第一节 国际货物销售合同
国际货物买卖是传统和古老的国际贸易方式,其中“货物”一般指有形的和可以移动的物,其范围非常广泛,只要相关国内法不禁止即可以作为买卖标的。“国际性”可以有很多标志,如以当事人营业地为标准、以行为发生地为标准、以货物跨越国境为标准或以当事人国际为标准等。当前国际货物销售领域一个重要的公约是1980年由联合国国际贸易法委员会(UNCITRAL)制定的《联合国国际货物销售合同公约》(United Nations Convention on Contracts of International Sales of Goods;CISG),该公约以当事人的营业地为标准,规定国际货物买卖合同是指营业地分处于不同国家的当事人之间订立的合同(Contract of International Sale of Goods means “contracts of sale of goods between parties whose places of business are in different States”)。
适用该《公约》需满足以下三个条件:1.销售货物是为了商业的目的;2.合同当事人的营业地位于不同的国家;3.合同当事人营业地所在国家是公约的缔约国。然而,即使满足了以上三个条件,合同当事人也可能在合同中通过法律选择条款(choice of law clause)排除(exclude/opt out)公约的适用,如:“this contract shall be governed by the laws of China applicable to domestic contracts of sale,and shall not be governed by the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods,1980”,即,“本合同适用于中国国内买卖合同方面的法律,而不受联合国国际货物销售合同公约(1980)的约束”。
本节将主要研究国际货物销售合同中的特殊条款,如商品描述条款、价格条款、装运条款、单证条款、支付条款、保险条款、包装条款、检验和索赔条款等。
一、货物描述条款(Description of Goods)
货物描述内容一般包括货名、品质、数量、单价、价格术语,有时还包括合同号码、货物包装要求等。价格术语常用的有CIF、CFR、FOB、FCA、CIP、CPT等,其中装运港交货的三个价格术语CIF、CFR、FOB最常用,例如:
范例一:
Description of Goods:4500 PCS of Stainless Steel Spade Head S821/29099,USD 12.3 per pc,according to Sales Contract No. B67DE23600 dd.November 12,2019 Rotterdam(Intercoms 2010)。
参考译文:
货物描述:4500件不锈钢铲头,货号为S821/29099,根据2019年11月12日签订B67DE23600号合同,每件12.3美元,CIF鹿特丹(2010通则)。
现在大多时候为了简明的需要,买卖双方直接用表格或者列表的方式描述商品,如:
范例二:
This contract is made by and between the Buyer and Seller,whereby the buyer agree to buy and the Seller agree to sell the undermentioned commodity according to the terms and conditions stipulated below:
范例三:
This sales contract is made by and between the Seller and the Buyer,whereby the buyer agree to buy the undermentioned goods according to the terms and conditions stipulated below:/ 此销售合同由卖方与买方订立,买方同意根据以下条款购买以下商品:
二、价格条款(Clauses of Price)
除了上文介绍的《联合国国际货物销售合同公约(CISG)》是国际商法的重要渊源之外,国际贸易惯例也是国际商法的重要渊源。国际贸易惯例是在长期的国际贸易实践中形成的习惯做法,不具有普遍的法律约束力,通常由当事人在实践中选择适用,而且,一经选择,即对当事人具有约束力。其主要作用是:一方面,可以补充现有法律规定的不足,明确合同条款具有的含义,更好地确定当事人的意图和权利义务关系;另一方面,国际贸易惯例促进了国际贸易规则的统一,减少了当事人的分歧和争议。
《国际贸易术语解释通则》(International Rules for the Interpretation of Trade Terms,INCOTERMS)是由国际商会(ICC)在1936年制定的,后于1953年、1967年、1976年、1980年、1990年、2000年、2010年作了七次修订。该通则对工厂交货(EXW)、离岸价(FOB)以及到岸价(CIF)等13种贸易术语作了详细的解释,具体地规定了买卖双方在交货方面的权利与义务。该通则在国际上已经得到广泛的承认与采用,是国际货物买卖的最重要的贸易惯例。
国际贸易术语属于国际贸易惯例,表现为一组字母和简短概念的组合,表达商品的价格,因此贸易术语又被称为“价格术语”或“交货条件”。国际贸易术语的主要功能在于划分买卖合同双方当事人之间的责任、风险、费用,并反映价格构成、交货条件。在国际货物买卖合同中,国际贸易术语构成了合同条款的重要组成部分。
国际贸易术语的分类有很多方法,INCOTERMS 2000按卖方承担义务由小到大,用英文字母E、F、C、D排列,将贸易术语分成四组:
1.E组。该组只有一个贸易术语EXW,全称为EX Works(named place),意思是工厂交货(指定地点)。
2.F组。包括三个贸易术语:FAS,全称Free Along-side Ship(named port of shipment),意思是船边交货(指定装运港);FOB,全称为Free on Board(named port of shipment),意思是船上交货(指定装运港);FCA,全称为Free Carrier(named place),意思是货交承运人(指定地点)。
3.C组。包括四个贸易术语:CFR,全称为Cost and Freight(named port of distination),意思是成本加运费(指定目的港);CIF,全称为Cost,Insurance and Freight(named port of destination),意思是成本、保险费加运费(指定目的港);CPT,全称为Carriage Paid to(named place of destination),意思是运费付至(指定目的地);CIP,全称为Carriage Insurance Paid to(named place of destination),意思是运费、保险费付至(指定目的地)。
4.D组。包括五个贸易术语:DAF,全称为Delivered at Frontier(named place),意思是边境交货(指定地点);DES,全称为Delivered Ex Ship(named port of destination),意思是目的港船上交货(指定目的港);DEQ,全称为Delivered Ex Quay(Duty Paid)(named port of destination),意思是目的港码头交货(关税已付)(指定目的港);DDU,全称为Delivered Duty Unpaid(named place of destination),意思是未完税交货(指定目的地);DDP,全称为Delivered Duty Paid(named place of destination),意思是完税后交货(指定目的地)。
INCOTERMS 2010在2000年版本上进行了修订,按照适用的运输方法不同,可分为以下两组:
1.适用于任何运输模式的贸易术语(Incoterms that apply to any mode of transport):
EXW:Ex Works 工厂交货
FCA:Free Carrier 货交承运人
CPT:Carriage Paid To 运费付至
CIP:Carriage and Insurance Paid To运费、保险费付至
DAT:Delivered at Terminal 运输终端交货
DAP:Delivered at Place 目的地交货
DDP:Delivered Duty Paid完税后交货
