Import services

Documentary credits

When developing business relationships with overseas suppliers, there can be a number of key factors to consider. A documentary credit (DC) issued by HSBC provides comfort and security to both the buyer and supplier by helping to mitigate the inherent risks of international trade.

A DC is an undertaking by a bank, acting on behalf of the importer, to make payment for goods or services provided by the supplier within a prescribed time limit and against compliant documents. A DC provides comfort to the buyer that payment will only be made upon presentation of the required documents.

DCs issued by HSBC have a number of key benefits for both you and your suppliers as follows:

Financial strength

DCs issued by HSBC have the backing of one of the world's largest financial services organisations. This means that any DCs issued by us in your name will be universally acceptable, both by your vendors, and their banks.

Global network

Our global presence across Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa means that wherever you trade, an HSBC representative is available to assist with your transactions.

By routing your DCs through our overseas branches, we can help reduce your processing times and ensure that the DC is advised to your supplier without delay. This is particularly important if you need your goods in a hurry, or if your vendor needs some time to prepare the export documents.

Expert assistance

Our award-winning trade teams are available at any time to provide you advice on any aspect of DC issuance. We can also arrange training for your staff at your own offices.

Vendor support

Beneficiaries of HSBC DCs are entitled to the same high level of professional support and advice as any of our customers. Our overseas trade offices can explain complex DC terms to your suppliers and assist them in preparing export documents and identifying discrepancies. We are even prepared to consider providing export finance to your supplier after completion of some simple documentation.

Special DC options

With our wide range of specialist knowledge in documentary credits, we can advise on and deliver a range of specialised instruments: standby DCs, transferable DCs, back-to-back DCs, revolving DCs and red clause credits.

Local products and services may vary, please contact your local HSBC office for details.