The Federal Republic of Germany is one of the largest export nations in the world, accounting for over 10% of global trade. International cooperation carries additional uncertainty potential beyond typical domestic risks. The aim of the HERMES export credit insurance, supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, is to reduce this to a manageable level and limit potential damages from economically or politically induced defaults. The author presents the key instruments of HERMES export credit insurance (coverage for manufacturing risks, export risks, and financial credit coverage) in detail, describes the procedures, discusses alternatives to the HERMES guarantee, and draws comparisons to the legal situation in other exporting nations.