Types of Letters of Credit in India

Published on: Sat Jun 24 2023

Introduction

In international trade, a Letter of Credit (LC) plays a vital role in ensuring secure and efficient transactions. It acts as a financial guarantee, protecting the interests of both buyers and sellers. In India, with its thriving trade landscape, different types of LCs are utilized to facilitate smooth business operations. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of Letters of Credit commonly used in India, shedding light on their features, benefits, and application scenarios.

Table of Contents:

Standby Letter of Credit
Revocable Letter of Credit
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
Confirmed Letter of Credit
Unconfirmed Letter of Credit
Revolving Letter of Credit
Back-to-Back Letter of Credit
Red Clause Letter of Credit
Green Clause Letter of Credit
Transferable Letter of Credit
Deferred Payment Letter of Credit
Sight Payment Letter of Credit
Direct Pay Letter of Credit
Revolving Standby Letter of Credit
Conclusion

Standby Letter of Credit

A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) serves as a secondary payment option in case the buyer fails to fulfill their obligations. It provides assurance to the seller that payment will be made if the buyer defaults. SBLCs are often used in international trade contracts, construction projects, and financial agreements.

Revocable Letter of Credit

A Revocable Letter of Credit can be amended or canceled by the issuing bank without prior notice to the beneficiary. It poses a risk to the seller as it can be revoked at any time, leading to uncertainty in payment.

Irrevocable Letter of Credit

An Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILC) provides a guarantee to the seller that payment will be made as long as the stipulated terms and conditions are met. It cannot be amended or canceled without the agreement of all parties involved.

Confirmed Letter of Credit

A Confirmed Letter of Credit involves the addition of a confirmation by a second bank, typically the advising bank in the beneficiary's country. This additional guarantee assures the seller that payment will be made even if the issuing bank fails to fulfill its obligations.

Unconfirmed Letter of Credit

An Unconfirmed Letter of Credit does not have an additional confirmation from a second bank. The seller solely relies on the creditworthiness of the issuing bank.

Revolving Letter of Credit

A Revolving Letter of Credit allows the beneficiary to receive multiple partial shipments or draw multiple payments against a single credit, within a specified time frame and up to a predetermined limit.

Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

A Back-to-Back Letter of Credit is utilized when an intermediary enters into two separate LCs. The intermediary uses the first LC received as collateral to obtain a second LC to pay the actual supplier.

Red Clause Letter of Credit

A Red Clause Letter of Credit includes a special clause that allows the beneficiary to receive an advance payment before the goods are shipped. This advance helps the seller cover production or shipment costs.

Green Clause Letter of Credit

Similar to the Red Clause Letter of Credit, the Green Clause Letter of Credit permits the beneficiary to receive an advance payment. However, it also allows for the storage or warehousing of the goods until the buyer is ready to take delivery.

Transferable Letter of Credit

A Transferable Letter of Credit allows the beneficiary to transfer their rights to a third party, known as the second beneficiary. This type of LC is often used when an intermediary is involved in the supply chain.

Deferred Payment Letter of Credit

A Deferred Payment Letter of Credit allows the buyer to defer payment until a specific future date, typically after the goods have been delivered. It provides flexibility in payment terms.

Sight Payment Letter of Credit

A Sight Payment Letter of Credit ensures immediate payment to the seller upon presentation of compliant documents. It is one of the most straightforward and widely used LC types.

Direct Pay Letter of Credit

A Direct Pay Letter of Credit allows the beneficiary to receive payment directly from the issuing bank, bypassing the buyer's involvement. This type provides additional security for the seller.

Revolving Standby Letter of Credit

A Revolving Standby Letter of Credit is a recurring guarantee used in ongoing trade transactions, with the credit amount automatically reinstated after each payment or drawdown.

Conclusion

In India's dynamic trade landscape, understanding the different types of Letters of Credit is crucial for successful international transactions. Each type serves a specific purpose and provides varying levels of security and flexibility. By familiarizing oneself with these various LC types, importers, exporters, and intermediaries can navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence and optimize their business operations.

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