Expired Letter of Credit: Can Documents Still Be Presented?
What happens when documents are presented after a Letter of Credit has expired, and the limited exceptions.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Documents presented after the expiry date in field 31D are discrepant, and the bank has no obligation to honour them. The only automatic extension is UCP 600 Article 29(a): if the bank is closed on the expiry date for reasons other than force majeure, expiry moves to the next banking day. Otherwise the exporter needs an amendment or must present on a collection basis.
| Field | 31D Date and Place of Expiry |
|---|---|
| Extension | Bank closed → next banking day (Art. 29(a)) |
| Force majeure | No extension (Art. 36) |
Options after expiry
- Ask the buyer for an amendment extending expiry (before or after).
- Send documents for collection — payment depends on the buyer.
- Ask the buyer to accept documents anyway.
Prevention
- Track expiry and the presentation deadline from day one.
- Present early.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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