Bill of Lading Requirements Under a Letter of Credit
What a bill of lading must show to comply with a Letter of Credit under UCP 600 Article 20.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Under UCP 600 Article 20, a bill of lading presented under a Letter of Credit must appear to name the carrier and be signed by the carrier, master or a named agent; show goods shipped on board a named vessel at the port of loading stated in the credit; show the port of discharge stated in the credit; and be the sole original or the full set of originals as issued.
| Rule | UCP 600 Article 20 |
|---|---|
| Shipment date | Issue date or on-board notation date |
| Clean | No clause declaring defective goods or packaging (Art. 27) |
Checklist
- Carrier named; signed by carrier, master or named agent.
- Shipped on board, with on-board date not later than 44C.
- Port of loading and discharge as in 44E/44F.
- Full set of originals as stated on the bill.
- Consignee and notify party as the credit requires.
- Clean — no clauses about defective goods or packaging.
- Marks, quantities and weights not conflicting with other documents.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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