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Documentary collection

  • A more secure way for receiving a payment 
  • Decreased risk arising from international business 
  • The buyer has possibility to reduce or to avoid advance payments
  • Handling according to International Chamber of Commerce rules
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Convenient settlement method

A documentary collection is a payment form which can be used by a seller or a buyer in order to strengthen their position in a transaction and limit the risk. The seller sends the shipping documents via their bank and the buyer accordingly gets them from their bank after accepting an immediate payment or a term draft. 

Documentary collection is a safe and internationally recognized type of payment – its operations are regulated by rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce "United Collection regulations" Nr. 522, 1995, version (URC 522).

It is worth to notice that this settlement method neither guarantees timely payment to the seller nor that the buyer will receive goods. The bank reminds the buyer of the payment term and organises a quick money transfer to the seller, however, the bank does not assume a payment obligation.

Documentary collection types:

  • Documents against payment

The buyer will get the shipping documents for the goods from their bank after paying the value of the goods indicated in the documents to the bank.

  • Documents against acceptance 

The buyer will get the shipping documents for the goods from their bank after accepting a deferred payment obligation or bill of exchange in the respective amount. The actual execution of the payment depends on the buyer’s solvency.
 

Are you the seller?

  • Suitable when you trust the buyer, their solvency and the country of location
  • Destination for delivering goods is outside of Lithuania and for its transportation you need to use transfer by ship
  • To start this process, please contact your bank

Are you the buyer?

  • The seller starts the documentary collection process via their bank
  • Suitable when goods that can be stored for longer periods, can be sold easily or can be shipped back
  • Suitable for goods, which purchase documents guarantee ownership rights

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How does documentary collection work?

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  1. The buyer and seller agree to use documentary collection for paying for the goods.

  2. The seller sends the buyer the goods according to the agreed conditions.

  3. The seller submits the shipping documents for the goods to their bank and gives instructions on which conditions the documents can be given to the buyer.

  4. The seller’s bank forwards the documents to the buyer's bank

  5. The buyer’s bank informs the buyer of the reception of documentary collection in favour of the buyer and of the conditions, which enable the buyer to receive the documents from the bank.

  6. If the buyer agrees with the collection conditions, the bank will hand over the documents to the buyer after accepting an immediate payment or a term draft.

  7. Upon immediate payment, the bank will pay the amount to the seller at the release of documents, and upon term draft, on the respective payment date.

  8. The seller’s bank will pay the seller the money at their reception from the buyer's bank.

Documentary collection Charge
Advice of documentation / collection instructions received EUR 30
Collection of documents (bills of exchange) or payment against documents (bills of exchange) 0.15 %, min EUR 40, max EUR 250 Additional fee of EUR 50 for urgent sending of documents for collection at the client's request, if the documents are sent on the same day after submitting the request for collection after 11 AM
Custody of bills of exchange at SEB Bank from acceptance to maturity date EUR 40
Amendment of collection instructions EUR 30
Keeping of documents, if payment or acceptance not effected within 15 calendar days from the date of notification to the customer about documents’ receipt EUR 30 per month or a part thereof from the date of notification
Keeping of documents, if payment is 15 calendar days overdue after maturity date EUR 30 per month or a part thereof from maturity date
Delivery of documents that were not honoured / were honoured directly to the customer or back to the bank / supplier EUR 60
Endorsement of a bill of lading EUR 30
Other services Charges
Preparation of request or information
related to the documentary collection
or bill of exchange at the customer's request
By agreement, min. 45 EUR
Dispatch of documents abroad by courier EUR 55
Dispatch of documents in Lithuania by courier EUR 20

For the seller it’s simple to apply

  • Register for consultation
  • We will contact and advise you

Other ways to finance your trade

Factoring

Change your invoices into cash flow. Offer extended payment terms to your clients, without reducing your working capital or sales volume.

Letter of credit

Useful for companies active in worldwide trading. For importers it minimizes the risk of wrong deliveries since the bank only pays if the seller shows the agreed documents.  
For exporters it secures the payment from the buyer.

Bank guarantees

Guarantees provide your trading partners the commitment of SEB to pay to them in specified situations.

Want to make sure you find a suitable solution? 

  • Our specialists will help you find the suitable financing solution for your business. 
  • We have a dedicated team of professionals you can trust