A letter of undertaking is a legal document that an exporter provides to a foreign buyer to assure them that the goods being sold will be delivered according to the terms of the purchase agreement. This document typically contains language that states that the exporter will deliver the goods within a certain time period and in accordance with certain specifications. Additionally, the letter of undertaking may include language that guarantees the payment terms — typically, payment upon receipt of the goods.
A letter of undertaking is important for an exporter because it serves as a written commitment from the exporter to the importer, often guaranteeing payment or product delivery. It is a form of protection for the importer, and it reinforces the trust that the importer has in the exporter. Additionally, it helps to establish a legally binding agreement between the exporter and the importer.
A GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT) is a legal document that allows a taxpayer to make certain exports without paying any GST. It is issued by the taxpayer to the jurisdictional Central or State Tax authority. The taxpayer must submit the required details along with the application for LUT. This includes basic information such as GSTIN, business address, contact details, and bank details. Once the LUT is approved, the taxpayer can export goods without paying any GST. However, taxpayers must periodically file a GST return and declare the exports made. Additionally, taxpayers must also deposit the due taxes with the government within the stipulated time.
The exact time required for letter of undertaking registration depends on the specific requirements of the transaction. Generally, an online registration process may take a few days while an in-person registration may take a few weeks.