Quantity Deviation

Quantity deviation refers to the difference between the actual delivered quantity and the quantity stipulated in the contract in international trade. Due to factors such as transportation, loading and unloading, and measurement, it is difficult to deliver bulk cargo (e.g., grain, ore, crude oil) with precision; therefore, contracts usually include a more or less clause that allows the seller to deliver a quantity within a specified percentage above or below the agreed amount. Quantity deviation is closely related to the 'more or less clause,' which is the specific provision permitting such deviation. Use cases include: when a letter of credit requires strict quantity conformity, deviation may lead to document discrepancies; when bulk cargo is priced by weight at the port of shipment or destination, deviation affects final settlement. Precautions: the deviation range should be clearly stated (e.g., ±5%), and it should be agreed who has the option (usually the seller or the shipowner); the price for the deviation portion may be based on the contract price or market price; if no deviation is agreed, under the CISG, the seller must not deliver less than the agreed quantity but may deliver slightly more, and the buyer may reject the excess or pay for it at the contract rate. Unlike 'quantity tolerance,' quantity deviation emphasizes the factual difference between actual and agreed quantities, whereas tolerance is the permitted margin of error.