MT700 Field 41A Relationship with UCP
Introduction
Field 41A (Available With … By …) identifies the bank and the method through which a documentary credit may be used. Under the UCP, availability and expiry are required features of every credit. The field is the SWIFT-side record of a UCP-required choice, and its precision determines whether the bank undertaking can be performed.
Failure Mode Analysis
Failure Mode 1: Method absent
Field 41A does not state the "By …" method. Article 6 requires the availability method, so the credit is defective.
Failure Mode 2: Bank unclear
Field 41A uses an invalid Option A code or an ambiguous Option D name, leaving the available-with bank undefined.
Failure Mode 3: Place mismatch
The 41A location disagrees with the 31D expiry place, breaching the Article 6 place-for-presentation rule.
Failure Mode 4: Method versus payment fields
Field 41A states one method while the 42x payment fields imply another, against rule C3.
Failure Mode 5: Undertaking uncertainty
Because 41A sets availability, a mismatch leaves the Articles 7–8 honour/negotiation undertaking uncertain for the nominated or confirming bank.
Deterministic Resolution Architecture
- Confirm 41A states both the available-with bank and the method.
- Read 41A against UCP 600 Article 6 availability and place requirements.
- Align the 41A location with the 31D expiry place.
- Match the availability method to the permitted 42x combination under rule C3.
- Verify Articles 7–8 undertakings fit the stated method.
- Use a valid Option A code or a clear Option D name.
- Reconcile 41A with the 40A form and shipment fields.
- Amend the message for any incomplete or inconsistent availability statement.
Conclusion
Field 41A is the SWIFT encoding of the UCP Article 6 availability requirement. A precise available-with bank, a stated method, and a location aligned with 31D are what make the Articles 7–8 undertakings operable.
FAQ
What is field 41A? The SWIFT MT700 "Available With … By …" field for the bank and method of availability.
Which UCP articles apply? UCP 600 Article 6 (availability and expiry) and Articles 7–8 (undertakings).
Why state the method? Article 6 requires the method of availability to be stated.
Does location matter? Yes. The 41A location should match the 31D expiry place under Article 6.
How do payment fields connect? Rule C3 limits 42x combinations; the 41A method must fit them.
Where do undertakings come from? Articles 7 and 8 honour or negotiate a complying presentation under the stated availability.
Source Notes
- Context only: SWIFT SR2018 Category 7, MT700 field 41A (Available With … By …, Option A or D); associated fields 43P, 43T, 44A/44B, 44C/44D, 44E/44F, 45A.
- Context only: UCP 600 Article 6 (availability and expiry) and Articles 7–8 (issuing/confirming bank undertakings).
- Source dossier field_contexts for field 41A; UCP 600 text cited by article number.
Article 6 requires the availability method, so the credit is defective.
| Regulation | Article / Section | Requirement | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCP 600 | Article 6 | Availability, Expiry Date and Place for Presentation | Binary determination (compliant/discrepant) |
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Quick Reference Summary
- No reference captured.
Compliance Checklist
| ✓ What Banks Expect | ✗ What Beneficiaries Often Do Wrong |
|---|---|
| Method absent | Field 41A does not state the "By …" method. Article 6 requires the availability method, so the cr... |
| Bank unclear | Field 41A uses an invalid Option A code or an ambiguous Option D name, leaving the available-with... |
| Place mismatch | The 41A location disagrees with the 31D expiry place, breaching the Article 6 place-for-presentat... |
| Method versus payment fields | Field 41A states one method while the 42x payment fields imply another, against rule C3. |
| Undertaking uncertainty | Because 41A sets availability, a mismatch leaves the Articles 7–8 honour/negotiation undertaking ... |
← Scroll horizontally to see all columns
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