A PRESENTATION
ON
CROSS BORDER TRANSACTION
- EXCHANGE CONTROL
AND
THE LAW
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 1
CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS
 Cross-border operations are transactions between
residents of different countries.
 Major Types Of Cross Border Transactions
 Cross-Border Financing and Investment
 Buying or Selling Products & Services
 Combined research/ shared services
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 2
CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS
 I. Cross-Border Financing and Investment
 This term refers to any financing arrangement that crosses
national boundaries. Cross border financing could include
 cross border loans,
 letters of credit or bankers acceptances,
 Bank guarantees, depositary receipts etc.
 Investments including FDIs(Foreign Direct
Investments),FPIs(Foreign Portfolio
Investments),FIIs(Foreign Institutional Investments)
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 3
CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS
 2. Buying or Selling Products & Services
This term refers to any buying or selling activities of products
or services including cost sharing by Multinational
companies
Both may have different features with respect to
 infrastructure,
 permanent establishment,
 producing product or services outside the one’s jurisdictional
 area,
 trading across the borders,
 bridging between local resources and outside supply etc etc.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 4
CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS
 3. Combined research/ shared services
 B.P.O.As a result of globalization, organizations today are
required to make their non-core operations a strategic tool for
enhancing their core capabilities, improve processes, lower
costs, drive revenue, pledge quality and strengthen customer
relationships with Business Outsourcing Solutions.
 . Groups of companies are introducing joint research
programs for entire industry as one cartel or chamber of
commerce or group of commerce.

 This type of arrangements of shared service centers are also
concern matter in international trade if those shared service
centers providing services across the borders scattered in
different locations.

12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 5
EXCHANGE CONTROL
 Exchange Control is a governmental restriction on the
movement of currency between countries in private
transactions in foreign exchange (foreign money or claims on
foreign money).
 The transactions include currency, bank transactions, book
transfers, electronic payments or any other direct or indirect
financial benefits provided by persons who are residents or
citizens of one country to persons who are residents or
citizens of another country.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 6
LAWS FOR EXCHANGE CONTROL
Brief Background:
 The Defence of India Act 1939 first introduced exchange
control on a temporary basis.
 Subsequently, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act was
enacted in 1947 to be replaced by the Foreign Exchange
Regulation Act (FERA),1973.
 Due to Economic liberalization in 1991, foreign investments
were sought to be encouraged in many sectors. In the changed
environment, the provisions of FERA were found restrictive in
nature . herefore FERA was reviewed by the Tarapore
committee on Capital Account Convertibility, constituted by the
Reserve Bank of India.
 Consequently FERA was repealed and replaced by Foreign
Exchange Management Act (FEMA),1999,w.e.f. 1st
June,2000.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 7
LAWS FOR EXCHANGE CONTROL
 TODAY WE HAVE A PLETHORA OF LAWS GOVERNING
EXCHANGE CONTROL IN CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS,
WHICH INCLUDE:
 F E M A- FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT ACT 1999
 F C R A - Foreign Contribution Regulatory Act 2010
& FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) RULES 2011
AS MODIFIED BY FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION )
AMENDMENT RULES 2015.
 P M L A-Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
&
Prevention of MoneY LaunderinG (Amendment)
Act 2012
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 8
LAWS FOR EXCHANGE CONTROL
 OBJECTIVES 0F THE THREE LAWS
 THE OLDEST OF THE THREE LAWS IS FEMA ,1999,WHICH CONTROLS THE
PROVISIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE,FACILITATES EXTERNAL
TRADE AND PAYMENTS
AND MAINTAINS BALANCE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET IN INDIA.
 THE SECOND LAW IS PMLA,BROUGHT IN THE YEAR 2002,TO PREVENT
MONEY LAUNDERING AND TO PROVIDE FOR CONSFICATION OF
PROPERTY DERIVED FROM OR INVOLVED IN,MONEY LAUNDERING AND
FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH.IT HAS BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY
AMENDED IN 2012.
 FCRA IS THE THIRD AND MOST RECENT LAW,BROUGHT IN 2010,WITH
THE OBJECTIVE OF REGULATING ACCEPTANCE AND UTILISATION OF
FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION OR FOREIGN HOSPITALITY BY SPECIFIED
PERSONS AND TO PROHIBIT ACCEPTANCE AND UTILISATION OF FOREIGN
CONTRIBUTION OR FOREIGN HOSPITALITY FOR ANY ACTIVITIES
DETRIMENTAL TO THE NATIONAL INTEREST.

