UCP 600 Article 17: Original Documents and Copies
What counts as an original under UCP 600 Article 17 and how many originals you must present.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Article 17 requires at least one original of each stipulated document. A bank treats a document as original if it bears an apparently original signature, mark, stamp or label of the issuer, unless the document itself says it is a copy. If a credit asks for 'copies', either originals or copies may be presented; for 'in duplicate' or 'two fold', at least one original and the rest copies.
| Minimum | One original each (Art. 17(a)) |
|---|---|
| Copies | Originals or copies accepted |
| 'In duplicate' | 1 original + copies |
Check
- Number of originals required by 46A.
- Originals visibly signed or stamped.
- No 'copy' marking on documents meant as originals.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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