In foreign trade contracts, 'Working Days' refer to days on which banks, businesses, or government agencies are normally open, excluding statutory holidays and weekends (usually Saturday and Sunday). It is commonly used to specify time points such as delivery deadlines, letter of credit validity periods, payment terms, and inspection periods. Unlike 'Calendar Days,' working days exclude non-business days, so the actual time span is longer. When using this term, the scope of working days should be clearly defined: Are Saturdays excluded? Do the holidays of the exporting country, importing country, or a third country apply? If not specified, disputes may easily arise. In addition, in letter of credit transactions, according to UCP600, if the last day of the period is a non-business day, it may be extended to the next working day. Note: Holidays vary greatly among countries, so it is advisable to list specific holidays in the contract or use 'Banking Days' for greater precision.
📝 Examples
1. The seller shall arrange shipment within 30 working days after receiving the letter of credit. (Note: 30 working days exclude weekends and statutory holidays, so the actual number of calendar days may exceed 40.)
2. The buyer must complete payment within 15 working days after the bill of lading date. (Note: If the 15th working day falls on a bank holiday, it shall be extended to the next banking day.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner