Tag Archives: Finance

Swift Code & Messages Used in Buyers Credit Transaction

SWIFT code (ISO 9362, SWIFT-BIC, BIC code, SWIFT ID) is a standard format of Business Identifier Codes approved by the ISO. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers, and also for the exchange of other messages between banks. Swift Message type used in buyers credit are MT202, MT799 & MT999 Continue reading

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Tax Residency Certificate Not Required in Prescribed Format

In September 2012, CBDT had prescribe a format in which Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) was required from April 2013. In the Amendments to Finance Bill 2013, requirement of prescribed format has been done away with. Continue reading

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Surcharge and Education Cess on Withholding Tax

Withholding Tax rates may be limited by application of a tax treaty. The surcharge and education cess will not apply where the withholding tax is limited by a tax treaty. Continue reading

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Transfer of Limits from One Bank to Another : Buyers Credit Rollover Process

Buyers Credit is arranged against Letter of Undertaking (LOU) / Letter of Comfort (LOC) issued by Importer’s Bank. During this period if importer decides to shift his limits from X bank to Y bank, few complications arise. For a Raw material transaction, importer may decide not to rollover the transaction to avoid complications; but for Capital goods Importer has lesser options. If the buyers credit does not get rolled over, the same would get converted into term loan which would cost the importer higher rate of interest. This article provides details on process to be followed and what documents are need for smooth transition. Continue reading

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Buyers Credit on Import of Precious and Semi Precious Stone

Suppliers’ and Buyers’ Credit (trade credit) including the usance period of Letters of Credit opened for import of even precious stones and semi-precious stones should not exceed 90 days from the date of shipment Continue reading

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Myanmar Economic Sanctions – Background, Recent Relaxation & Trade Finance

Myanmar has been under various international economic sanction for more than a decade, which has crippled its international trade. Below article gives a background of economic sanctions on Myanmar, recent relaxations in these sanctions and what will be its likely impact on trade finance from Indian importers perspective. Continue reading

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Buyers Credit on High Sea Sales Transaction

What is High Sea Sales ? High Sea Sales (HSS) is a sale carried out by the carrier document consignee to another buyer while the goods are yet on high seas or after their dispatch from the port/airport of origin and before their arrival at the port/ airport of destination. Continue reading

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Withholding Tax (WHT) is applicable on Suppliers Credit Transactions

Withholding Tax is applicable on Suppliers Credit Under Sec 195 of Income Tax Act 1961. Additionally DTAA treaty of the respective country has to be referred for the definition of interest to arrive at final conclusion. Continue reading

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Bank Finance for Purchase of Gold

RBI gas advised that no advances should be granted by banks for purchase of gold in any form, including primary gold, gold bullion, gold jewellery, gold coins, units of gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) and units of gold Mutual Funds. Continue reading

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Buyers Credit with 6 Month Libor Reset

Banks and Importers consider various factors before going for Buyers Credit transaction for more than 6 months tenure. One such factor is buyers credit with 6 Month Libor Reset option. The below article elaborates on these factors. Continue reading

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Review of Trade Credit All-In-Cost Ceiling

After the expiry of deadline of 30-09-2012, there was a prolonged uncertainty for last 9 days on what is the all in cost ceiling for Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit). Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a clarification or revised circular today clarifying the same. Summary of the same is given below Continue reading

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Impact of Libor Review on Trade Finance in India

Trade Credit (Buyers Credit, Suppliers Credit etc.) perspective, recommendation which are the most relevant are the number of currencies and tenors for which LIBOR is published to be reduced and market participants using LIBOR should be encouraged to consider and evaluate their use of LIBOR Continue reading

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Certificate of Tax Residency under DDTA (Withholding Tax)

From April 2013 onwards when buyers credit is taken from foreign bank, importer will also need to collect Certificate of Tax Residency in specific format from these foreign banks to claim benefit of lesser Withholding Tax (WHT) rates under DDTA or else standard rate of 20% will be applicable. Continue reading

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Buyers Credit on Jewellery

uppliers’ and Buyers’ credit (Trade Credit) including the usance period of Letters of Credit opened for import of gold in any form including jewellery made of gold/precious metals or/ and studded with diamonds/ semi precious / precious stones should not exceed 90 days, from the date of shipment. Continue reading

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Overdue Interest and Late Payment Charges on Buyers Credit

Overdue Interest is applicable for the period after due date on which payment of principal and interest is payable to the buyers credit bank. Some banks have been clearly stating these charges in their offer letter or in letter of undertaking format. Continue reading