2.仅适用于海运和水路运输的贸易术语(Incoterms that apply to sea and inland waterway transport only):
FAS:Free Along-side Ship船边交货
FOB:Free on Board船上交货
CFR:Cost and Freight 成本加运费
CIF:Cost,Insurance and Freight 成本、保险费加运费
贸易术语的使用,大大简化了当事人的贸易谈判、合同订立的过程,同时明确了买卖双方相关的权利义务。应该注意的是,国际贸易术语属于国际贸易惯例,具有选择性、非强制约束的特点,如当事人可以在合同中约定适用《国际贸易术语解释通则》2000年版,或者约定《国际贸易术语解释通则》2010年版,也可以约定合同不适用《国际贸易术语解释通则》,这都不影响合同的生效与履行。
与普通法系国家进行国际贸易时,尤其需要注意的是,在普通法国家,如英国,在国际贸易术语方面存在其自己的判例法,在国际贸易合同当事人没有明确适用哪一规则时,法院往往适用其判例法,从而可能与当事人的真实意图相违背。例如,如不特别注明,香港法院即适用香港有关贸易术语的判例法。
最新的贸易术语的具体解释和举例如下:
1.EXW(“Ex Works”)EXM(工厂交货)
The seller makes the goods available to be collected at their premises and the buyer is responsible for all other risks,transportation costs,taxes and duties from that point onwards.
卖家在其所在地把货物交付给买家,买家承担从收到货物之后的所有的风险,交通费以及税费。
Example:
Goods are being picked up by the buyer from the seller’s premises in Birmingham. The term used in the contract is “EXW Birmingham”.
例:
货物需要买家在卖家所在地伯明翰提货。这个术语在合同中是“伯明翰工厂交货”。
如下图所示:
2.FCA(“Free Carrier”)FCA(货交承运人)
The seller gives the goods,cleared for export,to the buyer’s carrier at a specified place. The buyer is then responsible for getting transported to the specified place of final delivery. This term is commonly used for containers travelling by more than one mode of transport.
卖方办理了清关手续后把货物在一个特定的地点交给买方。然后买方负责把货物运送到最终的目的地。这个术语在需要多种交通方式的集装箱货运中经常用到。
如下图所示:
3.CPT(“Carriage Paid To”)CPT(运费付至)
The seller pays to transport the goods to the specified destination. Responsibility for the goods transfers to the buyer when the seller passes them to the first carrier.
卖家负责把货物运至指定地点。责任在货物经过第一承运人之后转移到买家手中。
如下图所示:
4.CIP(“Carriage and Insurance Paid”)(运费、保险费付至)
The seller pays for insurance as well as transport to the specified destination. Responsibility for the goods transfers to the buyer when the seller passes them to the first carrier.
CIP(“Carriage and Insurance Paid”)is commonly used for goods being transported by container by more than one mode of transport. If transported only by sea,CIF is often used.
卖方支付货物保险和交通费用到指定地点。对货物的责任在卖家把货物转给第一个承运人之后转移到买家手中。
运费保险费付至一般用在被多种交通方式承运的集装箱运输中。如果仅有海运,一般使用到岸价。
如下图所示:
5.DAT(“Delivered at Terminal”)(目的地港交货)
The seller pays for transport to a specified terminal at the agreed destination. The buyer is responsible for the cost of importing the goods. The buyer takes responsibility once the goods are unloaded at the terminal.
卖家支付费用把货物运送到指定地点的特定港口。买家负责支付进口货物的费用。卖家从货物在港口卸货之后承担责任。
如下图所示:
6.DAP(“Delivered at Place”)(目的地交货)
The seller pays for transport to the specified destination,but the buyer pays the cost of importing the goods. The seller takes responsibility for the goods until they’re ready to be unloaded by the buyer.
卖家支付运费把货物运输到指定地点,但是买家需要支付进口费用。卖家对货物负责一直到货物被买家卸货完毕。
如下图所示:
7.DDP(“Delivered Duty Paid”)(完税后交货、税后交货)
The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named destination in the buyer’s country,including all costs involved.
卖家负责把货物运送到买家所在国的指定地点,并且支付所有相关费用。
如下图所示:
8.FAS(“Free Alongside Ship”)(船边交货)
The seller puts the goods alongside the ship at the specified port they’re going to be shipped from. The seller must get the goods ready for export,but the buyer is responsible for the cost and risk involved in loading them.
This term is commonly used for heavy-lift or bulk cargo(e.g. generators,boats),but not for goods transported in containers by more than one mode of transport(FCA is usually used for this).
卖家把货物运送到指定的发货港口的船边。卖家必须确保货物可以发货,但装货的风险和费用由买家承担。
这个术语在重物或者大件货物(比如发动机,船只)的运输中比较常用,但是不适用于多种交通方式运送的集装箱运输(货交承运人适用于这种情况)。
如下图所示:
9.FOB(“Free on Board”)(船上交货价)
The seller must get the goods ready for export and load them onto the specified ship. The buyer and seller share the costs and risks when the goods are on board. This term is not used for goods transported in containers by more than one mode of transport(FCA is usually used for this).
