Import vs Export Letter of Credit: Two Sides of One Transaction
Why an 'import' and 'export' Letter of Credit are the same instrument viewed from buyer and seller sides.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
An import Letter of Credit and an export Letter of Credit are the same credit. For the buyer (applicant) and issuing bank it is an import credit; for the seller (beneficiary) and advising bank it is an export credit. The terms, rules and deadlines are identical; only responsibilities differ.
| Import side | Applicant + issuing bank |
|---|---|
| Export side | Beneficiary + advising/nominated bank |
| Instrument | One credit |
Importer's focus
- Applying with workable terms.
- Funds or credit line with the issuing bank.
- Reviewing documents and waivers.
Exporter's focus
- Reviewing the draft credit.
- Producing compliant documents.
- Presenting on time.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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