SWIFT MT700 Field 44E and Its Relationship with UCP 600 Articles
Introduction
Field 44E (Port of Loading / Airport of Departure) is optional in the MT700 under SWIFT SR2018, Category 7, formatted as 65x (narrative). It names the port or airport from which the goods are to be loaded or depart. UCP 600 governs how the transport document must show that port or airport and how the bank examines the document against it. The SWIFT field states the required point; the UCP transport-document articles decide whether the presented document proves it.
Failure Modes
Failure Mode 1: Document shows a different loading port
Under Article 14(d), a port on the document that disagrees with 44E is a discrepancy.
Failure Mode 2: Nominated document cannot evidence the port
If 46A calls for a document type that does not show a port of loading, 44E cannot be satisfied.
Failure Mode 3: 44E conflicts with 44A or 44F
A loading port inconsistent with the receipt place or discharge port produces a contradictory routing.
Failure Mode 4: MT701 restates 44E differently
A related MT701 must not conflict with the MT700; a divergent port is a discrepancy.
Failure Mode 5: Port omitted where the document requires it
Leaving 44E blank can leave the routing undefined when the nominated document depends on a stated port.
Resolution
- State 44E to name the exact port or airport the transport document must show.
- Select the transport document type in 46A that evidences that port under its article.
- Reconcile 44E with 44A (receipt) and 44F (discharge) for a coherent route.
- Examine the document's port under Article 14(d).
- Confirm no related MT701 conflicts with 44E.
- Map the field to the applicable Article 20-28 rule.
- Record the article basis for the routing decision.
Conclusion
Field 44E names the departure point; Articles 20-28 and Article 14 decide whether the document proves it. The control is to ensure the nominated document shows the port 44E requires and that the port fits the wider routing. A credit is sound when 44E, the document type, and the other 44-series fields align.
FAQ
Which UCP articles govern 44E?
Articles 20-28, which prescribe the port-of-loading or airport-of-departure requirement for each transport document, plus Article 14 for examination.
Must 44E always be used?
No. SWIFT marks it Optional, but a credit relying on a port-specific document should state it to avoid ambiguity.
Can 44E and 44A name the same place?
For some shipment types they differ (inland receipt vs. port loading); for others they may coincide. The documents must show the relationship clearly.
What if an MT701 repeats 44E with a different port?
A related MT701 must not conflict with the MT700. A divergent port is impermissible.
Does the applicant's preference override Article 14?
No. Article 14 sets the bank's document-alone examination standard.
Source Notes
- SWIFT SR2018, Category 7, MT700 field 44E (Optional, Option E, 65x narrative). Context only.
- UCP 600 Articles 20-28 and Article 14. Context only.
- MT700 usage rules on related MT701 content. Context only.
| Regulation | Article / Section | Requirement | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCP 600 | Article 14 | Standard for Examination of Documents | Binary determination (compliant/discrepant) |
| UCP 600 | Article 20 | Bill of Lading | Binary determination (compliant/discrepant) |
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Quick Reference Summary
- No reference captured.
Compliance Checklist
| ✓ What Banks Expect | ✗ What Beneficiaries Often Do Wrong |
|---|---|
| Document shows a different loading port | Under Article 14(d), a port on the document that disagrees with 44E is a discrepancy. |
| Nominated document cannot evidence the port | If 46A calls for a document type that does not show a port of loading, 44E cannot be satisfied. |
| 44E conflicts with 44A or 44F | A loading port inconsistent with the receipt place or discharge port produces a contradictory rou... |
| MT701 restates 44E differently | A related MT701 must not conflict with the MT700; a divergent port is a discrepancy. |
| Port omitted where the document requires it | Leaving 44E blank can leave the routing undefined when the nominated document depends on a stated... |
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