Skip to main content

Understanding the Termination of Demand Guarantee under ICC URDG Rules

Demand guarantees play a crucial role in international trade transactions, providing assurance to parties involved that payment obligations will be fulfilled. The Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG) are widely recognized as the global standard governing these instruments. However, there are instances where demand guarantees may need to be terminated. In this article, we will explore the circumstances and procedures for terminating demand guarantees under URDG rules.

1. The Purpose and Importance of Demand Guarantees:

Before delving into the termination process, it is essential to understand the significance of demand guarantees in international trade. Demand guarantees act as a form of security, ensuring that payment obligations are met if one party fails to fulfill its contractual obligations. They provide confidence to beneficiaries that they will receive compensation in case of non-performance or default by the guarantor.

2. Grounds for Termination:

Terminating a demand guarantee is not an arbitrary decision; it requires valid grounds recognized under URDG rules. Some common grounds for termination include:

a) Fulfillment of Obligations: If the underlying contract has been successfully completed or all payment obligations have been met, there may no longer be a need for the demand guarantee.

b) Agreement between Parties: The guarantor and beneficiary may mutually agree to terminate the demand guarantee due to changed circumstances or other reasons acceptable to both parties.

c) Expiry Date: A demand guarantee typically has an expiry date specified within its terms. Once this date passes without any claim being made, the guarantee is considered terminated.

d) Revocation by Applicant: In certain cases, the applicant (the party requesting the guarantee) may request revocation before it becomes effective or after obtaining consent from the beneficiary.

3. Termination Procedures:

URDG rules outline specific procedures that must be followed when terminating a demand guarantee:

a) Written Notice: The party seeking termination must provide written notice to the other party, clearly stating the intention to terminate the guarantee. The notice should include relevant details such as the guarantee number, beneficiary, and reasons for termination.

b) Consent of Beneficiary: If termination is not based on fulfillment of obligations or expiry date, the consent of the beneficiary is required. This ensures that both parties are in agreement and protects the interests of all involved.

c) Communication with Issuing Bank: The party seeking termination must communicate with the issuing bank, providing them with a copy of the termination notice and any other required documentation. The issuing bank will then take appropriate action to terminate the guarantee.

4. Legal Implications:

It is crucial for all parties involved to understand that terminating a demand guarantee may have legal implications. Parties should consult legal experts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing demand guarantees in their jurisdiction.

Conclusion:

Terminating a demand guarantee under URDG rules requires valid grounds and adherence to specific procedures outlined within these rules. Understanding these processes is essential for all parties involved in international trade transactions. By following proper termination procedures, parties can ensure a smooth conclusion to their contractual obligations while safeguarding their interests and maintaining trust in international trade practices.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mitigating Risks in Transferring Banks under Letters of Credit

 Introduction: When engaging in international trade, letters of credit (LCs) play a crucial role in ensuring secure and efficient transactions. However, the process of transferring the L/C can expose both the transferring bank and the parties involved to certain risks. Mishandling or errors during the transfer can lead to claims and defenses against the transferring bank. In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with transferring banks under letters of credit and discuss effective strategies to mitigate these risks. Understanding the Risks: 1. Documentation Errors: Incorrect or incomplete documentation can result in discrepancies that may trigger claims against the transferring bank. These errors can include discrepancies in quantity, quality, pricing, or even incorrect shipping dates. 2. Non-compliance with Terms: Failure to comply with specific terms and conditions outlined in the LC can lead to disputes between parties involved. This could arise from non-compl

The Principle of Independence in Demand Guarantees

Demand guarantees are a common tool used in international trade to provide assurance to the beneficiary that they will receive payment for goods or services rendered. These guarantees are often issued by banks and serve as a form of security for the beneficiary in the event that the applicant fails to fulfill their obligations. One of the key principles governing demand guarantees is the principle of independence. This principle dictates that a demand guarantee is separate and independent from the underlying transaction between the applicant and the beneficiary. In other words, the issuer's obligation to pay under the guarantee is not contingent upon the performance or non-performance of the underlying contract. This principle is enshrined in international standards such as the ICC Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG 758), which explicitly state that a demand guarantee is subject only to its terms, whether expressly stipulated in the guarantee itself or incorporated by refere

Protesting a bill due to non-payment in D/A collection

Protesting a bill due to non-payment in documentary collection can be a necessary step to mitigate the risk of non-payment by the Importer. Under the terms of documentary collection with delivery document against acceptance, there is always a possibility that the transaction may not work out as expected if the Importer fails to pay on the maturity date. In such cases, the Exporter's Bank, also known as the Remitting Bank, can instruct the Importer's Bank, or Collecting Bank, to protest the bill for non-payment or non-acceptance. However, it is important to note that the Collecting Bank is not obligated to follow these instructions. If the Collecting Bank decides to handle the protest instruction, they may issue a bill note. It is crucial to understand that the specifics of this note may vary depending on different jurisdictions. To note a bill, the Collecting Bank typically sends it to a public notary who will then re-present it to the Drawee (Importer) on the same day it was r