Import Documentary Credits are a payment method that reduces risk and strengthens the Customer’s negotiating position with the seller. Payment will only be made if the supplier has shipped the goods and complied with all the terms and conditions prescribed in the Documentary Credits.

Benefits include:

• Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional Documentary Credits
• Helping to manage working capital
• There is a possibility for them to be used to increase the credit period a supplier is willing to give
• Documentary Credits issued by SAB, an HSBC Group member, are widely accepted as payment assurance by suppliers and their banks
• Ensuring a supplier has met their terms and conditions before they are paid
• Strengthening Customer’s negotiating position by offering a guaranteed payment

How Import Documentary Credits Work

SAB opens Shariah-compliant Documentary Credits based on Wakala, Murabaha and Musharaka concepts:

The Bank acts as the agent for the Customer to open a DC against commission, without any ownership obligation.

Partnership

The Bank and the Customer form a partnership and jointly purchase the goods from the exporter through the DC, whereby the Customer’s ownership ratio in the value of goods is equivalent to the cash margin placed with the Bank. Once documents or goods arrive, the Bank sells its ownership share to the Customer on a cost plus profit (Murabaha) basis. If the Customer opts for subsequent finance, financing profit is built into the Murabaha price and is paid on a deferred basis.

SAB will pay the negotiating bank on the due date by debiting the Customer’s account (if no financing is availed) or by utilising Import finance availed by the Customer.

Shipping Guarantees

Immediate access to goods without having to wait for the transport documents helps Customers avoid missing business opportunities due to delays, and ensures they don't have to pay storage fees or demurrage charges.

Islamic Import Finance

Islamic Import Finance is a Shariah-compliant solution that assists Customers in meeting their obligations under documentary credits or collections.

Benefits include:

• Bridging the gap between payment for imported goods and receipt of funds through subsequent sales
• Giving Customers greater flexibility and liquidity
• Ensuring no business opportunities are missed due to inadequate cash flow
• Customers’ negotiating positions with suppliers are strengthened as they are able to accept quick payment terms

SAB offers Three options to Customers to meet their financing needs:

This is used to settle a Customer's liability for an import where Customers have full ownership of the goods or where ownership has already passed on to them. The Bank purchases a commodity at a specified cost price from a broker and sells the same to the Customer on a deferred payment basis at a Sale price (cost price plus profit). The Customer then sells the commodity (through the agent) to another broker on an immediate payment and delivery basis to generate the desired amount of financing to settle the outstanding import bill.

Sale on a Cost plus Profit basis

At the Customer’s request, SAB opens the DC and purchases goods from the exporter. Once SAB has constructive possession (arrival of documents) or actual possession (arrival of goods), we then sell the goods to the Customer on a cost plus profit basis. If the Customer opts for subsequent finance, financing profit is built into the Murabaha price and is paid on a deferred basis.

Partnership

The Bank and the Customer form a partnership and jointly purchase the goods from the exporter through the DC, whereby the Customer’s ownership ratio in the value of goods is equivalent to the cash margin placed with the Bank. Once documents or goods arrive, the Bank sells its ownership share to the Customer on a cost plus profit (Murabaha) basis. If the Customer opts for subsequent finance, financing profit is built into the Murabaha price and is paid on a deferred basis.

SAB association with HSBC and its global connectivity with banks in many countries enables your buyers to advise credits issued by banks worldwide through SAB in an efficient way.

Documentary Credit Confirmation is a cost-effective way to minimise Customers’ exposure to country and bank related risks with protection for DC payments. It assures payment by SAB against compliant documents even if the DC issuing bank is unable to pay.

As trading companies, Customers can transfer DCs to multiple suppliers without the need for credit facilities. It ensures that the underlying goods are supplied in accordance with the terms and conditions of the original DC.

Export Documentary Collections are a simple and secure alternative to Documentary Credits by protecting Customers’ interests with documents and payment collections handled on their behalf.

Islamic Pre-Shipment Export Finance is a Shariah-compliant solution that assists Customers in fulfilling export orders in hand. Customers can obtain financing to buy raw materials, manufactured goods and pack them before shipment against the presentation of a Documentary Credit or confirmed purchase order from their buyer.

Islamic Post-Shipment Export Finance is a Shariah-compliant solution that provides access to exports or sales proceeds ahead of the due date.

Benefits include:

• Improved cash flow and working capital by giving access to cash ahead of the due date
• Financing provided for exports under Documentary Credits and Documentary Collections
• Ability to obtain financing upon DC issuing bank's acceptance of documents or goods
• Risk of non-payment is greatly reduced
• Customers are allowed to reinvest sales proceeds immediately
• No credit facilities required

SAB provides Customers with prompt issuance of guarantees in full compliance with Shariah requirements to help them meet their business needs. In addition, we assist Customers with the issuance of guarantees to or from their international business partners through HSBC’s global network.

Benefits include:

• Various Shariah-compliant Guarantee products:
  • Tender/Bid Bonds
  • Performance Bonds
  • Advance Payment Guarantees
  • Miscellaneous Guarantees covering various transaction types for Retention, Customs, Financial, Payment, etc.
• Competitive market pricing
• Assurance from a reputable Bank to the beneficiary
• Beneficiary-specific clauses can be accommodated, subject to acceptance by SAB
• Foreign currency warranties can also be issued
• Simple documentation and quick turnaround time