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A documentary collection (D/C) is a transaction whereby the exporter entrusts the collection of payment to the exporter’s bank (remitting bank), which sends documents to the importer’s bank (collecting bank), along with instructions for payment. Funds are received from the importer and remitted to the exporter through the banks in exchange for those documents. D/Cs involve using a bill of exchange (commonly known as a draft) that requires the importer to pay the face amount either at sight (document against payment [D/P] or cash against documents) or on a specified future date (document against acceptance [D/A] or cash against acceptance). The collection cover letter gives instructions that specify the documents required for the delivery of the goods to the importer. Although banks do act as facilitators (agents) for their clients under collections, D/Cs offer no verification process and limited recourse in the event of non-payment. D/Cs are generally less expensive than letters of credit (LCs).
Applicability |
Recommend for use in established trade relationships, in stable export markets and for transactions involving ocean shipments |
Risk |
Riskier for the exporter, though D/C terms are more convenience and cheaper than an LC to the importer |
Pros |
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Cons |
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With D/Cs, the exporter has little recourse against the importer in case of non-payment. Thus, D/Cs should be used only under the following conditions:
1. The exporter ships the goods to the importer and receives the documents in exchange.
2. The exporter presents the documents with instructions for obtaining payment to his bank.
3. The exporter’s remitting bank sends the documents to the importer’s collecting bank.
4. The collecting bank releases the documents to the importer on receipt of payment or acceptance of the draft.
5. The importer uses the documents to obtain the goods and to clear them at customs.
6. Once the collecting bank receives payment, it forwards the proceeds to the remitting bank.
7. The remitting bank then credits the exporter’s account.
With a D/P collection, the exporter ships the goods and then gives the documents to his bank, which will forward the documents to the importer’s collecting bank, along with instructions on how to collect the money from the importer. In this arrangement, the collecting bank releases the documents to the importer only on payment for the goods. Once payment is received, the collecting bank transmits the funds to the remitting bank for payment to the exporter. Table 1 shows an overview of a D/P collection:
Time of Payment |
After shipment, but before documents are released |
Transfer of Goods |
After payment is made at sight |
Exporter Risk |
If draft is unpaid, goods may need to be disposed of r may be delivered without payment if documents do not control possession |
Table 1: Overview of a D/P collection
With a D/A collection, the exporter extends credit to the importer by using a time draft. The documents are released to the importer to claim the goods upon his signed acceptance of the time draft. By accepting the draft, the importer becomes legally obligated to pay at a specific date. At maturity, the collecting bank contacts the importer for payment. Upon receipt of payment, the collecting bank transmits the funds to the remitting bank for payment to the exporter. Table 2 shows an overview of a D/A collection:
Time of Payment |
On maturity of draft at a specified future date |
Transfer of Goods |
Before payment, but upon acceptance of draft |
Exporter Risk |
Has no control over goods after acceptance and may not get paid at due date |
Table 2: Overview of a D/A/ collection