Documentation Centre

Plain-English guide to common transaction documents

A practical reference for buyers, sellers, mandates and service providers.

Core documents

NDA

Non-disclosure agreement

Used to protect confidential commercial information before sensitive details are exchanged.

KYC

Know Your Customer

Information used to identify and review counterparties before engagement progresses.

ICPO

Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order

A buyer-issued document expressing purchasing intent, usually subject to verification and seller acceptance.

LOI

Letter of Intent

A preliminary statement of commercial interest that may precede more formal documents.

SCO

Soft Corporate Offer

A seller-side indicative offer outlining product, quantity, origin, pricing basis, delivery terms and procedure.

FCO

Full Corporate Offer

A more detailed commercial offer, normally issued after stronger qualification.

SPA

Sales and Purchase Agreement

The main contract between buyer and seller setting out binding commercial terms.

Bill of Lading

Shipping document

A key maritime document evidencing shipment and receipt of cargo by the carrier.

Certificate of Origin

Origin evidence

Identifies the country or source of the product where required.

Certificate of Quantity

Quantity evidence

Confirms measured quantity, often issued by an independent inspection company.

Certificate of Quality

Quality evidence

Confirms product quality against relevant specification.

Inspection Certificate

Independent verification

May cover loading, discharge, quantity, quality or operational inspection.

Commercial Invoice

Payment document

States the commercial amount due under the transaction terms.

Packing List

Cargo detail

Used where relevant to describe packages, units or shipment details.

Insurance Certificate

Risk cover

Evidence of marine cargo or other insurance where required under the agreed terms.

Important note

Documents must be reviewed in the context of the specific transaction and contract. MENA Oil & Gas does not provide legal advice, banking services, inspection services or customs advice. Independent qualified professionals may be involved where required.