RBI has rationalized and eased the ECB norms as follows:
(i) Rationalization of all-in-cost for ECB under all tracks and Rupee denominated bonds (RDBs) :
With a view to harmonizing the extant provisions of Foreign Currency and Rupee ECBs and RDBs, it has been decided to stipulate a uniform all-in-cost ceiling of 450 basis points over the benchmark rate. The benchmark rate will be 6 month USD LIBOR (or applicable benchmark for respective currency) for Track I and Track II, while it will be prevailing yield of the Government of India securities of corresponding maturity for Track III (Rupee ECBs) and RDBs.
(ii) Revisiting ECB Liability to Equity Ratio provisions:
It has been decided to increase the ECB Liability to Equity Ratio for ECB raised from direct foreign equity holder under the automatic route to 7:1. This ratio will not be applicable if total of all ECBs raised by an entity is up to USD 5 million or equivalent.
(iii) Expansion of Eligible Borrowers’ list for the purpose of ECB:
It has been decided to permit:
Housing Finance Companies, regulated by the National Housing Bank, as eligible borrowers to avail of ECBs under all tracks. Such entities shall have a board approved risk management policy and shall keep their ECB exposure hedged 100 per cent at all times for ECBs raised under Track I.
Port Trusts constituted under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 or Indian Ports Act, 1908 to avail of ECBs under all tracks. Such entities shall have a board approved risk management policy and shall keep their ECB exposure hedged 100 per cent at all times for ECBs raised under Track I.
Companies engaged in the business of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul and freight forwarding to raise ECBs denominated in INR only.
(iv) Rationalization of end-use provisions for ECBs:
Currently, a positive end-use list is prescribed for Track I and specified category of borrowers, while negative end-use list is prescribed for Track II and III. It has now been decided to have only a negative list for all tracks.
(i) Rationalization of all-in-cost for ECB under all tracks and Rupee denominated bonds (RDBs) :
With a view to harmonizing the extant provisions of Foreign Currency and Rupee ECBs and RDBs, it has been decided to stipulate a uniform all-in-cost ceiling of 450 basis points over the benchmark rate. The benchmark rate will be 6 month USD LIBOR (or applicable benchmark for respective currency) for Track I and Track II, while it will be prevailing yield of the Government of India securities of corresponding maturity for Track III (Rupee ECBs) and RDBs.
(ii) Revisiting ECB Liability to Equity Ratio provisions:
It has been decided to increase the ECB Liability to Equity Ratio for ECB raised from direct foreign equity holder under the automatic route to 7:1. This ratio will not be applicable if total of all ECBs raised by an entity is up to USD 5 million or equivalent.
(iii) Expansion of Eligible Borrowers’ list for the purpose of ECB:
It has been decided to permit:
Housing Finance Companies, regulated by the National Housing Bank, as eligible borrowers to avail of ECBs under all tracks. Such entities shall have a board approved risk management policy and shall keep their ECB exposure hedged 100 per cent at all times for ECBs raised under Track I.
Port Trusts constituted under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 or Indian Ports Act, 1908 to avail of ECBs under all tracks. Such entities shall have a board approved risk management policy and shall keep their ECB exposure hedged 100 per cent at all times for ECBs raised under Track I.
Companies engaged in the business of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul and freight forwarding to raise ECBs denominated in INR only.
(iv) Rationalization of end-use provisions for ECBs:
Currently, a positive end-use list is prescribed for Track I and specified category of borrowers, while negative end-use list is prescribed for Track II and III. It has now been decided to have only a negative list for all tracks.
