙️ Since 2023, applications are submitted through the portal of
Directorate General of Foreign Trade using the e-RCMC system.

👤 Who Should Obtain APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is mandatory for exporters dealing in certain scheduled agricultural products, such as:

🌾 Fruits & vegetables
🥩 Meat and poultry products
🥛 Dairy products
🍯 Honey and jaggery
🍚 Cereals and cereal products
🍬 Sugar products
🌺 Floriculture products
🍲 Processed food products

👉 Any person or entity exporting these products must obtain APEDA registration after obtaining Import Export Code (IEC).

🏢 Who Can Apply for APEDA Registration?

The following business entities can apply:

👤 Individual exporters
🏪 Proprietorship firms
🤝 Partnership firms
🏢 LLPs
🏭 Private Limited Companies
📦 Export trading companies

✔ The basic requirement is having a valid IEC issued by DGFT.

🌟 Benefits of APEDA Registration

Obtaining APEDA registration offers several advantages for exporters.

🌍 1. Export Promotion Assistance

APEDA provides financial assistance to promote agricultural exports.

🎪 2. Participation in International Trade Fairs

Registered exporters can participate in international exhibitions and buyer-seller meets.

📊 3. Market Intelligence Support

Exporters receive updates on global demand, export opportunities, and international markets.

🧪 4. Quality Development Programs

APEDA helps exporters improve quality standards and global compliance.

💰 5. Access to Export Incentives

Registered exporters can access various export promotion schemes and support programs.

📑 Documents Required for APEDA Registration

Typically the following documents are required:

📜 Import Export Code (IEC)
🪪 PAN card of the applicant
🏦 Cancelled cheque / bank certificate
🧾 GST registration certificate (if applicable)
📍 Business address proof

⚠️ Most details are automatically fetched from the IEC database during the application.

📥 Once approved, the RCMC certificate can be downloaded online.

✅ Conclusion

APEDA registration is an essential compliance requirement for exporters dealing in agricultural and processed food products.

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14 March, 2026

TDS on Property Purchase | Form 26QB Replaced by Form 141

CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY

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TDS on Property Purchase: Transition from Form 26QB to Form 141 (Effective 1 April 2026)

Introduction

The Income Tax Department has introduced Form 141 to simplify reporting of TDS on property transactions. From 1 April 2026, Form 141 will replace Form 26QB for reporting TDS under Section 194-IA of the Income-tax Act. This change aims to make compliance easier, particularly in transactions involving multiple buyers and sellers.

What is TDS on Property Purchase?

Under Section 194-IA, any buyer purchasing an immovable property (other than agricultural land) must deduct 1% TDS if the sale consideration exceeds ₹50 lakh.

Key compliance points:

• TDS Rate: 1% of consideration
• Threshold: Applicable if property value is ₹50 lakh or more
• Time limit: TDS must be deposited within 30 days of deduction
• Earlier form: Form 26QB
• New form: Form 141 (effective 1 April 2026)

Why Form 141 is Introduced

Earlier, buyers had to file separate Form 26QB for every buyer–seller combination, which often

Important Rules Buyers Should Know

• TDS applies if total property value exceeds ₹50 lakh, even in joint purchase.
• Ownership share mentioned in the agreement determines TDS liability.
• GST should not be included while calculating TDS.
• Incidental charges such as parking, maintenance, club membership should be included in property consideration.
• Even if payment is made through housing loan, the buyer must deduct and deposit TDS.

Correction of Errors

If incorrect details are reported in Form 26QB or Form 141, corrections can be made through the TRACES portal. Timely correction ensures that the seller receives proper TDS credit and avoids tax disputes.

TDS on property purchase, Form 141 TDS, Form 26QB replacement, Section 194-IA TDS, property purchase tax rules India, property TDS compliance 2026.

13 March, 2026

Cryptocurrency Tax in India (2026 Guide): 30% Tax, 1% TDS, Budget 2026 Reporting Rules Explained

Cryptocurrency trading has grown rapidly in India. However, the Income Tax law treats crypto transactions under a special taxation regime, making compliance stricter than many other financial assets.

If you buy or sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other crypto asset, it is important to understand the tax implications.

This guide explains how cryptocurrency is taxed in India, reporting requirements, TDS rules, and key Budget 2026 changes.

1️⃣ What is Cryptocurrency Under Income Tax Law?

Cryptocurrencies are classified as Virtual Digital Assets (VDA) under the Income Tax Act.

Examples include:

✔ Bitcoin
✔ Ethereum
✔ Solana
✔ Meme coins
✔ Exchange tokens

The taxation framework for VDA was introduced in Finance Act 2022.