卖家必须确保货物可以出口并且将货物装载到指定的货船上。买家和卖家分担货物在货船上的相关成本和费用。这个术语不适用于多种交通方式的集装箱运输(货交承运人适用于这种情况)。
如下图所示:
10.CFR(“Cost and Freight”)(成本加运费)
The seller must pay the costs of bringing the goods to the specified port. The buyer is responsible for risks when the goods are loaded onto the ship.
卖家负责把货物运送至指定港口的费用。买家从货物装载到货船上开始承担风险。
如下图所示:
11.CIF(“Cost,Insurance and Freight”)(成本、保险费加运费)
The seller must pay the costs of bringing the goods to the specified port. They also pay for insurance. The buyer is responsible for risks when the goods are loaded onto the ship.
卖家负责把货物运送至指定港口的费用。卖家也要支付相关的保险费用。买家从货物装载到货船上开始承担风险。
如下图所示:
(注:以上解释和图示来自alpha法律检索系统)
了解了以上贸易术语,就很容易理解国际贸易中的价格条款,如:
范例一:
All prices stated are Ex-Works(Incoterms 2010)the Company’s offices in Zhuhai China.
参考译文:
所有的价格均为中国珠海公司办公地工厂价(Incoterms 2010)。
范例二:The terms FOB,CFR,or CIF shall be subject to the International Rules for the Interpretation of Trade Terms(Incoterms 2010)provided by International Chamber of Commerce(ICC)unless otherwise stipulated herein.
参考译文:
除非另有规定,FOB、CFR、CIF均应按照国际商会制定的《2010年国际贸易术语解释通则》解释。
范例三:
The unit price sated in the contract is CIF New York.
参考译文:
合同中的单价为纽约到岸价。
三、装运条款(Clauses on Shipment)
装运条款通常包括装运期、是否允许分批和转运以及起讫地点的规定,以及装运中涉及的单证问题。
常见的装运期条款如下:
范例一:
Shipment must be effected not later than March,12,2020.
参考译文:
货物不得迟于2020年3月12日装运。
范例二:
From China Port to Singapore not later than May 10,2019.
参考译文:
自中国口岸装运货物驶往新加坡不得迟于2019年5月10日。
范例三:
Latest date of shipment:March 23,2020.
参考译文:
最迟装运日期:2020年3月23日。
分批装运、转运的常见条款如下:
范例四:
With/without partial shipment/transshipment.
参考译文:
允许(不允许)分运/转运。
范例五:
Transhipment is allowed provided “through” Bills of Lading are presented.
参考译文:
如提交联运提单允许转运。
范例六:
Transhipment Prohibited(not allowed/per permitted)
参考译文:
不允许分运/转船
范例七:
Transshipment is authorized in Macao.
参考译文:
允许在澳门转运。
范例八:
Partial shipments allowed,but partial shipments of each item not allowed
参考译文:
允许分运,单个品种的货物不得分运
范例九:
Shipment from China to New York by steamer in transit Singapore not later than 15th August,2018 of the goods specified below.
参考译文:
承载以下货物的轮船不得迟于2018年8月15日从中国中转新加坡转运到纽约。
范例十:
The Goods shall be shipped within ________ days after receipt of L/C allowing transshipment and partial shipment.
参考译文:
收到可转船及分批装运之信用证后________天内装运。
范例十一:
The Sellers shall ship the goods within the time as stipulated in Clause(9)of this Contract by a direct vessel sailing from the port of loading to China Port. Transhipment enroute is not allowed without the Buyers’ consent. The goods shall not be carried by vessels flying of the countries not acceptable to the Buyers.(For CRF terms)
参考译文:
卖方应在本合同第(9)条规定之时间内,将货物由装船口岸直接船运到中国口岸,在未经征得买方同意前,中途不得转船。货物不得用悬挂买方不能接受国家的旗帜的船只装运。
范例十二:
The shipping space for the contracted goods shall be booked by the Buyers or the Buyers’shipping agent,China National Chartering Corporation.The Sellers shall undertake to load the contracted goods on board the vessel nominated by the Buyers on any date notified by the Buyers,within the time of shipment stipulated in the Clause(9)of this Contract.
参考译文:
装运本合同货物的船只,由买方或买方运输代理人在中国租船公司租定舱位。卖方应负责将所订货物在本合同第(9)条规定的装船期限内按买方所通知的任何日期装上买方指定的船只。
范例十三:
Ten to fifteen days prior to the date of shipment,the Buyers shall inform the Sellers by cable of the contract number,name of vessel,ETA of vessel,quantity to be loaded and the name of shipping agent,so as to enable the latter to contact the shipping agent directly and arrange the shipment of the goods. The Sellers shall cable in time the Buyers of the result thereof. Should,for certain reasons,it become necessary for the Buyers to replace the named vessel with another one,or should the named vessel arrive at the port of shipment earlier or later than the date of arrival as previously notified to the Sellers,the Buyers or their shipping agent shall advise the Sellers to this effect in due time. The Sellers shall also keep close contact with the agent of XXX.
