Quantity Clause

The Quantity Clause is one of the core clauses in an international contract for the sale of goods. It specifies the exact quantity of goods the seller must deliver, the unit of measurement, the measurement method, and the quantity tolerance (more or less clause). Its usage scenarios include: determining the total contract price, arranging production and shipment, calculating freight and insurance, and handling quantity disputes. Points to note: 1) The unit of measurement must be consistent with international trade practices (e.g., metric ton, long ton, short ton, piece, set, etc.) to avoid ambiguity; 2) If a more or less clause is adopted, the tolerance (e.g., ±5%) and the option (seller's, buyer's, or shipowner's) should be clearly stated; 3) Pay attention to the difference between packaged weight, net weight, and gross weight to avoid disputes caused by errors in tare calculation; 4) For bulk cargo, terms such as 'about' or 'approximately' are often agreed upon, but under the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP600), such words may be interpreted as allowing a variation not exceeding 10%. Difference from other terms: The Quantity Clause differs from the Quality Clause (which focuses on specifications and grades) and the Packing Clause (which focuses on packing methods). It directly determines the amount of the subject matter of the contract and is the basis for price calculation. If the quantity delivered by the seller does not conform to the contract, the buyer has the right to reject the goods or claim damages, so this clause must be drafted rigorously.