Global Trade Operations Procedure

Key Operational Guidelines
At UTAMA INTERNATIONAL LLC, we adhere to the following core principles to ensure the maximum security, transparency, and compliance of every cross-border transaction:

1. Bank-to-Bank Protocols
To safeguard the financial interests of all parties, the verification of all Proof of Product (POP) and Proof of Funds (POF) is conducted primarily through the SWIFT banking communication system. This ensures that all critical documents are authenticated by reputable financial institutions, effectively eliminating the risk of fraudulent transactions.

2. Stringent Third-Party Inspection
All commodities are subject to a final quality and weight verification by world-renowned independent inspection agencies—such as SGS, Intertek, or CCIC—prior to loading at the port. These inspection reports serve as the fundamental basis for bank negotiations and payments, ensuring that "what the Buyer sees is what the Buyer gets."

3. Compliance with ICC Standards
Our trade terms (Incoterms 2020) and letter of credit protocols (UCP 600) strictly follow the standards set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). This commitment ensures that every transaction is conducted within a standardized, transparent, and globally recognized legal framework.

4. Secure Proof of Product (POP) Process
To protect our supplier resources and maintain operational integrity, Full Proof of Product (Full POP) documents are only released upon receipt and verification of a valid financial instrument (such as a DLC or SBLC) or a confirmed Proof of Funds from the Buyer’s bank. This protocol ensures the seriousness of the transaction and the precise allocation of resources.

5. Tailored Logistics Solutions
Whether it is bulk carriers for agricultural commodities or containerized shipping for metals and minerals, we provide comprehensive end-to-end tracking. By partnering with top-tier global shipping lines, we ensure that goods are delivered safely and efficiently from our Michigan-based strategic perspective to Any Safe World Port (ASWP).

Submission of ICPO: The Buyer issues an Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order (ICPO) with full banking coordinates and a copy of the Buyer's company registration.
Issuance of FCO: UTAMA INTERNATIONAL LLC reviews the request and issues a Full Corporate Offer (FCO).

Draft SPA: We provide the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) draft. Both parties review, sign, and seal the contract.
Final Execution: The finalized SPA is lodged with both the Buyer’s and Seller’s banks to initiate the financial process.

Payment Activation: Depending on the commodity and agreement, the Buyer initiates the financial instrument:
- For Large Scale (Sugar/Metals): Irrevocable, Transferable/Non-transferable DLC or SBLC.
- For Energy/Spot Trades (Coal/Poultry): Documentary Letter of Credit or agreed T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) deposit schedules.
Proof of Product (POP): Upon receipt and confirmation of the financial instrument, we provide the Proof of Product documents (e.g., Export Licenses, Certificate of Origin, Reservoir/Warehouse Receipts).

Quality Control (SGS/CCIC): Physical inspection is conducted at the loading port by independent agencies (SGS, CCIC, or Intertek). This verifies that the cargo meets the exact specifications (Brix for Sugar, Grade for Copper, GCV for Coal).
Vessel Loading: The cargo is loaded onto the vessel, and the Master of the Vessel issues the Bill of Lading (B/L).

Document Presentation: All original shipping documents (Invoice, B/L, Inspection Certificate, Insurance) are presented to the Buyer’s bank.
Final Payment: The Buyer’s bank releases the full payment (MT103/TT) against the documents. The title of the goods is officially transferred to the Buyer.