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    Understanding Letter of Credit (L/C) in International Shipping

    JUL 03, 2025

    In international shipping, having clear trade agreements is crucial for both exporters and importers. Without proper agreements, when mistakes occur during transportation, no one can be held accountable. Therefore, CPLINTER provides valuable insights into Letter of Credit (L/C) transactions, which help ensure smoother international business exchanges.

    What is a Letter of Credit (L/C)?

    A Letter of Credit (L/C) is a financial document used in international trade to reduce risk. It assures both the buyer and seller that the transaction will be completed as agreed. The buyer's bank guarantees payment to the seller once the terms of the contract are met (usually after goods are shipped). L/C is commonly used in international trade, as it ensures that the seller gets paid when goods are shipped, and the buyer receives the goods once payment is made.

    Why is L/C Important?

    The main benefit of using an L/C in international trade is reducing the risk for both the exporter and importer. Without an L/C, there are concerns about whether the exporter will actually send the goods, or whether the importer will pay as agreed. With an L/C, the buyer and seller both gain confidence in the transaction, knowing that the bank ensures payment and delivery under the contract terms.

    Types of Letter of Credit (L/C)

    L/Cs are categorized into two main types: Revocable Letter of Credit (REVOCABLE L/C) This type can be canceled by the buyer or their bank at any time without the seller’s consent. However, it is rarely used in international trade due to its inherent risk to the seller.

    Irrevocable Letter of Credit (IRREVOCABLE L/C) Once issued, this type cannot be altered or canceled without the agreement of both the buyer and seller. This makes it the preferred option for international trade, as it provides more security and certainty for both parties.

    Benefits of Using Letter of Credit (L/C)

    For Exporters: The use of an L/C ensures that the payment will be guaranteed by the buyer's bank once the goods are delivered. This removes the risk of not being paid after sending the goods, and the payment is generally processed quickly.

    For Importers: Importers benefit from L/C because they only need to make payment after receiving the goods. This ensures that they don’t need to pay in advance, which increases their confidence in completing the transaction.

    In international shipping, using L/C terms significantly reduces risks and boosts confidence for both exporters and importers. The seller is assured of payment, and the buyer is assured of receiving goods as agreed. If you're looking for assistance with international shipping, CPLINTER offers comprehensive services including air, land, and sea freight, packaging, documentation, and customs clearance. We guide you through each step to make the shipping process seamless.

    For more information or inquiries, please contact us: Phone: 02-519-4426, 091-519-4426 Line: @cplinter Website: www.cplinter.com

    Interested in exporting goods? Send us your product details for assistance with smooth and reliable shipping. You can also chat with us directly via Line ID: @cplinter.

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