Importing

Importing goods can offer many advantages, but it is important to be aware of potential risks. We can help you manage your risks through the trade cycle and ease cash flow.

Some of the products and services featured on this page are provided by Lloyds Bank plc as agent for Bank of Scotland plc

Speak to a Trade Specialist

Speak to a Trade Specialist

For more information about any of our international trade services, please contact your Relationship Manager or call Lloyds Bank on 0345 835 5722.

8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

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Documentary Collections

  • Manage cash flow
  • Manage risk
  • A cost-effective way to mitigate payment risks across your supply chain.
  • Banks will only release documents to importers enabling them to take possession of goods, against payment, or, if purchased on credit terms, the importer’s confirmation of payment at a future date.
  • Used in conjunction with a Bill of Exchange** as part of the transaction (both international and domestic), it may also generate working capital.

Documentary Letters of Credit*

  • Manage cash flow
  • Manage risk
  • Gives you confidence that the goods purchased have been delivered and produced to the specification placed on the order.
  • We issue an importer’s Letter of Credit and guarantee payment to an overseas supplier.
  • You only pay for your goods once they have been shipped and the shipping documentation is in order.
  • As a Letter of Credit is a bank guarantee of payment, you may be able to negotiate better supplier terms.

Sign-up to our Trade Portal

Sign-up to our Trade Portal

Get a 90 day trial or register for free permanent access as a Bank of Scotland customer.

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Trade Finance

  • Manage cash flow
  • Manage risk
  • Short-term tailored funding solutions to strengthen cash flow.
  • Finances the time difference between making payment to your supplier and receiving payment from your end buyer.
  • Suppliers can be paid prior to the receipt of payment from end-buyer, which could result in improved pricing and payment terms.
  • Often used in conjunction with Invoice Finance facilities.

Bonds and Guarantees

  • Manage risk
  • Sometimes required to bid for overseas business.
  • Can demonstrate improved credit-worthiness with your trading partners.
  • May allow you to negotiate better trading terms. 

Get international market insight

Get international market insight

Our International Trade Portal provides practical support to help you trade internationally with your chosen market.

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Lloyds Online Trade Services (LOTS)

At no extra cost, the Lloyds Online Trade Services (LOTS) platform provides a simplified and streamlined way for you to manage your trade needs online.

Register for online trade services

Log on to online trade services

Doing business abroad

Speak to a Trade Specialist

For more information about any of our international trade services, please contact your Relationship Manager or call Lloyds Bank on 0345 835 5722.

8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Call us on 0345 835 5722

Please note: the products and services described on this page may require a line of credit.

*All documentary Letters of Credit are issued under universally accepted rules set out in Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP) publication 600, issued by the International Chamber of Commerce

**A Bill of Exchange or ‘draft’ is a written order by the drawer (the person drawing the bill) to the drawee (the party on whom the bill is drawn – often a bank) to pay a specific amount to the payee (the beneficiary) at a specified time. If the drawee ‘accepts’ the bill he indicates his commitment to pay the bill. The bill of exchange fulfils multiple roles: as a payment instrument, as a means of granting credit to the drawer and by providing liquidity to the beneficiary if the accepted bill can be discounted.