Examining Packing Lists Under UCP 600 Article 20

Introduction

Packing lists presented under a documentary credit requiring a bill of lading must be examined for consistency with the transport document and the credit terms. UCP 600 Article 20 defines what the bill of lading must show; the packing list is a supporting document whose examination falls under ISBP 745. When the packing list contains data that conflicts with the bill of lading or the credit, the examining bank must assess whether the inconsistency is material.

This guide addresses how to examine packing lists in the context of a credit requiring a bill of lading under Article 20, where failures arise, and how to resolve them.

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure Mode 1: Packing list shows different quantity than the bill of lading

The bill of lading shows 500 cartons. The packing list shows 480 cartons. The quantity discrepancy between the two documents constitutes a conflict under Article 14(d). The examining bank must reject the presentation.

Failure Mode 2: Packing list describes goods differently from the bill of lading

The bill of lading describes "cotton textiles." The packing list describes "synthetic fabric." Even if both refer to the same goods, the conflicting description creates a discrepancy under Article 14(d).

Failure Mode 3: Packing list shows wrong marks or numbers

The bill of lading references shipping marks "ABC-001 through ABC-500." The packing list shows marks "ABC-001 through ABC-480." The mismatch between marks on the bill of lading and the packing list raises a conflict.

Failure Mode 4: Packing list includes dimensions or weights not on the bill of lading

The packing list shows individual package weights and dimensions. The bill of lading shows total weight. While additional detail on the packing list is not inherently discrepant, if the total weight on the packing list does not match the total weight on the bill of lading, a discrepancy exists.

Failure Mode 5: Packing list is missing entirely when required by the credit

The credit requires a packing list. The presenter submits a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and certificate of origin but omits the packing list. The absence of a required document is a discrepancy under Article 14(a).

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. Identify whether the credit requires a packing list. If it does not, no examination of a packing list is required.
2. Read the bill of lading under Article 20 and extract the goods description, quantity, marks, and weight.
3. Read the packing list and extract the package count, marks, weights, dimensions, and goods description.
4. Compare the packing list's total quantity against the bill of lading's quantity for consistency under Article 14(d).
5. Compare the goods description on the packing list against the bill of lading and the credit.
6. Verify that shipping marks on the packing list match the marks referenced on the bill of lading.
7. Confirm the total weight on the packing list matches the weight on the bill of lading.
8. If any conflict exists, raise the discrepancy and notify the presenter. If no conflict exists, the packing list is compliant.

Conclusion

Packing lists are supporting documents examined under ISBP 745 and Article 14(d) of UCP 600. They are not transport documents governed by Article 20. The examining bank must compare the packing list's data against the bill of lading and the credit for consistency. Conflicts in quantity, goods description, marks, or weight constitute discrepancies.

FAQ

Is a packing list mandatory under UCP 600?
No. UCP 600 does not require a packing list. It is required only if the credit stipulates it. If the credit does not require one, its absence is not a discrepancy.

Can the packing list show more detail than the bill of lading?
Yes. ISBP 745 allows supporting documents to show additional detail, provided the data does not conflict with the bill of lading or the credit under Article 14(d).

What if the packing list shows different package types than described in the credit?
If the credit specifies "cartons" and the packing list shows "pallets," the discrepancy depends on whether the credit specifically requires cartons. If it does, the packing list is discrepant.

Does the packing list need to be dated?
UCP 600 and ISBP 745 do not require a packing list to bear a date unless the credit specifically requires it. An undated packing list is not inherently discrepant.

Can the bank accept a packing list that conflicts with the commercial invoice?
No. Article 14(d) requires consistency across all stipulated documents. A conflict between the packing list and the commercial invoice is a discrepancy, regardless of the bill of lading's compliance.

Source Notes

• Canonical authority: UCP 600 Articles 14(a), 14(d), 14(f), 20; ISBP 745 paragraph J25.
• Live context: Google News RSS scan, ICC Academy "Documentary credits: Rules, guidelines & terminology," July 2025; ICC Incoterms 2020 references, March 2023. Context only, not legal authority.