12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 9
FEMA AND FERA –A comparison
There are some similarities in both the laws, e.g.
 The regulatory bodies are the Union Government and the
Reserve Bank of India.
 The Directorate of Enforcement continues to be the
agency for enforcement of the provisions of the Act,
including coercive measures such as search and seizure
action
 Wide applicability of the law i.e. to the whole of India as
well as to certain extra-territorial jurisdictions
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 10
FEMA AND FERA –A comparison
However, there are major differences in the two acts. Some of the
differences are
FEMA
1. No. of Sections: Has only 49 sections
and is much simpler.
2. Punishment: Any offence is civil offence
punishable
with monetary penalty and imprisonment
is only when penalty amount is not paid
3. Penalty: u/s 13 is limited to three times
the amount involved in contravention
4. Appeals
FERA
Had 81 sections and was far more
complicated.
Any offence was criminal
offence punishable as per
Cr.P.C. with imprisonment
u/s 50 penalty was almost five
times the amount involved in
contravention
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 11
FEMA AND FERA –A comparison
Continued …..major differences
FEMA
4. APPELLATE PROCEDURE:
Adjudication and appeal:Sec.16
to
Sec.35.
High Court
Appellate Tribunal for Foreign
Exchange
Special Director (appeals) or
Adjudicating authorities
FERA
Adjudication and appeal:
Sec. 51 to Sec. 54
High Court
Foreign Exchange Regulation
Appellate Board
Adjudicating authorities
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 12
FEMA--THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE
MANAGEMENT ACT, 1999
 Applies to the whole of India.
As well as
to all branches, offices and agencies outside India owned
or controlled by a person resident in India and also to any
contravention there under committed outside India by any
person to whom this Act applies.
 It came into force w.e.f.1st
June 2000.
 Provided that different dates may be appointed for different
provisions of this Act and any reference in any such
provision to the commencement of this Act shall be
construed as a reference to the coming into force of that
provision.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 13
OBJECTIVE OF FEMA
According to the Act, the objective is-
To consolidate and amend the law
relating to foreign exchange
 with the objective of facilitating
external trade and payments
and for promoting the orderly
development and maintenance of
foreign exchange market in India
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 14
The Overall Structureof
FEMA
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 15
The Legislative Structureof
FEMA 1999
 The FEMA,1999. contains legal provisions in 7
chapters and 49 sections as detailed below
 Chapter I Preliminary (Sec.1& 2)
 Chapter II Regulation And Management Of
Foreign Exchange (Sec.3-9)
 Chapter III Authorized Person (Sec.10-12)
 Chapter IV Contraventions and Penalties (Sec. 13-15)
 Chapter V Adjudication and Appeal (Sec.16-35)
 Chapter VI Directorate of Enforcement. (Sec 36-38)
 Chapter VII Miscellaneous (Sec.39-49)
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 16
The directorate of enforcement
Chapter VI (Sec 36-38) of the FEMA relates to the
establishment and powers of the Directorate of Enforcement.
 The Directorate enforces two laws;
 FEMA, a Civil Law having quasi judicial powers, for
investigating suspected contraventions of the Exchange
Control Laws and Regulations with the powers to impose
penalties on those adjudged guilty
and
 PMLA, a Criminal Law, whereby the Officers are empowered
to conduct enquiries to locate, provisionally attach/confiscate
assets derived from acts of Schedules Offences besides
arresting and prosecuting the Money Launderers.

12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 17
Some important Definitions in fema contd.
"current account transaction" means a transaction other than a
capital account transaction and without prejudice to the generality
of the foregoing such transaction includes –
(i) payments due in connection with foreign trade, other current
business, services, and short-term banking and credit facilities in
the ordinary course of business,
(ii) payments due as interest on loans and as net income from
investments,
(iii) remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children
residing abroad, and
(iv) expenses in connection with foreign travel, education and
medical care of parents, spouse and children;
"capital account transaction" means a transaction which alters the
assets or liabilities, including contingent liabilities, outside
India of persons resident in India or assets or liabilities in India of
persons resident outside India, and includes transactions referred
to in sub-section (3) of section 6;
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 18
Some important Definitions in fema contd.
