Beneficiary Certificate Under a Letter of Credit: Wording and Signatures
How to prepare a beneficiary certificate under a Letter of Credit so its wording and signature comply.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
A beneficiary certificate is a statement issued and signed by the beneficiary certifying something the credit requires — for example that copy documents were sent to the buyer. It must contain the data the credit requires, either in the credit's words or in words that clearly show the requirement is met, and must not conflict with other documents.
| Issued by | Beneficiary |
|---|---|
| Signature | Required, per ISBP 821 |
| Wording | Mirror the credit; no conflicting data |
How to prepare
- Copy the exact wording from 46A or 47A.
- Add the credit number and date.
- Sign as the beneficiary.
- Include any detail requested (e.g. courier reference).
- Date it on or after the event certified.
Common mistakes
- Paraphrasing in a way that changes meaning.
- Unsigned certificate.
- Certificate dated before the act it certifies.
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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