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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Banking in India originated in the first decade of 18 century with The General Bank of India coming into
existence in1786. This was followed by Bank of Hindustan. Both these banks are now defunct. The oldest bank
in existence in India is the State Bank of India being established as "The Bank of Bengal" in Calcutta in June
1806.

The Reserve Bank of India formally took on the responsibility of regulating the Indian banking sector
from1935. After India's independence 1947, the Reserve Bank was nationalized and given broader powers.

Currently (2007), banking in India is generally fairly mature in terms of supply, product range and reach-even
though reach in rural India still remains a challenge for the private sector and foreign banks. In terms of quality
of assets and capital adequacy, Indian banks are considered to have clean, strong and transparent balance sheets
relative to other banks in comparable economies in its region. The Reserve Bank of India is an autonomous
body, with minimal pressure from the government. The stated policy of the Bank on the Indian Rupee is to
manage volatility but without any fixed exchange rate-and this has mostly been true.

The Modern Banking Functions are Fund based and Non-Fund based functions. These functions of a bank are
those in which banks extend various services to their customers or add their commitments to certain transactions
undertaken by their clients and charge their fees/ commissions for the services rendered by them / their
commitments added to the transactions undertaken by the clients. The activities popularly known as ‘Non-fund
facilities’ provided by Banks.

The major non-fund based facilities that are considered as a part of regular credit facilities are Letter of Credit
and Bank Guarantee. As a part of their Non-fund based functions banks allow Letter of Credit and Bank
Guarantee facilities for their customers to meet their requirements.

Thus, we conclude that the Letter of credit and Bank guarantee comes in a plethora of confusing forms ND
GUISES. It is understood in different ways in different parts of the world. But, once the basics are understood,
it is wonderfully adaptable and uniquely user friendly tool
NON-FUND BASED

1. DESIGN OF STUDY

1.1 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY 7


1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 7
1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 7
1.4 METHODOLOGY 7

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1. DESIGN OF STUDY

1.1 Objective Of Study


1. To understand the importance of banking sector.

2. To perceive the meaning of Non-fund based facility.

3. To visualize the significance of Letter of Credit and Bank Guarantee.

4. To link the role of letter of credit and Bank guarantee with development of the banks.

5. Readers can see the case study of Dena bank playing role of LC and BG.

1.2 Scope Of The Study


1. The readers can come to know the various types of Non-Fund based facilities by Banks.

2. To guide the importers and exporter while removing LC and BG.

3. One can come to know about types of LC and BG.

4. The readers can come to across the sample letter of credit and bank guarantee.

5. They can come to know the procedures of LC and BG.

1.3 Limitations Of The Study


1. The project study is restricted to banking sector used in India only.

2. The conclusion made is based on a sample study and does not apply to all the individuals.

3. All banks are not included.

1.4 Methodology
1. Primary data is collected from a sample size of 30 individuals.

2. Secondary data is collected by referring books relating to banking and basics of banking. Also
referred to Dena Bank, magazines and internet.

1. INTRODUCTION

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The exchange of goods and services across national boundaries brings greater problems to both buyer and seller
than does domestic business. These problems arise from the diversity of customs, standards, currencies, local
regulations, languages and legal systems that are spread across the world. To an extent, the globalization of the
past half century has reduced the barriers and anomalies, but the great majority persists.

This project aims to introduce traders, bankers and buyers and sellers of all types to one of the most widely
employed mechanisms for reducing the financial risks of trade, the Documentary Letter of Credit and Bank
Guarantee. The Letter of credit and Bank guarantee comes in a plethora of confusing forms ND GUISES. It is
understood in different ways in different parts of the world. But, once the basics are understood, it is
wonderfully adaptable and uniquely user friendly tool for businessmen and women world wide.

It is worthwhile, at this stage, remembering the key barriers that present themselves to the average exporter and
importer.

The importer wants to be sure that he will get his goods on time and in good order. He wants to ensure
performance. He does not want to pay for something that he cannot be reasonably sure of getting.

The exporter wants to be sure that, once he has performed his part of a contract he gets rewarded. He wants to
secure payments. He wants to be paid, preferably as soon as possible, sometimes in advance.

2. FUND BASED FACILITY

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3.1 INTRODUCTION 10
3.2 MEANING 10
3.3 TYPES OF FUND BASED FACILITY 11

3.1 FUND BASED AND NON-FUND BASED FUNCTIONS


The difference between fund-based and non-fund based credit assistance lies mainly in the cash outflow. While
the former involves all immediate cash outflow, the latter may or may not involve cash outflow from a banker.
In other words, a fund based credit facility to a borrower would result in depletion of actual liquidity of a banker
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immediately whereas grant of non-fund based credit facilities to a borrower may or may not affect the banker’s
liquidity.

This is, of course, not to suggest that there is more risk in fund-based lending than non-fund based lending, on
the contrary, the experience of bankers, in general, has been that the risk exposure in, non-fund based credit
facilities has been much higher than fund-based facilities. This is found to be due to lack of proper appraisal on
the part of the banker of an application for non-fund facilities. It is therefore, to be appreciated that proposals
for both the fund-based and non-fund based limits deserve and call for the same standard of scrutiny and
appraisal.

3.2 FUND BASED FACILITY


F und based functions of a bank are those in which banks make deployment of their funds either by granting
advances or by making investments for meeting gaps in funds requirements of their customers/ borrowers.
Fund-based functions of a bank may be classified into two parts:

• Granting of Loans and Advances

• Making Investments in shares/ debentures/ bonds.

3.3 FUND BASED FACILITY

I. LOANS AND ADVANCES

1. Commercial Loans Segment

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A. Working Capital

i. Cash Credit

ii. Overdraft

iii. Bills Finance

iv. Bills Purchase

v. Bills Discounting.

B. Tem Loans

i. Capital Expenditure

ii. Equipment Finance

iii. Project Finance

2. Personal Loans Segment

i. Consumer Loans Advance against Shares

ii. Housing Loans

iii. Education Loans.

II. INVESTMENTS

1. Capital Market Instruments

2. Debt Market Instruments.

4.NON-FUND BASED FACILITY


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4.1 INTRODUCTION 13

4.2 PURPOSE FOR NON-FUND BASED 13


4.3 WHY CALLED NON-FUND FACILITY 14
4.4 ESTABLISHMENT OF LETTER OF CREDIT
AND BANK GUARANTEE 15
4.5 RBI NORMS 15

4.1 NON-FUND BASED FACILITIES

It is generally perceived that the non-fund based business is very remunerative to bank and the borrowers. The
banks, besides getting handsome commission or fee and some other service charges, also get the low cost
deposits in the shape of margin and ancillary business. The funds of the borrower are not blocked in the

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advances to be given to the suppliers or beneficiaries and this keeps his liquidity position comfortable,
production smooth and costs low.

NON-FUND BASED FACILITIES

Funds remittance/ Establishment Agency Merchant Banking

Transfer Facilities of LC/BG Function Function

4.2 PURPOSE FOR NON-FUND BASED FACILITIES:


The borrowers need such facilities not only for purchases of current assets or financing there of or take benefit
of certain services with the help of non-fund based facilities. They also need the facilities for acquisition of
fixed assets including their financing.

The relevant aspects of two kinds of non-fund based facilities i.e. LETTER OF CREDITS BANK
GUARANTEE has been discussed in details:

4.3 WHY CALLED NON-FUND BASED FACILITIES?


These are called non-fund based financing (or quasi-credit facilities) because, at the time of opening of the letter
of credit or bank guarantee, no amount, as such, becomes immediately payable. But, these facilities do involve
some financial commitment on the part of the bank in as much as the bank is required to pay the amount of the
bill (drawn under the L/C, and in meticulous compliance of all the terms and conditions stipulated therein), in
the event of the applicant (borrower) refusing or being unable to honour the bill on presentation, at the material
time.
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The bank, however, is within its rights to proceed legally against the applicant (borrower) on the basis of the
letter of request (counter guarantee and indemnity) executed by the applicant, at the time of the issuance of the
Letter of Credit, on a duly stamped paper.

Similarly, no amount becomes payable by the bank at the time of execution of the B/G, but as per the
undertaking (commitment) given by the bank, under the B/G issued, the bank will have to make the payment of
the amount, covered under the B/G by the beneficiary concerned. The bank may make the required payment by
debit to the applicant’s account, even if sufficient balance may not be available therein. The amount so
overdrawn may have to be deposited by the applicant, in the due course, failing which the bank may prefer to
file a civil suit against the applicant to cover the amount, on the basis of the counter-guarantee executed by the
applicant on the stamped paper, at the time of the issuance of the Bank Guarantee.

Thus, it is for the aforesaid reasons that the L/C and B/G are referred to as Non-Fund Based working capital
financing. And, accordingly, one should notharbour any misconception that L/Cs and B/Gsdonot involve any
financial commitments and risk. These facilities (L/C and B/G) are also referred to as Quasi-(or Semi) Credit
Facilities for the same reasons.

And, as these facilities also involve financial risks, the amount, and the terms and conditions of the L/C and
B/G, are also determined by the banks, on the basis of all the precautions taken, as is done at the time of
granting Fund Based credit facilities (like stock cash credit), whereby the borrower gets the right to withdraw
the amount immediately after sanction of the limit, of course, within the over-all credit limit sanctioned and the
Drawing Power (DP) available at the material time. Accordingly, the limits for L/C and B/G were also being
stipulated well within the MPBF (Maximum Permissible Bank Finance). But now, the limits of the L/C and B/G
are sanctioned separately and are independent of the ABF (Assessed Bank Finance

Non-Fund based working capital financing comprises:

1. Letters of Credit (L/Cs), and

2. Bank Guarantees (B/Gs).

4.4 ESTABLISHMENT OF LETTER OF CREDIT AND BANK GUARANTEE:


The major non-fund based facilities that are considered as a part of regular credit facilities are letter of Credit
and Bank Guarantee. As a part of their non-fund based functions banks allow Letter of credit and bank
guarantee facilities for their customers to meet their requirements. Banks charge commission for the services
rendered by them and commitments on the pact of the bank these are allowed after making out a very careful
and detailed assessment of borrower’s requirement and capacity. Only need based facilities are extended after

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making a detailed appraisal of borrower’s strengths and capabilities to honour the commitments as and when the
same arise in respect of the facili

4.5 RBI NORMS:


Prudential exposure norms as per extant guidelines of Reserve Bank of India provides that the maximum
exposure of a bank for all its Fund based and Non-fund based credit facilities, investments, underwriting,
investments in Bonds and commercial paper and any other commitment should not exceed 25 percent of its
(bank's) net worth to an individual borrower and 50 percent of its, net worth to a 'group'. It may however, be
rioted that while calculating exposure, the Non-fund based facilities are to be taken at 50 percent of the
sanctioned limit. To illustrate the point let us consider the following example

Example 1.

Particulars Rs. Rs. in Crores

Net worth of the bank 700

Maximum exposure permitted for an

individual borrower (25% of net worth of the bank) 175

Working Capital Control and Banking Policy 657

Maximum exposure permitted for all borrowers

under the same group (50% of net worth of the bank) 350

Example 2.

Particulars Rs.

Limits sanctioned to borrower

Fund Based 100

Non-Fund Based 100

Total 200

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Total Exposure

For Fund Based limits 100

@ 50% of limits

For Non-Fund based limits 50

@ 50% of limits

150

Total credit limits to the above borrower are Rs.200 crores which are in excess of the maximum exposure norm
of Rs. 175 crores. but for the purpose of determining exposure we have taken non-fund based limits at 50
percent of its value and total exposure is taken at 150 crores which is well within the norm.

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5.LETTER OF CREDIT (LC)


5.1 INTRODUCTION 19

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5.2 WHY LETTER OF CREDIT? 19
5.3 MEANING 21
5.4 TERMINOLOGY 22
5.5 THE BANK OBLIGATIONS & RESPONSIBILITY 23
5.6 STANDARD FORMS OF DOCUMENTATION 25
5.7 COMMON DEFECTS IN DOCUMENTATION 26
5.8 HOW IT WORKS 27
5.9 THE PRICE OF LC 29
5.10 LEGAL BASIS FOR LC 29
5.11 PARTIES TO LC 30
5.12 CHARACTERISTIC OF LC 31
5.13 TYPES & PAYMENT STRUCTURE OF LC 33
5.14 ADVANTAGES OF LC
5.14.1 TO EXPORTER 38
5.14.2TO IMPORTER 39
5.15 LIMITATIONS OF LC 40
5.16 CHECKLIST & GUIDE TO EXPORTER 41
5.17 CHECKLIST & GUIDE TO IMPORTER 45
5.1 Introduction to Letter of Credit

In recent times this type of method has become more popular. Letter of credit are used nowadays primarily in
international trade transactions of significant value, for deals between a supplier in one country and a wholesale
customer in another. On the basis of the instructions given by the importer, his bank gives a written undertaking
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to the bank of the exporter that if the exporter presents certain shipments documents covering the goods within
affixed period, the bank can make payment to the exporter. A letter of credit is an undertaking by a bank to
make a payment to a named beneficiary within a specified time, against the presentation of documents which
comply strictly with the terms of the letter of credit.

In simple words, a letter of credit is an authorization issued by opening bank to the negotiation bank that if the
exporter presents the relevant set of documents, makes the payment.

5.2 WHY LETTER OF CREDITS?

The buyer would usually prefer to first receive the goods to be brought and only after satisfying himself of the
quality and quantity of the goods supplied, he would like to make payment. As against this, the seller will
usually prefer to first receive the full payment for the goods to be supplied, and only then he would like to
deliver the goods. And, if such mutual distrust would continue, the business transaction can hardly take place.

Here comes the facilitating role of the banking system which serves as a bridge (a common link) between the
buyer and the seller, as both of them should be having their full faith in the banking system and the bank(s)
concerned.

The mechanism, used by the banker in this regard, is the LETER OF CREDIT.

Actually, both these methods are common in international transactions. The first is called OPEN ACCOUNT
and second is called ADVANCED PAYMENT.

• With open account, the parties may depend on long experience of each other. They may each have
checked the other with a credit agency. The exporter may have insurance against bad debts. Certainly he
will have confidence in the quality of his contract and the impartial competence of the local courts.
Goods and services are regularly traded in this manner in North America, Western Europe and parts of
the Far East. National barriers are not seen as legal barriers.

