RBI Mandates CIMS-Based Filing of BO | LO | PO | NRO Returns

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I Banks shall submit specified foreign exchange reporting returns through the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) portal from 30 June 2026.

The revised reporting framework covers monthly statements relating to Branch Offices (BOs), Liaison Offices (LOs), Project Offices (POs) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) remittances.

1. Monthly BO/LO/PO Statements to Be Filed Through CIMS

With effect from 30-06-2026, AD Category-I banks are required to submit monthly statements relating to:

• Opening of Branch Offices (BOs)
• Opening of Liaison Offices (LOs)
• Opening of Project Offices (POs)
• Closure of Branch Offices, Liaison Offices and Project Offices

These returns must be filed electronically through the CIMS portal.

2. Return Code R343 Prescribed

The RBI has specified Return Code R343 for submission of monthly BO/LO/PO opening and closure statements.

AD Category-I banks must use this return code while furnishing the required information through the CIMS platform.

3. NIL Returns Also Mandatory

The reporting requirement includes submission of NIL returns where no BO, LO or PO opening or closure has taken place during the reporting period.

Accordingly, banks are required to ensure continuous monthly reporting compliance irrespective of transaction activity.

4. Monthly NRO Remittance Statement to Be Filed Through CIMS

The RBI has also directed that the monthly NRO remittance statement shall be submitted through the CIMS portal.

This reporting requirement forms part of the broader transition towards centralised electronic reporting under the RBI’s information management framework.

5. Return Code R006 for NRO Reporting

For reporting NRO remittance transactions, AD Category-I banks are required to use:

Return Code R006

while filing the monthly statement through the CIMS portal.

6. Effective Date

The revised reporting requirements shall become effective from 30 June 2026

From this date onwards, the prescribed returns must be submitted through the CIMS portal in accordance with RBI instructions.

7. Objective of the Reporting Framework

The move is intended to strengthen regulatory reporting, improve data standardisation and facilitate efficient monitoring of foreign exchange transactions and office-related activities of foreign entities in India.

By routing BO/LO/PO and NRO remittance reporting through the CIMS platform, RBI aims to enhance data accuracy, streamline compliance and improve supervisory oversight under the FEMA framework.