Cross-Border Payment Aggregator Rules: RBI PA-CB Guidelines Explained

Any entity facilitating cross-border online payments for the export or import of goods and services — think platforms enabling Indian exporters to receive payments from overseas buyers online — must comply with the RBI's PA-CB (Payment Aggregator – Cross Border) framework, which requires RBI authorisation, a minimum net worth, and specific operational safeguards.

Who needs PA-CB authorisation

• Payment aggregators enabling e-commerce exporters/importers to collect/make cross-border payments online
• Platforms processing export proceeds or import payments on behalf of merchants, where the platform itself handles the funds flow

Key requirements under the framework

• Minimum net worth: A prescribed net worth threshold at the time of application, rising further within a set transition period
• Escrow account: Funds must be maintained in a designated escrow account with a scheduled commercial bank, separate from the aggregator's own funds
• Settlement timelines: Funds must be settled to merchants within prescribed timelines
• KYC/AML compliance: Full KYC of merchants and monitoring for suspicious transactions under PMLA requirements

Why this matters for export-focused e-commerce businesses

If you're building or using a platform that processes payments for Indian sellers exporting to overseas buyers (or vice versa for imports), understanding whether the payment flow falls under PA-CB — and whether your payment partner is properly authorised — is essential before scaling, since using a non-compliant aggregator exposes the underlying business to regulatory risk too.

Transaction limits

The framework specifies per-transaction value limits for export and import payment collection through this route, above which standard banking channels (through an Authorised Dealer bank) must be used instead.

What exporters/importers should check

• Whether your payment gateway/aggregator for cross-border transactions is RBI-authorised under PA-CB
• Whether settlement timelines match the aggregator's stated terms
• Whether proper invoice and shipping bill documentation is captured for each transaction, as required for export proceeds realisation reporting

Setting up cross-border payment collection for your export business? Our compliance team advises on the right structure and documentation.