• Advanced Payments are less common, but are used in the contracting and heavy engineering industries,
where substantial work is required and goods are tailor made. If a buyer cancels a contract, it should not
be too much of a problem for a supplier of bricks to find an alternative sale. But manufacturers of power
stations tend to build to order. In these cases, the seller often has to request his bank to issue an advance
payment guarantee in favour of the buyer to secure an advance payment. This is a simple document
wherein a bank undertakes to pay the money advanced back to the buyer if he states that the seller has
failed to deliver.

Both these techniques assume that each party is not worried that the goods are within the control of the party
that has been paid (or part paid). If they wish to ensure that control over the goods is not transferred until they
are paid for, they can agree to a documentary collection.

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• Under a documentary D/P collection the exporter asks his bank to send the documents that give access
to the goods (such as a bill of lading), along with his invoice and any other items required by the
importer, to the buyer’s bank with the request that they are handed over to the buyer only if the buyer
pays. D/P stands for “DOCUMENTS AGAINST PAYMENT”.

There is a further development of the collection called the:

• DOCUMENTRY D/A COLLECTION. Here the abbreviation stands for “Documents against
Acceptance”. Control over the goods is released not against payment, but against the importer’s
acceptance of a usance bill of exchange. This may not be as secure as holding back the goods, but at
least it means that the buyer has acknowledged the debt and has undertaken to pay on a certain date. In
many countries, notably those with a French legal tradition, dishonor of an accepted draft is an
imprisonable offence.

• The main problem with collections lies in the ability of the buyer to refuse to pay for (or accept) the
documents. He has the option to decide after shipment that he does not want to buy the goods. This
leaves the supplier with the problem of disposing of his merchandise, which may have been made to
unique specifications, in an often distant location. The potential problems can be imagined. In addition
to his risk that the market has gone against him, he has to clear, insure and store the goods. He may have
to pay other local costs. All in all, the market risk on a refused collection can be very high.

For many, faced with the risks above, the answer is a Documentary Letter of Credit. The concept of a
documentary credit is remarkably simple. In essence it is:

An undertaking by a bank, on behalf of an importer, to an exporter that, if specified documents (showing


that a shipment has taken place or a service has been supplied) are presented to that bank within a
certain time frame, he will be paid.

5.3 WHAT IS LETTER OF CREDIT (L/C)?

A Letter of Credit (L/C) is a written document issued by the Buyers' Banker (BBK), at a request of the Buyer
(B), in favour of the Seller(S), whereby the Buyer's Banker (BBK) gives an undertaking to the Seller(S) that, in
the event of the Seller tendering the Bill of Exchange to the Seller's Banker (SBK), along with all the required
documents, in strict compliance of all the terms and conditions stipulated in the L/C, the entire amount of the
bill will be paid to the Seller (S) by the Seller's Banker (SBK), on behalf of the Buyer's Banker (BBK)
immediately, as has been, in turn, undertaken by the buyer to his own Banker(BBK).

The L/C is usually issued by the buyer's banker in quadruplicate. And, the buyer's banker sends the original and
the three copies to the respective parties involved, as under:
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i. The original L/C is sent to the paying (seller's) banker (SBK).

ii. One copy is sent to the seller (S) through his (seller's) banker (SBK), for his information and further
necessary action.

iii. One copy is sent to the buyer (B) for his information, and

iv. One (office) copy is retained by the issuing (buyer's) banker (BBK) for his office records and reference,
whenever the documents, drawn under the L/C, are received for payment or for issuance of amendments
thereto, etc.

While the original L/C is duly stamped, as per the Indian Stamp Act, the other copies are unstamped; they are
just marked as Not Negotiable copies, meant for the buyer, seller, and office copy.

i. The original L/C is sent by the buyer's banker, to the seller's banker, authorizing him to make the full
payment of the Bill of Exchange to the seller, provided all the documents, tendered by the seller, are in
strict conformity with the terms and conditions stipulated therein(L/C). And, in the event of any of the
terms and conditions, how-so-ever minor or apparently insignificant, being at variance with those
stipulated in the L/C, the seller's banker should decline to make any payment to seller against the
documents tendered under the L/C in question.

The paying banker (seller's banker) should, instead, point out the deficiency/ deficiencies found in the
documents to the seller, suggesting to him either;

1. to rectify the irregularities observed, or

2. to contact the buyer, to approach his (buyer's) banker and arrange for the required
amendments to the L/C, so that the paying (seller's) banker could honour and make payment
against the bills drawn under the L/C. and, if so requested by the buyer, the buyer's banker
may issue the required amendment which can well be done by means of a simple letter on the
letter head of the bank (unstamped). Such amendment letter is also sent by the buyer's banker
to all the involved parties, as is usually done in the case of the issuance of the L/C, i.e.,

a) Original letter is sent to the seller's banker;

b) One copy is sent to the seller's banker for onward transmission to the seller for his
information and necessary action;

c) One copy is sent to the buyer; and

d) One copy is retained by the issuing (buyer's) banker for office records.

Under certain special circumstances, if so requested by the seller (preferably in writing, and that to, supported
by the execution of a duly stamped indemnity bond), the paying (seller's) banker may make the payment to the
seller in full, but "under reserve"; that is, incase the payment is refuse by the buyer, on the plea that some
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specific terms and conditions, stipulated in the L/C, were not fulfilled, the seller's banker will have the right to
recover the amount, (paid earlier 'under reserve') immediately after coming to know of such refusal of the
payment by the buyer.

5.4 Terminology
The English name “letter of credit” derives from the French word “accredit if”, a power to do something, which
in turn is derivative of the Latin word “accreditivus”, and meaning trust. This in effect reflects the modern
understanding of the instrument. When a seller agrees to be paid by means of a letter of credit s/he is looking at
a reliable bank that has an obligation to pay them the amount stipulated in the credit notwithstanding any
defense relating to the underlying contract of sale. This is as long as the seller performs their duties to an extent
that meets the credit terms.

5.4 THE BANK’S OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The prime obligant in a letter of credit is the issuing bank.

It has the initial responsibility of ensuring that the applicant is both creditworthy. The latter consideration is
important to all parties to a trade transaction, as so much depends on trust. Fraud is the constant companion of
trade finance.

It has a duty of care and information. As mentioned above, banks see more trade transactions than their
customers and can advise on methods and warn of dangers.

Then, once a credit is opened, the bank is placing itself as a substitute for the buyer (applicant) and must pay if
the conditions of the credit are fulfilled.

The advising bank has the obligation of authenticating the credit once it has received it and passing it promptly
on to the beneficiary (UCP article 7). It also has the responsibility of authenticating and advising all
amendments.

The confirming bank takes over the payment responsibilities of the issuing bank as far as the beneficiary is
concerned, although it still has the obligation of the issuing bank for ultimate reimbursement.

Whichever bank has responsibility for deciding whether documents are in order and should be either paid (if
sight) or taken up (if usance), takes on a heavy set of obligations, which are dealt with at length in UCP article

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9, 13, and 14, although there are some useful disclaimers for the banks to shelter behind in article 15, 16, 17,
and 18.

Some key provisions from these articles can be summarized as follows:


Banks have to examine documents within seven banking days after receipt of the documents at their counters.
(Article13b).

Banks will examine documents with reasonable care to ensure that they comply on their face with the
requirements of the credit, such documents not to be inconsistent with each other. (Article13a).

Banks examining documents should determine their credit compliance on the basis of the documents alone.
(Article14b). This provision appears to protect the banks but they use these to look behind sets of documents.
Fraud negates all obligations.

There are strict procedures in advising and dealing with discrepancies found in documents. (Article14d, e and
f).

Banks have the protection of the disclaimer provisions, which cover the following:
Banks are not responsible for the genuineness or contents of any document submitted. (Article15).

Banks are not responsible for losses etc. arising from transmission problems. (Art16).

Force Majeur. (Article17).

Banks are not responsible for the failing of their correspondent banks. (Art18a and b).

The applicant is responsible for all banks charges and other costs at home or abroad even if they are supposed
to be paid by the other party. (Art 18c).

The applicant is responsible for any adverse consequences of foreign laws. (Art 18d).

The various banks have responsibilities between each other.

These mostly relate to payment. (Article 19)

If the buyer and seller feel after all this that the banks have little to do, it is worth adding that most banks take
their responsibilities more seriously than the foregoing implies. It is well worth also adding that, give the
flexibility of interpretation available to the bank that checks the documents, it is important to each party that
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they are checked by a bank that has that party’s interests to heart. There follows a tussle between buyer and
seller, each wanting the paying bank to be his own. In some countries this is easier than in others. For
beneficiaries, this means asking for a confirmed letter of credit, if this is more expensive.

5.5 Standard Forms of Documentation:

When making payment for product on behalf of its customer, the issuing bank must verify that all documents
and drafts conform precisely to the terms and conditions of the letter of credit. Although the credit can require
an array of documents, the most common documents that must accompany the draft include:

• Commercial Invoice:

The billing for the goods and services. It includes a description of merchandise, price, FOB origin, and
name and address of buyer and seller. The buyer and seller information must correspond exactly to the
description in the letter of credit. Unless the letter of credit specifically states otherwise, a generic
description of the merchandise is usually acceptable in the other accompanying documents.

• Bill of Lading:

A document evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment and issued by a freight carrier engaged in the
business of forwarding or transporting goods. The documents evidence control of goods. They also serve
as a receipt for the merchandise shipped and as evidence of the carrier's obligation to transport the goods
to their proper destination.

• Warranty of Title:

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A warranty given by a seller to a buyer of goods that states that the title being conveyed is good and that
the transfer is rightful. This is a method of certifying clear title to product transfer. It is generally issued
to the purchaser and issuing bank expressing an agreement to indemnify and hold both parties harmless.

• Letter of Indemnity:

Specifically indemnifies the purchaser against a certain stated circumstance. Indemnification is generally
used to guaranty that shipping documents will be provided in good order when available.

5.4 THE BANK’S OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The prime obligant in a letter of credit is the issuing bank.

It has the initial responsibility of ensuring that the applicant is both creditworthy. The latter consideration is
important to all parties to a trade transaction, as so much depends on trust. Fraud is the constant companion of
trade finance.

It has a duty of care and information. As mentioned above, banks see more trade transactions than their
customers and can advise on methods and warn of dangers.

Then, once a credit is opened, the bank is placing itself as a substitute for the buyer (applicant) and must pay if
the conditions of the credit are fulfilled.

The advising bank has the obligation of authenticating the credit once it has received it and passing it promptly
on to the beneficiary (UCP article 7). It also has the responsibility of authenticating and advising all
amendments.

The confirming bank takes over the payment responsibilities of the issuing bank as far as the beneficiary is
concerned, although it still has the obligation of the issuing bank for ultimate reimbursement.

Whichever bank has responsibility for deciding whether documents are in order and should be either paid (if
sight) or taken up (if usance), takes on a heavy set of obligations, which are dealt with at length in UCP article
9, 13, and 14, although there are some useful disclaimers for the banks to shelter behind in article 15, 16, 17,
and 18.

Some key provisions from these articles can be summarized as follows:

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Banks have to examine documents within seven banking days after receipt of the documents at their counters.
(Article13b).

Banks will examine documents with reasonable care to ensure that they comply on their face with the
requirements of the credit, such documents not to be inconsistent with each other. (Article13a).

Banks examining documents should determine their credit compliance on the basis of the documents alone.
(Article14b). This provision appears to protect the banks but they use these to look behind sets of documents.
Fraud negates all obligations.

There are strict procedures in advising and dealing with discrepancies found in documents. (Article14d, e and
f).

Banks have the protection of the disclaimer provisions, which cover the following:
Banks are not responsible for the genuineness or contents of any document submitted. (Article15).

Banks are not responsible for losses etc. arising from transmission problems. (Art16).

Force Majeur. (Article17).

Banks are not responsible for the failing of their correspondent banks. (Art18a and b).

The applicant is responsible for all banks charges and other costs at home or abroad even if they are supposed
to be paid by the other party. (Art 18c).

The applicant is responsible for any adverse consequences of foreign laws. (Art 18d).

The various banks have responsibilities between each other.

These mostly relate to payment. (Article 19)

If the buyer and seller feel after all this that the banks have little to do, it is worth adding that most banks take
their responsibilities more seriously than the foregoing implies. It is well worth also adding that, give the
flexibility of interpretation available to the bank that checks the documents, it is important to each party that
they are checked by a bank that has that party’s interests to heart. There follows a tussle between buyer and
seller, each wanting the paying bank to be his own. In some countries this is easier than in others. For
beneficiaries, this means asking for a confirmed letter of credit, if this is more expensive.

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5.5 Standard Forms of Documentation:

When making payment for product on behalf of its customer, the issuing bank must verify that all documents
and drafts conform precisely to the terms and conditions of the letter of credit. Although the credit can require
an array of documents, the most common documents that must accompany the draft include:

• Commercial Invoice:

The billing for the goods and services. It includes a description of merchandise, price, FOB origin, and
name and address of buyer and seller. The buyer and seller information must correspond exactly to the
description in the letter of credit. Unless the letter of credit specifically states otherwise, a generic
description of the merchandise is usually acceptable in the other accompanying documents.

• Bill of Lading:

A document evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment and issued by a freight carrier engaged in the
business of forwarding or transporting goods. The documents evidence control of goods. They also serve
as a receipt for the merchandise shipped and as evidence of the carrier's obligation to transport the goods
to their proper destination.

• Warranty of Title:

A warranty given by a seller to a buyer of goods that states that the title being conveyed is good and that
the transfer is rightful. This is a method of certifying clear title to product transfer. It is generally issued
to the purchaser and issuing bank expressing an agreement to indemnify and hold both parties harmless.

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• Letter of Indemnity:

Specifically indemnifies the purchaser against a certain stated circumstance. Indemnification is generally
used to guaranty that shipping documents will be provided in good order when available.

5.6 Common Defects in Documentation

About half of all drawings presented contain discrepancies. A discrepancy is an irregularity in the documents
that causes them to be in non-compliance to the letter of credit. Requirements set forth in the letter of credit
cannot be waived or altered by the issuing bank without the express consent of the customer. The beneficiary
should prepare and examine all documents carefully before presentation to the paying bank to avoid any delay
in receipt of payment. Commonly found discrepancies between the letter of credit and supporting documents
include:

• Letter of Credit has expired prior to presentation of draft.


• Bill of Lading evidences delivery prior to or after the date range stated in the credit.
• Stale dated documents.
• Changes included in the invoice not authorized in the credit.
• Inconsistent description of goods.
• Insurance document errors.
• Invoice amount not equal to draft amount.
• Ports of loading and destination not as specified in the credit.
• Description of merchandise is not as stated in credit.
• A document required by the credit is not presented.
• Documents are inconsistent as to general information such as volume, quality, etc.
• Names of documents not exact as described in the credit. Beneficiary information must be exact.
• Invoice or statement is not signed as stipulated in the letter of credit.

When a discrepancy is detected by the negotiating bank, a correction to the document may be allowed if it can
be done quickly while remaining in the control of the bank. If time is not a factor, the exporter should request
that the negotiating bank return the documents for corrections.

If there is not enough time to make corrections, the exporter should request that the negotiating bank send the
documents to the issuing bank on an approval basis or notify the issuing bank by wire, outline the discrepancies,

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and request authority to pay. Payment cannot be made until all parties have agreed to jointly waive the
discrepancy.

5.7 How it works


Imagine that a business called the Acme Electronics from time to time imports computers from a business
called Bangalore Computers, which banks with the India Business Bank. Acme holds an account at the
Commonwealth Financials. Acme wants to buy $500,000 worth of merchandise from Bangalore Computers,
who agree to sell the goods and give Acme 60 days to pay for them, on the condition that they are provided with
a 90-day LC for the full amount. The steps to get the letter of credit would be as follows:

• Acme goes to The Commonwealth Financials and requests a $500,000 letter of credit, with Bangalore
Computers as the beneficiary.
• The Commonwealth Financials can issue an LC either on approval of a standard loan underwriting
process or by Acme funding it directly with a deposit of $500,000 plus fees between 1% and 8%.
• The Commonwealth Financials sends a copy of the LC to the India Business Bank, which notifies the
Bangalore Computers that payment is ready and they can ship the merchandise Acme has ordered with
the full assurance of payment to them.
• On presentation of the stipulated documents in the letter of credit and compliance with the terms and
conditions of the letter of credit, the Commonwealth Financials transfers the $500,000 to the India
Business Bank, which then credits the account to the Bangalore Computers by that amount.
• Note that banks deal only with documents under the letter of credit and not the underlying transaction.
• Many exporters have misunderstood that the payment is guaranteed after
• Receiving the LC. The issuing bank is obligated to pay under the letter of credit only when the stipulated
documents are presented and the terms and conditions of the letter of credit have been met accordingly.

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SELLER’ BUYER’ SELLER BUYER’S


S S ’S
BANKER
BANKE BANKE

SELLE BUYER SELLER BUYER


R

CARRIE CARRIER

1. After a contract is concluded 2. Seller consigns the goods to a


between buyer and seller, carrier in exchange for a bill of
buyer’s bank supplies Letter of lading.
Credit to seller.

SELLER BUYER SELLER BUYER’


’S ’S ’S S
BANKE

SELLER BUYER SELLER BUYER

CARRIER CARRIE
R

3. Seller provide bill of lading to bank 4. Buyer provides bill of lading to


in exchange for payment. Seller’s carrier and takes delivery of goods.
bank exchanges bill of lading from
buyer’s bank for payment. Buyer’s
bank exchanges bill of lading for
payment from buyer.

5.8 The price of LCs


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The applicant pays the LC fee to the bank, and may in turn charge this on to the beneficiary. From the bank's
point of view, the LC they have issued can be called upon at any time (subject to the relevant terms and
conditions), and the bank then looks to reclaim this from the applicant.

5.9 Legal Basis for Letters of Credit

Although documentary credits are enforceable once communicated to the beneficiary, it is difficult to show any
consideration given by the beneficiary to the banker prior to the tender of documents. In such transactions the
undertaking by the beneficiary to deliver the goods to the applicant is not sufficient consideration for the bank’s
promise because the contract of sale is made before the issuance of the credit, thus consideration in these
circumstances is past. In addition, the performance of an existing duty under a contract cannot be a valid
consideration for a new promise made by the bank: the delivery of the goods is consideration for enforcing the
underlying contract of sale and cannot be used, as it were, a second time to establish the enforceability of the
bank-beneficiary relation.
Legal writers have analyzed every possible theory from every legal angle and failed to satisfactorily reconcile
the bank’s undertaking with any contractual analysis. The theories include: the implied promise, assignment
theory, the innovation theory, reliance theory, agency theories, estoppels and trust theories, anticipatory theory,
and the guarantee theory. Davis, Treitel, Goode, Finkelstein and Ellinger have all accepted the view that
documentary credits should be analyzed outside the legal framework of contractual principles, which require the
presence of consideration. Accordingly, whether the documentary credit is referred to as a promise, an
undertaking, a chose in action, an engagement or a contract, it is acceptable in English jurisprudence to treat it
as contractual in nature, despite the fact that it possesses distinctive features, which make it sui generis.
Even though a couple of countries and US states (see e.g. Article 5 of the Uniform Commercial Code) have
tried to create statutes to establish the rights of the parties involved in letter of credit transactions, most parties
subject themselves to the Uniform Customs and Practices (UCP) issued by the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC) in Paris. The ICC has no legislative authority, rather, representatives of various industry and
trade groups from various countries get together to discuss how to revise the UCP and adapt them to new
technologies. The UCP are quoted according to the publication number the ICC gives them. The UCP 600 is
ICC publication No. 600 and will take effect July 1, 2007. The previous revision was called UCP 500 and
became effective 1993. Since the UCP are not laws, parties have to include them into their arrangements as
normal contractual provisions. It is interesting to see that in the area of international trade the parties do not rely
on governmental regulations, but rather prefer the speed and ease of auto-regulation

5.10 Parties to a letter of credit:

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There are many parties involved in letter of credit. The parties involved in letter of credit are as follows:-

a) Beneficiary:

The beneficiary is an exporter who exports the goods to the importer in an importers country.
The beneficiary is entitled to payment as long as he can provide the documentary evidence required by the
letter of credit. The letter of credit is a distinct and separate transaction from the contract on which it is
based. All parties deal in documents and not in goods. The issuing bank is not liable for performance of the
underlying contract between the customer and beneficiary. If the beneficiary (seller) conforms to the letter
of credit, the seller must be paid by the bank.

b) Issuing bank:

The issuing bank's liability to pay and to be reimbursed from its customer becomes
absolute upon the completion of the terms and conditions of the letter of credit. . The issuing banks' role is to
provide a guarantee to the seller that if compliant documents are presented, the bank will pay the seller the
amount due and to examine the documents, and only pay if j documents comply with the terms and conditions
set out in the letter of credit. Typically the documents requested will include a commercial invoice, a transport
document such as a bill of lading or airway bill and an insurance document; but there are many others. Letters
of credit deal in documents, not goods.

C) Advising Bank:

An advising bank, usually a foreign correspondent bank of the issuing bank will advise the
beneficiary. Generally, the beneficiary would want to use a local bank to insure that the letter of credit is valid.
In addition, the advising bank would be responsible for sending the documents to the issuing bank. The advising
bank has no other obligation under the letter of credit. If the issuing bank does not pay the beneficiary, the
advising bank is not obligated to pay.

D) Conforming Bank:
The correspondent bank may confirm the letter of credit for the beneficiary. At the request of the
issuing bank, the correspondent obligates itself to insure payment under the letter of credit. The confirming
bank would not confirm the credit until it evaluated the country and bank where the letter of credit originates.
The confirming bank is usually the advising bank.

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5.11 Letter of Credit Characteristics

• Negotiability
Letters of credit are usually negotiable. The issuing bank is obligated to pay not only the beneficiary, but
also any bank nominated by the beneficiary. Negotiable instruments are passed freely from one party to
another almost in the same way as money. To be negotiable, the letter of credit must include an
unconditional promise to pay, on demand or at a definite time. The nominated bank becomes a holder in
due course. As a holder in due course, the holder takes the letter of credit for value, in good faith,
without notice of any claims against it. A holder in due course is treated favorably under the UCC.

The transaction is considered a straight negotiation if the issuing bank's payment obligation extends only
to the beneficiary of the credit. If a letter of credit is a straight negotiation it is referenced on its face by
"we engage with you" or "available with ourselves". Under these conditions the promise does not pass to
a purchaser of the draft as a holder in due course.

• Revocability
Letters of credit may be either revocable or irrevocable. A revocable letter of credit may be revoked or
modified for any reason, at any time by the issuing bank without notification. A revocable letter of credit
cannot be confirmed. If a correspondent bank is engaged in a transaction that involves a revocable letter
of credit, it serves as the advising bank.

Once the documents have been presented and meet the terms and conditions in the letter of credit, and
the draft is honored, the letter of credit cannot be revoked. The revocable letter of credit is not a
commonly used instrument. It is generally used to provide guidelines for shipment. If a letter of credit is
revocable it would be referenced on its face.

The irrevocable letter of credit may not be revoked or amended without the agreement of the issuing
bank, the confirming bank, and the beneficiary. An irrevocable letter of credit from the issuing bank
insures the beneficiary that if the required documents are presented and the terms and conditions are
complied with, payment will be made. If a letter of credit is irrevocable it is referenced on its face.

• Transfer and Assignment

The beneficiary has the right to transfer or assign the right to draw, under a credit only when the credit
states that it is transferable or assignable. Credits governed by the Uniform Commercial Code
(Domestic) maybe transferred an unlimited number of times. Under the Uniform Customs Practice for
Documentary Credits (International) the credit may be transferred only once. However, even if the credit
specifies that it is nontransferable or non assignable, the beneficiary may transfer their rights prior to
performance of conditions of the credit.
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• Sight and Time Drafts

All letters of credit require the beneficiary to present a draft and specified documents in order to receive
payment. A draft is a written order by which the party creating it, orders another party to pay money to a
third party. A draft is also called a bill of exchange.

There are two types of drafts: Sight and Time.

A sight draft is payable as soon as it is presented for payment. The bank is allowed a reasonable time to
review the documents before making payment.

A time draft is not payable until the lapse of a particular time period stated on the draft. The bank is
required to accept the draft as soon as the documents comply with credit terms. The issuing bank has a
reasonable time to examine those documents. The issuing bank is obligated to accept drafts and pay
them at maturity.

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5.12 The Different Types of Documentary Credits and Payment structures

There are basic types of documentary Credit:

The Revocable Letter of Credit:


It is one that can be amended or cancelled at any time by issuing bank without the consent of any other party,
so as long as the letter of credit has not been drawn or documents taken up. This sort of credit can even be
withdrawn or changed materially after documents have been presented, so as long as payment has not been
made ( or, in the case of usance credits, the documents taken up and a value date given).the value of such
instruments is, therefore, very limited and revocable letters of credit are very rare. under UCP 500 (Article 6c),
it is no longer necessary for irrevocable letters of credit ( see below ) to be specified as such, the assumption is
that all letters of credit are irrevocable unless stated specifically.

The Irrevocable Unconfirmed Letter of Credit:


It is the most common and is now the format that is assumed in the absence of any instruction to the contrary.
The subject of confirmation will be dealt with below. Unless stated, all comments in this Workbook on the
subject of letters of credit refer to unconfirmed documentary letters of credit. Under this format, the issuing
bank has a commitment to pay against credit conformed documents which cannot be withdrawn without the
consent of the beneficiary under any circumstances except for provable fraud. Nor can the credit be amended by
the issuing bank without the consent of the beneficiary (and, possibly, other interested parties named in the
credit).

The Irrevocable Confirmed Letter of Credit:


The Irrevocable Confirmed Letter of Credit differs from the previous instrument in that advising bank becomes
a prime obligor, along with the issuing bank. The advising bank becomes the Confirming Bank, by adding to its
advice of the credit to the beneficiary the words “this letters of credit caries our confirmation” (or suchlike).
Exporters ask for confirmations for two reasons, to remove the commercial or country risk arising from the
status or domicile of the issuing bank and to have the documents conclusively checked at a bank in their
locality. This is because, with an open confirmation, the issuing bank hands responsibility for deciding whether
documents are in order to the confirming bank. Once documents are paid or taken up by the confirming bank
there is no recourse to the beneficiary. Any discrepancy subsequently found by the issuing bank and the
confirming bank. Such disputes are not uncommon and some countries prohibit confirmation of their banks’
letter of credit for this reason and out of pride.

It is sometimes possible to have a letter of credit “Silently Confirmed”. This is done to remove country risk
from a credit. The issuing bank does not normally know that a confirmation is in place and the credit may be
payable at its counters or elsewhere. The extent of the “confirmation” is normally set out in a separate
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agreement and would not cover documents found discrepant by the paying bank- i.e. the “confirmation” bank
would normally retain recourse on the exporter in the event of the documents being rejected with material
discrepancies.

Transferable Letter of Credit:


Transferable letter of credit is an extension of the irrevocable letter of credit. UCP describes its provisions in
Article 48. The Letter of Credit needs to be payable ( or negotiable) at the counters of the advising bank which
becomes the Transferring Bank. The issuing banks puts into the credit option for the transferring bank to make
the credit available, at the request of the beneficiary, to another party (the “second beneficiary”) in whole or in
part. There can be more than one second beneficiary and each receives an advice of the credit through a third
bank. The credit cannot normally be further transferred to a third party. The documents cannot be changed
except the invoice (allowing the first beneficiary to make a profit. The dates can be changed to allow time to
process documents.

The Standby Letter of Credit:


The Standby Letter of credit is not a documentary letter of credit at all, in that it does not normally involve the
transport of goods or provision of services. It is basically a guarantee issued by a bank in a letter of credit
format. Normally it calls for one or two documents (which can be issued by the beneficiary) to be presented
against payment. Typically these might be a copy of an invoice has not been paid. Standby credits were
introduced by US banks because they were not allowed to issue on-demand guarantees. They continue to be
used as guarantee substitutes and are often found supporting open account trading, or collections.

