Quick answer
When an LC presentation is discrepant, your two priorities are:
- Protect the timeline (expiry + presentation period), and
- Choose the cheapest compliant path (fix docs vs amendment vs waiver).
Discrepancies are usually fixable — but they become expensive when teams lose control of deadlines and versions.
Step 1: Identify the discrepancy type (document vs deadline)
Most discrepancies fall into one of these buckets:
- Document content mismatch (names, quantities, description wording)
- Transport document clause mismatch (BL/AWB clause doesn’t match LC)
- Missing document (COO/insurance/inspection)
- Deadline breach (late shipment, late presentation, expired credit)
Start by writing the discrepancy as a single sentence.
Example: “Invoice description does not match LC wording” is actionable.
Step 2: Decide the path using this decision tree
Path A — Fix the documents (best when feasible)
Use this when:
- the document issuer can re-issue (invoice/packing list is easy; carrier documents can be harder), and
- the fix does not break another requirement.
Controls:
- fix the underlying line-item data (don’t patch PDFs)
- re-issue from one source of truth
Path B — Request an amendment (best when the LC requirement is unworkable)
Use this when:
- the LC text asks for something you cannot produce (or is commercially wrong), or
- the deal changed and the LC must reflect the new reality.
Operational rule: treat every amendment as a new version, and re-run a full pre-check.
Related: /resources/how-to-open-letter-of-credit
Path C — Seek a waiver (best when time is short)
Use this when:
- you can’t re-issue a document within the presentation period, but
- the applicant/buyer is willing to accept the discrepancy.
This is risk-sensitive: you want a clear record of acceptance and you still need to follow the bank’s process.
Step 3: Never lose deadline control
Even “minor” discrepancies become losses when teams miss:
- expiry date,
- presentation period, or
- latest shipment date.
Related: /resources/track-letter-of-credit-expiry
Step 4: Prevent the next discrepancy with a pre-check checklist
Use the same pre-check every time:
- party names/addresses match the LC exactly
- invoice and packing list reconcile (quantities/weights/units)
- BL/AWB clause is feasible with the forwarder/carrier
- certificates are available from the required issuer
- version control: one final set, not multiple edits
How Tijara helps
Tijara helps LC-driven teams keep LC versions, document sets, and deadlines attached to the same deal timeline—so discrepancies are caught early and handled with a clear trail.