Export–Import Finance · Question

What documents does a bank ask for before sanctioning packing credit?

Short answer

Expect to provide your constitution and identity papers, trade registrations including your importer exporter code, the export order or letter of credit, recent financial statements, bank statements, and details of the buyer and the goods. The order is the key paper, since packing credit is tied to a specific shipment. Each lender has its own checklist, so ask for it early.

In more detail

Packing credit is pre-shipment finance: money to buy materials, process, pack and ship goods against a confirmed export order. Because the bank is funding something that has not been shipped yet, its paperwork focuses on two questions: is the order real, and can you deliver it?

The order side usually includes the purchase order or export contract, or the letter of credit if the buyer has opened one. The bank reads the quantity, price, currency, delivery date and payment terms. It may also ask for a proforma invoice and, for new buyers, a status report or other buyer information.

The capability side covers your company profile and statutory papers, the importer exporter code, tax registration, relevant licences, and past export records if any. Financial statements, tax returns and bank statements show whether the working capital you are asking for is in proportion to your scale. If you already have limits elsewhere, expect to share those sanction details.

Depending on the product, the lender may also want a costing sheet showing how the funds will be used, quotations from raw material suppliers and, for regulated goods, the relevant approvals.

Prepare a one-page shipment summary

A short sheet showing the buyer, the order value, the cost build-up, the shipment date and the expected payment date helps the officer see the whole cycle quickly and lets you spot gaps before the bank does.

For a first-time exporter, the bank may ask for security as well, and may begin with a modest limit. Terms, security and pricing are set by the lender under its policy, so any checklist you read online is only a starting point.

Key points

Packing credit is linked to a specific export order, so the order or letter of credit is the central document.
Registrations such as the importer exporter code and tax identity are normally needed before sanction.
Financial statements and bank statements show whether the requested limit suits your scale.
A one-page shipment and cost summary helps the officer follow the cycle.

Who this applies to

First-time exporters who have received an overseas order and need funds to fulfil it.
Manufacturers who sell abroad through a few repeat buyers.
Traders who source goods for export and need pre-shipment funds.

Last reviewed 3 October 2026

This answer is general information, not advice on your particular case. Terms, eligibility, and requirements change, so check the current position with the relevant institution or authority. Lalsar Holdings' financial advisory and financing work is advisory and facilitation only. Lalsar Holdings is not a lender. Sanction and disbursement of any credit facility is at the sole discretion of the partner bank, NBFC, or financial institution involved, subject to their own eligibility criteria and credit policy.