UCP 600 Article 35: Examining Packing Lists

Introduction

Packing lists are supporting documents that describe how goods are packed, their physical dimensions, weights, and package counts. Under UCP 600, the bank examines packing lists under the same Article 35 standard as all other documents — on their face, without liability for sufficiency or accuracy. The packing list's primary function is to cross-reference with the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin to confirm that the goods described are the goods packed and shipped. Discrepancies in packing lists are frequent because they are prepared operationally rather than commercially, and minor data mismatches — package counts, weight units, or goods descriptions — can trigger a refusal under Article 14(d).

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure 1: Package count inconsistent with bill of lading. If the packing list states "50 cartons" but the bill of lading states "48 packages," the documents conflict under Article 14(d). This discrepancy frequently results from last-minute repacking or consolidation without updating all documents.

Failure 2: Gross weight or net weight mismatch with invoice. The packing list often contains the only weight data in the presentation. When this weight does not match the weight stated on the commercial invoice, the inconsistency triggers Article 14(d).

Failure 3: Goods description does not match the credit. If the packing list describes goods as "Widget Model X-200" but the credit requires "Widget Model X-200, 240V," the description is incomplete and may be considered conflicting under Article 14(d).

Failure 4: Packing list missing required data fields. When the credit specifies that the packing list must show dimensions, tare weight, or package type, and these fields are blank, the document may be discrepant under Article 14(a) because it does not appear on its face to contain the required data.

Failure 5: Document not signed when credit requires it. While packing lists typically do not require signatures, if the credit expressly requires a signed packing list, an unsigned document is discrepant. The bank must verify the credit terms.

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. Read the credit's packing-list clause. Determine whether the credit specifies data fields (dimensions, tare weight, package type) and whether a signature is required.

2. Verify package count against the bill of lading. Confirm the number of packages on the packing list matches the number stated on the bill of lading. Mismatch triggers Article 14(d).

3. Compare weight data against the invoice. Cross-check gross weight and net weight on the packing list against the weight stated on the commercial invoice. Inconsistency is a discrepancy.

4. Match goods description against the credit. Ensure the packing list's goods description corresponds with the credit. The description need not replicate the credit word-for-word but must not conflict.

5. Confirm all required fields are complete. If the credit requires dimensions, tare weight, or package type, verify these fields are filled in. Blank fields are only acceptable if the credit does not require them.

6. Check signature requirements. Verify whether the credit requires a signed packing list and, if so, confirm the signature is present.

7. Document the examination result. Record the packing list number, package count, weights, goods description, and any discrepancies found. Preserve the examination record.

Conclusion

Packing lists under UCP 600 Article 35 are supporting documents subject to the same facial examination standard as all other documents. The bank verifies package counts, weight data, goods descriptions, and completeness against the credit terms and other documents. Discrepancies arise from data mismatches with bills of lading and invoices, incomplete data fields, and missing signatures. A structured cross-referencing process against the credit and companion documents prevents most avoidable rejections.

FAQ

Does the packing list need to match the bill of lading exactly? Yes. Under Article 14(d), the data in the packing list must not conflict with the bill of lading. Different package-count or weight figures create a discrepancy.

Can the packing list show a more detailed goods description than the credit? Yes, provided the additional detail does not conflict with the credit. ISBP 745 permits a more detailed description as long as it is consistent with the credit terms.

Is a packing list always required under UCP 600? No. A packing list is required only if the credit expressly calls for it. If the credit does not require a packing list, it need not be presented.

What if the packing list is in a different language? UCP 600 does not prescribe a specific language for packing lists. If the credit specifies a language, that language must be used. If the credit is silent, any language is acceptable.

How does eUCP apply to electronic packing lists? Under eUCP Version 2.1, Article e9, electronic packing lists are subject to the same examination standard as paper originals. The bank examines the electronic record on its face.

Source Notes

Context only — no deep source text was extracted from the original research feeds.

• ICC Academy, "Incoterms 2020: CFR or CIF?," published 21 Aug 2024.
• ICC Academy, "ICC Guide to Incoterms 2020 — eBook," published 25 Nov 2025.
• ICC Academy, "How U.S. laws and regulations impact the use of Incoterms rules," published 05 Jul 2021.