The Logistics & Law of Exporting from
The United States
Presented by:
Trade Facilitators, Inc. April 3, 2014
Presentation Outline
• Review of critical contract or sales agreement clauses for agricultural exporters
• Summary of Incoterms 2010 rules • Letter of Credit essentials
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DISCLAIMER
The prose, graphics and examples provided in this training module are for educational purposes only. Under no circumstances should any of
its content be construed as legal advice or counsel.
“Incoterms” is a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce, registered in several countries.
Copyright 2014, Trade Facilitators, Inc.
The Formation of International Sales Agreements • Technically, a “contract” is not
required for two or more parties to do business internationally (although it’s a good idea….)
• The key is to have written proof of the terms of the agreement, intent of the parties and required actions
– International Sales Agreement – Export Price Quote & Purchase order – The “cocktail napkin” approach
• Business transactions can be conducted without a written contract, but should be supported by documentation that demonstrates Offer, Acceptance and Consideration
– Formation of a “contract” is based on the documentation trail, intent of the parties and/or practices of the trade
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International Sales Agreements: Key Content & (Potential) Clauses
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• Delivery of the goods by the seller* • Price of the goods • Payment terms • Currently of sale • Warranty & repair of goods • Receipt of the goods by the buyer* • Country of origin of the goods • Export packaging* • Notice to the buyer or seller* • Mode of transport • Transportation costs*
• Agreement date • Identification of the parties • Authority to enter into contracts • Applicable law • Severability • Dispute resolution • Incoterms® 2010 rule • Description of the goods • Quality, grade, size & condition • Weights & quantities • Substitution
*Covered by Incoterms® 2010 rules
International Sales Agreements: Key Content & (Potential) Clauses
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• Contract of carriage* • Provision of commercial documents* • Provision of transport documents* • E-commerce* • Inspection of the goods* • Diversion clause • Transfer of risk* • Cargo insurance*
• Claims • Transfer of title • Penalty clause for late shipments • Customs clearance* • Payment of customs duties & taxes* • Amendments • Assignment • Force majeure
*Covered by Incoterms® 2010 rules
• DESCRIPTION OF THE GOODS: – Prose-based description of the goods – Description should be consistent with
product classification in the Harmonized System (H.S.)
– If possible, provide 6-digit HS number per the World Customs Organization
– Quantity with proper unit of measure (grams, dozen, liters, pairs, pounds)
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International Sales Agreements:
“Must-Haves”
• PRICE: – For one-off transactions, list both unit
and total price (show discounts) – Spell out the currency ($ should be
stated as USD) – For long-term, multi-transaction
contracts list clause for price adjustments
– Beware buying or selling in foreign currencies (if you do, need clause for bands of fluctuation)
– CAVAET: The negotiated Incoterms® may impact the final price of the goods
• Unit versus landed cost
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International Sales Agreements:
Clauses & Considerations
• TYPE & TERMS OF PAYMENT: – Cash in advance – Open account (30, 60, 90 days)
• When does the clock start ticking? (invoice date, transport document date, arrival date)
– Documentary collections • Cash against Documents
– Documentary credits • Letter of credit
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International Sales Contracts:
Clauses & Considerations
International Sales Contracts Clauses & Considerations
• INCOTERMS® RULE:
– Incoterms® 2010 rules specify the division of delivery-related cost and risk between a seller and buyer
– In terms of scope, the negotiated Incoterms® rule is the single most important component of a contract and all ensuing documents
– ALWAYS specify an Incoterms® rule in a contract and list it on all documents
– ALWAYS add a clause in contracts that states “Incoterms® rules will be interpreted pursuant to the ICC publication, Incoterms® 2010”
– Incoterms rules carry a stipulation for delivery date or range of acceptable time frame
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International Sales Contracts:
Clauses Covered by Incoterms® Rules
• Delivery of the goods by the seller • Receipt of the goods by the buyer • Export packaging • Notice to the buyer or seller • Transportation costs • Contract of carriage • Provision of commercial documents • Provision of transport documents • E-commerce
• Inspection of the goods • Conditions precedent (import and/or
export licenses) • Conditions precedent (supply chain
security) • Transfer of risk • Cargo insurance • Customs clearance • Payment of customs duties & taxes
• COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF THE GOODS
– Country of growth, assembly or manufacture of goods (not necessarily the country of export)
– Whether you are the buyer or seller, country of origin will impact the landed costs of the goods (customs duties are driven by this factor)
– C.O. is an important point, particularly if the States of the buyer and seller are party to a bi-lateral or multi-lateral trade agreement (NAFTA, KORUS, US/Colombia)
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International Sales Contracts Clauses & Considerations
• TRANSFER OF TITLE TO THE GOODS
– There is a big difference between the transfer of risk and transfer of title
– Contrary to popular myth, Incoterms do NOT deal with transfer of title
