1) Whether filing of SOFTEX Form Mandatory for all the exporters?
Yes, wide RBI Circular in September 2013, It is mandatory for all the exporters to filing of SOFTEX Form.
2) Who can become a NON-STP unit under STPI and how?
Any Company/partnership firm/proprietorship which is into development of Export oriented Computer Software/IT Enabled Services can register itself as NON-STP unit under STPI to avail Softex certification. In order to become a NON-STP unit under STPI, the company has to get register itself with STPI on submission of application form along with the supporting documents, to the jurisdictional Director, STPI along with applicable processing fee of Rs.1000/- (one thousand only) + service tax in the form of demand draft in favor of the Director STPI.
3) Is it mandatory for any IT/ITES companies who are into exports, to get registered as NON-STP unit under STPI?
As per the prevailing RBI Master Circular No. RBI/2013-14/14 dated 1st July 2013 (Para B 15), RBI Circular No.80 dated 15th February 2012 and RBI Circular No.43 dated 13th September 2013, any Company who does IT/ITES exports through Data communication links needs to submit the Softex Form for certification.
For getting the Softex certification by STPI (which is the Designated Authority), the companies have to become STP members by either registering under STP scheme or as NON-STP unit with STPI. Nevertheless, the companies registered under STP scheme will have other benefits apart from getting their Software Exports certified.
4) What is the time limit it for processing of registration of NON-STP unit?
10 working days from the date of submission of complete application form along with supporting documents and applicable processing fee.
5) Once the company gets registered as Non STP unit, what will be the procedure to certify the Softex forms from STPI?
Non-STP units should register each of their export contracts prior to submission of Softex against that contract. Unit also needs to submit its projected imports during the next financial year as well as applicable STPI service charges.
6) What is the proof of NON-STP registration?
The Company registered under STPI as NON-STP unit will be issued a Registration Certificate with a validity of 3 years by the respective jurisdictional STPI Director. Renewal of registration will have to be applied three months prior to the expiry of the registration.
7) Can a NON-STP operate from any location in the country?
Yes, operations as NON-STP unit can be carried out from any location in the country. However, registration has to be made with the respective jurisdictional STPI Centre.
8) What are the entitlements of NON-STP registration?
Once NON-STP units get registered with STPI, they will be entitled for submission of Softex for certification as per prevailing guidelines of RBI. However, Non-STP units should also register each of their export contracts prior to submission of Softex against that contract.
9) Is the Softex submission by NON-STP units mandatory?
As per the prevailing RBI Master Circular No. RBI/2013-14/14 dated 1st July 2013, RBI Circular No.80 dated 15th February 2012, RBI Circular No.43 dated 13th September 2013, “any company who does IT/ITES exports through Data communication links needs to submit the Softex to Designated Authority for certification.
10) What is the mode of submission of Softex?
As per the prevailing RBI Circulars, the Softex may be submitted in soft copy or in the hard copy in quadruplicate.
11) What is the frequency of submission of Softex?
A common monthly Softex in the form of Excel summary sheet as prescribed by RBI can be filed for all invoices raised in a month. The Softex is required to be filed within 30 days from the date of last invoice raised in that month.
12) What happens if the unit fails to submit Softex Forms on time to STPI?
In case of delay, the units should approach the regional RBI office and get the delay condoned before submitting the Softex Forms to STPI. along with the request letter, for getting the delay condoned, However, as the list may vary across different regional offices of RBI,
13) Who allots the Softex numbers, STPI or RBI?
Softex numbers are allotted by RBI. Both STP and NON-STP units based on their requirement can generate Softex numbers online from RBI official website.
14) What is the time frame for certification of Softex by STPI?
30 days from the date of submission of complete Softex form along with requisite documents.
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