title: "Commercial Invoice Discrepancy: Description Inconsistent with MT700 Field 45A"
date: 2026-07-15
batch: 29
topic_family: swift
status: approved

Commercial Invoice Discrepancy: Description Inconsistent with MT700 Field 45A

Introduction

One of the most common documentary credit discrepancies — and one of the most avoidable — is a mismatch between the goods description on the commercial invoice and the description specified in MT 700 Field 45A. This discrepancy arises when the exporter's invoice describes the goods using language, specifications, or formatting that differs from what the credit requires, even when the underlying goods are identical.

Field 45A of the MT 700 (Issuance of a Documentary Credit) specifies the description of goods and/or services. The commercial invoice (required under UCP 600 Article 18) must show a description that matches the credit's description. The mismatch is one of the top reasons for documentary credit refusals worldwide.

Failure Modes

Failure Mode 1: Typographical Differences

Minor typographical differences — such as "500 kgs" versus "500 kg," or "Model X-200" versus "Model X200" — are frequently cited as discrepancies. Banks applying strict interpretation may refuse presentations based on these minor variations, even though the goods are clearly the same.

Failure Mode 2: Incomplete Description Transfer

When the credit's Field 45A contains a lengthy description with multiple specifications, exporters may include only part of the description on the invoice. Partial descriptions create discrepancies unless the omitted portions are covered by other documents.

Failure Mode 3: Additional Description on Invoice

Exporters sometimes add information to the invoice description that is not in Field 45A — such as additional product specifications, promotional language, or shipping instructions. While additional information is in most cases acceptable under ISBP 745, information that conflicts with Field 45A is not.

Failure Mode 4: Formatting Differences

Different formatting — such as capitalization changes ("ABC Company" vs. "abc company"), punctuation differences, or line breaks — can be interpreted as discrepancies by strict examiners. The interpretation varies by bank and jurisdiction.

Failure Mode 5: Language Translation Issues

When the credit is in one language and the invoice in another, translation differences can create apparent discrepancies. For example, "Stainless Steel" in English and "Acero Inoxidable" in Spanish represent the same product but look different on the document.

Resolution Strategies

Resolution 1: Invoice Preparation Against Field 45A

Exporters should prepare their commercial invoice by referencing Field 45A directly, copying the description exactly — or adding detail that clearly does not conflict. A side-by-side comparison of the invoice description and Field 45A should be performed before presentation.

Resolution 2: Credit Drafting with Invoice Flexibility in Mind

Issuers should draft Field 45A with awareness that the invoice must show the same description. Using clear, simple, and standardized language reduces the risk of mismatch. Avoiding overly complex descriptions that include information better placed in other fields (such as Field 44C — Latest Date of Shipment) also reduces confusion.

Resolution 3: Pre-Presentation Document Review

Banks advising or nominated on the credit should offer pre-presentation review services where they compare the invoice description against Field 45A before the presentation is made. This proactive step catches discrepancies before they result in refusal.

Resolution 4: Consistent Interpretation Training

Banks should train examiners on consistent interpretation of goods description discrepancies, applying ISBP 745's guidance that descriptions need not be identical but must not conflict. Minor typographical differences that do not change the meaning should not be flagged as discrepancies.

Resolution 5: Standardized Description Templates

Banks and exporters should develop standardized templates for commercial invoice descriptions that align with common Field 45A formats. Templates reduce variability and the risk of mismatch.

Resolution 6: Amendment Process for Problematic Credits

When a credit's Field 45A contains language that is difficult to reproduce exactly on an invoice (such as complex technical specifications), the exporter should request an amendment to simplify the description before shipment.

Resolution 7: Dispute Resolution Protocols

When a bank refuses a presentation based on an invoice description discrepancy, the exporter should have a clear protocol for challenging the refusal — referencing ISBP 745's guidance and the principle that descriptions need not be identical. This protocol should include documentation of why the descriptions are consistent.

Conclusion

Commercial invoice description discrepancies related to MT 700 Field 45A are among the most common reasons for documentary credit refusal, yet they are also among the most preventable. By preparing invoices with direct reference to Field 45A, applying ISBP 745's guidance on description consistency, and training examiners on reasonable interpretation, banks and exporters can dramatically reduce these avoidable discrepancies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does the invoice description need to be word-for-word identical to Field 45A?

No. ISBP 745 Paragraph A26 states that descriptions on documents need not be identical to the credit's description but must not conflict with it. The invoice description may be more detailed or use different wording, as long as it does not contradict the credit.

Q2: What constitutes a "conflict" between descriptions?

A conflict exists when the invoice description conveys different information about the goods than Field 45A. For example, Field 45A specifies "Grade A steel" and the invoice says "Grade B steel" — this is a conflict. Minor wording differences that convey the same meaning (such as "500 kg" vs. "500 kilograms") are typically not conflicts.

Q3: Can an invoice show a more detailed description than Field 45A?

Yes. An invoice that provides additional detail beyond what Field 45A specifies is in most cases acceptable, provided the additional detail does not conflict with the credit's description. This is consistent with ISBP 745's guidance.

Q4: What if the credit uses abbreviations in Field 45A?

When Field 45A uses abbreviations, the invoice should use the same abbreviations or expand them in a way that is consistent. For example, if Field 45A says "SS 304," the invoice can say "SS 304" or "Stainless Steel 304" — both are consistent.

Q5: How should banks handle descriptions in different languages?

When the credit and invoice are in different languages, banks should look for substantive consistency rather than linguistic identity. The description on the invoice should correspond to the description in Field 45A when translated into the same language.

Source Notes

Context only: This guide references SWIFT's Category 7 Message Reference Guide, UCP 600 Article 18 (Commercial Invoice), Article 14(d) (Document Consistency), ISBP 745 Paragraph A26 (Goods Description), and industry analysis of documentary credit discrepancies. All regulatory references are drawn from publicly available SWIFT and ICC publications. Source URLs and titles are catalogued in the provenance batch metadata for this guide (batch 29).