Trade Development Network currently offers a completely FREE professional Trade Document Management Software called TradeDoX 360 which simplifies the creation of shipping documents for L/C transactions and saves time. It also eliminates discrepancies found in the documents as statistics prove that 60% to 80% of the documents presented to banks do not comply with the L/C and contain errors thereby delaying payments or refusal by the negotiating bank altogether.
Documentary Credit Challenges
Letters of credit are one of the most preferred payment and financing mechanisms for international trade. The security and risk mitigation provided through Letters of Credit make them indispensable in international cross-border transactions. However, statistics prove that 60% to 80% of the documents presented to banks do not comply with the L/C and contain errors thereby delaying payments or refusal by the negotiating bank altogether.
Also there are additional costs and challenges, including:
- Complicated and lengthy application process
- High susceptibility to errors due to multiple parties involved in producing required documentation.
- Delays in conducting the transaction due to the long issuance process
- Strict and often complex documentary requirements.
- The compliance requirements of both the export and import countries involving differing terminology, documents and procedures makes the process time consuming, complex and prone to errors.
It is clear that the international trading community needs a system to streamline the export/import logistics, documentation and compliance process which reduces these problems.
Solution
Documentary Credits or LCs are opened through Banks, creating a disconnection with the underlying order. This usually results in frequent Documentary Credit amendments that increase costs, discrepancies and turnaround time.
TradeDoX’s Documentary Credit Collaboration module re-engineers the process of applying for a documentary credit. The Importer and exporter collaborate on the terms of the Documentary Credit, ensuring that the details are agreed before the Importer requests payment guarantees from its Bank.
Reconciliation and synchronization between collaboration versions of data and critical supporting documents including transport documents, invoices, packing list, and others ensures 100% consistency at time of presentation. Collaboration is tied to the order so that any changes are applied immediately to the credit terms, thus reducing the risk of discrepancies and the need to manage amendments through the banking system.
All documents are generated based on the Letter of Credit terms, making use of business partner profiles, electronic data transmission and templates to minimize data entry. Paper and electronic distribution of Letter of Credit documentation can be made to banks, trading partners or any service provider. All documents are UCP500 and eUCP compliant.
- Enables shipper to get paid quickly by delivering trade finance documents that are conformant with the bank's terms.
- Accelerates advice of LCs and amendments and virtually eliminates discrepancies.
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