 "currency" includes all currency notes, postal notes, postal orders,
money orders, cheques, drafts, travelers cheques, letters of credit,
bills of exchange and promissory notes, credit cards or such other
similar instruments, as may be notified by the Reserve Bank;
 "foreign exchange" means foreign currency and includes,-
(i) deposits, credits and balances payable in any foreign currency,
(ii) drafts, travellers cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange,
expressed or drawn in Indian currency but payable in any foreign
currency,
(iii) drafts, travellers cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange
drawn by banks, institutions or persons outside India, but payable
in Indian currency;
 "person" includes – an individual, a Hindu undivided family, a
company, a firm, an association of persons or a body of individuals,
whether incorporated or not, every artificial juridical person, not
falling within any of the preceding sub-clauses
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 19
FCRA ----- Foreign Contribution
Regulatory Act 2010 &
FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) RULES 2011
AS MODIFIED BY FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION
(REGULATION ) AMENDMENT RULES 2015
The original Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 was
subsequently replaced by Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010.
The objectives of the Act are mainly to exercise control over
1). Acceptance of Foreign Hospitality by dignitaries and high officials
from the Govt., including prohibition on election
candidates ,registered newspaper personnel ,political
parties ,MPs ,MLAs, Judges, Govt. servants etc
2) Utilization of foreign contribution in India.
---
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 20
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 21
FCRA continued.
Foreign Contribution means contribution by any foreign
source.
Case Law: Association for Democratic Reforms v. UOI
(2014),Del.HC DB).Two companies incorporated in India had
given donations to political parties. Majority shares of these
companies were held by a company incorporated outside India.
Held that the donations were received from foreign sources.
Foreign contributions include articles, currency, hospitality,and
securities as specified by the Govt. from time to time
FCRA is applicable to the whole of India and also to citizens of
India outside India and associates/branches and subsidiaries
outside India of companies or bodies registered or incorporated
in India.
 FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreign
Division.
FCRA contd.
FCRA to override the provisions of FEMA or other general acts
since it is a special act.Thus even if a transaction is permissible
under FEMA,the restrictions of FCRA shall apply.
Exemptions
 ---Contributions by U.N. and its specified agencies, World Bank,
IMF, or other agencies as notified by the Govt. are exempt.
 -----Exemptions from FCRA restrictions are specified in Sec.3
and Sec.4,and includes gifts from relatives ,scholarships ,
remittances for salaries and wages, payments in the course of
normal trade and commerce ,etc, subject to prohibitions notified
by the Govt. u/s 10.
Recent Developments
 Recently the NGOs in India have had to face the restrictions on
foreign contributions under this Act. In June 2015, the MHA
cancelled the licenses of 15,000 NGOs for violation of FCRA.

12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 22
Prevention of Money Laundering Act,
2002 (PMLA)
&
Prevention of Money Laundering
(Amendment)Act, 2012
 There is interesting history behind the word. ”laundering”
Al Capone, the notorious mafia in USA, obtained lot of money
from criminal activities. He invested that money into
establishing laundries all over USA. Since laundry business is
mainly cash business, he was able to convert his cash into
legitimate money.
 The term Money Laundering is used for the disguising or
concealing of illicit income in order to make it appear
legitimate.
 Money Laundering is being employed by launderers
worldwide to conceal criminal activity associated with it such
as drugs / arms trafficking, terrorism and extortion.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 23
Prevention of Money Laundering Act,
2002 (PMLA)
&
Prevention of Money Laundering
(Amendment)Act, 2012
 India has criminalised money laundering under the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), as amended periodically.
 The latest amendment to The Prevention of Money Laundering
Act 2002 was assented to by the President on 3rd January 2013
and has been notified as The Prevention of Money
Laundering(Amendment) Act 2012.
 The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF),
an intergovernmental body, was established by the G-7 Summit
in Paris in 1989 and was responsible for setting global standards
on anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism .
India is also a member.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 24
Contd. Prevention of Money Laundering
Act, 2002 (PMLA)
 Offences have cross border implications if
i). Offence is committed outside India and the proceeds of
such conduct or part thereof are remitted to India. Or
ii) Offence is committed in India and proceeds of crime are
transferred outside India.
 It covers offences specified in Parts A,B,or C of Schedule to the Act, e.g,
Sec.121 & Sec. 121A of I.P.C.-waging or attempting or abetting
conspiring to wage war against Govt. of India; Narcotics Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act.
 & If amount involved is more than Rs.30 lacs then,offences of
Murder, culpable homicide, causing hurt to extort property, kidnapping for
ransom, counterfeiting, forgery.Offences under Wild Life Protection Act,
Arms Act, Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act, Prevention of Corruption
Act.