Key provisions include:

Section 115BBH – Tax on crypto gains
Section 194S – TDS on crypto transactions
Section 56(2)(x) – Tax on crypto gifts
Schedule VDA – Mandatory disclosure in ITR

2️⃣ Tax Rate on Cryptocurrency in India

Income from transfer of cryptocurrency is taxed at:

30% + surcharge + 4% health and education cess

This rate applies regardless of holding period.

Unlike shares or mutual funds:

❌ No long-term capital gain benefit
❌ No concessional tax rate

Example

Particulars	Amount
Purchase value	₹5,00,000
Sale value	₹6,20,000
Profit	₹1,20,000

Tax = 30% of ₹1,20,000 = ₹36,000 + cess

3️⃣ Deduction Allowed While Calculating Crypto Tax

The law allows only one deduction.

✔ Cost of acquisition

Example:

Particulars	Amount
Purchase price	₹2,00,000
Sale price	₹2,70,000
Taxable profit	₹70,000

4️⃣ Expenses That Cannot Be Claimed

Under the crypto tax regime, most expenses are not allowed.

Examples include:

❌ Brokerage or exchange fees
❌ Internet expenses
❌ Office rent
❌ Electricity costs
❌ Salary paid to trading staff
❌ Interest on borrowed money
❌ Trading software costs

The law clearly states:

No deduction is allowed except cost of acquisition.

5️⃣ Crypto Loss Rules in India

Crypto taxation rules are very strict regarding losses.

Loss from crypto:

❌ Cannot be set off against other income
❌ Cannot be set off against gains from other coins
❌ Cannot be carried forward

Example

Coin	Result
Bitcoin profit	₹80,000
Solana loss	₹50,000

Taxable income remains ₹80,000.

6️⃣ 1% TDS on Crypto Transactions

Section 194S introduced 1% TDS on crypto transfers.

This applies on transaction value, not profit.

Example

Crypto sold for ₹10,00,000

TDS = 1% = ₹10,000

This is not final tax, only a credit.

Actual tax is calculated at 30% on profit.

7️⃣ Budget 2026: Stronger Crypto Reporting Rules

Budget 2026 proposes a stricter reporting framework for crypto transactions.

If reporting entities fail to submit crypto transaction details:

⚠ Penalty of ₹200 per day

If incorrect information is submitted:

⚠ Penalty up to ₹50,000

Effective from:

📅 1 April 2026

Although reporting is primarily for exchanges, the practical effect is:

✔ Income Tax Department will receive detailed trading data
✔ Non-disclosure by taxpayers may be detected easily

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency taxation in India is structured as a special compliance regime.

Key points to remember:

✔ 30% tax on crypto profits
✔ 1% TDS on transaction value
✔ No deduction except cost of acquisition
✔ No loss set-off or carry forward
✔ Mandatory reporting in Schedule VDA
✔ Stronger reporting rules from Budget 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Is cryptocurrency legal in India?

Yes. Crypto trading is legal but heavily taxed under the VDA regime.

2️⃣ What is the tax rate on crypto in India?

Crypto gains are taxed at 30% plus surcharge and 4% cess.

3️⃣ Can crypto losses reduce tax?

No. Loss from crypto cannot be set off against any income or carried forward.

4️⃣ Is TDS applicable on crypto transactions?

Yes. 1% TDS under Section 194S applies on transfer of crypto assets.

5️⃣ Which ITR form should be used for crypto income?

Generally:

ITR-2 → Investors
ITR-3 → Crypto trading as business

CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY

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12 March, 2026

Mandatory Annual Health Check-Up Under New Labour Code

✍️ CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY

📞 +91 77602 52581

India’s labour law reforms aim to strengthen worker safety, health monitoring, and workplace welfare. One important compliance requirement relates to periodic medical examinations of workers.

This requirement arises from the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code).

This guide explains in a simple and practical manner:

✔ Who is covered
✔ Which establishments must comply
✔ Employee thresholds
✔ Applicability date
✔ Possible exemptions

⚖️ What Does the New Labour Code Say?

The OSH Code, 2020 empowers the government to require free medical examinations for workers in certain situations.

💡 Important:

The entire cost of the medical check-up must be borne by the employer.

👷 Who Are Covered Under This Provision?

The rule mainly applies to “Workers” under the labour code.

A worker generally includes persons employed in:

🏭 Factories
🏗 Construction establishments
⛏ Mines
⚓ Dock work
🏭 Manufacturing units
🚬 Beedi and cigar establishments

❗ Managerial and administrative employees are generally not treated as workers under this code.

🏢 Which Establishments Are Covered?

The OSH Code regulates establishments where industrial operations or labour-intensive activities exist.

Covered Establishments

✔ Factories
✔ Mines
✔ Building & construction establishments
✔ Dock work establishments
✔ Beedi and cigar manufacturing units
✔ Establishments employing contract labour
✔ Establishments employing inter-state migrant workers

These establishments must follow health, safety, and welfare provisions under the Code.

