An employee of a trading company asks how to open a letter of credit for import agency, stating they have no prior experience and want to understand the process, required documents, and precautions. The best answer suggests signing an agency import agreement, preparing documents for L/C application, depositing margin or providing guarantee, and then the bank will issue the L/C after review. It also advises ensuring L/C terms match the contract, and paying attention to the international situation and the creditworthiness of trading parties.
In agency import business, who should open the letter of credit?
Resolved
Our company plans to find an agency company to handle import business and is not very clear about the process of opening a letter of credit. I want to know, in agency import business, whether the principal opens the letter of credit or the agent opens it? Are there any special points to pay attention to? Will the risks and responsibilities be different because the applicant entities are different? I hope a professional can help me answer, thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
In agency import business, the entity opening the letter of credit is usually determined by the agreement between the principal and the agent. There are generally two common situations. One is that the agent opens the letter of credit. In this case, the agent bears greater responsibility because once the letter of credit is opened, payment obligations must be fulfilled according to its terms. The advantage of the agent opening the letter of credit is that it facilitates comprehensive control over the import process, including cargo quality, transportation, and other aspects. The other is that the principal opens the letter of credit. The principal is directly responsible for the opening and payment of the letter of credit, and the agent is only responsible for assisting in handling import-related matters.
It is important to note that different applicant entities lead to different risk allocations. If the agent opens the letter of credit, they should be vigilant about the principal's credit risk and prevent the principal from failing to pay the goods on time. If the principal opens the letter of credit, they need to guard against the agent's errors or fraud in the cargo handling process. Both parties should clearly define the applicant entity, their respective rights and obligations, and the scope of risk assumption in the contract to protect their own interests.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Generally speaking, if the agent is strong and experienced, having the agent open the letter of credit would be more conducive to ensuring the goods are imported as required, and the agent can better control aspects such as cargo delivery.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
If the principal has better control requirements over funds and is familiar with letter of credit operations, they can also choose to open the letter of credit themselves. However, regardless of who opens it, the responsibilities of both parties must be clearly stated in the contract.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
From a risk perspective, if the agent opens the letter of credit, they need to carefully assess the principal's ability to pay; if the principal opens the letter of credit, they need to supervise whether the agent is diligent in executing import matters.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
Sometimes, the applicant entity is also determined based on the characteristics of the imported goods and trading practices. For example, for some special commodities, it may be common in the industry for the agent to open the letter of credit.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
If the principal has a good reputation in the international market and has a high credit line from the bank, opening the letter of credit themselves may be less costly and the procedures relatively simpler.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
In actual operations, both parties also need to consider their banking relationships. If the agent has a close cooperative relationship with a certain bank and can obtain better opening conditions, then the agent opening the letter of credit may be more appropriate.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
No matter who opens the letter of credit, good communication is essential. Before opening, thoroughly negotiate details such as terms to avoid subsequent disputes that could affect business operations.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
Once the applicant entity is determined, familiarize yourself with the relevant procedures. For example, the required documents for opening the letter of credit and the time nodes, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the import business.