MT700 Field 43T: When the Transhipment Instruction Contradicts Other Fields

Introduction

Field 43T states whether transhipment is allowed under a documentary credit. Like 43P, it is an optional code field, but its instruction must agree with the routing, the goods description, and the transport documents the credit calls for. A 43T value that fights the rest of the credit produces a document set the beneficiary cannot assemble.

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure Mode 1: 43T forbids transhipment but routing requires it

Field 43T shows NOT ALLOWED, yet the only feasible routing between the port of loading and port of discharge passes through a transhipment point. The credit cannot be performed.

Failure Mode 2: 43T allows transhipment but the goods are unitised

The credit permits transhipment, while the goods description fixes a single sealed container movement with no transhipment basis, creating an inconsistency in planning.

Failure Mode 3: 43T conflicts with a document clause

A required transport document clause prohibits or presupposes transhipment contrary to 43T, so the document cannot satisfy both.

Failure Mode 4: 43T inconsistent with the latest shipment date

Multiple movements implied by allowed transhipment are not reconciled with the single latest shipment date (44C).

Failure Mode 5: 43T repeated in an MT701

The instruction is placed in 43T of the MT700 and again in a related MT701, breaching the non-repetition rule.

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. Set the transhipment policy before issuance.
2. Encode it in 43T as the correct Option T code (ALLOWED / NOT ALLOWED).
3. Validate the code format under Option T (11x).
4. Check the 44-series routing; if the only path tranships, 43T must allow it.
5. Reconcile the goods description with the movement plan.
6. Ensure any required transport document clause matches the 43T value under Articles 20–28.
7. Confirm the latest shipment date and presentation period support the chosen policy.
8. Keep the instruction only in 43T; do not repeat it in any MT701.
9. Record the resolved policy for examination under Article 41(a) and Articles 20–28.

Conclusion

Field 43T is the SWIFT encoding of the transhipment permission under Article 41(a), examined through Articles 20–28. Its code must agree with routing, goods, and document clauses. A contradiction blocks compliant presentation and must be cured before advice, with the instruction held solely in 43T.

FAQ

Is 43T mandatory?
No. It is optional, but its absence invokes UCP 600 default treatment.

What codes are permitted in 43T?
The field uses an 11x code; the instruction must be a defined transhipment code.

Can 43T conflict with the transport routing?
It should not. A routing that requires transhipment must match an ALLOWED instruction.

Which UCP articles apply to a 43T dispute?
Article 41(a) and Articles 20–28.

Can 43T be repeated in an MT701?
No. Designated MT700 field content must not be repeated in a related MT701.

Does allowing transhipment change the document requirements?
The required transport documents are still examined under Articles 20–28 for conforming clauses.

Source Notes

• Context only: SWIFT SR2018 Category 7, MT700 field 43T specification (Option T 11x, optional, codes; non-repetition in MT701).
• Context only: UCP 600 Article 41(a) (Transhipment) and Articles 20–28.