Back-To-Back Letter of Credit: Example, Format, Adavntage, and Risks

Back-to-Back Letter of Credit Definition

A back-to-back letter of credit is a financial instrument used in international trade to facilitate transactions between a buyer and a seller. It involves the use of two separate letters of credit to ensure payment and delivery of goods or services. In simple words, the seller first receives the Letter of Credit from the buyer to ensure timely payment, and further, the same seller hands over the Letter of Credit to someone from whom he buys goods or materials. There are various advantages and disadvantages of a Letter of Credit. Let us take an example under the concept of a Back-to-Back Letter Of Credit.

Example of Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

ABC Electronics in the United States wants to purchase electronic components from XYZ Manufacturing in India. However, XYZ Manufacturing requires payment upfront before they can begin production.

To facilitate the transaction, ABC Electronics approaches its bank, Bank A, to issue a letter of credit on their behalf. Bank A issues the first letter of credit to XYZ Manufacturing, which guarantees payment to XYZ Manufacturing once they fulfill certain conditions, such as providing the electronic components.

Simultaneously, XYZ Manufacturing, as the seller, needs to purchase raw materials from a supplier, PQR Materials, also in India. To secure the necessary raw materials, XYZ Manufacturing approaches its bank, Bank B, and uses the first letter of credit from Bank A as collateral to obtain a second letter of credit from Bank B.

With the second letter of credit in hand, XYZ Manufacturing can now present it to PQR Materials as a guarantee of payment once they deliver the required raw materials.

Once PQR Materials fulfills its obligations and delivers the raw materials to XYZ Manufacturing, XYZ Manufacturing can then fulfill its obligations to ABC Electronics by producing and delivering the electronic components.

Upon successful completion of the transaction, Bank A pays XYZ Manufacturing based on the compliance of the terms and conditions specified in the first letter of credit. XYZ Manufacturing, in turn, uses the payment received to fulfill its payment obligations to PQR Materials.

In this example, the back-to-back letter of credit arrangement enables ABC Electronics to secure the delivery of electronic components from XYZ Manufacturing and provides assurance to XYZ Manufacturing that they will receive payment once they fulfill their obligations to PQR Materials.

Parties to BBLC

• Issuing Bank
• Confirming Bank
• Beneficiary
• Transferring Bank
• Applicant
• Advising Bank
• Accepting Bank

Procedure for Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

Upon getting the instructions from the customer, the issuing bank agrees to issue a Letter of Credit, which is transferable to the first beneficiary. This means that the first beneficiary can transfer the letter of credit to its customer, third party, or secondary beneficiary. The transferring bank, i.e., the bank issuing the letter of credit, shall issue a “Transferred Letter of Credit.” The “Transferred Letter of Credit” looks identical to the original Letter of Credit. The first beneficiary holding the original Letter of Credit gives the “Transferred Letter of Credit” to the secondary beneficiary.

Essential Documents Required for Letter of Credit

• Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Packing List

Contents in a Back to Back LC Format

1. Beneficiary Details: The back-to-back LC will specify the name, address, and contact information of the beneficiary (seller) who will receive payment.

2. Amount: The specific amount of money involved in the transaction will be mentioned in the back-to-back LC, indicating the payment to be made to the beneficiary.

3. Time Validity: The back-to-back LC will indicate the validity period during which the payment is to be made to the bank. This indicates the deadline by which the required documents must be presented.

4. Seller’s Bank Details: The back-to-back LC will include the details of the seller’s bank, including their name, address, and contact information.

5. Payment Mode: The mode of payment, such as sight payment or deferred payment, will be mentioned in the back-to-back LC.

6. List of Documents: The back-to-back LC will specify the documents that must be presented by the beneficiary to claim payment. This typically includes commercial invoices, transport documents (e.g., bills of lading), insurance certificates, packing lists, and other relevant documents.

7. Notifying Address: The back-to-back LC will mention the address of the advising bank that will notify the beneficiary of the LC.

8. Description of Goods: The LC will include a detailed description of the goods or services being traded, specifying the quantity, quality, and any specific requirements.

9. Confirmation Order from a Local Bank: If the back-to-back LC is confirmed, it means that a local bank adds its own payment guarantee to the LC, providing further assurance to the beneficiary.

Payment Clause in Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

When the first beneficiary transfers the original LC to the secondary beneficiary, it is assumed that the payment has been made to the first beneficiary of the transaction when LC is presented at the bank. However, suppose partial payment is made to the secondary beneficiary in such a case. In that case, the original beneficiary has the right to present the invoice and draft to the bank after the secondary beneficiary has presented the documents.

Example of Payment in Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

Suppose Xion Ltd. has handed over Noble Ltd. a Back-to-Back LC. Noble Ltd. approaches the bank to claim its payment that was due from Xion Ltd. The original LC was issued for $ 15,000, but the payment due to Noble Ltd was only $ 10,000. Here the bank will require not only the original LC but also a written request to hand over the specified amount. Bank requires the original LC to endorse it further by writing the amount due and the name of the party. LC being a negotiable instrument can be endorsed further. After making the payment to Noble Ltd, the bank shall issue a document suggesting the payment made to the party of the original LC and the amount due on it.

Conclusion

Letter of Credit has become an important tool for reducing business risk and speeding up the cash flow cycle. It facilitates business to trade at ease. It can be endorsed multiple times as a negotiable instrument, making it the most flexible payment tool. Back-to-Back Letter of Credit facilitates payments to subcontractors. The first beneficiary can transfer the LC in favor of the secondary beneficiary, assuring payment to the supplier. This helps the business to continue its functions smoothly.

Read Types of Letter of Credit to know about its various other types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)