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Understanding UPAS LC: Features, Benefits, and Costs

 
Introduction

In international trade, the Usance Payable at Sight Letter of Credit (UPAS LC) is a pivotal instrument that balances the interests of both importers and exporters. It offers a combination of features from both usance and sight letters of credit. UPAS LC provides a flexible payment mechanism that facilitates smoother transactions across borders. This article explores the UPAS LC's characteristics, advantages, and associated costs, offering insights into its operational mechanics and impact on trade finance.

What is UPAS LC?

A UPAS LC, or Usance Payable at Sight Letter of Credit, represents a hybrid financial instrument used primarily in international trade. It operates under an agreement where the exporter can receive payment immediately upon presenting compliant documents, despite the letter of credit stipulating usance terms. This arrangement allows for prompt payment to exporters while extending the payment timeline for importers. Essentially, it merges the benefits of sight and usance letters of credit, catering to scenarios where immediate payment is desired but the traditional sight LC is not feasible.

 

Features of UPAS LC

1. Issuance and Flexibility: UPAS LC is issued by a bank, upon the buyer's request. It provides the flexibility for the seller to present documents and receive payment either immediately or at a future date, based on the agreed terms. This adaptability allows exporters to access funds sooner than under a traditional usance LC while adhering to the stipulated payment terms.

2. Applicability: The UPAS LC can be utilized for both foreign and domestic letters of credit, making it a versatile tool across different trade situations.

3. Simple Procedure: The process for utilizing a UPAS LC is relatively straightforward, simplifying transactions by enabling sellers to access funds sooner while still maintaining the terms agreed upon.

4. Flexible Financing Tenor: The financing tenor associated with UPAS LC can be customized to meet the specific needs of the transaction, whether it involves raw materials or capital machinery.

5. Option for full payment at maturity: If the letter of credit is issued using a usance proforma invoice with a discount option, the exporter can get full payment at maturity or a discounted payment before maturity as per agreed discount rate and other conditions.

6. Option for full payment on presentation: If the letter of credit is issued using a sight proforma invoice or contract arranging a financing agreement with the third bank or issuing bank (with its offshore banking unit) by the importer, exporter gets the full payment on presentation. In this case importer pays the interest for the delayed period of payment.

 

Benefits of UPAS LC

 

For Exporters:

1. Immediate Payment: Exporters benefit from receiving payment immediately from the discounting bank, which enhances cash flow and reduces the risk of delayed payments.

2. Reduced Days Sales Outstanding (DSO): By obtaining payment at sight, exporters can significantly lower their DSO, improving liquidity and operational efficiency.

3. Marketability and Price Integrity: Since exporters receive payment promptly, they can maintain their pricing integrity without factoring in the costs of extended payment terms.

4. Enhanced Relationships: UPAS LC strengthens relationships with buyers by offering them extended payment terms while ensuring that exporters receive secure and timely payments.

 

For Importers:

1. Lower Interest Rates: Interest rates associated with UPAS LC are typically lower compared to other forms of financing, making it a cost-effective option for importers.

2. Optimized Working Capital: Importers can optimize their working capital by deferring payment up to 360 days or even more, which allows for better cash flow management.

3. Preferential Interest Rates: Importers might benefit from preferential interest rates, which can further reduce overall costs.

4. Simplified Process: UPAS LC provides a convenient method for managing payments, which enhances operational efficiency.

5. Extended Payment Terms: This type of LC extends the Days Payable Outstanding (DPO), offering additional liquidity and financial flexibility.

 

Conditions for Using UPAS LC

To effectively use a UPAS LC, certain conditions must be met:

1. Pricing of Goods/Services: If the letter of credit is issued against a proforma invoice / contract with a usance and discount option, the price of goods/services are higher due to interest loaded for the usance period. On the other hand, if the letter of credit is issued specifying the full payment at sight, the price of goods/services must also be sufficient lower to satisfy the sight payment at the importer’s cost (as finance arranged by the importer).

2. Documentary Compliance: All conditions specified in the LC must be adhered to, including the presentation of compliant documents.

3. Usance Draft: The exporter must present a usance draft. Issuing bank will check documentary compliance with terms of the letter of credit and issue an acceptance. The discounting bank will discount at a predetermined discount rate and pay at sight. Or, the financing bank will make payment in full as per their agreement with the importer.

4. UPAS Clause: Letter of credit must contain terms and conditions clearly mentioning the UPAS options. If the UPAS letter of credit is against the discounting option it must mention it clearly along-with the specific discount rate. On the other hand, if the letter of credit offers full payment on presentation at importer's financing arrangement and cost, it must state it in the LC. 

5. Reimbursement Clause: The reimbursement clause must clearly mention about where the documents should be presented, which bank will make payment etc.

 

Costs Associated with UPAS LC

Understanding the costs related to UPAS LC is crucial for both exporters and importers. These costs can be divided based on who bears them:

 

Costs Borne by the Importer:

1. LC Issuing Commission: The fee charged by the issuing bank for creating the LC.

2. LC Transmission Charge: The cost associated with transmitting the LC to the beneficiary.

3. Acceptance Commission: The fee for accepting the documents and making the payment.

4. Reimbursement Charge: Charged by the bank to reimburse the beneficiary upon payment.

5. Interest on Funding: Interest charges incurred for utilizing the funds of a third bank or offshore banking unit under UPAS LC terms.

6. LC Confirmation Charge: Charges incurred if the LC is confirmed by another bank at the request of the issuing bank.

 

Costs Borne by the Exporter:

1. LC Advising Charge: The fee for advising the exporter about the LC.

2. LC Confirmation Charge: Charges incurred if the LC is confirmed by another bank at the request of the exporter.

3. Discrepancy Charge: Costs associated with discrepancies in the presented documents.

4. Discounting Charge: Discounts to process the payment upon discounting at a predetermined discount rate as per letter of credit terms.

5. Payment Charge: Fees related to processing the payment.

 

Credit Period of UPAS LC

 The credit period for UPAS LC can vary depending on the type of goods involved:

1. Raw Materials: Typically extended up to 180 days.

2. Capital Machinery: Credit terms can extend up to 180, 270, 360, or even 720 days, depending on the agreement and specific needs.

 

Conclusion

The Usance Payable at Sight (UPAS) Letter of Credit is a sophisticated financial instrument in international trade, blending features of both sight and usance letters of credit. It allows exporters to receive immediate payment while providing importers with the flexibility of extended payment terms. This arrangement enhances liquidity for exporters and optimizes working capital for importers, thus facilitating smoother trade transactions. Despite the associated costs, the benefits of UPAS LC, including reduced DSO, lower interest rates, and improved trade relationships, make it a compelling choice for businesses engaged in global trade.

By understanding the features, benefits, and costs of UPAS LC, businesses can navigate international trade more effectively and leverage this instrument to their advantage.

 

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