参考译文:
货物装运前10—15日,买方应电告卖方合同号、船只名称、船只预计到港日期((Estimated Time of Arrival)、装运数量及船运代理人的名称,以便卖方可与该船运代理人联系及安排货物的装运。卖方应将联系结果及时报告买方,如买方因故需要变更船只或有关船只提前或推迟到达情况发生,买方或船运代理人应及时通知卖方。卖方亦应与XXX代理保持密切联系。
◆ 知识点梳理
与运输有关的表达方式有:
四、单证条款(Clauses on Documents)
国际贸易单证(Documents)是合同履行的必要手段,是对外贸易经营管理的重要工具,并为保障买卖双方的权益提供重要支撑。
信用证项下要求提交的单据通常有商业发票(Commercial Invoice)、提单(Bill of Lading)、保险单或保险凭证(Insurance Policy/Certificate)、汇票(Draft或Bill of Exchange)、原产地证(Certificate of Origin)、检验证书(Inspection Certificate)、受益人证明书(Beneficiary’s Certificate)、装箱单(Packing List)等。
常见条款如下:
范例一:
Documents required
参考译文:
需要下列单据
范例二:
Documents marked XX below
参考译文:
(需提交)下列标注XX的单据
范例三:
Drafts must be accompanied by the following documents marked XX
参考译文:
汇票需随附下列注有XX标志的单据
范例四:
参考译文:
… available against surrender of the following documents bearing out credit number and the full name and address of the opener
参考译文:
(议付时)以提交下列注明本信用证编号及开证人详细姓名、地址的各项单据为有效
注:此句中,surrender的意思是指“提交”。
范例五:
Accompanied by the following documents marked XX in duplicate
参考译文:
须随附下列注有XX标志的单据,一式两份
注:信用证一般都具体说明提供单据的份数,常见的词组有:
In(duplicate,triplicate,quadruplicate,quintuplicate,sextuplicate,septuplicate,octuplicate,nonuplicate,decuplicate)
一式两份(三、四、五、六、七、八、九、十份)
范例六:
Shipping Documents:
The Sellers shall present the following documents to the paying bank for negotiation of payment:
(a)Full set of clean on board,“freight prepaid” for CFR Terms or “freight to collect” for FOB Terms,ocean Bills of Lading,made out to order and blank endorsed,notifying the Branch of China National Foreign Trade Transportation Corporation at the port of destination;
(b)Five copies of signed invoice,indicating contract number and shipping marks;
(c)Two copies of packing list and/or weightlist with indication of measurement;
(d)One copy each of the certificates of quality and quantity or weight,as stipulated in the Clause 5 of the Terms of Delivery;
(e)One duplicate copy of the cable advice of shipment,as stipulated in the Chause 2 of the Terms of Delivery.
参考译文:
装船单据:
卖方凭下列单据向付款银行议付货款:
(a)填写通知目的口岸中国对外贸易运输公司分公司的空白抬头、空白背书的全套已装船清洁海运提单(如系成本加运费(CFR)条款则注明“运费已付”,如系离岸价(FOB)条款则注明 “运费到付”;
(b)已签署的发票5份,注明合同号及装船唛头;
(c)注明尺码的装箱单/或重量单2份;
(d)本交货条款第5条规定的品质检验证明书及数量或重量证明书各1份;
(e)本交货条款第2条规定的装船港通知电报副本1份。
范例七:
The Sellers shall despatch one copy each of the duplicates of Bill of Lading,Invoice and Packing List to the Buyers’ receiving agent,the Branch of China National Foreign Trade Transportation Corporation at the port of destination.
参考译文:
卖方需将提单、发票及装箱单副本各1份随船带交目的口岸买方收货代理人中国对外贸易运输公司分公司。
范例八:
Immediately after the departure of the carrying vessel,the Sellers shall airmail one set of the duplicate documents to the Buyers and two sets to the Branch of China National Foreign Trade Transportation Corporation at the port of destination.
参考译文:
船启航后,卖方立即将1份全套单据副本航空邮寄买方,另2份航空邮寄目的口岸的中国对外贸易运输公司分公司。
范例九:
The Sellers shall present the following documents to the paying bank for negotiation/collection,or to the Buyers in case of payment by M/T.
1.Full set of Negotiable Clean on Board Ocean Bills of Lading marked “FREIGHT TO COLLECT”and made out to order,blank endorsed,and notifying the China National Foreign Trade Transportation Corporation and the port of destination;
2.Parcel post receipt,indicating postage/Air Way Bill;
3.Insurance Policy or Certificate,covering War risk and all risks including TPND,Breakage and Leakage irrespective of percentage and indicating “In the event of loss or damage request for survey upon arrival of the cargo at the port of destination to be made to the China Commodity Inspection Bureau of that port”;
4.Invoice in quintuplicate,indicating contract number and shipping mark;
5.Packing List in duplicate with indication of both gross and net weights,measurements and quantity of each item packed;
6.Certificate of Quality and Quantity/Weight and Testing Report,each in duplicate issued by the manufacturers;
7.A true copy of cable to advise the Buyers of shipment immediately the goods are loaded on ship.
参考译文:
卖方应将下列单据提交付款银行议付货款/托收付款,如为信汇付款,下列单据应径寄买方:
1.全套可议付的清洁已装运海运提单,空白抬头,空白背书,注明“运费到付”,并通知到货口岸中国对外贸易运输公司;
2.邮包收据注明邮费/空运提单;
3.保险单或保险证明书注明投保战争险和一切险,包括提货不着险、破碎险、渗漏险,无免赔额,并注明“货物到达后如发现残损情况,须向到货口岸之中国商品检验局申请检验”;
4.发票五份,注明合同号、唛头;
5.装箱单两份,注明毛、净重和所装货物的品名重量;
6.由制造厂签发的质量和重量证明书及检验报告各两份;
7.货物装船后发给买方的装船通知复印件。
◆ 知识点梳理
单证条款中经常涉及的术语:
国际货物买卖合同中常见的单证有:
五、支付条款(Clauses of Payment)
国际货物买卖中常见的支付方法有:汇付(Remittance)、银行托收(Collection)、信用证(letter of credit,L/C)。
(一)汇付(Remittance)
汇付又称买方直接付款(Direct payment by Buyer),指由买方主动地把货款付给卖方的一种付款方式。汇付主要有以下三种:
1.信汇(mail transfer,M/T):指汇出行应汇款人的要求,将支付授权书通过邮寄方式寄给汇入行,由汇入行指定收款人解付一定金额的汇付方式。
2.电汇(telegraphic transfer,T/T):由汇款人委托汇出行用电报、电传等电讯手段发出汇款委托通知书给收款人所在地的汇入行,委托他将款项解付给指定的收款人。
3.票汇(remittance by banker’s demand draft,D/D):是指应汇款人要求,汇出行开立以其国外代理行或联行为付款人的即期汇票,由汇款人将汇票寄交收款人,收款人凭此汇票向付款人(汇入行)收款。
(二)托收(Collection)
托收是卖方向买方开立汇票(此处的汇票为指己汇票),委托银行向买方收取货款的一种结算方式。卖方为出票人及受款人,买方为受票人。
托收的程序如下:
1.委托人出具汇票,向托收行提出托收申请,填具托收指示书,附具或不附具装运单据。
2.托收行接受申请后,委托债务人所在地的代理人传达托收指示,并寄交有关单据。
3.代收行按托收指示,向债务人提示有关单据,在付款人付款后通知托收行,托收行即向委托人付款。
如图所示:
托收又分为光票托收与跟单托收。
1.光票托收(Clean Collection):指卖方仅开具汇票委托银行向买方收取款项,而不附任何装运单据,通常只用于收取货款尾数、佣金、样品机等项费用(Clean collection means collection of financial document not accompanied by commercial documents)。
2.跟单托收(Documentary Collection):指卖方在开具汇票时,还要将有关装运单据交给委托银行,委托银行向买方收取货款(Documentary Collection means collection of financial document accompanied by commercial documents)。
跟单托收又进一步可分为付款交单与承兑交单。
(1)付款交单(Document against Payment,D/P),指代收行在受票人支付了全部货款以后才将有关装运单据交付给受票人的一种托收方式(The documents shall be delivered to the buyer on actual payment of the bill).
