Meaning of the terms LCs, Documentary Letters of Credit, Documentary Credits
Posted 10 Sep 2007 00:57
Replying to [BUMshells]:
Thanks for your questions. I have quoted your questions and tried my best to respond as below.
First, how much usually (in percentage from a transaction total value) the L/C rates taken by the issuer and receiving bank in most case. I know there are differences for each country bank policy. but we can use the average.
Answer: Forex buisness is the most profitable of all areas in commercial banking. For LCs, banks charge for every step, every action. That is why it is so costly. The floor rate is usually 0.1% to 0.15% per month, with a minimum flat amount. Other services are similalry charged, on a percentage basis or a flat fee.
Second, which party should be assured for trusting an L/C. who has the most risk? is it the buyer-seller or the issuing-receiving banks?
Answer: I am not very clear about the question. Taking a clue form the word “risk” used in your question, everyone has to bear some degree of risk, even in an LC transaction. It is not risk-free, it is only *lesser* than for other modes.
Third, how many kind of L/C and their condition. just in short description.
Answer: Please search this forum. Detailed information is there easily available.
Fourth, which one is the BG in term of L/C.
Response: BG means Bank Guarantee. It is not a part of any LC. See my article comparing a BG to an LC.
Fifth, any taxes applied? since some countries takes no taxes for exporting such products and VAT for raw product.
Answer: For LC transactions, there is no separate tax. The usual tax rules apply for transactions related to income, expenses, VAT, excise, customs duties, etc. as are normally charged by the government or other authorities. If there is an LC Transaction Tax in any country, I am not aware.