Quality Certificate Under a Letter of Credit: Practical Checks
What to check on a quality certificate presented under a Letter of Credit.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
UCP 600 has no specific article for a quality certificate, so it must fulfil its function, meet any requirements in the Letter of Credit, and not conflict with other documents (Art. 14(d), 14(f)). It must be issued by the body the credit names; if none is named, ISBP 821 allows any entity, including the beneficiary.
| Specific UCP article | None — Art. 14 applies |
|---|---|
| Issuer | As named in the credit; otherwise any entity |
| Must not | Conflict with invoice or transport documents |
What to check
- Issuer matches the credit.
- States the quality or standard required.
- Goods and lot numbers match the invoice.
- Signed and dated as required.
Common errors
- Issued by the wrong laboratory.
- Results that contradict 45A grade.
- Generic certificate not tied to the shipment.
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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