Back to Back Letter of Credit:


Once a seller has a letter of credit available, he can use it to leverage his own position. He is no longer merely a
supplier, he is now a supplier with (for this transaction at least) the creditworthiness of the issuing bank. The
subject is tackled in more detail in Finance of Foreign Trade, but some of the options are outlined below.

In some cases, the seller (beneficiary) might have received assistance in financing his transaction in the
letter of credit he received from the buyer. It might have been an advance payment letter of credit, which
he could have drawn to pay for goods and services. He may have received a transferable credit and be
able to transfer some of it to a further supplier.

If not, he may be able to get his bank, on the strength of the incoming credit, to advance funds to assist
him to accumulate the goods needed to fulfill his contract.

Once the goods are shipped and documents found to be in order, the seller, depending on the terms of
his letter of credit, can normally seek to receive immediate payment from the advising bank. He may
have accepted discounted amount, charges and recourse.

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One sort of pre-export finance he may ask his bank for, but which many British banks are reluctant to
do, is to issue a back to back letter of credit to a supplier. In these circumstances, the advising bank
(who will often insist on being the paying bank) issues a further, independent letter of credit to the
beneficiary’s supplier(s) for all or part of the goods. The “ideal” back to back letter of credit, they say,
asks for the same documents, descriptions, etc. as the base letter of credit, in much the same way as the
transferable letter of credit does. The idea is that, so long as the dates are amended to allow time, the
seller’s bank can receive the second supplier’s documents and submit them under the first letter of credit
unchanged, except for the invoices, and get paid.

This mechanism requires skill and trust from the financing bank. But, then, it is the belief that all
documentary credit work requires skill and trust on the part of the financing banks.

Within the above categories, there are a variety of payment structures:

Sight Credit:
The sight credit a credit where the beneficiary should be able to receive payment on presentation of credit
conformed documents at the paying bank. This may be the issuing bank or its correspondent in the beneficiary’s
country. Under UCP, banks are allowed seven days to check documents (which is generous in most cases) and,
if payable at the issuing bank, there will be a transit time. A sight letter of credit payable (as most are) at the
issuing bank in China would routinely take two to three weeks to get paid. If payable at the counters of the
advising bank, that bank may wish to check that it has received funds from the issuing bank (or its, say, New
York correspondent) before it pays the exporter. This may take two to three days.

Acceptance Credit:
In an Acceptance credit an exporter is asked to give the bank (and thus normaly the buyer) time to pay. He has
to draw a usance (term) bill of exchange on the issuing ( or advising/ confirming) bank. The documents, once
found to be credit confirmed, are taken up and the exporter is advised that he will get his money on a stated
value date. The date is determined in a variety of ways, depending on the original agreement between the buyer
and seller. It may be certain number of days (say 90) from bill of lading date. It may be a number of days from
presentation. It may be a specified day.

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Deferred Payment:
A Deferred Payment credit is very similar, except that there is no bill of exchange. The issuing bank simply
states that the letter of credit is payable a specified number of days after one of the trigger dates mentioned
above. There are subtle differences in why a deferred payment credit is preferable or less attractive than an
acceptance credit. Often, bills of exchange carry stamp duty, which buyers and sellers wish to avoid. On the
other hand, they give any of the holders in due course the option to discount the draft, assisting liquidity. The
handling of accepted drafts can add to the banks’ work, and therefore, commissions.

With both Acceptance and Deferred payment credits an exporter may, depending on the quality of the issuing
(or confirming bank) and on his reputation, be able to discount the proceeds and be paid a lower amount of
sight.

Also, in both cases, the issuing bank may either be giving the buyer time to on-sell the goods by allowing
payment to be deferred or may bra (for itself or for its Government) obtaining deferment of the need to pay out
foreign exchange.

Negotiation Credit:
A negotiation credit allows the advising bank to buy the documents from the exporter, normally with recourse.
As with other types of credit the documents may be payable at the issuing bank or at an advising bank. A
negotiation credit will be negotiable at a specific bank (the “nominated bank “) or at any bank. If negotiable (or
payable) at ony one bank, this is known as “Restricted credit”. Unless the nominated bank is also the confirming
bank, no bank (whether nominated or not) is obliged to negotiate documents and can merely pass them on to the
issuing bank and pay the exporter on receipt of cover. This all sounds very complicated –which it is –but if an
exporter wants to setup a regular trade with a reasonably trusted counterparty, it may well suit him to have
documents negotiable in his country. It may be that the importer cannot get his bank to issue credits confirmed
or payable outside his country, either because the regulations do not allow it, or because his bank wants tio look
at the documents before they part with their money.

Advance payment or red clause credit:


Under advance payments, or red clause credits the issuing bank allows the advising bank to make a
payment against documents other than those evidence than the main contract has been fulfilled. These credits
were originally designed to allow exporters to pay for material prior to shipment. There is suppose to be a credit
called “green clause” letter of credit under which not only the value of the wool, but also the cost of the
transport was advanced. The expression “red clause” derived from the fact that the stipulation relating to the
advance of funds was typed in red on the letter of credit (traditionally up to the margin). Advance payment
credits either allow the amount paid in advance to be paid clean – with no security except a receipt –or against
some sort of local security, often a bank guarantee or standby credit the advising bank has a duty of ensuring
that the counter credit(or guarantee ) is in order. Amounts advanced under this credit vary from 10% to 100%.

There are two reasons for applicants to ask for Revolving credits. Either there are goods involved and
they are to be shipped in a number of lots or the credit is not used for goods at all and is merely there to assist a
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local agent or office to draw cash. Under either circumstance, the cost of a credit for the full amount drawable
over time is avoided. These credits are worded in a variety of ways. They may stipulate that upto a certain
figure maybe drawn against receipt (or transport documents) every month until a total or an end date has been
received. Or they may say that the second drawing in a certain month can only be made if a first drawing has
been made.

5.13 Advantages of Letter of Credit:

5.13.1 Advantages of Letter of Credit to the Exporter:

A) Provides packing credit:


Exporters can easily collect pre-shipment finance from the banks against letter of credit. Red
clause letter of credit is issued to the exporter to enable him to collect pre-shipment finance from
the bank.

B) Clearance of exchange control regulations:


When the opening bank issues the letter of credit it indicates that the importer has fulfilled all
provisions of exchange control regulations in his country. Transfer of funds will not create a
problem for the exchange control authorities.
C) No blocking of funds:
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The exporter gets immediate payment from the bank when he submits full set of negotiable
documents to the bank . If the documents are drawn as per the terms of letter of credit the bank
pays the exporter in full. Therefore, the exporter does not have to block his funds.
D) No bad debts:
As the payment is guaranteed by the opening bank, the exporter is from the problem of bad debt.
In case the exporter holds a confirm letter of credit, there is double guarantee by the opening
bank & the confirming bank.
E) No liability:

In case of confirmed letter of credit and without Recourse clause, the liability of the exporter
comes to an end as soon as he hands over the relevant documents to the bank.

F) Certainty of payment:
The importer cannot refuse to take possession of the goods and to clear the payment when the
terms of payment is letter of credit. This problem of non-possession and non-payment may arise
in case of D/P & D/A.

5.13.2 Advantages of letter of credit to the importer:

A) Certainty of shipment of goods:


The exporter cannot get any benefit under the letter of credit without shipping the goods and
submitting documents to the bank. Therefore, the importer is certain to get his supply.

B) Delivery on time:
As the exporter submits the documents in time for negotiation, it reaches the opening bank
in time. This enables the importer not only to collect the documents on time but also to
collect the goods from the customs.

C) Overdraft facility:
When the importer falls short of payment, he can take possession of the documents against
overdraft facility.
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D) Better terms of trade:


The opening bank provides credit facility to the importer. This helps the importer to obtain
better terms of trade from the foreign supplier.

E) Funds are not blocked:


There is no need for the importer to block his funds by making advance payment to the exporter.

F) Long business associations:


L/C protects the interest of both the exporter and the importer. Nothing is left to the
imagination of both the parties because the L/C mentions all the terms and conditions of the
business. It helps the exporter and importer to have prolonged business associations

5.14 Limitations of Letter of Credit:

A) Short life:
Every letter of credit has validity period carries short life. It does not give sufficient time to
the exporters for shipment of goods and submission of documents.

B) Problem of weight units:


Weights and measures are different in different countries. Thus disparity often arises
through misinterpretation of weight units.

C) Insurance problem:
The letter of credit may indicate a broad coverage of marine risk whereas underwriters may
view them as less risky. Hence underwrites may like to go for limited coverage of risk.

D) Packing material consideration:


When the importer places an order, he specifies in the letter of credit the type of packing
material that the exporter should provide. If the exporter uses exporter can take objection.

E) Lack of safety:
In case of revocable L/C the opening bank can cancel or modify the L/C without prior
permission of the beneficiary. This creates the problems of safety of payments.
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F) Delayed payments:
The exporter collects payments from the negotiating bank no sooner he submits the
documents. When payment is delayed by the opening bank, the exporter has to pay heavy
interest on the advances.

G) Problem of discrepancy:
If the exporter does not submit the documents as demanded by the importer, it is called
discrepancy in documents. Because of discrepancy the importer either can delay or
withhold payment.

5.15 Letters of Credit - Checklist and Guide for Exporters

Key Checks When the Letter of Credit is Received

Before going any further:

• Check that the letter of credit states that it is subject to the 2007 revision of the Uniform Customs and
Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP) of the International Chamber of Commerce (usually referred to
as UCP 600 or perhaps "current revision")
• Check the authenticity of the credit. Forgeries are comparatively rare, but dangerous. Credits are
normally sent through an Advising/Confirming bank in the UK. Any departure from this routine should
be viewed with suspicion, for example if it comes to you direct from overseas If you do not recognize
the UK Advising/Confirming bank, especially if it comes from a UK address asking you to send
documents abroad, check its authenticity with your own bank
• According to UCP 600 Article 9(b), the Advising bank shows it is satisfied that as to the apparent
authenticity of the credit by advising the credit
• If you receive an unexpected credit from a buyer unknown to you, even under cover of a seemingly
genuine advice from a UK bank, check with the bank that everything is in order -particularly if it calls
for goods to be shipped direct to the buyer with only a PO Box number

Having assured yourself on these points, proceed with the key checks. Bear in mind, as mentioned, that
over half of credit documents are rejected on first presentation to the banks. The main reason for this is
matters that could have been put right, had the credit been checked early enough, were not put right.
Making these key checks on the day the credit arrives, consulting other departments accordingly and
carrying out the more detailed checks immediately afterwards, will enable difficulties to be spotted in
better time to take action.

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Check that you will be paid at the time you planned

The credit may specify payment some time after shipment or after documents and/or drafts have been deemed
compliant by the paying bank (Nominated or Issuing bank). Additional delays and other problems may arise if
payment/acceptance is to take place abroad

Check that your company name, address and full title and those of the buyer are correct and consistent
with all other documents

Check that you can produce the goods, ship them, assemble the documents required and deliver them to
the bank, all by the expiry date and within the time limit for presentation of transport documents

The bank has no discretion under UCP 600 and is not in a position to treat as compliant either documents
presented after expiry dates or documents not completely in order

If the credit has been sent electronically to a UK bank ("tele transmitted") check that it provides details
of the credit that you can act upon and that is not just a pre-advice

Unless it says otherwise, and provided it refers to UCP 600, the tele transmitted credit: can be taken as the
operative credit; can be safely acted upon; and overrides any later mailed advice. Unless a pre-advice states
otherwise, the Issuing bank is bound to follow up the pre-advice by issuing the credit

Check that only those bank charges you agreed to pay are stated to be for your account

Be careful over bank reimbursing charges with a credit not expressed in sterling

Detailed Checks Immediately on Receipt of the Credit:

When checking your credit under the headings below, remember that UCP 600 will apply fully unless you have
agreed different terms, which are reflected in the credit. One or more of the following checkpoints may thus be
overridden by conditions stipulated in your particular credit. If you are still unclear as to what the wording of
the credit implies check what UCP 600 has to say on the point and with the UK bank.

Note: It is recommended that the details of the credit be recorded at this point so that a progress check can be
updated right through to presentation of the final documents to the bank for payment. The Documentary Letter
of Credit Exporters Validation Form available from Chancellor Formecon Ltd provides a convenient way for
doing this.

Company names, addresses and other details

All details should be correctly spelt and consistently reproduced on all the documents

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Following UCP 600 Article 14(j), addresses need not be the same as stated in the credit, but must be within the
same country as the respective addresses mentioned -except when the Applicant's contact details appear as part
of the consignee or notify party details on a transport document

Are partial shipments expressly prohibited?

If not, they are allowed (UCP 600 Article 31(a))

Can you meet the expiry date and also present documents within the transport document time limit?

You will need to allow for:

• Production and packing


• Inspection, if required, and obtaining any inspection certificate or clean report of findings
• Obtaining other certificates (e.g. certificate of origin)
• Chamber of Commerce and/or consular work
• Shipment against availability of transport
• Assembling and checking documents
• Presenting documents to the bank

 The presentation of documents must be completed within 21 days of the date of shipment
evidenced by the transport document, unless the credit curtails or extends the period - a credit
will more frequently curtail the period

 The expiry date stipulated in the credit must be adhered to - it is not overridden by the 21-
day rule
 It might be in your interest to ask for an extension on the 21 days - provided it falls
within the validity of the contract

Interpretation of common business language

For example, words such as "promptly" and "immediately" are disregarded under UCP (refer to Article 3 of
UCP 600 for further information)

What if the credit is wrong or ambiguous on any of the above points?

Prompt decision and action is necessary on:

• Whether you can change your plans or paperwork to meet the requirement
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• Whether to ask the customer to amend the credit and who pays for the amendment
• Whether to let things stand and risk non-payment
• If in doubt, always consult your own bank and/or the paying bank for advice and make a record of the
time, date and outcome of the contact
• Remember that only the Applicant can authorize amendments, i.e. alterations or extensions, through his
bank

When Compiling Documents for Presentation to the Bank:

Ensure that:

• Documents presented in the credit are presented as separate documents

For example, if a packing list and weight list are required and you have a combined packing and weight
list, two original copies of this document will need to be presented

• You have the correct number of originals and/or copies of each; they carry the information called for;
the title of each is correct and it is issued by the party specified in the credit

• They do not conflict

For example, the shipping marks, quantities/weights, transport details, references, and in general terms
the descriptions, must tally so that they clearly relate on their face to the same shipment

• The description of goods is correct

They may be described in general terms (not conflicting with the credit) in all documents except the
invoice, where the exact contract description should be reproduced

• Contract details should preferably not be repeated in full in transport documents and some carriers will
refuse to enter more than the minimum necessary information. This may cause a discrepancy if the
information conflicts with that in the credit or other documents

Documents are authenticated where necessary - import regulations in some countries still make it
essential to sign manually and possibly witness documents and any alterations or additions to them

Any restrictions in the credit are catered for, for example if short form bills of lading are prohibited

5.16 Letters of Credit - Checklist and Guide for Importers

Arranging for the Letter of Credit

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When negotiating the order or sales contract with your supplier, you should only be thinking of using a letter of
credit if your country's exchange control regulations require it or if your supplier insists on it as the means of
payment. Otherwise, you should try to avoid the procedure because it can quite often cause problems for both
your company and your supplier.

Make sure that you

• Have exchange control approval for the importation, if required


• Will be able to obtain any necessary import license
• Can pay import deposits and Customs duty on time
• Check whether forward exchange cover or a foreign currency account is advisable for credits not in your
currency
• Consult other departments in your company to ensure that the terms of the sales contract and credit meet
their requirements

Points to agree with your supplier

• Who pays the charges for: issuing (and possibly confirming) the credit; amendments and or extensions;
and subsequent payment charges

 Unless you specify otherwise, all those charges will be payable by you as the Applicant (opener),
including those in the Beneficiary's country
 If the credit is in a foreign currency, check with your bank on the matter of reimbursing commission

• The type of letter of credit and its terms

 If in doubt discuss them with your bank before you proceed

The expiry date of the letter of credit

Must allow time for your supplier as the Beneficiary to: receive the credit; obtain or manufacture goods;
complete arrangements for packaging and transport; and assemble documents prior to presentation

Issuing bank charges are normally levied on a quarterly basis, so an expiry date of 3 months from issue or a
multiple thereof will be normal in most cases

If the validity proves too short this will likely involve amendments and also lead to delay in dispatch

Do not work to the supplier's "Ex Works" date, but allow further time for shipment, inspection or consular
work, assembling documents and presenting them to the bank

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Check that you have on file the names, full addresses, telephone, email and fax details of the people
responsible for the handling of letter of credit operations for both yourself and your supplier

When applying to your bank for a letter of credit

Give your bank clear and precise instructions and avoid unnecessary requirements

• If a latest shipment/dispatch date is to be quoted, this should precede the expiry date by the number of
days allowed for presentation of documents
• If a latest shipment/dispatch date is not indicated it will be taken to be the same as the expiry date

State clearly

What type of letter of credit has been agreed


Who pays what charges, commissions and any other costs

The correct value (see Completing the Application Form, Currency and amount)

• Ensure it covers the value as stated in the sales contract, including any agreed variations in quantity,
price, or other costs such as freight and insurance, inspection fees
• "About" and similar expressions used in conjunction with the credit amount or the quantity of goods or
the unit price allows a tolerance of up to ± 10%

The delivery terms (see Completing the Application Form, Terms) for example £25,000 CFR Singapore
-Incoterms 2000. It is essential to refer to the appropriate Incoterms 2000 in all sales contracts to establish
without doubt the responsibilities of the seller and the buyer during the delivery of the goods

• Remember to match documents to delivery terms. For example: stipulate "freight paid" on transport
document where appropriate; do not call for a certificate of insurance for CFR or CPT purchases

Method of Issue

Electronic tele transmission will avoid any possibility of delay

Where the Beneficiary merely requires advance notification of a credit to come and there is no immediate
urgency to ship goods and present documents, an electronic pre-advice with the effective credit following by air
mail is sufficient

• Note: under UCP 600 Article 11(b) the pre-advice must be followed by the operative credit - unless the
pre-advice says otherwise
• Pre-advice is rarely used due to the near universal use of SWIFT

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Part Shipment/Transhipment:

Part shipments should normally be allowed particularly in view of short drawings within the tolerance allowed
(see item 4 under "Completing the Application Form".)

Credits relating to container shipments should not prohibit transhipment and it is not always possible to dispatch
goods by air without transhipment.

Special Conditions/Other Instructions:

Bank charges and who is responsible for payment of these should be entered here

It is normal banking practice for the beneficiary to pay all banking charges in his country and for you to pay
those on your own -unless agreed otherwise

Note: If reference to charges is omitted banks will assume that all bank charges are for your account as the
Applicant

If confirmation by the Advising bank is required, this should also be entered here

An additional charge will be made and it should be agreed as to who pays this charge

Any other specific instructions such as 'credit to be transferable' should be entered, as appropriate

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6. BANK GUARATNTEE (BG)

6.1 NEED FOR THE FACILITY 50


6.2 CONTRACT OF BG 50
6.3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LC & BG 51
6.4 TYPES OF BG
6.4.1 SHORT TERM BG 52
6.4.2 LONG TERM BG 54
6.5 PRECAUTIONS FOR ISSUING BG 56
6.6 BANK GUARANTEE PROCEDURE 58
6.7 BANG GUARANTEE FRAUDS 67
6.8 CASES OF BG FRAUD 68

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6.BANK GUARANTEE

6.1 Need For The Facility:


It is customary for the Bank, in normal course of business, to issue and execute guarantees in favour of
third parties on behalf of the customers. The Bank guarantees are governed by various provisions as contained
in the Indian Contract Act, 1872. The commercial transactions, bank’s customers are sometimes required to
give a Bank Guarantee. This is mostly as an alternate to keep cash as a security deposit. The third party who
seeks the guarantee, not being aware of the customer’s financial standing prefers a bank guarantee. In turn the
Bank, which very well understands the financial standing of the customer, undertakes the guarantee of the
customer’s financial commitments or performance of contracts by him. The bank charges commission for this
service, which depends on the security available and the financial stability of the customer.

6.2 Contract of Guarantee:

Section 126 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, defines a “Contract of Guarantee” is a contract to
perform the promise, or discharge the liability (enforceable at law) of a third person in case of his default. In a
contract of, guarantee given by Bank there are three parties. One is surely i.e. the Bank issuing the guarantee,
second is the principal debtor i.e. the Bank’s Customer, one whose behalf the guarantee is issued and third is the
creditor i.e. the beneficiary of the guarantee i.e. to whom guarantee is issued.

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6.3 Differences between Bank Guarantee and Letter of Credit

A Bank Guarantee and a Letter of Credit are similar in many ways but they're two different things. The main
difference between the two credit security instruments is the position of the bank relative to the buyer and seller
of a good, service or basket of goods or services in the event of the buyer's default of payment. These financial
instruments are often used in Trade financing when suppliers, or vendors, are purchasing and selling goods to
and from overseas customers with whom they don't have established business relationships.

A bank guarantee is a guarantee made by a bank on behalf of a customer (usually an established


corporate customer) should it fail to deliver the payment, essentially making the bank a co-signer for one of its
customer's purchases. Should the bank accept that its customer has sufficient funds or credit to authorize the
guarantee, it will approve it. A guarantee is a written contract stating that in the event of the borrower being
unable or unwilling to pay the debt with a merchant, the bank will act as a guarantor and pay its client's debt to
the merchant.

The initial claim is still settled primarily against the bank's client, and not the bank itself. Should the client
default, then the bank agrees in the bank guarantee to pay for its client's debts. This is a type of contingent
guarantee. A bank guarantee is more risky for the merchant and less risky for the bank. But this is not the case
with a letter of credit.

While a letter of credit is a similar, the principal difference is that it is a potential claim against the bank, rather
than a bank's client. For example, a seller may request that a buyer be provided with a letter of credit, which
must be obtained from a bank and which substitutes the bank's credit for that of its client. In the event that the
borrower defaults, the seller would go the buyer's bank for the payment. The seller's risk is mitigated because it
is unlikely that the bank will be unable to pay the debt. A letter of credit is less risky for the merchant, but more
risky for a bank.

Banks accept full liability in both cases. With a bank guarantee, a client can default and the bank assumes the
liability. With a line of credit, liability rests solely with the bank, which then collects the money from its client.

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6.4 TYPES OF BANK GUARANTEES

There are two types of Bank Guarantees (B/Gs):

• Short-term Bank Guarantees (which are usually issued for a period of one year, and say, up to
three years); and

• Long-term Bank Guarantees also known as Deferred Payment Guarantees (DPGs). Long Term
Bank Guarantees (DPGs) contain the undertaking, given by the bank, that the amount of
installments, stipulated by the Term Lending Institutions, for repayment of the term loans,
sanctioned to the applicant borrower, would be paid by the borrower concerned on the due dates,
on time, failing which the bank itself will make the payment of the installment on the due date.

6.4.1 SHORT TERM BANK GUARANTEES:


Short term Bank Guarantees usually are of two types:

I. Financial Bank Guarantees; and

II. Performance Bank Guarantees.

I. FINANCIAL BANK GUARANTEES:


As the name itself suggests, the Financial Bank Guarantees are issued in lieu of depositing some required
amount in cash, or for facilitating the release of some withhold payments. This type of guarantee is intended to
secure purely monetary obligations. These are guarantees issued by Banks on behalf of the customers in lieu of
the customer being required to deposit cash security or earnest money. These kinds of guarantees are generally
issued on behalf of customers dealing with Government departments. Specifically the following types of
guarantee may be classified as financial guarantees:

TYPES (AND PURPOSES) OF FINANCIAL BANK GUARANTEES

1) IN LIEU OF EARNEST MONEY:


While submitting a tender, say, for supplying some items, like furniture, electric fittings, or for
undertaking some job, like construction of a building, installation of a sprinkler system for lawns, etc.,
the applicant are invariably required to deposit some amount in cash or by way of bank term Deposit
Receipt (TDRs), on the condition that if the tender of a particular person/company will be accepted and
the person/company will eventually back out, the amount so deposited, would be forfeited. This is so,
with a view to ensuring that only such parties, who are serious and sincere enough, about rendering the

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required supply and/or services, must file the relative tenders, quoting some reasonable terms and
conditions.

In such cases, some persons/companies may prefer to offer a bank guarantee, instead stipulating the
undertaking, given by the bank, on behalf of the person/company, that in the event of the tender being
passes and accepted, and they, in turn, preferring to back out from the compliance of the terms and
conditions of the tender, the bank would pay the amount of the required earnest money, as stated in the
bank guarantee. Such bank guarantees can, however, be invoked by the beneficiaries, only if it is
established that:

a. the tender concerned was accepted, and

b. the relative party had since backed out.

2) IN LIEU OF SECURITY DEPOSIT:


Food Corporation of India (FCI), for example, usually stocks of paddy to the rice mills, registered with
them, so that they may process the paddy and return the rice to FCI. But, as the stocks of paddy of high
value, are generally issued, FCI may insist that some security money, (to the extent of say, 10% or 20%
of the value of the paddy, to be supplied at any one time, from time to time), could be deposited with
FCI, such that the party may give back the rice of the required value, and any shortage could be
recovered from such security deposits. But, making such a huge deposit even by way of Bank's Term
Deposit Receipts (TDRs) may not be as easy or gainful for the companies. They may, therefore,
approach their bankers and apply for the issuance of a Bank Guarantee for the amount, instead of
depositing the cash or the TDR, as the security deposit.

3) ADVANCE FOR SUPPLY OF RAW MARETRIALS:


Some companies insist on advance payment in cash or by way of a bank draft, towards the cost of the
goods to be supplied. For example, in early 1970s, TISCO did insist on advance payment, of the full
amount involved, in cash or by way of a bank draft. These will naturally, mean loss of interest on the
amount so paid in advance.

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II. PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE:
The guarantees meant for performance of contracts entered into by the customer are called Performance
Guarantees. The banker in such cases does not only agree and undertake that his customer on his part shall duly
and effectively observe and perform the conditions of the contract entered into by him, but also declares that in
the event of default by the customer, he will upon being conclusive, make payment for such default as agreed in
the guarantee. In other words, these are guarantees issued by banks on behalf of its customers whereby the
banks assures a third party that the customer will perform the contract entered into by the customer as per the
condition stipulated in the contract, failing which the bank will compensate the third party up to the amount
specified in the guarantee. In this type of guarantee due performance or fulfillment by the principal debtor is
guaranteed and the banks undertakes to make good the financial loss caused to the beneficiary on account of
non-performance or short performance of the guaranteed obligation.

Illustrations of Performance Guarantees are:

a) Performance for installation of plant and machinery within a given time-frame and with agreed
specifications.

b) Performance of plant and machinery up to the agreed level.

c) Performance relating to supply of agreed material within stipulated period.

Although these guarantees are for performance, the quantum of the pecuniary obligations is reduced to
monetary terms and the guarantee is issued for the amount.

6.4.2 The long term bank guarantees include:

I. Deferred Payment Guarantees (DPG) and,

II. Statutory Guarantees.

I. Deferred Payment Guarantees:


This is a guarantee for a payment which has been deferred or postponed. In case of purchase of capital
goods like machinery, the necessity to issue deferred payment guarantee arise. In such guarantees, the
banks are undertaking to pay the installments due under the deferred payment schedule. Unlike al other
Bank Guarantees here the payment will have to be made by the banks on the accepted due dates and
thereafter the installment is recovered from the party.

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The terms of payment for the purpose of such guarantee, are normally advance payment of 10-15% of
the price of the capital goods and payment of another 10-15% on receipt of the goods/ documents. The
balance amount, along with interest, is payable in installments spread over a period of 1-7 years, which
is secured by the deferred payment guarantee.

The appraisal of a proposal involving issue of deferred payment guarantee has to be undertaken as it is
done in case of a term loan to see the long term viability of the operations, since the payment is to made
out of the future cash generation from the activity.

As regards the payment mechanism, normally the sellers draw usance bills of exchange which are
accepted by the buyer and counter accepted by the buyer’s bank (bank giving the guarantee). These bills
are discounted by the seller with his bank and on due date the seller’s bank presents the bills for
payment, which the issue banks pays to the debit of the buyer’s account. Where the buyer’s account
does not permit such debit, bank has to pay the due amount and initiate steps to recover the payment
from the buyer.

Banks secures such guarantees by having charge on the assets purchased and also counter guarantee of
the buyers.

II. Statutory Guarantees:


These are guarantees issued by banks favoring courts and other statutory authorities guaranteeing that
the customer will honour his commitments imposed upon him under the law, failing which the bank will
compensate to the extent of the amount guaranteed. These are usually given in the form of bonds and
format of these guarantees are usually drawn by the courts or the concerned authority or are already
prescribed by the statute as per which the guarantee is required.

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6.5 PRECAUTIONS FOR ISSUING BANK GUARANTEE

Appraisal of guarantee limit:


As issuance of guarantees involve financial commitment on the part of banks, guarantees should be issued only
after careful appraisal of capabilities of the borrowers to perform and meet the commitments being guaranteed
by the banks. Though the guarantee limits are classified as non-fund based facility, it becomes fund based when
guarantee is invoked and the banker is required to make payment on invocation. Under such circumstances it is
necessary that proper assessment of the customer and his needs / capacity is made taking into account various
factors. Guarantees should be issued only after strict compliance of sanction.

Purpose of Guarantee:
Guarantee should be issued for a definite period depending upon the nature of guarantee and condition of
sanction of facility. Normally the period should not exceed 10 years.

Amount:
Each guarantee must be for a specified amount commensurate with the customer’s means and creditworthiness.

Limitation Clause:
The guarantees issued by the bank normally provide for a claim period in addition to the guarantee period. The
beneficiary can invoke the guarantee before the expiry of the claim period for any default committed by the
principal debtor during the guarantee period. The period up to which claim should be lodged with the bank
should be clearly specified in the guarantee. The limitation Clause reads as under:

“Not withstanding anything contained herein, bank’s liability under this Guarantee shall not exceed Rs.
(Rupees only); this Guarantee shall be valid up to ; and bank is liable to pay the guaranteed
amount or any part thereof under this guarantee only and only if a written claim or demand is served on or
before (date of expiry of claim period).”

Guarantees in respect of disputed duties / taxes issued in favour of Government departments/ courts should be
secured by 10% cash margin.

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Onerous Clause:
The guarantee should be free from onerous clauses. Any clause on account of which the guaranteeing bank may
be called upon to pay an amount beyond the agreed is termed as an onerous clause. Examples of onerous
clauses are:

 Clause for payment of interest if claim amount is not remitted promptly;

 Clause for payment of other charges / expenses incurred by the beneficiary to enforce settlement of
claim, over and above the amount guaranteed.

Limitation Period in a Guarantee:


Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act 1872 pertaining to limitation clause of the guarantee has been amended
with effect from 08/01/1997. Due to this amendment, even when the period of liability is specified in the
guarantee, the beneficiary can enforce his remedies till the limitation period is alive i.e. 30 years where the
beneficiary is Government and 3 years in other cases from the stipulated expiry date / invocation.

Invocation:
The amount claimed under the guarantee should be immediately paid to the beneficiary if invocation is in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the guarantee. Withholding payment merely at the instance of the
customer should not be done as it results in non-fulfillment of the obligation undertaken by the bank and also
affects bank’s image.

If the amount of demand as a result of payment by the bank to beneficiary in not paid by the customer within a
reasonable period, the recovery process is to be initiated.

Invocation of Guarantees by the Beneficiary:

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Where a guarantee is invoked, no attempt to delay the payment or facilitate the party to bring injunction
restraining the payment should be made immediately on demand. However, banks should satisfy themselves has
been invoked properly and as per the terms specified therein.

Expiry of Guarantees:
On expiry of validity period of guarantee, a registered acknowledgement due notice should be sent to the
beneficiary advising that the liability of the bank under the guarantee has been received by the bank. If no reply
is received from the beneficiary within a reasonable period, say, one month from the date of the aforesaid
notice, the entry is reversed by the banks.

6.6BANK GUARANTEE PROCEDURE

Guarantees

Identification:

1. Each guarantee is developed in close consultation with the member country, and the country director ensures
that each one is consistent with the Bank's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS).

2. Guarantees for public sector projects and those in support of development policy lending operations are
generally proposed by the government; those for private sector projects may be proposed by either the
government or the sponsors that are promoting a particular project. In all cases, the member country's request
for the guarantee is a prerequisite for further processing of the guarantee. Bank1 staff advise the member country
that it would be required to provide an indemnity to the Bank in respect of the Bank's guarantee.

3. When a Bank guarantee is proposed, the Region consults with the Project Finance and Guarantees Group
(PFG) and with the Legal Vice-Presidency (LEG). In addition, when a Bank guarantee is being considered for a
private sector project, PFG coordinates with IFC's Corporate Planning Department and MIGA's Operations
Department to maximize private financing for the project.

4. The Region forms a task team that includes Regional staff, representatives of PFG and LEG, and
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representatives of other Bank departments, as necessary.

5. The task team informs sponsors, lenders, and the member country government that the project or the program
to be supported by the proposed guarantee must comply with all applicable Bank policies, and that the
guarantee is subject to management review and Board approval. They explain the structure and level of the
Bank's fees for the proposed guarantee.

Project Processing:

6. In guarantee operations, appraisal and negotiations are normally an ongoing process, rather than discrete
steps, as in loans.

7. As early as possible during processing, the task team prepares a Project Information Document (PID). The
PID presents the principal elements of the guarantee operation, including its rationale, composition, potential
benefits/risks, proposed environmental assessment category, and the key features of the proposed guarantee
structure. The draft PID is reviewed according to Regional procedures and cleared by LEG. Once the Bank
receives the government's request for the guarantee (see paragraph 2), and at least 60 days before the expected
date of Board presentation, the task team sends the PID for a Bank guarantee to the Bank's Info Shop. However,
when a deviation from this time framework is justified on operational grounds, the Regional vice president
(RVP), in consultation with LEG and Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS), may approve the
deviation and determine the appropriate timing of disclosure of the PID.

8. Whenever there is a material change in the guarantee operation, the task team updates the PID and sends it to
the InfoShop again.

9. The borrowing entity (public or private) is responsible for arranging financing (acceptable to the Bank) to be
covered by the guarantee, including the currency and market of the borrowing, the terms of lending, and the
type of private lending instrument acceptable to the Bank.

10. For investment projects supported by guarantees, all reports required to comply with applicable safeguard
and disclosure policies must be prepared in sufficient time for (a) the Regional environment sector unit to
review and comment on the report, and (b) the task team to take the findings into account as part of appraisal.

11. The task team, in consultation with the sponsors, the lenders, and the member country government, develops
the structure of the proposed Bank guarantee. The task team assesses the adequacy of all related aspects—
including the project's financial and economic viability, its technical and environmental aspects, and its
implementation arrangements—depending as appropriate on any appraisals carried out by IFC or other lenders.
The appraisal of a policy based guarantee (PBG) operation is carried out within the framework of the CAS. The
appraisal of a PBG assesses the operation's developmental benefits as well as compliance with policy
conditionality, and trade-offs among additional private exposure (increased access), guarantee coverage
(leverage), and yield (reduced borrowing cost). PFG provides coordination with the market and establishes the

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fees to be charged based on the approved policies. LEG assesses the adequacy of the legal aspects of the
proposed guarantee and related project documents.

12. All guarantee proposals are subject to (a) a concept review, and (b) a corporate review. The concept and
corporate review meetings include staff from PFG and LEG, and from SFR/FRM, IFC, and MIGA as
applicable. The corporate review takes place after the concept review has been carried out. If the terms of the
guarantee as finally negotiated deviate significantly from the terms authorized by the corporate review, or if
substantive issues arise that require corporate consideration, the proposed operation is resubmitted for a
corporate review.

Documentation:

13. In the Project Concept Note (PCN) and Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the task team provides an
overview of the investment project and describes the nature and structure of the Bank's guarantee. If the Bank
and IFC and/or MIGA are jointly supporting a project, a single appraisal document could be used. The PAD
indicates the extent to which the Bank is relying on a third party's appraisal. For PBGs, the Program Document
(PD) provides an overview of the development policy operation and describes the structure of the Bank's
guarantee. Proprietary or commercially sensitive information is excluded from the PAD or PD, as applicable,
but the task team indicates the nature of the excluded information in the Memorandum and Recommendation of
the President (MOP).

14. Partial Risk Guarantees. The government negotiates with the private sponsors and lenders their respective
obligations with respect to the project. The Bank's task team assesses the adequacy of the agreements between
the government and the private sponsors and the lenders as a basis for the provision of a Bank guarantee. As
part of the appraisal the task team ensures that timely and accurate reports on the project’s management and
operation as well as annual audited financial statements are furnished by or on behalf of the borrower. The task
team negotiates with the lenders the terms and conditions of the guarantee, and the incorporation of these
provisions in the Guarantee Agreement, which the government accepts. LEG drafts an Indemnity Agreement
and a Project Agreement12 for negotiation with the government and borrower, respectively.

15. Partial Credit Guarantees and Policy-Based Guarantees. The task team negotiates with the lenders the
terms and conditions of the guarantee. LEG incorporates these provisions in a Guarantee Agreement.13 LEG
also drafts an Indemnity Agreement and a Project Agreement (if necessary–normally, when the borrower is not
the government) for negotiation with the government and the borrower, respectively.

16. The legal agreements with the Bank, for the guarantee operations contain all relevant covenants, including
applicable safeguard covenants. The task team confirms the government's acceptance of agreements to which
the government is not a party.

17. Securities Guaranteed by the Bank; Road Shows.14 LEG and PFG clear all documentation relating to
securities to be guaranteed by the Bank to ensure that all the information relating to the guarantee to be

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provided by the Bank is accurate. LEG and PFG participate in all road show presentations to prospective
investors.

18. Fee Arrangements. PFG, Loan Client and Financial Services Division (ACTCF), and LEG ensure that the
documentation for the guarantee operation reflects the agreed fee arrangements.

Preparation for Board Presentation

19. The Regional environment sector unit and LEG clear the PAD/PD. The PAD/PD, with a draft MOP and a
cover sheet to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Board Operations Division (SECBO), is forwarded to the
RVP, who signifies approval by initialing the cover sheet. If negotiations have not been completed, Board
presentation takes place only once the structure of the guarantee is well defined, unless there are special reasons
to seek an early approval. If negotiations have been completed, the draft Guarantee Agreement, Indemnity
Agreement, and Project Agreement are attached to the package.

20. At least 18 working days before Board presentation (20 working days if a CAS discussion is involved),
Regional staff send the guarantee package to SECBO. Regional staff prepares a printing request (Form 14) and
sends it to the Print Shop with a copy of the guarantee package. A copy of the printing request is also sent to
SECBO. At the same time, the Region sends the PAD/PD and MOP, and LEG sends the draft legal agreements,
to ACTCF, which assigns a number for the guarantee after its approval by the Board.

21. LEG prepares the Statutory Committee Report or the Recommendation of the Statutory Committee. LEG
and Regional staff obtain the signatures of the expert/nominee selected by the governor for the country,
LEGVP, and the RVP. For PBGs, the Region also obtains the signatures of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
and the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Development Economics (DECVP).

22. For IBRD guarantees, the Treasury Finance Department, in consultation with PFG and LEG, obtains any
currency and market consents required from the relevant member countries under Article IV, Section 1(b), of
IBRD's Articles of Agreement.

23. After all conditions of Board presentation are met, Regional staff submit Form 1767 (Release of MOP) to
SECBO. SECBO issues the guarantee package to the Executive Directors.

Board Presentation

24. Guarantee operations are presented to the Board under regular, not streamlined, procedures. At least four
working days before Board presentation, Regional staff sends to SECBO an attendance memorandum listing the
names and titles of the presenter and other attendees.

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25. Following Board approval, SECBO notifies the InfoShop and the ACTCF, and the Region notifies the
government, borrowing entity, and lenders. The Region and the External Affairs Department prepare a press
release, clear it with LEG, and issue it. The PAD/PD is made available at the InfoShop in accordance with the
provisions of The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information.

26. As necessary, the task team completes the negotiations on the terms and conditions of the guarantee.
Regional management, in consultation with PFG and LEG, determines when negotiations are complete and
signing can take place. If the negotiations result in any substantial changes in the terms of the guarantee from
those approved by the Board, the Region resubmits the guarantee for Board approval of the changes; in such a
case, signing of the legal documents takes place after final Board approval. The guarantee becomes effective in
accordance with the provisions of the relevant legal documents.

Supervision

Objective:

27. Supervision of investment projects supported by guarantees is required as long as the guarantees remain in
force. Guarantee operations are supervised to ascertain whether the borrower is carrying out the project with
due diligence to achieve development objectives in conformity with legal agreements, and to help identify, at an
early stage, emerging issues or problems that may arise during and after project implementation and recommend
possible remedies to Bank Management, the borrower and/or the project company.

Investment Projects:

28. Supervision of partial risk and partial credit guarantees is carried out in two separate phases. The first phase
corresponds to the period from Guarantee Effectiveness up to achievement of Project Completion. The second
phase corresponds to the period from Project Completion until Guarantee Expiration.

29. Supervision covers monitoring of the project’s implementation, evaluative review and reporting, as well as
an assessment of the guarantee obligations. During the first phase, supervision is conducted in accordance with
supervision procedures applicable to loans. During the second phase, supervision covers periodic monitoring of
all legal covenants in the agreements with the Bank, and the governmental contractual obligations that are
backed by a guarantee as well as obtaining and evaluating information with respect to issues that could
potentially lead to a commercial or political default in the project and/or loan documents.

30. For partial risk guarantees, Regional and PFG staff carry out supervision directly or rely on the lender's
supervision. If staff is relying on lender's supervision, staff assesses the scope and frequency of such

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supervision. In either of the cases, staff ensures the adequacy of the arrangement for the Bank to receive all
required information. Staff reviews the reports and other information received from the lender(s) and conducts
any other supervision activities, including site visits, as indicated by the circumstances of the project.

