What is Purpose Code P0104?
P0104 covers inward remittances for goods that were exported but did not go through the standard customs process requiring a shipping bill. This most commonly applies to commercial samples sent to prospective overseas buyers, small consignments dispatched via courier without a full export declaration, or goods exported under exemptions where a shipping bill is not mandated.
While these are technically exports, the absence of a shipping bill means they fall outside the usual export bill cycle (P0101–P0103). P0104 gives them a dedicated classification so the banking system can still record the inward payment against an export event.
See all RBI purpose codes
When to Use P0104
Use P0104 when you receive foreign currency from abroad for goods that were physically exported but without a formal shipping bill. Common scenarios:
- A manufacturer sends fabric or product samples to an overseas buyer and receives payment or reimbursement for those samples
- A small exporter dispatches goods via courier that fall below the threshold requiring a shipping bill under customs rules
- A seller ships trial or evaluation units to a foreign client and receives compensation
- Gift consignments to overseas recipients where the recipient later reimburses the sender
|
💡 Quick check: If you shipped goods and have a shipping bill, use P0101/P0102/P0103. If there’s no shipping bill – samples, small parcels, exempted exports – it’s P0104. |
Wrong Code? Use These Instead
|
If your money is from… |
Correct code to use |
|
Standard export – bank negotiated/discounted bill |
P0101 |
|
Standard export – buyer paid after shipment |
P0102 |
|
Advance payment before shipment |
P0103 |
|
Export bills sent for collection not yet realised |
P0105 |
|
Payment for software or digital services exported |
P0807 |
Documents to Keep Ready
|
Document |
Why you need it |
|
Courier / airway bill or postal receipt |
Confirms the goods were physically dispatched abroad |
|
Commercial invoice or proforma invoice |
Records the value and nature of the sample / goods |
|
Sample request / purchase order from buyer |
Establishes why samples were sent and the reimbursement basis |
|
Bank credit advice |
Confirms receipt of foreign currency in your Indian account |
|
e-FIRA |
Official proof of inward remittance tagged P0104 |
|
KYC / IEC documents |
Standard requirement – PAN, Importer-Exporter Code if applicable |
What is an e-FIRA – and Why Does It Matter?
An e-FIRA (Electronic Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) is the official proof that foreign money entered India. It confirms the nature and purpose of the inflow, which matters for tax treatment, FEMA compliance, and audit trails.
Your bank generates it automatically once the funds land. You can usually download it from your internet banking portal or request it at your Forex desk. The e-FIRA will reflect the correct purpose code, which your CA or accounts team will reference during filings.
Did you know? Some banks take days to issue an e-FIRA. With Remit Circle, you can download yours instantly at no charge the moment your payment is credited. → Get your free e-FIRA via Remit Circle
Receive Inward Remittances Compliantly with Remit Circle
Getting the purpose code right on an inward remittance isn’t just a formality, a mismatch can cause payment holds, RBI queries, or incorrect tax treatment. Remit Circle is built to handle this for you.
Instant e-FIRA – Download your Foreign Inward Remittance Advice the moment funds are credited. No waiting on the bank, no Forex desk visits. Free.
Correct purpose code, every time – Remit Circle flags the right code for your transaction type before the payment is processed, so there are no mismatch holds at the bank.
Multi-currency support – Receive in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and more. Funds settle directly into your Indian bank account at competitive rates.
Compliance-ready records – Every transaction comes with a clean audit trail purpose code, amount, date, counterparty so you and your CA are always on the same page.
Start receiving international payments with Remit Circle
Open a free account in minutes. No minimum balance, no hidden fees. Get your e-FIRA instantly on every inward remittance.
Open your free Remit Circle account →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RBI purpose code P0104?
P0104 is used when an Indian exporter receives payment from abroad for goods that were exported without a formal customs shipping bill - typically samples, small courier shipments, or exports under exempted categories.
Q: Do samples have to be declared at customs?
It depends on the value and method of dispatch. Goods dispatched via courier below certain thresholds may not require a shipping bill. However, you should check current CBIC (Customs) guidelines and FEMA rules for the threshold applicable to your goods. Your customs broker or freight forwarder can advise.
Q: Can I claim export benefits (drawback, IGST refund) on P0104 transactions?
Generally no, because most export incentive schemes require a shipping bill as the primary document. Without a shipping bill, you cannot claim duty drawback or IGST refunds in the usual way. If export incentives are important to you, consider filing a shipping bill even for small shipments.
Q: What if the sample has no commercial value but I still receive a token payment?
Even token payments from abroad must be classified correctly. If the inward payment relates to goods physically sent overseas without a shipping bill, P0104 is still the appropriate code regardless of the amount.
Q: Is there a value limit for P0104 transactions?
The RBI does not set a specific value cap for P0104 as a purpose code, but customs rules govern when a shipping bill is required. Your AD bank may ask for supporting documents (invoice, courier receipt) for higher-value inflows to satisfy KYC and FEMA requirements.
Q: How does P0104 affect my export turnover reporting?
Receipts under P0104 should ideally be reflected in your export turnover where applicable, even though no shipping bill exists. Maintain the courier receipt, invoice, and e-FIRA as supporting evidence for your accounts and GST filings.
