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What Export Credit Insurance Does For Exporters?

Author: Himanshu Goyal
by Himanshu Goyal
Posted: Nov 02, 2022

Indian exporters can secure their receivables with the help of export credit insurance. That means the exporter may rest assured that they will be paid by their international client, thanks to the protection afforded by the insurance mechanism. If the foreign bank or the customer cannot pay the insured value for commercial, political, or other reasons, the insurance will pay a part of the value.

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) is India's export credit insurer. ECGC, short for Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Limited, is a prerequisite for an open credit insurance cover. The Indian Government established the ECGC policy in 1957 to facilitate exports by offering credit risk insurance and other services.

The RBI, the Government, and representatives from the banking, export, and insurance sectors make up the board that oversees the ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee scheme), which operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce.

The benefits of export credit insurance to exporters

Let's take a look at why export credit insurance is so crucial for businesses that ship goods throughout the world:

The export credit insurance coverage safeguards the exporter against financial loss. You can rest by knowing that your sales money will be recovered on time with the help of credit insurance coverage. In exchange for a small monthly premium, credit insurance frees up valuable resources that may be put toward expanding and improving the company.

It also allows you to extend your credit term and increase your credit line if needed. New and old consumers will be attracted to doing business with your company and spend more money if you offer them more credit terms. Because of this, export credit can boost business.

What is export credit insurance, and how does it function?

Several factors make export credit insurance a must-have for any serious exporter. For a brief explanation of the procedure, consider the following:

Because of the security afforded by credit insurance, one can confidently pursue openings in foreign markets. Credit insurance can protect you from losses of up to 95% of your invoice total, enabling you to take on more significant risks and confidently enter previously unexplored markets.

Companies specializing in export credit insurance also offer various other services, such as counseling, market research, and assistance with debt collection.

The likelihood of securing export financing might be improved by purchasing credit insurance. Obtaining financing for your export firm is less hassle if the lender knows their invoices are protected by credit insurance.

Export Credit Insurance: Pros and ConsBenefits
  • Enter untapped markets

  • Secure Your Accounts

  • Guaranteed Income Streams

  • Discretionary Tax Breaks

  • Reduce the number of problematic debts

Drawbacks
  • Puts constraints on a few activities

  • High-risk customers are not eligible.

  • The potential for breach of contract and dishonesty

  • It does not protect against cases of nonpayment.

What is the Export Credit Insurance program offered by ECGC, and how does it benefit the export sector?
  • The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) serves various purposes, all under the management of export credit risk management.

  • Its primary function is to offer several types of export risk insurance to protect against financial losses and unpaid invoices.

  • To further facilitate the provision of trade-risk coverage to exporters, the ECGC also provides export credit insurance coverage to banks and other financial institutions.

  • In addition to providing equity and credit insurance for overseas joint ventures, the Corporation also provides international investment coverage to Indian enterprises.

  • The ECGC policy not only provides exporters with credit rating-based information on various nations but also with advice on export-related operations.

  • Exporters can benefit from the ECGC guarantee by securing bank export credit and other forms of export financing.

  • As a final benefit, it helps exporters verify the creditworthiness of foreign clients and pursue debt collection.

  • The insurance premium is also exempt from GST.

How much does it cost to get export credit insurance?

The cost of export credit insurance is often determined as a share of total invoices and Receivables. It may be different depending on the deal's specifics and the nation's legal system in which one is doing business.

Letters of Credit vs. Export Credit Insurance

Both of these methods guarantee timely payments. Insurance against losing a company's receivables due to exporting is a common feature of international trade. In addition, the insurance company will pay for itself in case of default or bankruptcy. The vendor will pay for this insurance independently.

While in the case of a Letter of Credit, the buyer requests that his bank issue a letter on his behalf. The letter of credit also necessitates the buyer's approval before any transactions. The letter of credit is the most reliable means of payment for new business deals in international trade.

Conclusion

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) provides Indian exporters various insurance policies to protect them from financial loss associated with overseas sales of their services and products. By covering financial institutions such as banks against potential losses from exports, Export Credit Insurance improves the quality of services available to exporters. It provides insurance for loans and equity investments made by Indian enterprises in overseas Joint Ventures (JVs).

The EPCG Scheme aims to improve India's manufacturing competitiveness by easing the import of capital goods used to produce export-worthy goods and services. Capital goods imported under the EPCG License are exempt from customs duties at all manufacturing stages.
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Currently pursuing a Digital Marketing journey, Making the World Talk about You. I have a good knowledge of Social Media Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMO, Affiliate Marketing, Email Marketing, Internet Marketing

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Author: Himanshu Goyal

Himanshu Goyal

Member since: Sep 08, 2020
Published articles: 9

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