Corrections and Alterations in Letter of Credit Documents: Common Risks
When corrections on Letter of Credit documents need authentication, and how to avoid related discrepancies.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
ISBP 821 says corrections and alterations of data in documents other than those created by the beneficiary should appear to be authenticated by the party that issued the document or its authorised agent. Corrections on documents issued by the beneficiary, other than drafts, need not be authenticated unless they have been legalised, visaed or certified.
| Reference | ISBP 821, general principles |
|---|---|
| Third-party documents | Corrections authenticated by issuer or agent |
| Beneficiary documents | Usually no authentication needed |
Common risks
- Hand-written changes on a bill of lading without carrier authentication.
- Corrected certificate of origin not re-stamped by the chamber.
- Multiple versions with different corrections.
Safer approach
- Ask the issuer for a clean reissued document where possible.
- Make sure authentications identify who made them.
- Recheck the corrected document against the full set.
Sources
- ICC — UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits)
- ICC Academy — avoiding Letter of Credit discrepancies
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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