Importer Refuse To Pay Based On Small Discrepancy In Bill of Lading

[hmv]

Hi,

I have a situation in which the importer is refusing to accept payment base on a small discrepancy in the BL in which our forwarder left out the contract number and LC number. Prior to this order, all previous orders with discrepancies have been gladly accepted by the importer as the market sentiment was favorable to them but this time round the market for this product they ordered has deteriorated and the importer is using this small discrepancy to reject payment. Is there anyway we can salvage the situation as the goods are already shipped out.
We have even provided a letter from our forwarder that the LC and contract number relates to this shipment for them but they are probably using this as an excuse to reject payment. Is there any way the exporter can try to resolve this issue? Thanks!

[Navi]

Hi friend,

Do you have time to represent corrected documents, before lc expired or within presentation period? If yes, contact immediately to forwarder, returm current BLs and request corrected ones.

If no, under UCP 600, you have nothing to do but to persuade applicant.

If you made contract with applicant for this sale, you may press applicant according to that contract, provided you have not violated any terms of the contract.

Other comments appreciated.

[khaledosama]

i agree with navi ,

if you got time under l/c validity , present corrected document

if not , bad luck for you
having the applicant accepting discrepancies before does not obligate him to accept this one
you should have not present discrepant docs only depending on the applicant welcoming waivers of discrepancies

best regards

[CristianD]

Missing/quoting a different L/C number is not a discrepancy . There is an ICC opinion in this respect
Ref contract number, you could ask the shipping agent to issue an appendix to the issued B/L on which a contract number to be stated.
brgds