Reserve Bank of India
Date : Mar 31, 2021
Reserve Bank of India extends timeline for processing of recurring online transactions
In August 2019, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had issued a framework for processing of e-mandates on recurring online transactions. Initially applicable to cards and wallets, the framework was extended in January 2020 to cover Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions as well.
The requirement of Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) has made digital payments in India safe and secure. In the interest of customer convenience and safety in use of recurring online payments, the framework mandated use of AFA during registration and first transaction (with relaxation for subsequent transactions up to a limit of ₹2,000, since enhanced to ₹5,000), as well as pre-transaction notification, facility to withdraw the mandate, etc. The primary objective of the framework was to protect customers from fraudulent transactions and enhance customer convenience. Based on a request from Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for an extension of time till March 31, 2021, to enable the banks to complete the migration, Reserve Bank had advised the stakeholders in December 2020 to migrate to the framework by March 31, 2021. Thus, adequate time was given to the stakeholders to comply with the framework.
It is, however, noted that the framework has not been fully implemented even after the extended timeline. This non-compliance is noted with serious concern and will be dealt with separately. The delay in implementation by some stakeholders has given rise to a situation of possible large-scale customer inconvenience and default. To prevent any inconvenience to the customers, Reserve Bank has decided to extend the timeline for the stakeholders to migrate to the framework by six months, i.e., till September 30, 2021. Any further delay in ensuring complete adherence to the framework beyond the extended timeline will attract stringent supervisory action. A circular advising the above is being issued by the Reserve Bank today.
(Yogesh Dayal)
Chief General Manager
Press Release: 2020-2021/1326
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RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
RBI/2020-21/118
CO. DPSS. POLC. No.S34/02-14-003/2020-2021
March 31, 2021
The Chairman / Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
All Scheduled Commercial Banks, including Regional Rural Banks /
Urban Co-operative Banks / State Co-operative Banks /
District Central Co-operative Banks / Payments Banks /
Small Finance Banks / Local Area Banks / Card Payment Networks /
Non-bank Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuers /
National Payments Corporation of India
Madam / Dear Sir,
Framework for processing of e-mandates for recurring online transactions
A reference is invited to our circulars DPSS.CO.PD.No.447/02.14.003/2019-20 dated August 21, 2019, DPSS.CO.PD.No.1324/02.23.001/2019-20 dated January 10, 2020 and DPSS.CO.PD.No.754/02.14.003/2020-21 dated December 4, 2020, wherein the framework for registering e-mandates for recurring online transactions using cards / wallets / Unified Payments Interface was put in place. The framework had ensured that changing payment needs of customers were accommodated by adequately balancing safety, security and convenience of such transactions. Stakeholders were given sufficient time to complete the process of migration to the framework by March 31, 2021.
2. It is, however, noted that the progress of onboarding existing as well as new mandates of customers as per the framework is not satisfactory. Keeping in view the requests of some stakeholders and to prevent any inconvenience to customers, it has been decided, as a onetime measure, to extend the timeline for ensuring full compliance to the framework till September 30, 2021. During the extended timeline, no new mandate for recurring online transactions shall be registered by stakeholders, unless such mandates are compliant with the framework.
3. Any further delay in ensuring complete adherence to the framework beyond the extended timeline will attract stringent supervisory action.
4. This directive is issued under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007).
Yours faithfully,
(P. Vasudevan)
Chief General Manager
