Documentary collections: a method of obtaining payment for goods where the exporter/seller ships the goods to the buyer/importer but instructs his/her bank, through written instructions, to collect payment in exchange for the transfer of title, shipping and other documentation so the importer/buyer may take possession of the goods. Banks act only in a fiduciary capacity, thus are liable only for the correct execution of the collection instructions, and do not make any commitment to pay the exporter/seller themselves.
