CAD, short for “Cash Against Documents”, is a payment method in which banks are used for intermediation in terms of payment and transfer of the export documents from the exporter to the importer. It’s also called Documents Against Payment (DAP).
In CAD, the exporter designates its bank (remitting bank) to forward export documents to the importer’s bank (collecting bank) with an instruction. According to the instruction in question, the collecting bank releases the documents to the importer when it makes the payment for the goods.
Because in CAD the transaction is carried out by the banks on behalf of the buyer and seller, it’s a relatively balanced method that allocates risks to both parties.
Document Against Acceptance
If the importer doesn’t want to pay the amount due at sight, there’s an option to facilitate such kind of transaction called DA (Document Against Acceptance). DA is a variation of CAD which serves as an alternative to DAP/CAD when the parties agree that the payment will be made to the exporter on a later date; for example 45 days after B/L.
If the parties agree on DA, the exporter sends a draft or bill of exchange to the importer. The importer accepts the draft and sends it back to the exporter; only then the importer can take the documents from the collecting bank.
As per the contract, if the draft is confirmed by the bank it means that the collecting bank guarantees it to make the payment even when the importer fails to do so. If it’s not confirmed by the collecting bank, there’s no guarantee the payment will be received. In that case; neither does the exporter get its money, nor does the importer get the documents and clear the goods.
How CAD Works
- Both the exporter and importer agree on CAD payment term
- The exporter ships the goods to the importer
- The exporter prepares a form which instructs when and on what conditions the collecting bank releases the documents (commercial invoice, packing list, movement certificate, certificate of origin, bill of lading etc.) to the importer. It collects all the documents and presents them to its bank (remitting bank) to send to the collecting bank.
- Collecting bank receives the documents and releases them to the importer on payment for the goods.
- The importer receives the documents and clears the goods at customs.
- Collecting bank forwards the amount to remitting bank and remitting bank makes the payment to the exporter.
Wonderfully written, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Erin.
Good and easily understandable explanation. Keep on sharing things on international business.
Thank you Muhammad
is it possible to use the following term : CAD at 12/03/2022 ( a specific date that can be 60 days after BL ) .
Regards
Yes you can. DA (Documentary Against Acceptance) is the one you should mention on the contract.
Is Beneficiary certificate necessary in CAD?
It’s not necessary if not requested by the buyer.
In case of CAD , who should be mentioned as Consignee in the AWB? Is it the buyer bank or the buyer?
no brother in cad prepare and send docs addressed to bank and buyer as notify a.d send documents from your bank to buyer bank.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
HI
Can consignee be the buyer’s bank in BL in case of CAD ?
who has to be the consignee on the bill of lading in case of CAD
better consigned to buyer bank and notify buyer with endorsements in BL and buyer bank must be from prime bank
Buyer bank already released documents to buyer but as an exporter we didn’t recieve any payment since 20 days, buyer bank didn’t reply on bank Swift msg, in this case what to do? When asked to buyer they only say keep patience..pls advice what to do
I can’t say much without knowing about the specific payment terms in your sales contract.
consignee instruct us not to mention on consignee their bank details.
mentioning we guarantee you the payment , need not to worry , but write their name in the place of consignee.
It is an air shipment.
Hi
Thanks for sharing. Is there any possibility where bank will pay immediately against presenting documents ?
Can I have a Sample of Instrument on CAD (Cash Against Documents) Payment terms transaction as per international standard and practices. Also, could please clear me in CAD transaction who stand as a 3rd party and what is their obligation?
Regards
Aminul
Which banks offer CAD or DAP services in US?
Thanks
in case of cos8gness relase.the cargo without payment and now.paying on cad payment terms . what we will do?