Contact Names in LC Addresses: Must They Appear on Certificates?

It is not uncommon for an L/C to include the name of a contact person or an authorized representative as part of the beneficiary’s or applicant’s address. But does the omission of that name on documents such as an inspection certificate or certificate of origin create a discrepancy? The answer depends on both the type of document involved and the guidance provided by ISBP 821.

Question

Dear Mr. Old Man,

I searched through your articles trying to find a straightforward answer, but I couldn’t.

If an L/C states a contact name or the name of an authorized person as part of the beneficiary’s and applicant’s addresses, but the inspection certificate and certificate of origin identify the beneficiary and applicant exactly as stated in the L/C except that they do not include the contact name or authorized person’s name, would this constitute a discrepancy?

Muna Najjar

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Answer

Dear Muna,

Thank you for your question.

Under ISBP 821, contact details are generally not regarded as part of the name or address unless the credit specifically requires them to appear on a particular document.

For transport documents, however, where the applicant is required to appear as the consignee or notify party, ISBP 821 paragraphs E13(b)(ii) and E16 provide specific guidance on contact details.

For documents such as an inspection certificate or a certificate of origin, there is no requirement for the contact name or authorized person’s name to be stated merely because it appears in the beneficiary’s or applicant’s address in the L/C.

Accordingly, in my opinion, the omission of the contact name or authorized person’s name on an inspection certificate or certificate of origin does not constitute a discrepancy, provided the beneficiary’s and applicant’s names and addresses otherwise correspond with the L/C.

However, if such a document does include a contact name or authorized person’s name, and that information conflicts with the L/C, it would be considered a discrepancy.

Best regards,

Mr. Old Man