How to Determine the Shipment Date From a Bill of Lading
How banks decide the shipment date from a bill of lading under UCP 600 Article 20.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
For a bill of lading under UCP 600 Article 20, the date of issuance is the shipment date unless the bill carries an on-board notation showing a date, in which case the notation date is the shipment date. This date is checked against field 44C and starts the presentation period.
| Default | Issue date (pre-printed 'shipped on board') |
|---|---|
| With notation | On-board notation date |
| Used for | 44C check and presentation period |
Steps
- Check whether the B/L is pre-printed 'shipped on board' or 'received for shipment'.
- If received-for-shipment, find the dated on-board notation.
- Use that date for 44C and field 48 calculations.
Watch for
- Several dates on the B/L — use the rule above, not the latest.
- Intended vessel requiring an actual-vessel notation.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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