More or Less

More or Less is a common contract clause in international trade that allows the seller a certain degree of flexibility in the quantity delivered at the time of shipment. It is typically used for bulk cargo (such as grain, ore, petroleum, etc.) because such goods are difficult to measure precisely during shipment. The clause usually specifies a percentage range (e.g., ±5%), within which the seller may ship more or less, and the price is calculated based on the actual shipped quantity. When using a More or Less clause, attention must be paid to clarifying who has the option to choose the tolerance (usually the seller or the shipowner), whether it applies to the entire shipment or only part of it, and whether it is consistent with the letter of credit amount and quantity terms. Unlike 'About,' which under UCP600 is interpreted as a variation not exceeding 10%, More or Less is a specific, definite percentage. In addition, the More or Less clause should avoid conflict with a letter of credit's 'partial shipment prohibited' term, and the pricing principle for the More or Less portion must be clearly stated in the contract.