由此可见,付款交单对于卖方而言是非常安全的交易方式。
(2)承兑交单(Document against Acceptance,D/A),指代收行在受票人承兑了有关汇票以后就将有关单据交付给受票人的一种托收方式(The documents shall be delivered to the buyer on acceptance of the bill),即,交单在先,付款在后。而这里的汇票肯定是远期汇票,如以6个月为期。待汇票到期,代收行向进口商提示付款。
注:D/P与D/A相比,D/P风险小,因为D/A虽表示承兑,但却存在不付款的风险。D/A也可以理解为卖方给予买方的资金融通。
(三)信用证(letter of credit,L/C)
信用证是银行根据进口商(买方)的请求,开给出口方(卖方)的一种保证承担支付货款责任的书面凭证(“Credit means any arrangement,however named or described,that is irrevocable and thereby constitutes a definite undertaking of the issuing bank to honour(香港表示付款,大陆表示兑付)a complying presentation.”(UCP600 第二条),即:“信用证是指一项不可撤销的安排,无论其名称或描述如何,该项安排构成开证行对相符交单予以承付的确定承诺”(定义来源:跟单信用证统一惯例Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits第二条)。
注:国际商会于1930年制定了《商业跟单信用证统一惯例》,供各银行和银行公会自由采用。1993年修改的第500号出版。2007年7月1日,第600号出版,即UCP600。
作为国际商法的重要渊源之一,国际商会所制定的UCP适用于几乎所有的国际信用证交易(International Chamber of Commerce’s Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary Credits(UCP)governs virtually all international letters of credit transaction)。
信用证交易的当事人有:
1.开证申请人(Applicant/Account party):the buyer
2.受益人(Beneficiary):the seller
3.开证行(Issuing Bank):the buyer’s bank
4.通知行(Advising Bank):受开证行委托,将信用证通知受益人的银行(bank in the beneficiary’s country delivers the credit to the beneficiary)
5.议付行(Negotiating Bank):means the purchase by the nominated bank of drafts(drawn on a bank other than the nominated bank)and for documents under a complying presentation,by advancing or agreeing to advance funds to the beneficiary on or before the banking day on which reimbursement is due to(to be paid the nominated bank)。
此处需要注意的是,议付强调的是对汇票和单据的买入行为。
信用证下所需单据(Documents commonly requires by a letter of credit)如下:
Certificate of origin 原产地证书
Export license 出口许可证
Health inspection certificate安全检验证明
Commercial Invoice 商业发票
6.付款行(Paying Bank):是开证行指定担任信用证项下付款或充当汇票付款人的银行。
7.保兑行(Confirming Bank):Bank that independently promises to pay,accept,or negotiate a credit,as appropriate,when the documents specified in the credit are presented to it.
信用证交易流程如下图所示:
信用证的种类有:
◇可撤销信用证(Revocable L/C)VS.不可撤销信用证(Irrevocable L/C)
不可撤销信用证:指一经开出,在有效期内,未经受益人及有关当事人的同意,开证行不得片面撤销或修改的信用证。
Irrevocable:can not be altered without the beneficiary’s express consent.
可撤销信用证:是指开证行可以不经过受益人同意,也不必事先通知受益人,在议付行议付货款之前,有权随时修改信用证的内容或撤销信用证。
◇保兑信用证(Confirmed L/C)VS.不保兑信用证(Unconfirmed L/C)
保兑的信用证是指开证行开出的信用证又经另一家银行保证兑付的信用证。
Confirmed:A second bank adds its endorsement to the credit.
不保兑信用证:未经保兑的信用证。
◇可转让信用证(Transferable L/C)VS.不可转让信用证(Untransferable L/C)
可转让信用证(Transferable L/C):是指受益人(第一受益人)可以要求通知行或付款行将信用证全部或部分转让给另一个或数个受益人(第二受益人)使用的信用证(It permits a beneficiary to transfer the credit to a second beneficiary;Transferable credit means a credit that specifically states it is “transferable”)。
了解了以上有关国际货物买卖的几种付款方式后,我们再学习以下常见的有关汇票和付款条款的写作范例就容易多了:
范例一:
Drawn under contract No.VK-4653-68。
参考译文:
第VK-4653-68号合同项下开立。
范例二:
Being amount of 1000 cartons Apple under Contract No.667NM65。
参考译文:
系第No.667NM65号合同项下1000箱苹果之金额。
范例三:
Covering 600 cartons of garments shipped from Zhuhai to Hong Kong under Contract No.90GD003。
参考译文:
清偿第No.90GD003合同项下自珠海至香港的服装600箱。
范例四:
We hereby issue our irrevocable documentary letter of credit No.XXX available,at 60 days after B/L date by draft。
参考译文:
兹开立不可撤销跟单信用证(号码:XXX),提单签发后60天汇票支付。
范例五:
Draft at 90 days sight. We are authorized to pay interest at the rate of 9% p.a. for full invoice value at maturity. Invoice and draft must show the amount of interest.
参考译文:
该条款是90天远期汇票,见票后起算。开证行被授权按年息9厘计息到付款。发票与汇票上必须显示利息金额。此条款表明货款金额连同利息都可在见票90天后在信用证项下支付。
范例六:
Drafts at 180 days sight drawn on Saitama Bank Ltd.,Tokyo Office. Usance drafts drawn under this L/C are to be negotiated at sight basis. Discount charges and acceptance commission are for account of accountee。
参考译文:
该条款由日本银行开来,汇票开立远期见票180天付款,但可即期议付,其贴现费和承兑费均由开证人负担。对受益人来说是即期信用证,通常称为假远期信用证。
范例七:
Invoice and drafts to be drawn on full CIF value but the beneficiary is to be paid 5% less as commission payable to openers and this should be incorporated on bank schedule.
参考译文:
该条款发票和汇票都开列货款全额,但议付行付给出口人货款时,必须扣除5%佣金;同时,他向开证行索汇,也只收取95%货款,5%佣金在议付行寄送单据给开证行的表格上批明即可。
范例八:
Payment is to be made by irrevocable letter of credit payable against sight draft accompanied by a full set of shipping documents.
参考译文:
付款方式是以不可撤销的信用证下的即期汇票支付,随附全套装船单据。
范例九:
Date on which the documentary credit must be notified to seller:________ days before date of delivery。
参考译文:
必须向卖方通知跟单信用证的日期:交货日前________天。
范例十:
Terms of payment
1.Payment by L/C:One month before shipment,the Buyers shall establish with Bank of China,Guangzhou an Irrevocable L/C in favor of the Sellers,to be available against presentation in Guangzhou of the shipment documents stipulated in Clause 12 hereof.
2.Payment by Collection:After delivery is made,the Sellers shall send through the Sellers,bank draft drawn on the Buyers together with the shipment documents specified in Clause 12 hereof,to the Buyers through the Buyers bank,the Bank of China,Guangzhou,for collection.
3.Payment by M/T:Payments to be effected by the Buyers not later than ________ days after receipt of the shipment documents specified in Clause 12 hereof.
参考译文:
付款条件:
1.信用证付款:货物装运前一个月,乙方应由广州中国银行开立以卖方为受益人的不可撤销的信用证,凭本合同第12条规定的装运单据交到广州(银行)后付款。
2.托收付款:货物装运后,卖方应将以买方为付款人的汇票连同本合同第12条所列各种装运单据,通过卖方银行寄交买方银行即广州中国银行转交买方,并托收货款。
3.信汇付款:买方收到本合同第12条所列装运单据后,应于________天内信汇寄款。
◆ 知识点梳理
与付款有关的术语如下:
续表
六、保险条款(Clauses of Insurance)
一般来说,保险条款所涉及的内容有保险金额(insured amount)、投保险别(coverage/types)、保险费(premium)、保险凭证(insurance certificate)等。因为保险条款与价格条款有着必然的联系,所以采用不同的价格条款,投保人不同,保险条款的订立方法亦不相同。
1.在以EXW、FAS、FOB、FCA、CFR、CPT贸易术语签订合同时,保险条款可作如下规定:“保险由买方办理。”(insurance is to be covered by the buyer.)
2.在以DEQ、DES、DDU、DDP贸易术语签订合同时,保险条款可作如下规定:“保险由卖方办理。”(insurance is to be covered by the seller.)
3.在以CIF或CIP贸易术语签订合同时,保险条款须明确规定投保人、投保险别以及确定保险金额的方法和保险适用条款,并注明该条款的生效时间。
保险金额(amount insured)是指保险公司可能赔偿的最高金额,习惯上按发票金额加10%预期利润和业务费用。也可根据国外客户要求提高加成数。
保险金额的加成、保险险别的选择和适用的保险条款,都需在合同中作相应规定。在CIF、CIP合同中,保险条款可作如下规定:“由卖方按发票金额的110%投保一切险和战争险,按1981年1月1日中国人民保险公司海洋运输货物保险条款投保”(Insurance is to be covered by the Sellers for 110% of the invoice value against All Risks and War Risks as per Ocean Marine Cargo Insurance Clauses of the People’s Insurance Company of China dated Jan.1,1981)。
在国际货物买卖中,按照承保范围的从低到高,三个主险分别是:平安险(free from particular average,F.P.A.)、水渍险(with particular average,W. P. A.)、一切险(All Risks,A.R.)。要区分三个险种,我们需要先了解avarage的含义。
在海上运输保险的语境中,avarage的含义是海损,其又分为单独海损(Particular average)和共同海损(General average),分别是指:
◇Particular average(单独海损):a loss that is borne solely by the owner of the lost property(ship or cargo)(指货物非人为的意外而发生的损失,并且只涉及船舶或货物的一方利益,与他方利益无关);For example:partial damage of cargo by sea water is a particular average(因海水导致的货物部分受损为单独海损);
◇General average(共同海损):a sacrifice made for the common safety of both the cargo and the ship(指在同一海上航程中,船舶、货物和其他财产遭遇共同危险,为了共同安全,有意地、合理地采取措施所直接造成的特殊牺牲、支付的特殊费用,共同海损的理念是:为大家牺牲的财产,应由大家来补偿)。
平安险的英文是free from particular average,字面意思是“单独海损不赔”,其实质含义指平安险只承担意外事故和自然灾害引起的货物全损和特定意外事故引起的货物部分损失,不承担单纯自然灾害引起的货物的部分损失。
水渍险的英文是with particular average,字面意思是“单独海损可赔”,水渍险的赔偿范围,只是在平安险的承保范围的基础上增加了单纯自然灾害引起的单独海损。
一切险包括水渍险的范围,并增加承保由于一般外来原因造成的货物全部损失和部分损失,是三个主险中承保范围最大的一个险种。
◆ 知识点梳理
除了三个主险之外,还有附加险,如下表所示:
了解了以上知识后,我们看一下以下典型的保险条款:
