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Confidence in Every Cross-Border Deal – With Our LC Support

Close International Deals Confidently with Our Letter of Credit (LC) Support.

Overview

A Letter of Credit (LC) is a financial document that a bank issues to ensure that a buyer will pay a seller on schedule and in the exact amount. The bank pays the entire amount or the remaining balance if the buyer is unable to complete the payment. In order to reduce the risks involved in cross-border transactions and provide security for both buyers and sellers, LCs are frequently utilized in international trade.

Features

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Reduces payment risk in trade.
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Can be revocable or irrevocable.
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Typically involves multiple parties (buyer, seller, issuing bank, and advising bank).
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Ensures timely payment upon meeting condition

Benefits

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Risk Mitigation:

Guarantees payment to sellers in the event of a buyer default.

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International Trade Trust:

Encourages confidence amongst traders worldwide.

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Working Capital Support:

Allows companies to carry on without experiencing interruptions in their cash flow.

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Credit Enhancement:

Improves buyer-seller interactions by serving as a credit instrument to guarantee payment.

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Transactional Flexibility:

Adaptable to trade agreements.

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Increased Negotiation Power:

Boosts trust with foreign vendors.

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Secure Import and Export Procedure:

Guards against unanticipated dangers for both the buyer and the seller.

Eligibility Criteria

  • It must be a commercial entity, such as a company, partnership, LLP, or proprietorship.
  • Needs to have a current, active bank account.
  • A solid financial record and credit history.
  • If applicable, a positive prior experience with the bank.
  • The LC needs to be verified by a reputable bank and be irrevocable.
  • The lending bank should acknowledge and accept the issuing bank.
  • Additional security (stock, real estate, or other assets) can be needed by the bank.
  • Depending on the risk assessment, a buffer (often 10–30%) can be necessary.
  • Legitimate business dealings must support LC

Documents Required

  • ID & Address proof PAN cards of the business owner or owners
  • Proof of address (such as a rent agreement or electricity bill)
  • Proof of Business Registration (Partnership Deed, Incorporation Certificate, etc.)
  • GST Registration Certificate, Udyam Certificate Income Tax Returns (ITR) over the previous two to three years
  • Bank statements over the last six to twelve months
  • Balance sheet and profit and loss statement audit (for loans over ₹10 lakh)
  • Track record of loan repayment (if appropriate)
  • Original Letter of Credit (LC): This document is issued by the bank of the buyer.
  • A copy of the purchase order or proforma invoice that supports the LC.
  • Draft Bill of Exchange: The exporter's signature.
  • Commercial Invoice: Verifies the items' worth.
  • Transportation Records: Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, or Railroad Receipt, according to the shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Businesses involved in international trade, whether as importers (buyers) or exporters (sellers), can apply for a Letter of Credit (LC). Exporting companies can be the beneficiaries of an LC. To qualify, businesses typically need to have an established relationship with a bank and meet the bank's specific requirements.

The key parties involved in a Letter of Credit (LC) are:
  • Applicant (Buyer): The person or company purchasing the goods.
  • Beneficiary (Seller): The person or company selling the goods.
  • Issuing Bank: The buyer's bank that issues the LC.
  • Advising Bank: The seller's bank that notifies them about the LC.
  • Confirming Bank (optional): A bank that guarantees payment if the issuing bank fails.
  • Negotiating Bank: The bank that verifies and processes the seller's documents.
  • Reimbursing Bank: The bank that pays the negotiating or confirming bank on behalf of the issuing bank.

Whether an LC can be cancelled depends on its type:
  • Revocable LC: Yes, it can be cancelled or amended by the issuing bank without the beneficiary’s consent. However, this type is rarely used in international trade.
  • Irrevocable LC: No, it cannot be cancelled without the consent of all parties involved, including the issuing bank, beneficiary, and confirming bank (if applicable).

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