Five Banking Days Under UCP 600: What Does It Mean?
How the five-banking-day examination period in UCP 600 Article 14(b) works and what it does not cover.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
UCP 600 Article 14(b) gives each nominated, confirming and issuing bank a maximum of five banking days following the day of presentation to decide whether the documents comply. The period is not shortened or affected by the expiry date or last day for presentation falling within it. A refusal notice must be given by the end of the fifth banking day (Art. 16(d)).
| Rule | UCP 600 Art. 14(b) |
|---|---|
| Counts | Banking days, starting the day after presentation |
| Refusal notice | By close of the fifth banking day (Art. 16(d)) |
What it means
- It is a maximum; banks may decide sooner.
- Each bank in the chain has its own five days.
- Expiry falling during the period does not shorten it.
What it does not mean
- It is not a payment guarantee within five days for deferred credits.
- It does not include courier time before presentation.
Worked example (fictional)
Documents are presented on a Monday with no holidays that week. The bank has until close of business the following Monday to decide.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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