范例一:
Marine insurance policies or certificates in negotiable form,for 110% full CIF invoice covering the risks of war & W.A. as per the People’s Insurance Co. of China dated January 1st,1976,with extended cover up to Kuala Lumpur with claims payable in(at)Kuala Lumpur in the currency of draft(irrespective of percentage)
参考译文:
作为可议付格式的海运保险单或凭证按照到岸价的发票金额110%投保中国人民保险公司1976年1月1日的战争险和基本险,负责到吉隆坡为止。按照汇票所使用的货币在吉隆坡赔付(无免赔率)。
范例二:
Insurance policy or certificate covering w.a.(or f.p.a.)and war risks as per ocean marine cargo clause and ocean marine cargo war risk clauses of the People’s Insurance Company of China dated 1/1/1981。
参考译文:
保险单或凭证根据中国人民保险公司1981年1月1日的海洋运输货物保险条款和海洋运输货物战争险条款投保水渍险(或平安险)和战争险。
范例三:
For each shipment,Seller shall arrange marine insurance in favor of Buyer,covering the Concentrate Oil from the port of loading until discharged at the discharge port,for 110% of the value finally established in accordance with this Agreement,on the following conditions:
——institute All Risks;
——institute Strikes Risks(Cargo);
——institute War Risks(Cargo).
参考译文:
对于每批货物,卖方应投保以买方为受益人的海运险,按照该协议中精油价值的110%,从起运港直到在目的港卸货整个过程中投保以下险种:
——一切险;
——罢工险;
——战争险。
范例四:
This insurance must be valid for a period of 60 days after arrival of merchandise at inland destination.
参考译文:
本保险扩展到货物到达内地的目的地后60天有效。
范例五:
Including w.a. & risk of fire for 60 days in customs warehouse after discharge of the goods at port of destination subject to China insurance clause.
参考译文:
按照中国保险条款投保水渍险和火险,在目的港卸货后存入海关仓库60天为止。
◆ 知识点梳理
与保险条款相关的专业术语表达如下:
七、包装条款(Packing Clause)
包装条款(packing clause)是用来规定货物包装方式、包装材料、包装费用负担和运输标志等方面内容的条款。包装条款一般包括包装的种类和性质、包装材料、包装尺寸、包装费用和运输标志等内容。
范例一:
To be packed in new strong wooden case(s)/carton(s)suitable for long distance ocean transportation and well protected against damps,moisture,shock,rust and rough handling. The Seller shall be liable for any damage to the goods on account of improper packing and for any rust damage attributable to inadequate or improper protective measures taken by the Seller,and in such case or cases any and all losses and/or expenses incurred in consequence thereof shall be borne by the Seller.
参考译文:
需用坚固的新木箱或纸箱包装,适合长途海运,防湿、防潮、防震及粗暴搬运。由于包装不良所发生的损失,由于采用不充分或不妥善的防护措施而造成的任何损坏,卖方应负担由此而产生的一切费用和/或损失。
范例二:
Goods must be packed with sturdy wooden boxes or cartons that are suitable for long-distance shipping / mailing / air transportation and adaptable to climate change,and have good moisture and earthquake resistance. In case any damage or loss are caused due to poor packaging or improper protective measures,the seller shall compensate all the losses resulted therefrom.
The packing box shall be accompanied with maintenance manual and operation instructions.
参考译文:
货物须采用坚固的木箱或纸箱包装,以宜于长途海运/邮寄/空运及适应气候的变化,并具备良好的防潮抗震能力。由于包装不良引起的货物损伤或由于防护措施不善而引起的货物损失,卖方应赔偿由此而造成的全部损失费用。
包装箱内应附有完整的维修保养、操作使用说明书。
范例三:
Shipping mark:The seller shall mark the box number,gross weight,net weight,size,contract number,port of destination,consignee number with non-fading paint on each container,and write “moisture-proof”,“handle with care”,“this face up” etc. words.
参考译文:
装运标记:卖方应在每个货箱上用不褪色油漆标明箱号、毛重、净重、尺寸、合同号、目的港、收货人编号,并书以“防潮”、“小心轻放”、“此面向上”等字样。
对于一些对包装要求不高的货物,装运条款就比较简单,如下例:
范例四:
Packing:1PC/POLYBAG,45 PCS/Carton
Shipping Mark:A.B.C.
08SUG0001
OSLO
C/NO.:1-UP
参考译文:
包装:1件/塑料袋,45袋/箱
装运标记:A.B.C.
08SUG0001
奥斯陆
编号:1-UP
◆ 附包装中常见英文表述:
(1)识别标志:
箱(包)号:Case#
重量(毛):Weight(Gross)
重量(净):Weight(Net)
重量(法定):Weight(Legal)
体积标志:Measurement Mark
表示为:Long×Wide×High 或L×W×H
批号:Lon No.或batch No.
尺寸cm:Dimensions in cm
数量:Quantity或q’ty
颜色:Colour
规格:Specification或spec
原产国标志:Country Of Origin
收货人:Consignee
发货人:Consignor
发运人:Shipper
由……到……:From……To……
经由:Via
港:Port
站:Station
目的地:Destination
空皮退到:When Empty,Return To
货号:Article No.