– International contract law does not do a very good job of addressing transfer of title
– Be explicit in your Agreements about transfer of title
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International Sales Contracts Clauses & Considerations
Incoterms® Defined
• By focusing on the seller’s delivery obligations within an international sales contract Incoterms® govern three critically important considerations:
– At what physical point in a supply chain the risk of loss or damage to the goods shifts from seller to buyer
– At what physical point in a supply chain the responsibility for all transportation,
customs clearance, duties and related charges shift from the seller to the buyer
– Responsibility between seller and buyer for execution of certain functional activities
Incoterms® That Ceased To Exist 1/1/2011
• Delivered At Frontier (DAF) • Delivered Ex Ship (DES) • Delivered Ex Quay (DEQ) • Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
The 11 Official ICC 2010 Incoterms® As of 1/1/2011
• EXW Ex Works (named place of delivery)
• FCA Free Carrier (named place of delivery)
• FAS Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
• FOB Free On Board (named port of shipment)
• CFR Cost & Freight (named port of destination)
• CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight (named port of destination)
• CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
• CIP Carriage & Insurance Paid To (named place of destination)
• DAT Delivered At Terminal (named terminal at port or place of destination)
• DAP Delivered At Place (named place of destination)
• DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
Incoterms® Use by Mode of Transport As of 1/1/2011
• Any mode of transport: • EXW Ex Works (named place of
delivery) • FCA Free Carrier (named place of
delivery) • CPT Carriage Paid To (named place
of destination) • CIP Carriage & Insurance Paid To
(named place of destination) • DAT Delivered At Terminal (named
terminal at port or place of destination)
• DAP Delivered At Place (named place of destination)
• DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
• Ocean or inland water transport only:
• FAS Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
• FOB Free On Board (named port of shipment)
• CFR Cost & Freight (named port of destination)
• CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight (named port of destination)
Incoterms® are Rules, not Laws
• Incoterms® were established as a standard set of rules for determining a seller’s delivery obligations, they are not laws
• Incoterms® have the force of law, however, when they are referenced in a valid and binding sales contract or agreement
• As part of a binding contract any questions on the seller’s delivery obligations are answered pursuant to the Incoterms® 2010 publication
Meaning of the Term “Delivery”
• Sellers and buyers should never assume they understand the Incoterms® definition of the term “delivery”
• Within the context of Incoterms® delivery does not necessarily mean up to the final destination
• Under Incoterms® 2010 delivery can occur in either origin or destination
What Incoterms® Do & Don’t Do
• In a contract for sale between a seller and buyer Incoterms® cover: – Risk of loss or damage to the
goods – Responsibility for transportation,
customs and related expenses – Certain functional responsibilities
related to the delivery of the goods (listed in the next slide)
• In a contract for sale between a seller and buyer Incoterms® do not explicitly cover: – Title transfer – Revenue recognition – Remedies for breach of contract – Payment terms – Any other non-delivery related
clause in a comprehensive sales contract
Functional Obligations Between Seller & Buyer
• Because Incoterms® deal with the risks and costs associated with the seller’s delivery responsibility, they clearly define the division of functional obligations relevant to that delivery activity. They are:
– Proper packaging of merchandise – Securing of licenses, permits or special government requirements (including
security related information) – Inspection of goods at origin – Export customs clearance – Provision of commercial invoices – Placing goods at disposal of the buyer at origin – Handing goods over for transport to a designated carrier or forwarder at origin – Procurement of Contracts of Carriage (bill of lading or airway bill) – Pre-Alerts and Proof of Delivery – Customs clearance at destination – Delivering goods at destination
The 11 Official ICC 2010 Incoterms® As of 1/1/2011
• EXW Ex Works (named place of delivery)
• FCA Free Carrier (named place of delivery)
• FAS Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
• FOB Free On Board (named port of shipment)
• CFR Cost & Freight (named port of destination)
• CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight (named port of destination)
• CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
• CIP Carriage & Insurance Paid To (named place of destination)
• DAT Delivered At Terminal (named terminal at port or place of destination)
• DAP Delivered At Place (named place of destination)
• DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
FCA Free Carrier (named place of delivery)
• There can be more than one delivery point at origin (seller’s facility, forwarder’s facility, port or airport)
• Delivery occurs when goods are presented to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place or port, cleared for export, from there all transport/customs related costs are for the buyer
• If delivery is at seller’s facility, the seller must load the collecting vehicle • Can be used with any mode of transport
Destination plant or warehouse
Origin
The seller’s delivery responsibility can end at his works, at a forwarder’s facility or at a port/airport. Under each scenario goods must be cleared for export.