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Prepayment of Buyers Credit

Prepayment of buyers credit from both Importers perspective and Banks perspective and related RBI regulation Continue reading

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Trade Credit Extended Upto 5 Years for Infrastructure Firms

Buyers Credit for import of capital goods has been extended from 3 years to 5 years for company classified as Infrastructure as defined in guidelines on External Commercial Borrowings (ECB). Trade Credit must be availed for Minimum fifteen months at one go and should not be in the nature of short-term roll overs. Continue reading

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Difference Between EURIBOR & EUR Libor

EURO based buyers credit is currently funded by most of the banks using EURIBOR which is issued by European Banking Federation and ACI. A similar rate is issued by British Banking Association known as EUR Libor but is not often used by bankers for funding buyers credit transactions Continue reading

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Banks Insisting of Forward Booking for Buyers Credit Exposure

Banks have started asking their clients to compulsorily book forwards against their buyers credit exposure (existing as well new transactions). This change is because of earlier and current directives given by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Continue reading

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5% WHT as per Sec 194LC not applicable to Buyers Credit

Section 194 LC for Tax Deduction by Indian Specified Company on Interest paid to Non resident / Foreign Company is not applicable to Buyers Credit. Continue reading

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Form 15CA & 15CB Not Applicable on Interest payment to Indian Bank Branches

As per Income Tax circular 04/2009 dated 29th June, 2009 (Circular Link provided below), Form 15CA and 15CB Certificate under Section 195 of Income Tax is required to be submitted in cases where payments are made to a non-resident. Continue reading

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Country-wise Double Taxation Summary Chart on Interest

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 Below Country-wise double taxation summary chart provides Tax rate and Article reference number applicable on interest payments to beneficiary outside India. Same will be useful at the time of filling up Form … Continue reading

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Consequence of Non Deduction of Withholding Tax (WHT / TDS)

Disallowance of the amounts paid under Section 40 (a) (i). It should be noted that the scope of the section dealing with payments to non residents is wider than that of 40 (a) (ia) which deals with residents. Continue reading

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Form 15CA and 15CB under Section 195 of Income Tax

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 Finance Act, 2008 inserted a new sub section (6) to section 195 effective from April 1, 2008, which requires the person responsible for making payment to a non-resident to furnish information relating to … Continue reading

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OFAC Countries & Implication on Buyers Credit

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 What is OFAC Sanctions ? The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is an office of the Treasury Department of United States of America (US). OFAC administers and enforces economic and … Continue reading

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Review of all-in-cost ceiling – Trade Credit

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 In its circular dated 30/03/2012, RBI has decided to continue with the enhanced all-in-cost ceiling for Trade Credit for further period of six months. Maximum Cap on Interest Rate for tenure … Continue reading

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Buyers Credit All-In-Cost Ceiling may move back to L+200bps from 01/04/2012

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 In its Circular dated 15/11/2011, RBI had increased the all-in-cost ceiling for Buyers Credit  from 6 Month L+ 200 bps to 6 Month L + 350 bps subject to condition that … Continue reading

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Buyers Credit for Imports Under Direct Documents

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 RBI Circular of External Commercial Borrowing and Trade Credit gives information about buyers credit. But with specific type of transaction, inference has to taken from other related circulars. For example, for Buyers … Continue reading

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Difference between Buyers Credit and Letter of Credit (LC)

LC is one of the payment mode used in the International Trade between importer and exporter to cover third-party credit risk. Meaning if the importer defaults, his bank will have to pay on his behalf. Whereas, Buyers credit is a funding mechanism used by importer to funds his transaction. Continue reading

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Comprehensive Guidelines on Foreign Exchange Derivatives

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 RBI via circular dated 28/12/2010 revised the extant guidelines on OTC (Over the Counter) Foreign  Exchange Derivatives and which became effective from 1st February 2011. Below is the extract of the guidelines related to importers and exporters. … Continue reading

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RBI Increase Buyers Credit All-in-Cost Ceiling

To Avail Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit: E: sanjaymandavia@gmail.com, M: +919825560186 RBI reviewing the developments in global finance markets and the fact that domestic importers are experiencing difficulties in raising Trade Credit (Buyers Credit / Suppliers Credit) within the existing all-in-cost ceiling, RBI has … Continue reading

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Buyers Credit Accounting Entries

Buyers Credit Essential Accounting Treament, Entries and Disclosures in books of Accounts Continue reading

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Infrastructure Companies – Bridge Finance before availing ECB

RBI allowed Indian companies which are in infrastructure sector to import capital goods by availing of short-term credit (including buyer’s credit and supplier’s credit) in the nature of “Bridge Finance” under the approval route,subject to following conditions Continue reading

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Buyers Credit on Capital Goods

Buyers Credit can be used both for Raw Material and Capital Goods. Below article gives complete detailed information about buyers credit on Capital Goods along with process and sample sanction letters. Continue reading

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Bankwise Letter of Comfort / Undertaking Charges

Letter of Undertaking (LOU) / Letter of Comfort (LOC) charges as given in respective bank’s website. These rates may vary from customer to customer, based on their negotiation with bank. Continue reading

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Buyers Credit on Gold Import

Bank can open Letters of Credit and allow remittances on behalf of EOUs, units in SEZs in the Gem & Jewellery sector and the nominated agencies / banks, for direct import of gold, subject to the following conditions Continue reading

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Transaction where Buyer’s Credit is Restricted

Type of transaction where buyer’s credit cannot be done are Local Trade, Advance Payment, Merchanting Trade, Intermediary Trade Transaction and Import of Services. Continue reading

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Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit on Rough, Cut and Polished Diamonds

Supplier’s Credit and Buyer’s Credit (Trade Credit) including the usance period of Letter of Credit (LC) opened for import of rough, cut and polished diamonds has been restricted to 90 days from the date of shipment from immediate effect. Continue reading

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Buyer’s Credit Rollover

Process to be followed for Buyers Credit Rollover from Existing Bank and Rollover from Other Banks and documentation required for each of this case. Article also provides details about regulation and other factors to be consider while doing rollover of buyers credit. Continue reading

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Buyer’s / Supplier’s Credit Consultants

Person / Firm who co ordinates with Indian Overseas Branches or Foreign Bank and arranges best possible quote for transactions. They do not directly represent any of these bank. They are also known as Buyers Credit Brokers & Buyers Credit Agents. Scope of Activity, Technical Aspect, arranging quote and get funding done. Continue reading

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Difference between Buyer’s Credit and Supplier’s Credit

Difference between buyers credit and suppliers credit are based on criteria like, Mode of payment, LC clauses, arrangement process, and cost involved. Continue reading

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Supplier’s Credit India – Meaning & Process

Supplier’s Credit relates to credit for imports into India extended by the overseas suppliers or financial institutions outside India.Usance Bills under Letter of Credit (LC) issued by Indian bank branches on behalf of their importers are discounted by Indian bank overseas branches or Foreign bank. Paying your suppliers at sight against Usance bills under letter of credits. Continue reading

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Letter of Comfort / Undertaking (LOC/LOU) Charges

Normally importers would tend to look at Interest Cost provided by Foreign bank (Indian bank overseas branches or Foreign bank) on deciding which offer to accept. But this is a wrong approach. Importers should look at overall cost. Overall cost would be Foreign bank interest cost and LOU charges of your bank. Continue reading

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Useful links in relation to Buyers Credit

Buyers Credit Calculation Sheet, Current Exchange Rate, Future / Forward Rates of USD, EURO, GBP, & JPY. Relevant RBI Circulars in Relation to Forward Contract. DTAA, Withholding Tax, Income Tax Notification in Relation to Form 15CA, Form 15CB, Challan 281, Form 27Q and Filling Links / Format. Relevant RBI Circulars in relation to Trade Credit Continue reading

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WHT (Withholding Tax) on interest on Buyers Credit

Under Sec 195 of Income Tax Act 1961, Tax is required to be deducted on the interest amount paid by the Indian corporate to overseas lenders (bank / suppliers) on the loans taken. Impact on Importers and Process flow of payment of Withholding Tax Continue reading

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RBI Trade Credit (Buyers/Suppliers Credit) Circular Extract

Trade Credits’ refer to credits extended for imports directly by the overseas supplier, bank and financial institution for maturity of less than three years. Depending on the source of finance, such trade credits include suppliers’ credit or buyers’ credit. Suppliers’ credit relates to credit for imports into India extended by the overseas supplier, while buyers’ credit refers to loans for payment of imports into India arranged by the importer from a bank or financial institution outside India for maturity of less than three years Continue reading

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Procedure for Buyers Credit in India

Importers trying to take buyers credit for first time, should go through do initial checks likes whether non fund based limits is in place and for what tenure, is lou format is acceptable to their bank and other operational issues. Continue reading

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Buyer’s Credit – Definition & Meaning

Buyer’s Credit refers to loans for payment of imports into India arranged on behalf of the importer through an overseas bank. Article gives details about Benefits, Process Flow, Cost Involved and Regulatory Framework. Continue reading

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