小心轻放——FRAGILE
向上——THIS END UP
(2)装箱标志(操作位置)
由此起吊(此处悬索或挂绳位置):Sling Here;Lift Here;Heave Here
由此吊起(起吊点):Haul
从此提起(起锚位置):Heaver Here
挂绳位置:Sling Here;Points Of Slinging
从此开启(此处打开):Open Here
先开顶部:Remove Top First Cut Straps
暗室开启:Open In Dark Room
用滚子搬运:Use Rollers
不可滚动:Use No Rollers
夹紧位置:Clamping Position
八、检验和索赔条款(Inspection and Claims)
检验和索赔条款往往是同时出现的,在检验中如发现产品不符的情况,买方可提出索赔要求或者其他补救措施。检验和索赔条款中并没有涉及很多的专业知识,特介绍一些范例如下:
范例一:
The manufacturer shall before making delivery,make a precise and comprehensive inspection of the goods as regards their quality,specifications,performance and quantity/weight,and issue certificates certifying that the goods are in conformity with the stipulations of this Contract. The certificates shall form an integral part of the documents to be presented to the paying bank for negotiation/collection of payment but shall not be considered as final in respect of quality,specifications,performance and quality/weight. Particulars and results of this test carried out by the manufacturer must be shown in a statement to be attached to the said Quality Certificate.
参考译文:
在交货以前,生产商应就订货的质量、规格、重量作出准确和全面的检验,并出具货物和本合同规定相符的证明书,该证书为议付/托收货款而应上交银行的单据的组成部分,但不得作为认定货物的质量、规格和重量的最后依据。生产商应将记载检测细节和结果的书面报告附在质量证明书内。
范例二:
After arrival of the goods at the port of destination,the Buyer shall apply to the China Commodity Inspection Bureau(hereinafter called the Bureau)for a preliminary inspection of the goods in respect of their quality,specifications and quantity/weight. If any discrepancies are found by the Bureau regarding the specifications or the quantity/weight or both,except those for which either the insurance company or the shipping company is responsible,the Buyer shall,within 120 days after discharge of the goods at the port of destination,have the right either to reject the goods or to claim against the Seller on the strength of the inspection certificate issued by the Bureau.
参考译文:
货物到达口岸后,买方应向中国商品检验局(以下简称商检局)申请就货物的质量、规格和重量进行初步检验。如发现到货到规格或重量与合同不符,除应由保险公司或船运公司负责外,买方于货物在到货口岸卸货后120天内凭商检局出具之检验证书有权拒收货物或向卖方索赔。
范例三:
Within the guarantee period stipulated in Clause 14 hereof,should the quality and/or the specifications of the goods to be found not in conformity with the contracted stipulations,or should the goods prove defective for any reasons,including latent defect of the use of unsuitable materials,the Buyer shall arrange for an inspection to be carried out by the Bureau and have the right to claim against the Seller on the strength of the inspection certificate issued by the Burau.
参考译文:
在合同第14条规定的保证期限内,如发现货物的质量及/或规格与本合同规定不符或发现货物无论任何原因引起的缺陷,包括潜在的缺陷或使用不良的原料,买方应申请商检局检验,并有权根据商检局签发的证书向卖方索赔。
注:上句中连续出现两个should…条件句,这在法律英语中非常常见。在这样的句型中,should一般出现在句首,后面的动词用原形,没有时态等变化,句子为陈述句,并非疑问句。我们在第一章第二节专门探讨了这个问题。再比如例句:Should all or part of the contract be unable to be fulfilled owing to the fault of one party,the breaching party shall bear the responsibilities thus caused. Should it be the fault of both parties,they shall bear their respective responsibilities according to actual situations.
范例四:
Any and all claims shall be regarded as accepted if the Seller fail to reply within 30 days after receipt of the Buyer’s claim.
参考译文:
卖方收到买方索赔通知后,如果在三十日内不答复,应视为卖方同意买方提供了一切索赔。
范例五:
Settlment of claims:
In case the Selleris liable for the discrepancies and a claim is made by the Buyer within the period of claim or quality guarantee period as stipulated in Clause 15 and 16 of this Contract,the Seller shall settle the claim upon the agreement of the Buyer in the following ways:
1.Agree to the rejection of the goods and refund to the Buyer the value of the goods so rejected in the same currency as contracted herein,and to bear all direct losses and expenses in connection therewith,including interest accrued,banking charges,freight,insurance premium,insepection charges,storage,stevedore charges and all other necessary expenses required for the custody and protection of the rejected goods.
2.Devaluate the goods according to the degree of inferiority,extent of damage and amount of losses sustained by the Buyer.
3.Replace the defective goods with new ones which conform to the specifications,quality and performance as stipulated in this Contract,and bear all expenses incurred and direct losses sustained by the Buyer. The Seller shall,at the same time,guarantee the quality of the replacement goods for a further period of 12 months as specified in Clause 15 of this Contract.
参考译文:
索赔解决方法:
如货物不符合应由卖方负责,且买方按照本合同第15条和第16条的规定在索赔期限或质量保证期限内提出索赔,卖方在取得买方同意后,应按下列方式理赔:
1.同意买方退货,并将退货金额以成交原币返还买方,并承担因退货而发生的一切直接损失和费用,包括利息、银行费用、运费、保险费、商检费、仓租费、码头装卸费以及为保管退货而发生的一切其他必要费用。
2.按照货物的疵劣程度、损坏的范围和买方所遭受的损失,将货物贬值。
3.调换有瑕疵的货物,换货必须全新并符合本合同规定的规格和质量。卖方应负担因此而发生的一切费用和买方遭受的一切直接损失。对换货的质量,卖方仍应按本合同第15条的约定,保证十二个月。
◆ 知识点梳理
在有关检验和索赔条款中,常见的表达句式有: