MT700 Field 43P: Relationship with UCP

Introduction

Field 43P is the SWIFT vehicle for the partial-shipment instruction in a documentary credit. UCP 600 supplies the legal framework that gives that instruction meaning: when partials are permitted, prohibited, or left to default, and how the examining bank treats the resulting transport documents. The field and the rules are two views of one obligation.

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure Mode 1: Field blank, default assumed wrongly

43P is omitted and the beneficiary assumes prohibition, while UCP 600 default permits partials. Planning is based on the wrong rule.

Failure Mode 2: Non-code entry

A descriptive phrase replaces the defined code, so the field cannot be validated as Option P and the permission is unclear.

Failure Mode 3: Document data contradicts the instruction

43P permits partials but the transport documents evidence a single shipment inconsistent with the goods plan, raising an examination issue under Articles 31–33.

Failure Mode 4: Instalment schedule uneintegrated

An instalment plan exists but is not tied to 43P, so a missed instalment's Article 31 effect is disputed.

Failure Mode 5: Duplication in MT701

The instruction is repeated in an MT701, creating a secondary source that may diverge from 43P.

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. Decide the policy and encode it in 43P with the correct code.
2. Validate the code under Option P (11x).
3. If 43P is omitted, record the applicable UCP 600 default in the file.
4. Reconcile the goods description and quantity with the split capability.
5. Bind any instalment schedule to the 43P value and Article 31 treatment.
6. Direct the examining bank to check transport documents under Articles 31–33.
7. Keep the instruction only in 43P; never repeat it in an MT701.
8. Store the resolved policy for presentation review and disputes.
9. Amend 43P only through a proper amendment, then revalidate the code.

Conclusion

Field 43P is the SWIFT form of the UCP 600 partial-shipment rule under Article 41(b), applied through Articles 31–33. A sound 43P uses a defined code, matches the shipment and goods plan, and lives only in the MT700. Absent the field, the UCP 600 default governs by rule, not by guess. Changes require amendment.

FAQ

What UCP provisions back 43P?
Article 41(b) with Articles 31–33.

Is 43P required?
No, it is optional; omission invokes the UCP 600 default.

Can I write a sentence in 43P?
No. Use the defined 11x code; prose is non-conforming.

How is partial shipment evidenced?
By the transport documents reviewed under Articles 31–33.

Does 43P affect instalments?
Yes, via Article 31; the instalment schedule must match the code.

May 43P be copied into an MT701?
No. Its content must not be repeated in a related MT701.

Source Notes

• Context only: SWIFT SR2018 Category 7, MT700 field 43P specification (Option P 11x, optional, codes; non-repetition in MT701).
• Context only: UCP 600 Article 41(b) (Partial Shipments) and Articles 31–33.