FOB, CFR, CIF vs. Container Shipments: Why Theory and Practice Don’t Always Match Intro One of the recurring debates in Incoterms is whether FOB, CFR and CIF should ever be used for containerized shipments. The theory says “no,” but in practice, traders and banks keep using them every day without issue. Let’s look at why the theory clashes with practice, and what happens with FCL and LCL cargoes. _________ Question One of the … Read More
Why Is an Air Waybill Non-Negotiable While a Bill of Lading Can Be Negotiable? In trade finance, one of the most common questions is why an Air Waybill (AWB) is always non-negotiable, while a Bill of Lading (BL) can be either negotiable or non-negotiable. The answer lies in the legal nature of the documents and the rights they confer. QUESTION Thanks for your valuable trade related write up. I’m from Pakistan I need your … Read More
Should an Issuing Bank Require a Master Bill of Lading? In practice, many banks and traders get confused between the Master Bill of Lading (MBL) and the House Bill of Lading (HBL). The question is: should an issuing bank insist on receiving an MBL under a Letter of Credit? QUESTION Thanks for your valuable trade related write up. I’m from Pakistan I need your answer to the following question: Why … Read More
Expired Letters of Credit When Banks Shut Down Due to Force Majeure: To Pay or to Refuse? An Analysis of Article 36 UCP 600 from a Real-Life Disaster Mr. Old Man _____ In international trade, the letter of credit (L/C) is often regarded as the “backbone” of transactions because of its ability to safeguard the interests of both the seller and the issuing bank. However, in practice, things do not always run smoothly. When the issuing bank … Read More
Irrespective of Percentage vs. Deductibles – A Conflict in Insurance Documents under LCs One of the recurring issues in LC operations is how to handle insurance documents that contain both the phrase “irrespective of percentage” and a deductible clause. Traders often assume the “irrespective of percentage” wording will override the deductible, but under UCP 600 and ISBP 821, the story is different. Let’s look at a real case. __________ QUESTION Dear Mr. Old … Read More
TRỞ LẠI ĐƯỜNG BÍCH HỌA HỒ NGUYÊN TRỪNG Chiều nay, trong một vòng đạp xe lang thang cùng anh bạn hàng xóm Jecours et Jepense, Mr. Old Man tình cờ ghé lại đường bích họa Hồ Nguyên Trừng. Và thật sự bất ngờ: con đường từng được báo chí ca ngợi là một trong những điểm nhấn bích họa đẹp nhất Đà Nẵng nay đã xuống cấp, nhếch … Read More
Thư tín dụng hết hạn khi ngân hàng ngừng hoạt động vì bất khả kháng: Thanh toán hay từ chối? Phân tích Điều 36 UCP 600 từ một thảm họa thực tế Nguyễn Hữu Đức Tóm tắt Các sự kiện bất khả kháng như thiên tai, chiến tranh, khủng bố có thể buộc ngân hàng phải ngừng hoạt động, làm gián đoạn việc xuất trình và xử lý chứng từ theo thư tín dụng (L/C). Điều 36 UCP 600 quy … Read More
Mr. Old Man đi xem phim Mưa đỏ Hôm nay, nhân lễ kỷ niệm 80 năm Quốc khánh 2/9, cả nhà Mr. Old Man rủ nhau đi xem Mưa đỏ – bộ phim đang làm nóng rạp chiếu và nghe đâu còn “hot” hơn cả Địa đạo của Bùi Thạc Chuyên mà Mr. Old Man đã xem hồi tháng Tư. Mưa đỏ do nhà văn Chu Lai viết … Read More
Understanding UCP 600 Sub-article 30(c) – The 5% Tolerance Rule Intro Article 30(c) of UCP 600 looks short, but it’s one of those rules that makes bankers and traders scratch their heads. Let’s unpack sub-article 30(c) together, with an example to make it real. _____ QUESTION Hi, Article 30(c) of UCP 600 states: Even when partial shipments are not allowed, a tolerance not to exceed 5% less than the amount … Read More
Can the Issuing Bank Raise the Same Discrepancy Again? Sometimes in LC practice, the simplest questions open the door to tricky details. Here’s one of those situations: a beneficiary fixes most discrepancies but forgets one. Can the issuing bank bring up that same old discrepancy again? Let’s see. ____ Question (from Chanchal): Dear Sir, Simple question. If the issuing bank sent advice of refusal to the negotiating bank with … Read More