D/A – Documents against Acceptance

The D/A transaction utilize a term or time draft. In this case, the documents required to take possession of the goods are released by the clearing bank only after the buyer accepts a time draft drawn upon him. In essence, this is a deferred payment or credit arrangement. The buyer’s assent is referred to as a trade acceptance. D/A terms are usually after sight, for instance ―at 90 days sight‖, or after a specific date, such as ―at 150 days bill of lading date.‖ As with open account terms, there are some inherent risks in selling on D/A:

 As with a D/P, the importer can refuse to accept the goods for any reason, even if they are in good condition.

 The buyer can default on the payment of a trade acceptance. Unless it has been guaranteed by the clearing bank, the seller will need to institute collection procedures and/or legal action.