Import services

DC is an undertaking by a bank, acting on behalf of the importer, to make payment for goods or services provided by the supplier within a prescribed time limit and against compliant documents. A DC provides comfort to the buyer that payment will only be made upon presentation of the required documents.

Enjoy the benefits of DCs issued by HSBC for both you and your suppliers:

Financial strength
DCs issued by HSBC have the backing of one of the world's largest financial services organisations. This means that any DCs we issue in your name will be universally acceptable, both by your vendors and their banks.

Global network
Our global presence across Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa means that wherever you trade, an HSBC representative is available to assist with your transactions. By routing your DCs through our overseas branches, we can help reduce your processing times and ensure that the DC is advised to your supplier without delay. This is particularly important if you need your goods in a hurry or if your vendor needs some time to prepare the export documents.

Expert assistance
Get advice on any aspect of DC issuance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from our award-winning trade teams. We can also arrange training for your staff at your own offices.

Vendor support
Beneficiaries of HSBC DCs are entitled to the same high level of professional support and advice as any of our customers. Our overseas trade offices can explain complex DC terms to your suppliers and assist them in preparing export documents and identifying discrepancies. We are even prepared to consider providing export finance to your supplier after completion of some simple documentation.

Special DC options
Get advice and access to a range of specialised instruments such as standby DCs, transferable DCs, back-to-back DCs, revolving DCs and red clause credits from our team of specialists.

At HSBC, we make it our business to understand your business.

Your import finance facilities are carefully constructed around your trading cycle, ensuring that finance will always be available to cover your business needs. Because your facilities will be structured around the actual business you do, you are able to enjoy lower interest rates.

With the backing of one of the world's largest financial services institutions, you can be sure that your facilities are structured with the long-term objectives of your business in mind, ensuring that we can continue to support you even during market downturns.

Experience the following benefits with shipping guarantees issued by HSBC:

• Enables the immediate possession of goods before payment
• Avoids unnecessary delays to the day-to-day running of your business
• Eliminates expensive demurrage/storage charges
• Allows the deferment of payment until your supplier's documents have been presented