UCP 600 Article 20: Bill of Lading Examination
A plain-language guide to UCP 600 Article 20 and what banks check on a bill of lading.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
UCP 600 Article 20 sets the requirements for a bill of lading covering port-to-port shipment. It must 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 in the credit; show the port of discharge; be the sole original or the full set of originals; and contain no indication that it is subject to a charter party.
| Rule | UCP 600 Art. 20 |
|---|---|
| Signed by | Carrier, master or named agent (20(a)(i)) |
| Shipment date | Issue date or on-board notation (20(a)(ii)) |
| Originals | Sole original or full set (20(a)(iv)) |
Checklist
- Carrier named and signature capacity shown.
- On board a named vessel.
- Ports match 44E and 44F.
- Full set of originals presented.
- Not subject to a charter party.
- Terms of carriage present or referenced (20(a)(v)) — banks do not examine them.
Transhipment
- 20(c): transhipment allowed if the whole carriage is covered by one B/L, even if the credit prohibits it, for goods in containers, trailers or LASH barges.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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