Intro From time to time, L/C applicants try to build a little flexibility into the credit structure. One common request arises when a beneficiary operates in more than one location and has not yet decided where the documents will be negotiated. Can an L/C show two possible expiry places instead of one? A reader recently raised this practical question. Question …

In international trade, intermediaries often wish to keep their buyer and supplier from knowing each other. One common concern is whether the supplier’s name will appear on the bill of lading when the goods are shipped directly to the buyer. A reader recently raised this practical question. Question Dear Mr. Old Man, I am a middleman who received an order …

In SWIFT MT700, Fields 45A (Description of Goods and/or Services) and 46A (Documents Required) are classified as optional. For many practitioners, this raises an immediate question: If these two fields define what is being sold and what documents must be presented, how can they possibly be optional? A recent question from a colleague highlights this apparent contradiction. Question Hi, A …

Introduction Questions frequently arise when the same company name appears in different capacities within a documentary credit transaction — particularly where the address differs. Does a difference in address automatically create a conflict under UCP 600? Or must such differences be assessed in light of the document’s role and the credit’s requirements? The following case illustrates this issue. ____ Question …

Introduction In practice, disputes often arise when applicants request additional details to be inserted in the commercial invoice — even though the credit itself does not expressly require such information. The following question concerns whether the inclusion of notify parties and consignee details in a commercial invoice may create a discrepancy, and whether a special clause relating to the beneficiary …

Introduction UPAS LCs (Usance Payable at Sight) are widely used to combine supplier liquidity with buyer credit terms. However, operational questions often arise when the credit is restricted to a nominated (discounting) bank, but the beneficiary presents documents directly to the issuing bank instead. Does bypassing the restricted bank create a discrepancy? Can the issuing bank refuse the documents on …

Intro In practice, a confirming bank may receive a request to add its confirmation under an MT700, but subsequently advise the credit to the beneficiary through another bank using an MT710. This may raise questions regarding: the treatment of Field 49 in MT710, whether the confirming bank must issue a separate confirmation letter, and how the beneficiary understands the scope …

Understanding required data, Form M, and the limits of applicant–beneficiary agreements In documentary credit practice, credits sometimes require documents to indicate specific reference numbers issued by government authorities or other institutions. One example is Form M, a document used in Nigeria. Questions may arise when the importer does not want the number shown or indicates that discrepancies will be accepted. …

INTRO Every time a new version of ISBP is published, people read it carefully… and then real-life cases start raising new questions. That is how learning in trade finance usually works—not only from rules, but from practice. A reader recently sent me several thoughtful questions on ISBP 821. Since they touch on points many practitioners quietly wonder about, I thought …

A small discussion that turned into an interesting rediscovery Actually, this is not a typical Q&A but rather a short exchange between me and Bogdan, a trade finance expert whom I have known since we were both editors of LC Monitor (Trade Services Update) some 15 years ago. What amused me most was not the question itself, but the way …