Examines one of the most fundamental principles associated with Letter of Credit (L/C) transactions, being the banks’ obligation to examine documents presented by the beneficiary (exporter). L/Cs are commonly used in international trade transactions and they rely on the exporter being able to satisfy the banks’ requirements for documentation and data contents to receive payment. The International Chamber of Commerce reports that up to 70% of all documentary presentations do not comply with banks’ requirements as called for under L/C transactions. This paper outlines the steps a bank may take in deciding whether to accept or refuse documents for payment by the exporter and what the likely business implications are for incorrect document presentation.