Policy Based Guarantees (PBGs):

31. Supervision is carried out in accordance with supervision procedures applicable to Development Policy
Lending (OP/BP 8.60). In supervising a PBG, the task team monitors the compliance with the agreed
conditionality and the ability of the borrower to meet its obligations under the guarantee. PFG and the Region
complete an evaluation of each PBG transaction after it has reached financial close. The policy impact of
individual PBGs is assessed in manner similar to development policy loans; the financial impact of individual
PBGs is assessed against the specific appraisal criteria set out in the PD, including incremental market access,
leverage and the costs to the borrower. The assessment takes into account the volume, maturity, and costs of
subsequent market borrowings by the recipient countries.

Implementation Status and Supervision Reports (ISRs):

32. Regional and PFG staff jointly prepare the Implementation Status and Results Report (ISR) for all active
guarantees. ISRs are prepared annually until Guarantee Expiration.

Implementation Completion Reports (ICRs):

33. ICRs21 for Partial Risk and Partial Credit Guarantees are initiated two years after Project Completion and
completed within six months thereafter. Regions in collaboration with PFG are responsible for the completion
of ICRs for projects supported by a guarantee. Borrowers of loans guaranteed by the Bank are responsible for
preparation of their own final evaluation project report as an input to the ICR. ICRs for guarantee operations
should address the performance of the guarantee supported project, including the role and value of the guarantee
in improving the overall sustainability of the transaction, helping client countries to access debt and mitigating
critical risks that enabled the realization of the project. ICRs should also evaluate the main categories of risks
guaranteed and the key issues or events that may arise in the future that could lead to a potential call on the
guarantee. Guarantee operations associated with a Bank loan or an IDA credit do not require an additional ICR
from that prepared for the loan(s) or credit(s) supporting the same project.

Responsibilities:

34. Country Directors are primarily responsible for ensuring that adequate staff time and resources are made
available to the task team for supervision of guarantee operations. The project’s task team leader assigns
responsibilities to other task team members to ensure proper supervision of guarantee operations. The task team
develops a supervision plan for the guarantee operation and the key risks described in the Project Appraisal
Document. An assigned PFG staff member participates as a member of the supervision task team for all
guarantee operations and will be primarily responsible for addressing project issues that affect the guarantee.
The Legal vice presidency (LEG) provides guidance and support on legal issues regarding the supervision of
guarantee operations as needed. LEGCF, within the LEG vice presidency is responsible for coordinating all
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legal aspects of guarantee operations. The task team will contact LEGCF and LEGCF will consult and
coordinate with any other unit within LEG, as necessary. The task team also reviews and evaluates the periodic
reporting from the project company and obtains details on the adequacy of the financial management in place.

35. When the Bank supports a project in conjunction with IFC or other multilateral institutions, it coordinates
supervision with those institutions.

36. ACTCF monitors the Bank's receipt of fees and amounts disbursed and outstanding under guarantees and
immediately reports to PFG if fees are not received on the due date.

37. When Regional and PFG staff supervising a transaction learn of any circumstances that might lead to a call
on the guarantee, they inform the RVP, LEG, and ACTCF.

Coordination

38. Throughout processing and supervision of the guarantee operation, PFG provides advice and support to the
Regions on matters related to Bank guarantees. In collaboration with the Regions and LEG, PFG has primary
operational responsibility for structuring guarantee coverage and pricing. It is also responsible for issuing the
demand notice for the initiation and the processing fee on behalf of the Bank, and for controlling the use of the
proceeds of the initiation fee. PFG participates in the negotiations of Guarantee Agreements and the related
documentation, and is also responsible for interacting with project sponsors and private lenders.

1. In this statement, "Bank" includes IBRD and IDA; "loan" refers to any debt instrument; "project"
includes any public or private sector investment operation supported by IBRD and IDA as well as any
public sector development policy lending operation supported by IBRD; "private lender" means a lender
that is wholly or predominantly privately owned or a lender that is publicly owned but is an autonomous
entity established and operating under commercial law for the purpose of pursuing profit (such as a
state-owned commercial bank); and a "sponsor" is an entity responsible for developing and
implementing a project.
2. LEGCF is responsible for coordinating, within LEG, all legal aspects of guarantee operations.
3. The PID for a project-based guarantee operation is similar to that for an investment loan (see BP 10.00,
Annex A, for an outline); and the PID for a policy-based guarantee is similar to that for development
policy lending.
4. Staff should refer to The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information (2002) as revised in March
2005.
5. When a project is supported by both a loan and a guarantee, the task team establishes appropriate
linkages, including cross-effectiveness and cross-default conditions for the loan and the guarantee.
6. In case of partial risk guarantees, a project implementation and management plan is not required.

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7. Staff should refer to World Bank Policy-Based Guarantees (R99-53), approved April 20, 1999, for
further details.
8. The corporate review is carried out by the Operations Committee, unless it has been delegated to the
Regional Operations Committee by the Managing Director, Operations. For more details, staff should
see the OPCS website for criteria and guidelines.
9. The Bank's willingness to consider providing a guarantee, which may be required at an early stage in the
project cycle and before the project is ready for corporate review, is conveyed to potential project
sponsors, whether as an option in bidding documents issued by a member country government or one of
its entities or in a negotiated transaction, after the concept review meeting considers and endorses the
guarantee proposal. Such communication will include a caveat informing the bidders that Bank's
willingness to consider providing a guarantee is subject to project due diligence, compliance with
applicable Bank policies, and other requirements as well as approvals of the Senior Management and
Board of Executive Directors.
10. Depending on the project's stage of development when the Bank guarantee is requested, a PCN may not
be necessary and a draft PAD or PD, as applicable can form the basis for concept or corporate review.
11. The Region maintains in its files the information and analyses that serve as the basis for its judgments
about the project.
12. The agreement between the Bank and the borrower of the guaranteed debt, which sets out the
obligations of the borrower relating to the implementation of the project. The task team also negotiates
any additional agreements to which the Bank is a party.
13. In some cases, instead of being in a separate Guarantee Agreement, the guarantee may be included in the
Loan Agreement or other financing agreement for the borrowing.
14. Road Show refers to presentations made out by an issuer of securities to potential buyers about the
merits of the issue.
15. Guarantee Effectiveness refers to the date on which all conditions precedent to effectiveness as
stipulated in the Guarantee Agreement are met.
16. Project Completion refers to the implementation date of the project or the Commercial Operations Date
(COD) if applicable.
17. Guarantee Expiration refers to the date on which there is no exposure for IBRD or IDA under a
guarantee.
18. The scope of the supervision is limited to project implementation and policies applicable to projects
supported by guarantee operations.
19. This would be carried out annually, unless the task team decides to increase the frequency of supervision
because of project circumstances.
20. The lenders' supervision requirements are defined in the projects' legal agreements. These generally
include : (i) monitoring and reporting on construction progress, operation and maintenance, project cost
analysis, sources and uses of funds, implementation of environmental and social obligations; (ii)
provision of audited financial statements and compliance certificates etc.; and (iii) assessment of risks
that may arise and their potential impact on the project's construction and operations.
21. Existing guidelines for Loans do not apply to guarantee operations. The scope of ICR for projects
supported by guarantees is as defined.

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6.7 Bank Guarantee Fraud:

Truth vs. Scam

Bank Guarantee is a real Scam Speak term if ever there was one. Even though it has found its way into
common usage in the financial news section of many newspapers, it is nonetheless a favorite term used by con
artists.
The only financial entity legally allowed to issue a document called a Bank Guarantee is THE WORLD BANK. It
is used to describe the instrument The World Bank (The Bank) issues to guarantee loans made by other banks to
The Bank's creditworthy customer, and this is how it works:
ABC company has agreed to work with Outer Slobovia to build a dam and irrigation system in the country's
hinterlands. Neither ABC nor Outer Slobovia has the money for the project, and the amount required is too
much for any one bank to lend.
Therefore, independently or as a joint venture, ABC and O. Slobovia approach The World Bank.

After completing pages and pages of application forms, and after putting in place all the requirements of The
World Bank regarding the project (such as insurances, environmental surveys, yearly projected costs, projected
return, and a whole mess of details to cover every aspect of the project), The Bank takes several months to
review the application.
If and when The Bank feels that the project is loan-worthy and that ABC and O. Slobovia have or will have the
ability to pay back the loan, The Bank arranges with a group of other banks to lend the money, and guarantees
to each of these banks that it will pay back the loan in the event of a default by ABC, O. Slobovia, or both.
That is a Bank Guarantee, with initial capital letters.
Other banks, such as Chase Manhattan, Credit Suisse, or Deutsche Bank also guarantee loans in the same
manner; however I have yet to hear that their loan guarantees have been officially titled Bank Guarantees.
Other than for the above description, "bank guarantee" is loosely used to signify any one of several financial
instruments used in trade finance. These include LETTERS OF CREDIT in their various roles, DEMAND
GUARANTEES, and PERFORMANCE BONDS.
The term is also loosely used to describe an AVAL, which is a PROMISSORY NOTE that has been date-stamped
and signed by a bank for its creditworthy customer. One might call a CERTIFIED CHECK an avail.
The Scam: Financial con artists persuade you that there is a wonderful, secret opportunity available in trading
so-called PRIME BANK GUARANTEES, or PBG's. They use the term as if it were a unique financial instrument,
and attach all sorts of quick wealth accumulation to the myth.
The truth of the matter is that the buying and selling of trade finance instruments is a highly specialized field,
relegated only to experienced FORFAITERS and the forfeiting department of international banks. Forfeiting
requires an intimate working knowledge of international politics, law, and economy.

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6.8 CASES OF BANK GUARANTEE FRAUD

A complaint was filed alleging deficiency in service in not paying the amount of bank guarantee on
demand. The defense plea was that the demand was not in accordance with terms of guarantee. It was held that
where bank guarantee provided conditions for its invocation then Bank would not be deficient in service in not
making payment under the bank guarantee if conditions were found not fulfilled. M.P.Minerals Ltd Vs. Bank
of India & ors - 2003 (1) CPR 96 (NC)

The bank was alleged to have failed to issue bank guarantee despite sufficient security and the complainant
suffered financial loss. It was held that the non-issuance of bank guarantee despite security deposit with the
bank would amount to deficiency in service and the complainant would be entitled to interest on that security
amount. M/s.Anand Lubricating & Pneumatic Systems Ltd. Vs. State Bank of India - 2003 (2) CPR 53

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7.DENA BANK

7.1 BANKING IN INDIA 71


7.2 CURRENT SITUATION 71
7.3 HISTORY OF DENA BANK 72
7.4 LOGO 73
7.5 FUND BASED FACILITY OF DENA BANK 73
7.6 NON-FUND BASED FACILITY OF DENA BANK 73
7.7 IMPORTER 74
7.8 EXPORTER 74
7.9 EXPORTER GUIDE 75

BANKING IN INDIA:

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Banking in India originated in the first decade of 18th century with The General Bank of India coming
into existence in 1786. This was followed by Bank of Hindustan. Both these banks are now defunct. The
oldest bank in existence in India is the State Bank of India being established as "The Bank of Bengal" in
Calcutta in June 1806. A couple of decades later, foreign banks like Credit Lyonnais started their Calcutta
operations in the 1850s. At that point of time, Calcutta was the most active trading port, mainly due to the
trade of the British Empire, and due to which banking activity took roots there and prospered. The first
fully Indian owned bank was the Allahabad Bank, which was established in 1865.

By the 1900s, the market expanded with the establishment of banks such as Punjab National Bank, in 1895
in Lahore and Bank of India, in 1906, in Mumbai - both of which were founded under private ownership.
The Reserve Bank of India formally took on the responsibility of regulating the Indian banking sector from
1935. After India's independence in 1947, the Reserve Bank was nationalized and given broader powers

CURRENT SITUATION:

Currently (2007), banking in India is generally fairly mature in terms of supply, product range and reach-
even though reach in rural India still remains a challenge for the private sector and foreign banks. In terms
of quality of assets and capital adequacy, Indian banks are considered to have clean, strong and transparent
balance sheets relative to other banks in comparable economies in its region. The Reserve Bank of India is
an autonomous body, with minimal pressure from the government. The stated policy of the Bank on the
Indian Rupee is to manage volatility but without any fixed exchange rate-and this has mostly been true.

Currently, India has 88 scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) - 28 public sector banks (that is with the
Government of India holding a stake), 29 private banks (these do not have government stake; they may be
publicly listed and traded on stock exchanges) and 31 foreign banks. They have a combined network of
over 53,000 branches and 17,000 ATMs. According to a report by ICRA Limited, a rating agency, the
public sector banks hold over 75 percent of total assets of the banking industry, with the private and foreign
banks holding 18.2% and 6.5% respectively.

HISTORY:

Dena Bank was founded on 26th May, 1938 by the family of Devkaran Nanjee under the name Devkaran
Nanjee Banking Company Ltd.

It became a Public Ltd. Company in December 1939 and later the name was changed to Dena Bank Ltd.

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In July 1969 Dena Bank Ltd. along with 13 other major banks was nationalized and is now a Public Sector
Bank constituted under the Banking Companies (Acquisition & Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970. Under the
provisions of the Banking Regulations Act 1949, in addition to the business of banking, the Bank can undertake
other business as specified in Section 6 of the Banking Regulations Act, 1949.

Milestones

• One among six Public Sector Banks selected by the World Bank for sanctioning a loan of Rs.72.3
crores for augmentation of Tier-II Capital under Financial Sector Developmental project in the year
1995.
• One among the few Banks to receive the World Bank loan for technological upgradation and
training.
• Launched a Bond Issue of Rs.92.13 crores in November 1996.
• Maiden Public Issue of Rs.180 Crores in November 1996.
• Introduced Tele banking facility of selected metropolitan centers.
• Dena Bank has been the first bank to introduce:
• Minor Savings Scheme.
• Credit card in rural India known as "DENA KRISHI SAKH PATRA" (DKSP).
• Drive-in ATM counter of Juhu, Mumbai.
• Smart card at selected branches in Mumbai.
• Customer rating system for rating the Bank Services.

LOGO:

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The logo of Dena Bank represents Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, according to Hindu mythology.

It was the desire of the founding fathers of the Bank that the Bank should be a symbol of prosperity for all its
clients, and the logo represents this promise.

The contemporary 'D' in the logo reflects the dynamism, dedication and the drive towards customer
satisfaction.

Fund based Services:

Dena Bank assist you to import desired goods by providing Rupee loans and Foreign Currency Loans. We
facilitate buyer’s credit for your imports for the period specified under FEMA. We also assist our customers in
raising foreign currency funds through External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) for expansion/ modernization of
existing facilities and/ or import of capital goods etc.