Destination
FOB Free On Board (named port of shipment)
• Delivery occurs in the port of shipment when goods are loaded on board the vessel and all costs/risks beyond that point are for the buyer
• Export clearance and inland freight charges up to the delivery point are for the seller’s account
• Not suitable for containerized cargo (use FCA in this case) • Intended for ocean or inland waterway transportation only
Origin
Origin plant or warehouse
Delivery occurs at the origin port, cleared for export and loaded on board the vessel
Port at origin Vessel at origin Inland freight
Group C Shipment Contracts: Delivery vs. Transportation Obligations
Origin Destination
Mode of Origin port or Seller transport airport
Destination port or airport Customs Buyer
Delivery is completed at origin Transportation extends to destination
CFR Cost & Freight (named port of destination)
• Delivery occurs in the port of shipment when goods are loaded on board the vessel, but seller pays transport costs to port of arrival
• Per above, risk shifts to the buyer at the port of shipment • Not meant for containerized cargo (consider CPT as an alternative) • Intended for ocean or inland waterway transport only
Origin
Delivery occurs at the origin port, cleared for export and loaded on board the vessel
Port at origin Vessel at origin Vessel at destination
Seller pays for ocean transport up to named port at destination
Destination
CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
• Risk shifts with the first carrier at origin (normally the collecting vehicle at
the seller’s facility), but seller pays transport costs to the named place at destination
• Can be used for any mode of transportation or combination thereof
Origin
Any mode of Seller Inland carrier transport
Destination
Destination port or airport Buyer
Delivery is completed at origin Transportation extends to a named port or with first carrier (trucker) place at destination
DAT Delivered At Terminal (named terminal at port or place of destination)
• Delivery is complete when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer at a named terminal at the named port or place of destination, off-loaded, & seller pays transport costs to that place (does not include clearance or duties)
• Can be used with any mode of transport
Destination
Seller is responsible for risk of loss or damage and transportation up to a named terminal at a port or place at destination, off-loaded
Origin
DAP Delivered At Place (named place of destination)
• Seller delivers when goods are made available to the buyer at the named place in destination, not unloaded from the delivering vehicle, and seller must pay all transport costs to that delivery point (does not include clearance, duties or taxes)
• Can be used for any mode of transport
Destination
Seller is responsible for risk of loss or damage and transportation up to named place at destination, but is not responsible for off-loading, customs clearance, duties or taxes
Origin
Documentary Credits (Letters of Credit)
• In essence, a letter of credit is used to replace the creditworthiness (or lack thereof) of an international buyer with that of a bank
– A bank undertakes to pay the seller based on performance
– Not a guarantee of payment, but rather a promise of payment based on performance (documents-driven)
• There are several different types of letters of credit
• In all instances, bank(s) charge a series of fees for engaging in an L/C transaction
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Documentary Credits (Letters of Credit)
• IMPORTANT: Payment of the L/C is 100% dependent on the seller’s (exporter’s) timely presentation of Complete, Correct and Consistent documents to the bank (The “Three C’s of Documentation”)
– The true meaning of “performance” under an L/C is related to documentation
– Banks do not concern themselves with the physical movement of goods
• L/C transactions are governed by the Uniform Customs & Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600)
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Important Terminology & Definitions: Letters of Credit
• Applicant: The buyer or the party
who requests a letter of credit to be issued
• Beneficiary: The seller or the party to whom the letter of credit is payable
• Issuing Bank: The bank which opens a letter of credit on behalf of the applicant