12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 25
CASE LAW: HASAN ALI KHAN

 Bombay High Court
Hasan Ali Khan vs Union Of India on 12 August, 2011
 Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction
Criminal Bail Application No.994 Of 2011
Supreme Court of India
Union of India vs Hasan Ali Khan And Anr. On 30th
September ,2011
Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction
Criminal Appeal No.1883 of 2011
(arising out of the judgement and final order of the Bombay High
Court dated 12th
August 2011)


12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 26
CASE LAW: HASAN ALI KHAN
I. Income Tax Search in 2007 found cash, jewellry ,and incriminating
documents regarding transactions of huge proportions in foreign banks ,and
three passports.---Documents were forwarded to the Enforcement Directorate.
II. Income tax assessments of the accused was to the tune of
Rs.110,412,68,85,303 for Assessment years 2001 to 2008
III. The enforcement Directorate during investigation found that the accused had
violated the FEMA provisions and Sec.3 and Sec.4 of the PMLA to the tune of
US$ 8000453000, (INR. 36,000 approx.) in his account with the Union Bank
Of Switzerland,AG ,Zurich, Switzerland.
IV. He was arrested in 2011 and applied for bail which was granted by the
Bombay High Court but subsequnetly the S.C. cancelled the bail.
 The laws mentioned in this case are:-
 Income Tax Act
 FEMA
 Section2(1) u, Section 3 , and Section 4 of the Prevention of Money
laundering Act(PMLA).
 (SUMMARY OF THE FACTS AND THE JUDGEMENT OF THE Bombay H.C
ARE SEPERATELY CIRCULATED).
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 27
RECENT INCIDENTS ABOUT VIOLATIONS of
FEMA, fcra and pmla
 THE HUGE PENDENCY OF FEMA AND PMLA
CASES CAME UP IN THE PARLIAMENT ON 18TH
DECEMBER 2015.
 IT WAS STATED BY THE MINISTER OF
STATE ,FINANCE,THAT MORE THAN 6000 CASES
WERE PENDING OUT OF WHICH 4,787 WERE
FEMA CASES AND 1319 CASES WERE PMLA
CASES INVOLVING RS.10,309 CRORES.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 28
RECENT INCIDENTS ABOUT VIOLATIONS of
FEMA, fcra and pmla
 FCRA IN THE NEWS
 4TH
SEPT.2015: GOVT. CANCELS N.G.O.GREENPEACE INDIA’S FCRA
LISCENCE THIS MEANS THE NGO WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE
FOREIGN DONATIONS.
 SOCIAL ACTIVIST TEESTA SETALVAD.VIOLATION OF FCRA IN
RECEIVING DONATIONS FROM FORD FOUNDATION. CBI
INTERROGATION IS ONGOING.
 28TH
DEC.2015.CHANGES IN FCRA ENABLES GOVT. TORECEIVE
ACCOUNT DETAILS OF NGOS ONLINE. NGOS WILL BE REQUIRED TO
PUBLISH DETAILS OF FOREIGN CONTRIBUTIONS ON SPECIFIED
WEBSITES.
 P M L A IN THE NEWS -----BANK OF BARODA CASE:--ALLEGED
OVERSEAS TRANSFER OF RS 6,172 CRORES TO HONG KONG AND
DUBAI ON THE PRETEXT OF ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR IMPORT ORDERS.
ED AND CBI HAVE ARRESTED SOME BOB OFFICIALS.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 29
THE BLACK MONEY ACT - EXEMPT
 THE BLACK MONEY (UNDISCLOSED FOREIGN INCOME
AND ASSETS) AND IMPOSITION OF TAX ACT, 2015
 NO. 22 OF 2015 [26th May, 2015.]
 An Act to make provisions to deal with the problem of the Black money
that is undisclosed foreign income and assets, the procedure for dealing
with such income and assets and to provide for imposition of tax on any
undisclosed foreign income and asset held outside India and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.
 THE RULES FRAMED UNDER THE NEW LAW PROVIDE FOR
EXEMPTION FROM PROSECUTION UNDER FEMA TO THOSE
DISCLOSING THEIR ASSETS.
 RBI on 30TH
SEPTEMBER said no action under FEMA will be taken against
declarations under one-time black money compliance window, which ends on
Wednesday.
 In a communication to banks, the Reserve Bank said: "No proceedings shall lie
under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) against the
declarant with respect to an asset held abroad for which taxes and penalties
under the provisions of Black Money Act have been paid." RBI has already
notified the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015, in this regard.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 30
THE FATCA-Foreign Account Tax Compliance
Act (FATCA) OF U.S.A.
