Importer/exporter information

If you sell to or buy from any of the EBRD's countries of operation, the Trade Facilitation Programme can help secure payment or performance of your clients or suppliers using trade finance instruments issued or guaranteed by banks in the region.

The EBRD guarantees payment under trade finance instruments issued or guaranteed by issuing banks in the EBRD's countries of operations to international confirming banks. Trade finance instruments include letters of credit, payment and other types of guarantees, bills of exchange or promissory notes, performance bonds and bid bonds.

The EBRD takes the commercial and political risk of non-payment by issuing banks. Issuing banks take the risk of local companies. The final beneficiaries of the programme are importers and exporters. There are no fees levied on importers or exporters. Fees for guarantees are payable by the bank requesting an EBRD guarantee.

How to use the Trade Facilitation Programme

Many importers and exporters have already benefitted from the programme. In many cases, they may not even realise that their business was financed by an EBRD guarantee as only the issuing and confirming banks are direct partners with the EBRD.

To secure finance for an import or export transaction, contact an issuing bank in the country you are trading with to request support for your transaction. Finance is subject to approval by the issuing and confirming banks, and the EBRD.