• Advising Bank: A branch or correspondent bank in the country of the beneficiary that “advises” of the issuance of an L/C, without engagement
• Confirming Bank: Normally in the country of the seller, a bank that undertakes to pay contingent upon presentation of stipulated documents (performance)
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• Amendment: A mutually approved change, addition or deletion to the terms of an L/C after its original issuance
• Discrepancy: Any error, omission or inconsistency associated with the documents stipulated by an L/C
• Sight draft: A “check” (bill of exchange) prepared by and payable to the beneficiary upon presentation of stipulated documents
• Time Draft: A “check” (bill of exchange) prepared by and payable to the beneficiary on a specified date beyond that of presentation of documents (30, 60, 90 days)
Key Elements to Be Included In a Letter of Credit
• Type of L/C (confirmed irrevocable) • L/C number • Name(s) of issuing, advising and
confirming bank • Applicant/Beneficiary details • Description & quantity of the goods • Amount of credit (currency) • Percentage of variance allowed for
final credit amount (if at all)
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Key Elements to Be Included In a Letter of Credit
• Type of payment mechanism (sight or time draft)
• Negotiated shipping term (Incoterms®
2010)
• Documentation requirements (type and number)
• Designation of freight forwarder • Instructions for preparing ocean bill
of lading or airway bill • Transshipment allowed (Y/N)
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Key Elements to Be Included In a Letter of Credit
• Partial shipments allowed (Y/N) • Latest ship date (or time range) • Last date for presentation of
documents • Bank upon which drafts are to be
drawn • Location for document presentation • Responsibility for bank charges • Expiration date of L/C • L/C subject to UCP 600
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U.S. Export Letter of Credit: Players & Process Flow
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BUYER (Applicant)
SELLER (Beneficiary)
ADVISING/ NEGOTIATING/
CONFIRMING BANK
ISSUING BANK
L/C APP
1
2
L/C
L/C
3
GOODS
4
BANK DOX
BANK DOX
6BANK DOX
7
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Typical Documents Required For Payment Under an L/C
• Proviso: Payment of a Documentary Letter of Credit has nothing to do with the physical movement of the goods
• Remember: Banks only care about the timely presentation of designated documents at a specified place – Original L/C – Commercial invoice – Airway bill or ocean bill of
lading – Packing List – Insurance policy or certificate – Certificate of origin – Phyto sanitary certificate – Inspection certificate – Sight/time draft
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Tips for Working With Export Letters of Credit
• Take the lead in the negotiation process
– Be the first to present your preferred terms (send a checklist to the buyer before he/she applies for the credit)
• Currency always in USD • Minimize the number of banks
involved – State your preferred bank for advice,
confirmation and/or negotiation • Stipulate that the credit is available at
the counters of your bank • Don’t use overly complex product
descriptions
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Tips for Working With Export Letters of Credit
• Only agree to documents that your customer really needs (originals & copies)
• Allow for transshipments • Allow for partial shipments • Select the Incoterm that makes the
most operational and financial sense for your company
• Use the banking system to make sure you get paid before your customer gets the documents
– “To Order” for ocean shipments – Consigned to a bank for air shipments – Use F.F. to control copies of docs at
destination • Draw drafts on a bank, not your
customer
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Tips for Working With Export Letters of Credit
• Don’t stipulate too much time for expiration of the L/C (no more than 4 months)
• When considering expiration, shipment and last presentation dates, make sure there are no holidays that may delay activities
• Have a central point of contact for the handling of all L/C’s
– Logistics or finance • Work with a bank that has strong on-
line capabilities – Visibility into all L/C activity
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