 On July 9, 2015 U.S and India Signed a Tax information sharing
agreement. The agreement is designed to increase transparency
between the two nations on the investment and tax matters. The
agreement takes effect immediately and underscores growing
international co operation to end tax evasion in both the
countries.
 On 28th
August 2015 RBI has issued directions on reporting
requirement under Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
(FATCA) and Common Reporting Standards (CRS) to all Banks
and NBFIs(Non Banking Financial Institutions)
 The CBDT has also made necessary amendments to the Act
and the rules to implement FATCA.
 It is more of an information exchange law which shall have
consequential implications for exchange control.
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 31
THANK YOU
12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 32

13. NJA PRESENTATION.ppt cross border transaction

  • 1.
    A PRESENTATION ON CROSS BORDERTRANSACTION - EXCHANGE CONTROL AND THE LAW 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 1
  • 2.
    CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS Cross-border operations are transactions between residents of different countries.  Major Types Of Cross Border Transactions  Cross-Border Financing and Investment  Buying or Selling Products & Services  Combined research/ shared services 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 2
  • 3.
    CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS I. Cross-Border Financing and Investment  This term refers to any financing arrangement that crosses national boundaries. Cross border financing could include  cross border loans,  letters of credit or bankers acceptances,  Bank guarantees, depositary receipts etc.  Investments including FDIs(Foreign Direct Investments),FPIs(Foreign Portfolio Investments),FIIs(Foreign Institutional Investments) 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 3
  • 4.
    CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS 2. Buying or Selling Products & Services This term refers to any buying or selling activities of products or services including cost sharing by Multinational companies Both may have different features with respect to  infrastructure,  permanent establishment,  producing product or services outside the one’s jurisdictional  area,  trading across the borders,  bridging between local resources and outside supply etc etc. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 4
  • 5.
    CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS 3. Combined research/ shared services  B.P.O.As a result of globalization, organizations today are required to make their non-core operations a strategic tool for enhancing their core capabilities, improve processes, lower costs, drive revenue, pledge quality and strengthen customer relationships with Business Outsourcing Solutions.  . Groups of companies are introducing joint research programs for entire industry as one cartel or chamber of commerce or group of commerce.   This type of arrangements of shared service centers are also concern matter in international trade if those shared service centers providing services across the borders scattered in different locations.  12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 5
  • 6.
    EXCHANGE CONTROL  ExchangeControl is a governmental restriction on the movement of currency between countries in private transactions in foreign exchange (foreign money or claims on foreign money).  The transactions include currency, bank transactions, book transfers, electronic payments or any other direct or indirect financial benefits provided by persons who are residents or citizens of one country to persons who are residents or citizens of another country. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 6
  • 7.
    LAWS FOR EXCHANGECONTROL Brief Background:  The Defence of India Act 1939 first introduced exchange control on a temporary basis.  Subsequently, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act was enacted in 1947 to be replaced by the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA),1973.  Due to Economic liberalization in 1991, foreign investments were sought to be encouraged in many sectors. In the changed environment, the provisions of FERA were found restrictive in nature . herefore FERA was reviewed by the Tarapore committee on Capital Account Convertibility, constituted by the Reserve Bank of India.  Consequently FERA was repealed and replaced by Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA),1999,w.e.f. 1st June,2000. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 7
  • 8.
    LAWS FOR EXCHANGECONTROL  TODAY WE HAVE A PLETHORA OF LAWS GOVERNING EXCHANGE CONTROL IN CROSS BORDER TRANSACTIONS, WHICH INCLUDE:  F E M A- FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT ACT 1999  F C R A - Foreign Contribution Regulatory Act 2010 & FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) RULES 2011 AS MODIFIED BY FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) AMENDMENT RULES 2015.  P M L A-Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 & Prevention of MoneY LaunderinG (Amendment) Act 2012 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 8
  • 9.
    LAWS FOR EXCHANGECONTROL  OBJECTIVES 0F THE THREE LAWS  THE OLDEST OF THE THREE LAWS IS FEMA ,1999,WHICH CONTROLS THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE,FACILITATES EXTERNAL TRADE AND PAYMENTS AND MAINTAINS BALANCE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET IN INDIA.  THE SECOND LAW IS PMLA,BROUGHT IN THE YEAR 2002,TO PREVENT MONEY LAUNDERING AND TO PROVIDE FOR CONSFICATION OF PROPERTY DERIVED FROM OR INVOLVED IN,MONEY LAUNDERING AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH.IT HAS BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED IN 2012.  FCRA IS THE THIRD AND MOST RECENT LAW,BROUGHT IN 2010,WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF REGULATING ACCEPTANCE AND UTILISATION OF FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION OR FOREIGN HOSPITALITY BY SPECIFIED PERSONS AND TO PROHIBIT ACCEPTANCE AND UTILISATION OF FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION OR FOREIGN HOSPITALITY FOR ANY ACTIVITIES DETRIMENTAL TO THE NATIONAL INTEREST.  12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 9
  • 10.
