Who Must Sign Transport Documents Under a Letter of Credit?
Who may sign a bill of lading or other transport document under UCP 600 and how the signature must be identified.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Under UCP 600 Articles 19 to 25, transport documents must be signed by the carrier, the master, or a named agent for either, and any signature by an agent must indicate whether it signs for the carrier or the master. A forwarder's document is acceptable only if it is signed in one of these capacities.
| Who may sign | Carrier, master, or named agent for either |
|---|---|
| Agent signature | Must state on whose behalf |
| Charter party B/L | Master, owner, charterer or their agent (Art. 22) |
What to check
- Carrier's name appears on the document.
- Signature capacity stated: 'as carrier', 'as agent for the carrier …'.
- Agent is named.
- Every original signed.
Common discrepancies
- Forwarder signs without stating capacity.
- Agent signs without naming the carrier.
- Unsigned originals.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
Related guides
Check shipping documents against your LC
Free snapshot in under a minute. No account needed.
Upload your Letter of Credit
PDF · up to 25 MB