LC mechanism

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Abdullah Al Masud (Querist)
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07 April 2022 What about UPAS LC? Should it be required to book the UPAS payment in the book as well? UPAS payment is not in our control. Confirming Bank discounts the bill with some other banks and disburse the payment to beneficiary. LC liability lies with confirming bank until it matures. And upon maturity if i do not book the liability to to my book, will that be a problem which may trigger restatements of the previous accounts?

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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09 July 2024 Booking UPAS (Usance Payable at Sight) LC (Letter of Credit) transactions in your books is indeed necessary for accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards. Here’s a detailed explanation of why and how UPAS LC transactions should be handled:

### Understanding UPAS LC Transactions:

1. **Nature of UPAS LC**: UPAS LC is a type of Letter of Credit where payment to the beneficiary (seller/exporter) is made by the confirming bank upon presentation of compliant documents. The liability for the payment initially rests with the confirming bank, but it eventually becomes the obligation of the importer (you) upon maturity.

2. **Accounting Treatment**:
- **Recognition of Liability**: When the UPAS LC is issued or confirmed, it represents a contingent liability because you are obligated to pay the confirming bank upon maturity.
- **Recording the Transaction**: You should record the liability (UPAS LC) in your books at the time of issuance or confirmation. This ensures that your financial statements reflect the true state of your obligations and liabilities.

3. **Implications of Non-Booking**:
- **Restatement Risk**: Failure to book the UPAS LC liability in your books could lead to inaccuracies in your financial statements. If discovered during audits or reviews, this omission could necessitate restating previous financial statements to reflect the correct financial position.
- **Compliance**: Properly recording UPAS LC transactions ensures compliance with accounting standards (such as IFRS or GAAP), which require transparent and accurate reporting of liabilities and contingent liabilities.

### Steps to Book UPAS LC Transactions:

1. **Identify the Transaction**: Ensure all UPAS LC transactions are properly identified and documented.

2. **Record the Liability**: Book the UPAS LC liability in your accounting records at the time of issuance or confirmation by the confirming bank.

3. **Accounting Entries**:
- **Initial Recognition**: Debit the appropriate liability account (e.g., "Letters of Credit Payable") and credit the relevant account (e.g., "Bank" or "Trade Payables").
- **Subsequent Adjustments**: As the liability matures and payment is made to the confirming bank, adjust your accounts accordingly to reflect the actual cash outflow.

4. **Disclosure**: Provide appropriate disclosure in your financial statements about the nature and terms of UPAS LC liabilities in the notes to accounts.

### Conclusion:

Booking UPAS LC transactions in your books is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Failure to do so may lead to issues during audits or reviews, potentially requiring restatement of previous financial statements. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with your accounting team or a professional accountant to ensure proper handling of UPAS LC transactions in your financial reporting.