    FEMA AND FERA–A comparison There are some similarities in both the laws, e.g.  The regulatory bodies are the Union Government and the Reserve Bank of India.  The Directorate of Enforcement continues to be the agency for enforcement of the provisions of the Act, including coercive measures such as search and seizure action  Wide applicability of the law i.e. to the whole of India as well as to certain extra-territorial jurisdictions 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 10
  • 11.
    FEMA AND FERA–A comparison However, there are major differences in the two acts. Some of the differences are FEMA 1. No. of Sections: Has only 49 sections and is much simpler. 2. Punishment: Any offence is civil offence punishable with monetary penalty and imprisonment is only when penalty amount is not paid 3. Penalty: u/s 13 is limited to three times the amount involved in contravention 4. Appeals FERA Had 81 sections and was far more complicated. Any offence was criminal offence punishable as per Cr.P.C. with imprisonment u/s 50 penalty was almost five times the amount involved in contravention 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 11
  • 12.
    FEMA AND FERA–A comparison Continued …..major differences FEMA 4. APPELLATE PROCEDURE: Adjudication and appeal:Sec.16 to Sec.35. High Court Appellate Tribunal for Foreign Exchange Special Director (appeals) or Adjudicating authorities FERA Adjudication and appeal: Sec. 51 to Sec. 54 High Court Foreign Exchange Regulation Appellate Board Adjudicating authorities 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 12
  • 13.
    FEMA--THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENTACT, 1999  Applies to the whole of India. As well as to all branches, offices and agencies outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India and also to any contravention there under committed outside India by any person to whom this Act applies.  It came into force w.e.f.1st June 2000.  Provided that different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming into force of that provision. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 13
  • 14.
    OBJECTIVE OF FEMA Accordingto the Act, the objective is- To consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange  with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 14
  • 15.
  • 16.
    The Legislative Structureof FEMA1999  The FEMA,1999. contains legal provisions in 7 chapters and 49 sections as detailed below  Chapter I Preliminary (Sec.1& 2)  Chapter II Regulation And Management Of Foreign Exchange (Sec.3-9)  Chapter III Authorized Person (Sec.10-12)  Chapter IV Contraventions and Penalties (Sec. 13-15)  Chapter V Adjudication and Appeal (Sec.16-35)  Chapter VI Directorate of Enforcement. (Sec 36-38)  Chapter VII Miscellaneous (Sec.39-49) 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 16
  • 17.
    The directorate ofenforcement Chapter VI (Sec 36-38) of the FEMA relates to the establishment and powers of the Directorate of Enforcement.  The Directorate enforces two laws;  FEMA, a Civil Law having quasi judicial powers, for investigating suspected contraventions of the Exchange Control Laws and Regulations with the powers to impose penalties on those adjudged guilty and  PMLA, a Criminal Law, whereby the Officers are empowered to conduct enquiries to locate, provisionally attach/confiscate assets derived from acts of Schedules Offences besides arresting and prosecuting the Money Launderers.  12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 17
  • 18.
    Some important Definitionsin fema contd. "current account transaction" means a transaction other than a capital account transaction and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing such transaction includes – (i) payments due in connection with foreign trade, other current business, services, and short-term banking and credit facilities in the ordinary course of business, (ii) payments due as interest on loans and as net income from investments, (iii) remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad, and (iv) expenses in connection with foreign travel, education and medical care of parents, spouse and children; "capital account transaction" means a transaction which alters the assets or liabilities, including contingent liabilities, outside India of persons resident in India or assets or liabilities in India of persons resident outside India, and includes transactions referred to in sub-section (3) of section 6; 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 18
  • 19.
    Some important Definitionsin fema contd.  "currency" includes all currency notes, postal notes, postal orders, money orders, cheques, drafts, travelers cheques, letters of credit, bills of exchange and promissory notes, credit cards or such other similar instruments, as may be notified by the Reserve Bank;  "foreign exchange" means foreign currency and includes,- (i) deposits, credits and balances payable in any foreign currency, (ii) drafts, travellers cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange, expressed or drawn in Indian currency but payable in any foreign currency, (iii) drafts, travellers cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange drawn by banks, institutions or persons outside India, but payable in Indian currency;  "person" includes – an individual, a Hindu undivided family, a company, a firm, an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, every artificial juridical person, not falling within any of the preceding sub-clauses 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 19
  • 20.
    FCRA ----- ForeignContribution Regulatory Act 2010 & FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) RULES 2011 AS MODIFIED BY FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION ) AMENDMENT RULES 2015 The original Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 was subsequently replaced by Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010. The objectives of the Act are mainly to exercise control over 1). Acceptance of Foreign Hospitality by dignitaries and high officials from the Govt., including prohibition on election candidates ,registered newspaper personnel ,political parties ,MPs ,MLAs, Judges, Govt. servants etc 2) Utilization of foreign contribution in India. --- 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 20
  • 21.
    12/20/24 pramila shrivastav21 FCRA continued. Foreign Contribution means contribution by any foreign source. Case Law: Association for Democratic Reforms v. UOI (2014),Del.HC DB).Two companies incorporated in India had given donations to political parties. Majority shares of these companies were held by a company incorporated outside India. Held that the donations were received from foreign sources. Foreign contributions include articles, currency, hospitality,and securities as specified by the Govt. from time to time FCRA is applicable to the whole of India and also to citizens of India outside India and associates/branches and subsidiaries outside India of companies or bodies registered or incorporated in India.  FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreign Division.
  • 22.
    FCRA contd. FCRA tooverride the provisions of FEMA or other general acts since it is a special act.Thus even if a transaction is permissible under FEMA,the restrictions of FCRA shall apply. Exemptions  ---Contributions by U.N. and its specified agencies, World Bank, IMF, or other agencies as notified by the Govt. are exempt.  -----Exemptions from FCRA restrictions are specified in Sec.3 and Sec.4,and includes gifts from relatives ,scholarships , remittances for salaries and wages, payments in the course of normal trade and commerce ,etc, subject to prohibitions notified by the Govt. u/s 10. Recent Developments  Recently the NGOs in India have had to face the restrictions on foreign contributions under this Act. In June 2015, the MHA cancelled the licenses of 15,000 NGOs for violation of FCRA.  12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 22
  • 23.
    Prevention of MoneyLaundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) & Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment)Act, 2012  There is interesting history behind the word. ”laundering” Al Capone, the notorious mafia in USA, obtained lot of money from criminal activities. He invested that money into establishing laundries all over USA. Since laundry business is mainly cash business, he was able to convert his cash into legitimate money.  The term Money Laundering is used for the disguising or concealing of illicit income in order to make it appear legitimate.  Money Laundering is being employed by launderers worldwide to conceal criminal activity associated with it such as drugs / arms trafficking, terrorism and extortion. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 23
  • 24.
    Prevention of MoneyLaundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) & Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment)Act, 2012  India has criminalised money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), as amended periodically.  The latest amendment to The Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 was assented to by the President on 3rd January 2013 and has been notified as The Prevention of Money Laundering(Amendment) Act 2012.  The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), an intergovernmental body, was established by the G-7 Summit in Paris in 1989 and was responsible for setting global standards on anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism . India is also a member. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 24
  • 25.
    Contd. Prevention ofMoney Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)  Offences have cross border implications if i). Offence is committed outside India and the proceeds of such conduct or part thereof are remitted to India. Or ii) Offence is committed in India and proceeds of crime are transferred outside India.  It covers offences specified in Parts A,B,or C of Schedule to the Act, e.g, Sec.121 & Sec. 121A of I.P.C.-waging or attempting or abetting conspiring to wage war against Govt. of India; Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.  & If amount involved is more than Rs.30 lacs then,offences of Murder, culpable homicide, causing hurt to extort property, kidnapping for ransom, counterfeiting, forgery.Offences under Wild Life Protection Act, Arms Act, Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act, Prevention of Corruption Act.  12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 25
  • 26.
    CASE LAW: HASANALI KHAN   Bombay High Court Hasan Ali Khan vs Union Of India on 12 August, 2011  Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction Criminal Bail Application No.994 Of 2011 Supreme Court of India Union of India vs Hasan Ali Khan And Anr. On 30th September ,2011 Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction Criminal Appeal No.1883 of 2011 (arising out of the judgement and final order of the Bombay High Court dated 12th August 2011)   12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 26
  • 27.
    CASE LAW: HASANALI KHAN I. Income Tax Search in 2007 found cash, jewellry ,and incriminating documents regarding transactions of huge proportions in foreign banks ,and three passports.---Documents were forwarded to the Enforcement Directorate. II. Income tax assessments of the accused was to the tune of Rs.110,412,68,85,303 for Assessment years 2001 to 2008 III. The enforcement Directorate during investigation found that the accused had violated the FEMA provisions and Sec.3 and Sec.4 of the PMLA to the tune of US$ 8000453000, (INR. 36,000 approx.) in his account with the Union Bank Of Switzerland,AG ,Zurich, Switzerland. IV. He was arrested in 2011 and applied for bail which was granted by the Bombay High Court but subsequnetly the S.C. cancelled the bail.  The laws mentioned in this case are:-  Income Tax Act  FEMA  Section2(1) u, Section 3 , and Section 4 of the Prevention of Money laundering Act(PMLA).  (SUMMARY OF THE FACTS AND THE JUDGEMENT OF THE Bombay H.C ARE SEPERATELY CIRCULATED). 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 27
  • 28.
    RECENT INCIDENTS ABOUTVIOLATIONS of FEMA, fcra and pmla  THE HUGE PENDENCY OF FEMA AND PMLA CASES CAME UP IN THE PARLIAMENT ON 18TH DECEMBER 2015.  IT WAS STATED BY THE MINISTER OF STATE ,FINANCE,THAT MORE THAN 6000 CASES WERE PENDING OUT OF WHICH 4,787 WERE FEMA CASES AND 1319 CASES WERE PMLA CASES INVOLVING RS.10,309 CRORES. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 28
  • 29.
    RECENT INCIDENTS ABOUTVIOLATIONS of FEMA, fcra and pmla  FCRA IN THE NEWS  4TH SEPT.2015: GOVT. CANCELS N.G.O.GREENPEACE INDIA’S FCRA LISCENCE THIS MEANS THE NGO WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE FOREIGN DONATIONS.  SOCIAL ACTIVIST TEESTA SETALVAD.VIOLATION OF FCRA IN RECEIVING DONATIONS FROM FORD FOUNDATION. CBI INTERROGATION IS ONGOING.  28TH DEC.2015.CHANGES IN FCRA ENABLES GOVT. TORECEIVE ACCOUNT DETAILS OF NGOS ONLINE. NGOS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PUBLISH DETAILS OF FOREIGN CONTRIBUTIONS ON SPECIFIED WEBSITES.  P M L A IN THE NEWS -----BANK OF BARODA CASE:--ALLEGED OVERSEAS TRANSFER OF RS 6,172 CRORES TO HONG KONG AND DUBAI ON THE PRETEXT OF ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR IMPORT ORDERS. ED AND CBI HAVE ARRESTED SOME BOB OFFICIALS. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 29
  • 30.
    THE BLACK MONEYACT - EXEMPT  THE BLACK MONEY (UNDISCLOSED FOREIGN INCOME AND ASSETS) AND IMPOSITION OF TAX ACT, 2015  NO. 22 OF 2015 [26th May, 2015.]  An Act to make provisions to deal with the problem of the Black money that is undisclosed foreign income and assets, the procedure for dealing with such income and assets and to provide for imposition of tax on any undisclosed foreign income and asset held outside India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.  THE RULES FRAMED UNDER THE NEW LAW PROVIDE FOR EXEMPTION FROM PROSECUTION UNDER FEMA TO THOSE DISCLOSING THEIR ASSETS.  RBI on 30TH SEPTEMBER said no action under FEMA will be taken against declarations under one-time black money compliance window, which ends on Wednesday.  In a communication to banks, the Reserve Bank said: "No proceedings shall lie under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) against the declarant with respect to an asset held abroad for which taxes and penalties under the provisions of Black Money Act have been paid." RBI has already notified the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015, in this regard. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 30
  • 31.
    THE FATCA-Foreign AccountTax Compliance Act (FATCA) OF U.S.A.  On July 9, 2015 U.S and India Signed a Tax information sharing agreement. The agreement is designed to increase transparency between the two nations on the investment and tax matters. The agreement takes effect immediately and underscores growing international co operation to end tax evasion in both the countries.  On 28th August 2015 RBI has issued directions on reporting requirement under Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and Common Reporting Standards (CRS) to all Banks and NBFIs(Non Banking Financial Institutions)  The CBDT has also made necessary amendments to the Act and the rules to implement FATCA.  It is more of an information exchange law which shall have consequential implications for exchange control. 12/20/24 pramila shrivastav 31
  • 32.