MT700 Field 43P: Relationship with UCP 600 Articles

Introduction

Field 43P records the partial-shipment permission in an MT700. Under UCP 600, partial shipment is a defined legal concept with default rules and document-examination consequences. The field is the SWIFT expression of that concept; its correct use binds the beneficiary's shipment options and the examining bank's review under Articles 31–33.

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure Mode 1: Field omitted, default misapplied

43P is left blank and the parties assume a prohibition, whereas UCP 600 default rules may permit partials. The assumption is wrong.

Failure Mode 2: Code not among permitted values

A non-standard phrase is entered instead of the defined code. The field fails its Option P format and the instruction is ambiguous.

Failure Mode 3: Permission not reflected in transport documents

43P allows partials but the presented transport documents show a single shipment inconsistent with the stated goods plan, raising an examination question under Articles 31–33.

Failure Mode 4: Instalment breach unmanaged

An instalment schedule exists and one instalment is missed; Article 31(c) consequences arise, but the credit text did not tie the schedule to 43P clearly.

Failure Mode 5: Repetition in MT701

The 43P instruction is duplicated in an MT701, breaching the non-repetition rule and creating two sources of truth.

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. State the partial-shipment policy explicitly in 43P using the correct code.
2. Validate the code under Option P (11x) before submission.
3. Where the field is omitted, document the applicable UCP 600 default for the file.
4. Align the goods description and quantity with the ability to ship in parts.
5. Link any instalment schedule to the 43P policy and Article 31 treatment.
6. Brief the examining bank that transport documents are checked under Articles 31–33.
7. Keep the instruction only in 43P; never repeat it in an MT701.
8. Record the resolved policy for presentation review and dispute handling.
9. On amendment, change 43P through a proper amendment and revalidate the code.

Conclusion

Field 43P encodes the UCP 600 partial-shipment instruction under Article 41(b), operationalised through Articles 31–33. A valid 43P uses a defined code, matches the transport and goods plan, and is held solely in the MT700. Where omitted, the UCP 600 default governs and must be recorded. The field is changed only by amendment.

FAQ

Which UCP articles relate to 43P?
Article 41(b) and Articles 31–33.

What if 43P is omitted?
UCP 600 default rules apply; record which default governs before issuance.

Must the code be exact?
Yes. Field 43P uses an 11x code from the permitted set; free text is non-conforming.

How is a partial shipment proved?
Through the transport documents examined under Articles 31–33.

Does 43P control instalment shipments?
It interacts with instalment rules under Article 31; the schedule must be consistent with the code.

Can 43P appear in 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.