# ICC Uniform Rules for Collections (URC 522)

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> When an exporter wants to control the release of shipping documents without the cost and complexity of a letter of credit, the documentary collection procedure under URC 522 applies.

When an exporter wants to control the release of shipping documents without the cost and complexity of a letter of credit, the documentary collection procedure under URC 522 applies. The ICC Uniform Rules for Collections, in force since 1995, standardize both documentary and clean collections: the exporter instructs its remitting bank to forward documents—commercial invoice, transport document, insurance certificate—to the collecting bank, with instructions to release them to the importer only against payment or acceptance of a bill of exchange. All four parties—exporter, remitting bank, collecting bank, and importer—carry clearly defined responsibilities. Collections are less expensive than letters of credit but provide no payment guarantee; the risk of non-payment remains with the exporter.

**Source:** [https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/trade-finance/urc-522/](https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/trade-finance/urc-522/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | ICC Uniform Rules for Collections (URC 522) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 113 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/trade-finance/urc-522/ |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/icc-uniform-rules-for-collections-urc-522/llm-summary?lang=en)*