How to Write the Goods Description on a Letter of Credit Commercial Invoice
Practical steps for writing a commercial invoice goods description that corresponds with field 45A.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Write the invoice goods description by starting from the exact wording of field 45A, then adding the shipment-specific details — quantity shipped, unit price and total — without changing or contradicting anything in 45A. The invoice is the one document whose description must correspond with the credit (UCP 600 Art. 18(c)).
| Start from | Field 45A text |
|---|---|
| Add | Shipment quantity, price, total |
| Never | Change grade, origin or specification |
Steps
- Copy 45A exactly, including codes and trade term.
- Add actual quantity shipped and unit price.
- Add the total within 32B and 39A.
- Add marks and numbers matching transport documents.
- Re-read against 45A line by line.
Partial shipments
- Describe only the goods actually shipped.
- Keep the same wording as 45A for those goods.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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