Documentary credits

The documentary credit is one of the most secure payment methods in international trade, offering the exporter a conditional payment guarantee from the importer’s bank.

Documentary credits usually require the presentation of certain documents, which must be complied with before payment can take place. You must be aware that banks examine the documents only with respect to the documentary credit and do not look at contracts, agreements or the condition of the goods.

We have compiled a set of checklists to help you make sure that every document is filled in correctly.

What to look out for in every document involved in the documentary credit process:

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Overview of documentary credits

Documentary credits for exporters For an exporter, a documentary credit from the importer's bank removes the risk that the buyer will not pay. Read about D/C for exporters	Documentary credits for importers For an importer, a documentary credit requires the exporter to comply with the agreed conditions before payment is made. Read about D/C for importers

Standby documentary credits Unlike a standard documentary credit, a standby D/C is activated only if the expected payment does not take place. Read about standby D/C	The Documentary credit process We have outlined the steps in the documentary credit process and presented them graphically. See the documentary credit process

International rules Documentary credits are subject to various international rules and regulations. Here you have an outline of these. Read about international rules	Glossary We have compiled a glossary of terms often used in transactions involving documentary credits. See a glossary of D/C terms

FAQ We have compiled a set of frequently asked questions in relation to handling documentary credits. See the FAQ about documentary credit	Incoterms 2000 Companies use ICC's standard trade definitions to describe risks, responsibilities and obligations. Read more about Incoterms 2000

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Trade & Export Finance products and services Read More about our trade & export finance products and services in these booklets (PDF): Download factsheet on Documentary Credits Download factsheet on Int'l Guarantees Download factsheet on Collections Download factsheet on Business Online To read PDF documents, download Adobe Reader®	Try our Business Online demo Get a guided tour of Business Online and see many possibilities online banking can open for your business Try our Business Online demo