A Quantity Certificate is a written document issued by the exporter or a third-party inspection agency in international trade, certifying the actual quantity of goods. It is commonly used in letter of credit settlement, customs declaration, claims, and other scenarios, especially in bulk cargo or commodity transactions, where quantity is susceptible to loading and unloading losses, making this certificate an important basis for delivery and settlement between buyers and sellers. Unlike a Weight Certificate, a Quantity Certificate focuses on the number of pieces, packaging units, or counted quantity, rather than weight indicators such as gross weight or net weight. Precautions include: the certificate must be issued by the institution specified in the letter of credit, its content must be consistent with the invoice and packing list, and it must be submitted within the prescribed time. If the letter of credit requires a 'Certificate of Quantity', it must be issued strictly under this name and cannot be replaced by a Weight Certificate. In addition, this certificate is usually one of the negotiating documents; if it differs from the actual delivered quantity, it may lead to discrepancies or even refusal of payment. Therefore, foreign trade practitioners should ensure the authenticity, accuracy, and timeliness of the Quantity Certificate, and pay attention to its consistency with the contract and letter of credit terms.
📝 Examples
1. According to the requirements of the letter of credit, we have requested SGS to issue a Quantity Certificate, certifying that the quantity of 1000 cartons of goods shipped is correct, and submitted it to the bank for negotiation along with other documents. (Note: In letter of credit settlement, the Quantity Certificate serves as a negotiating document, issued by a third-party inspection agency, ensuring document compliance.)
2. After receiving the goods, the importer found a shortage of 50 pieces and filed a claim with the insurance company based on the Quantity Certificate issued at the port of shipment. (Note: The Quantity Certificate serves as the basis for claims, proving that the quantity was correct at the time of shipment and that the shortage occurred during transportation, facilitating recovery from the responsible party.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner