MT700 Field 44C: Latest Date of Shipment
What the latest shipment date in field 44C means and how banks determine the date of shipment.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Field 44C is the latest date by which goods must be shipped under the Letter of Credit. Banks compare it with the date of shipment shown on the transport document — for a bill of lading, the issuance date or, when there is an on-board notation, the on-board date. Shipping after 44C makes the presentation discrepant.
| Field | 44C — Latest Date of Shipment |
|---|---|
| Alternative | 44D — Shipment period |
| Bill of lading shipment date | Issue date, or on-board notation date (UCP 600 Art. 20) |
Plan against 44C
- Confirm vessel cut-off and sailing dates with your forwarder early.
- Ask for an amendment before the date passes if delay is likely.
- Remember the presentation period starts from the actual shipment date.
Sources
- Swift — MT700 Issue of a Documentary Credit (category 7 standards)
- ICC — UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits)
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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