Below given are RBI FAQs on Trade Credit updated as on 26- Dec-2018. RBI has issued revised guidelines under” Trade Credit : New Regulatory Framework“. Will update this article as when RBI updates the FAQs with revised guidelines.
1. Does discontinuance of LoU/ LoC mean that Trade Credit has been discontinued as a means of trade finance?
No, Trade Credits, including Buyers’ Credit, can be availed as a form of clean credit apart from availing Bank Guarantee for Trade Credits, subject to extant Trade Credit guidelines and compliance with provisions contained in Department of Banking Regulation Master Circular No.DBR No. Dir. BC.11/13.03.00/2015-16 dated July 1, 2015 on “Guarantees and Co-acceptances”, as amended from time to time. Letters of Credit/ Bank Guarantee arrangements continue as a form of trade finance, as hitherto.
2. Do LoUs/ LoCs, which have been issued prior to issuance of A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.20 dated March 13, 2018, but whose tenor is not over need to be cancelled?
No, LoUs/ LoCs issued and accepted prior to the issuance of the said circular may continue till their original validity. However, no roll-over is permitted.
3. Whether SBLC can be issued by AD Category branches on behalf of their customers for availing short term trade finance from overseas lenders in Foreign currency?
AD banks can issue SBLC on behalf of their customers for availing short term trade credit from overseas lenders in foreign currency subject to such SBLCs complying with the provisions contained in Department of Banking Regulation Master Circular No. DBR. No. Dir. BC.11/13.03.00/2015-16 dated July 1, 2015 on “Guarantees and Co-acceptances”, as amended from time to time.
Buyer's Credit & Supplier's Credit 