Certificate of Origin Under a Letter of Credit: Key Requirements
What a certificate of origin must show when a Letter of Credit requires one, and frequent discrepancies.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
A certificate of origin evidences where the goods originate. Under a Letter of Credit it must be issued by the entity the credit names (often a chamber of commerce), appear to relate to the invoiced goods, and state the origin required. If the credit names no issuer, ISBP 821 allows any entity, including the beneficiary.
| Specific UCP article | None — Art. 14 applies |
|---|---|
| Issuer | As named in the credit; otherwise any entity (ISBP 821) |
| Must show | Origin of the goods as required |
What to check
- Issuer matches the credit (e.g. chamber of commerce).
- Origin country matches the credit.
- Goods relate to the invoice; general terms acceptable.
- Consignor/consignee consistent with other documents.
- Signed, and legalised if required.
Common discrepancies
- Issued by the wrong body.
- Origin differs from 45A.
- Marks or weights conflict with the bill of lading.
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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