Port of Loading and Discharge Mismatches Under a Letter of Credit
Why ports on the transport document must match fields 44E/44F, and how to avoid mismatches.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
A bill of lading must show shipment from the port of loading and to the port of discharge stated in the credit (UCP 600 Art. 20(a)(iii)). A different port, or one outside a stated range, is a discrepancy. If the credit names a geographic area, the document must show the actual port within it (ISBP 821).
| Rule | UCP 600 Art. 20(a)(iii) |
|---|---|
| Fields | 44E / 44F |
| Ranges | Actual port must be shown |
Common causes
- Vessel loaded at a different terminal or nearby port.
- Inland place shown instead of the port.
- Booking changed after credit issued.
Prevent
- Check booking against 44E/44F before shipping.
- Request an amendment if routing changes.
Sources
- ICC — UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits)
- ICC Academy — avoiding Letter of Credit discrepancies
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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