Non-Fund Based Services:


Dena bank assist you to importer and exporter both the Letter of Credit and Bank Guarantee as Non-fund based
facility as per describes under FEMA.

FOR EXPORTER:

Letter of Credit Advising/ Confirmation:

Dena Bank, having wide network of correspondent banks offers Letter of Credit advising services through
SWIFT, fax, telephone to help exporters arrange for shipment and preparing the documents in advance.
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Bank Guarantees

We offer bank guarantees on behalf of exporters to enable them to undertake big export contacts. The
guarantees include bid-bond guarantee, Advance payment Guarantee etc. The guarantees are issued for eligible
purposes as mentioned in FEMA.

FOR IMPORTER:

Letter of Credit

Dena Bank offers L/C facility for the purchase of goods in the international market. With the Letter of Credit,
importers can build up better trust/ confidence in their suppliers and develop other business relationship at a
much faster pace.

The L/C facility can be granted to the importers after assessing their requirement / credit worthiness / financial
strength and other parameters being to the satisfaction of the Bank. We help importers drafting the terms of
Letter of Credit so as to protect their interest. The bank's vast network of branches and correspondent banks
enables your enterprise to sustain a seamless flow of business on a wide platform.

Bank Guarantees

Dena Bank on behalf of importers/ other customers issues guarantees in favour of beneficiaries abroad. The
Guarantees can be both Performance and Financial. The issuance of guarantee is allowed for the purposes
defined under FEMA subject to availability of your credit limits or cash margin.

Bank Export Guarantees:

(Programme for Issuing Demand Guarantees at the Request of Exporters)

1. Goal and Purpose of the Programme:

The goal of the Programme is providing support to Croatian exporters by issuing demand guarantees
(hereinafter: bank guarantees) when concluding and implementing export transactions.
The purpose of the Programme is issuing bank guarantees with the objective of facilitating the participation of
exporters in international tenders and entering into contracts for the purpose of exports of goods, works or
services.

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Bank guarantees shall not be issued for re-export, export of weapons and military equipment and exports of
ecologically unacceptable products.

2. Beneficiaries of Guarantees

Beneficiaries of bank guarantees can be foreign legal entities inviting tenders and/or intending to enter into a
contract to purchase Croatian goods, works or services (hereinafter: bank guarantee beneficiaries).

If a bank guarantee is issued in co-operation with an exporter’s commercial bank, beneficiary of guarantee can
be the exporter's commercial bank.

3.Terms and conditions for issue of guarantees:


• exporter has been operating for at least one year
• exporter submitting an application for a guarantee has not been continuously blocked for more than
30 days in the last 6 months of operation, has not been or is not threatened to be under bankruptcy
procedure a no process is initiated against it (court, execution, criminal, liquidation etc.).

The exporter to which bank has issued a tender guarantee is obliged to submit to bank a report on the results of
international tender within 5 days from the publication of decision on the selected bidder.

The exporter to which bank has issued a performance guarantee or an advance payment guarantee is obliged to
submit to bank quarterly reports on implementation of the export contract, and immediately inform bank on
possible problems regarding the contract implementation

4. Change in conditions of an issued bank guarantee:

Should a change in terms and conditions of an issued bank guarantee be necessary, the exporter may submit to
bank an Application for change in terms and conditions in a written form with the consent of the beneficiary.

5. Fees:

Application processing fee:

• one-off fee of 0.25 % on the committed amount of issued bank guarantee, but at least HRK 500.00
(five hundred)
• charged before the issue of a bank guarantee.

Fee for issuance of bank guarantee:

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• fee of 0.20% on the committed amount of the issued bank guarantee , but at least HRK 500.00. The
fee shall be calculated quarterly in advance.

When a guarantee is issued, the fee amount and the manner of calculation are agreed upon for each individual
transaction. The bank may assume the exporter’s obligation of payment of agreed fees and the obligation of
submitting the respective fee to bank.

6. Security:

For the purpose of securing due fulfillment of obligations under an issued bank guarantee, bank accepts bills of
exchange and debentures , pledge of property or transfer of fiduciary title to property supported by property
insurance policy endorsed in favour of bank and other customary security in the banking operations.

All costs arising out of the establishment and termination of collateral are borne by the exporter.

When a guarantee is issued in co-operation with the exporter's bank, the bank may assume the obligation
of obtaining and activating the security, as well as the obligation of collecting receivables.

7. Documentation to Support Application :

Applications for the issue of a bank guarantee have to be accompanied by the following documents:

• List of authorized signatories for disposing of the funds deposited in the account
• Data about the collateral (in case of mortgage on the real estate, it is necessary to submit an assessment
of the real estate by an authorized court expert accompanied by a photograph of the real estate taken not
more than 2 years beforehand and an excerpt from the Land Register issued not more than 30 days
beforehand)
• Statement of ownership (pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Official Gazette of the Republic
of Croatia, No. 69/97, 106/97, 67/01, 114/01, 117/03 and 142/03)
• Form for the purpose of establishing a client’s foreign currency position adjustment for loans above
HRK 700,000
• Certificate of the Tax administration in charge evidencing the non-existence of debt obligations towards
the state (issued not more than 30 days beforehand)
• Plan of inflow and outflow of funds in the bank guarantee validity period
• Photocopies of international bidding procedures and their translation to the English and/or Croatian
language, photocopies of export contracts, reference list of activities carried out so far, technical
specification and the description of subject matter of an export contract/ international bidding procedure
and other documentation that is necessary for approval

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• Certificate of Croatian origin of goods, i.e. the calculation of the portion of Croatian goods or services
that should generally be at least 60%,
• Excerpt from the Court Register (issued not more than 30 days beforehand)
• Company incorporation documents (Social Contract in the case of a limited liability company, By-Laws
in the case of a shareholding company)
• Notification of the classification of the business entity according to NKD (national classification of
economic activities)
• BON 1 and BON 2/SOL 2 issued not more than 30 days beforehand
• Balance Sheet (for medium-sized and large entrepreneurs) B/POD-V form, and Profit and Loss Account

8. CONCLUSION

Banking is fastest growing sector in the world. In banking sector provides most of the facility to customer for
their easy convenience and need arises. The bank provides modern banking functions to their customers. These
banking functions include Fund based and non-fund based facility. Through the whole project, we can
understand that what is the non-fund based facilities which are provided by banks.

Banks generally provides lots of non-fund based facility but main includes Letter of Credit and Bank Guarantee.
Through the whole project we can conclude that issuing of letter of credit and bank guarantee is not as easy as
withdrawing cash from a bank. It includes lots of procedure.

The main intention to take this topic is for getting detailed study of Letter of credit and Bank guarantee. Now
even a simple man on the earth can know the procedure how to get the letter of credit and bank guarantee this
was the main purpose of this project. The procedure is followed practically in banks also as I have visited the
Dena bank and collected the information from them.

The only difference is in the commission. Banks charges different commission from bank to bank. Some banks
take liquid money and some of them take assets for granting letter of credit or bank guarantee.

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9.ANNEXURE

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9.1 SAMPLE LETTER OF CREDIT 81


9.2 SAMPLE BANK GUARANTEE 83
9.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY 86
9.4 WEBLIOGRAPHY 86

8.1SAMPLE LETTER OF CREDIT


(See Instructions on Page 82)

Name and Address of Bank

Date: __________________
irrevocable letter of Credit No. ______________

Beneficiary: Commodity Credit Corporation Account Party: Name of Exporter


Address of Exporter

Gentlemen:

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We hereby open our irrevocable credit in your favor for the sum or sums not to exceed a total of
_______________dollars ($__________), to be made available by your request for payment at sight upon the
presentation of your draft accompanied by the following statement:

(Insert applicable statement)/2

This Letter of Credit is valid until _____________________/3, provided, however, that this Letter of Credit will
be automatically extended without amendment for _________________/4 from the present or any future
expiration date thereof, unless at least thirty (30) days prior to any such expiration date the Issuing Bank
provides written notice to the Commodity Credit Corporation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and
Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 4503, South Building, Stop 1035, Washington, D.C. 20250-1035, of its
election not to renew this Letter of Credit for such additional ______________________/5 period. The notice
required hereunder will be deemed to have been given when received by you.

This letter of Credit is issued subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, 1993
Revision, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500

(Name of Bank)

By: _______________________

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUED FOR DEIP BID

1. Send to: Treasurer, CCC


U.S. Department of Agriculture
14th & Independence Avenue, S.W.
Room 4503 South Building
Stop 1035
Washington, DC 20250-1035

2. If the letter of credit is to apply to any Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) Invitation:

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“The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has a right to the amount drawn in accordance with the terms
and conditions of one or more Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) Agreements entered into by the
exporter pursuant to 7 C.F.R. Part 1494, and the applicable DEIP Invitation(s) issued by CCC.”

If the letter of credit is to apply to a single DEIP Invitation:

“The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has a right to the amount drawn in accordance with the terms
and conditions of one or more Dairy Export incentive Program (DEIP) Agreements entered into by the
exporter pursuant to 7 C.F.R. Part 1494, and DEIP Invitation No. ________________.

If the letter of credit is to apply to more than one specific DEIP Invitation:

“The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has a right to the amount drawn in accordance with the terms
and conditions of one or more Dairy Export incentive Program (DEIP) Agreements entered into by the
exporter pursuant to 7 C.F.R. Part 1494 and DEIP Invitation Nos. ________________,
___________________, and _________________.”

3. Insert the last date of the month in which the 90th day after the date of the letter of credit falls (e.g., if the
date of the letter of credit is March 15, 2003, the date to be inserted would be Jun 30, 2003).

4. Insert a time period of either “one (1) year” or a specific number of whole month(s) which total less than
one year (e.g., “one (1) month,” “two (2) months,” etc.).

5. Insert the same time period as inserted in the previous space (e.g., “one (1) year,” “one (1) month,” etc.).

8.2 BANK GUARANTEE FORMAT

STAMP

To

The President of India


Acting through Ministry of Coal
Shastri Bhawan
NEW DELHI

Whereas M/s. ______________________(Name of Allocattee Company), having Registered Office at


_________________(Address), hereinafter called the “Company”, agrees for allocation of
_________________(Name of the captive block) block made by the President of India acting through Shri K S
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Kropha, Joint Secretary and Coal Controller, Ministry of Coal hereinafter called the “Central Government” in
the State of ______________(Name of State) for captive mining of coal on the terms and conditions contained
in their letter No. ________________________ dated _____________ and the Company as per clauses _____
and _____ in the conditions which inter alia are subject matter of the letter of allocation herein referred, agrees
to furnish this bank guarantee for an amount of Rs. _______ (in figures) (Rupees ____________ (in words)
equivalent to one year royalty amount based on ________(grade of coal) grade capacity of coal assessed by
CMPDIL at ______ (mine capacity) mtpa at an weighted average royalty @ Rs. __________(in figures) per
tonne.

We, _________ (Name of the bank) Bank, ______________________(Branch, City) Branch hereinafter called
“the Bank” in consideration of the premises, at the request of the Company, do hereby guarantee and undertake
to pay without demur to the Central Government forthwith on demand at any time upto _____________ (date
at least one year from date of Letter of allocation to be renewed, till exhausted or rated capacity reached) any
money or monies not exceeding a total sum of Rs. _____________(in figure) (Rupees
__________________________)(in words) as may be claimed by the Central Government to be due from the
Company by way of shortfall in royalty due to failure by the Company in the observance and performance as
per clause _____ of the terms and conditions of the said letter of allocation. It is hereby agreed and
acknowledged that the decision of the Central Government as to whether any money is payable by the Company
to the Central Government or whether the Company has made any such default or defaults as aforesaid and the
amount or amounts to which the Central Government is entitled to by reason thereof will be binding on the
Bank and the Bank shall not be entitled to ask the Central Government to establish its claim or claims under this
Guarantee or to claim any such amount from the company in the first instance but shall pay the same to the
Central Government forthwith on demand without any demur, reservation, recourse, contest or protest and/or
without any reference to the Company. Any such demand made by the Central Government on the Bank shall
be conclusive and binding notwithstanding any difference between the Central Government and the Company
or any dispute pending before any Court, Tribunal, Arbitrator or any other authority.

The Bank further undertake not to revoke this Guarantee during its currency except with the previous consent of
the Central Government in writing and this Guarantee shall continue to be enforceable till the aforesaid date of
its expiry or the last date of the extended period agreed upon as the case may be unless during the currency of
the Guarantee all the dues of the Central Government under or by virtue of clause _____ of the said letter of
allocation have been duly paid and its claims satisfied or discharge or the Central Government certifies that the
terms and conditions of the said letter of allocation have been fully carried out by the company and accordingly
discharged the Guarantee.

Subject to the maximum limit of the Bank’s liability as aforesaid, this Guarantee shall cover all claim or claims
of the Central Government against the Company from time to time arising out of or under condition
number_______ of the said letter of allocation and in respect of which the Central Government’s demand or
notice in writing be served on the Bank before the date of expiry of this Guarantee mentioned above or of
further extended period agreed upon, as the case may be.

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NON-FUND BASED
The Guarantee shall not be affected by any change in the constitution of the Company or any extension or
forbearance to the company by the Central Government and the Bank will ensure for and be available to and
Guarantee enforceable by the Central Government.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein :-


i. Our liability under this Bank Guarantee shall not exceed Rs. ________(In figures)
(Rupees ___________________________________) (in words).
ii. This Bank Guarantee shall be valid till _______________(date).
iii. We are liable to pay the guaranteed amount or any part thereof under this Bank
Guarantee only if you serve upon us a written claim or demand on or before
________________.

The Bank has power to issue this Guarantee under the statute and the undersigned has full power to sign this
Guarantee on behalf of the Bank.
Dated this ………………………… day of ………………………………2005 at …………………

8.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Books

Working Capital Management & Control Bhalla V.K.

Indian Banking S. Chand

Basics of Banking & Finance Dr .K. M. Bhattacharya

O. P. Agarwal

Documentary Credits D. C. Gardner

8.4 WEBLIOGRAPHY:

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www.google.com

www.yahoo.com

www.find-internet-banking.info

www.banks.com

www.denabank.com

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