📊 Threshold Limits for Applicability

The applicability depends on the number of workers employed.

🏭 Establishment	📌 Threshold
Factory using power	10 or more workers
Factory without power	20 or more workers
Building & construction establishments	10 or more workers
Contract labour establishments	50 or more contract workers
Inter-state migrant workers	10 or more workers
Mines & dock work	No specific threshold

Once these thresholds are crossed, health and safety provisions become applicable.

🩺 When Is Annual Health Check-up Required?

Medical examinations are mandatory in the following situations.

👤 Category of Worker	🏥 Requirement
Workers aged 45 years and above	Free annual health check-up
Workers in hazardous occupations	Periodic medical examination
Workers exposed to chemicals, dust, or industrial hazards	Mandatory medical monitoring

💡 Employer must bear the full cost of these medical examinations.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is annual health check-up mandatory under the new labour codes?

Yes. The OSH Code, 2020 empowers the government to mandate free medical examinations for certain categories of workers, particularly older workers and those working in hazardous environments.

❓ Who must bear the cost of the medical check-up?

💡 The employer must bear the entire cost of the medical examination.

Workers should not be charged for these health check-ups.

❓ Are office employees or IT professionals covered?

Generally no.
The provision mainly applies to workers in industrial establishments such as factories, construction sites, mines, and manufacturing units.

❓ Is this rule already in force?

No.
Although the OSH Code was enacted in 2020, it will come into effect only after government notification of the rules.

❓ Are health check-ups required only for workers above 45 years?

Workers above 45 years typically require annual check-ups, but workers involved in hazardous processes may require periodic medical examinations regardless of age.

❓ What records should employers maintain?

Employers may need to maintain:

✔ Medical examination reports
✔ Worker health records
✔ Hazard exposure monitoring data

These records help demonstrate compliance with workplace safety laws.

✍️ CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY

📞 +91 77602 52581

What is Crèche Pay in the New Labour Code?

Code on Social Security, 2020 and Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 require certain employers in India to provide crèche (child-care) facilities for employees with young children. Many employees and HR professionals commonly refer to the monetary alternative as “crèche pay.”

This article explains what crèche pay means, when it is applicable, and how employers comply with the rule under the new labour framework.

👶 What is Crèche Pay?

Crèche pay is a child-care allowance paid by an employer when a physical crèche facility is not provided.

Legally, the law mandates a crèche facility, but many organizations provide a monthly childcare allowance or reimbursement instead. This allowance is informally called crèche pay.

👉 In simple words:
Crèche Pay = Childcare allowance given instead of providing a crèche facility.

🏢 When is Crèche Facility Mandatory?

Under Indian labour law:

✔ A crèche facility must be provided if an establishment employs 50 or more employees.

This rule applies to:

Companies
Factories
Shops and establishments
Offices and corporate workplaces

The requirement originally comes from the Maternity Benefit Act amendment and continues under the Code on Social Security framework.

📊 How Employers Comply with the Crèche Requirement

Compliance Method	Explanation
In-house crèche	Child-care facility inside the office or factory
Shared crèche	Facility shared with nearby establishments
Tie-up with daycare	Agreement with external childcare centres
Crèche allowance (Crèche Pay)	Monthly reimbursement to employees

Many modern companies prefer crèche allowance because maintaining a physical facility can be operationally difficult.

⏰ Special Rights for Employees

If a crèche facility exists, employees are entitled to:

✔ 4 visits per day to the crèche
✔ Visits include rest intervals
✔ Facility must be within prescribed distance from the workplace

These rights primarily support working mothers returning from maternity leave.

💡 Example to Understand Crèche Pay

Example 1 – IT Company

Employees: 200

Instead of running an office daycare, the company provides:

₹5,000 per month childcare allowance

This allowance is commonly called crèche pay.

📌 Quick Summary

Particular	Details
Applicable law	Code on Social Security & Maternity Benefit Act
Threshold	50 or more employees
Requirement	Provide crèche facility
Alternative practice	Childcare allowance (Crèche Pay)
Employee benefit	4 visits per day to the crèche

🔎 Frequently Searched Questions

Is crèche pay mandatory in India?
The law mandates a crèche facility, not specifically “crèche pay.” However, many companies provide childcare allowance as an alternative.

At what employee strength is crèche mandatory?
When an establishment has 50 or more employees.

Can companies give allowance instead of a crèche?
Many companies provide childcare reimbursement, but compliance depends on state labour rules.

✅ Conclusion

Crèche provisions under the new labour framework aim to support working parents and promote workplace inclusion.

Understanding this provision helps both employers stay compliant and employees know their workplace rights.

CA RAMAKRISHNA SANJAY
📞 +91 77602 52581