Complete Interpretation Guide: UCP 600 Article 21

Introduction

UCP 600 Article 21 (Non-Negotiable Sea Waybill) is lettered 21(a), 21(b), 21(c), 21(d). Banks compile a presentation against those limbs on the face of the documents. First limb: A non-negotiable sea waybill, however named, must appear to: i. indicate the name of the carrier and be signed by: - the carrier or a named agent for or on behalf of the carrier, or - the master or a named agent for or o

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure mode 1: Skipping the first limb

Operations compile against later limbs and never test 21(a). The first limb is not optional. A presentation that violates it is a binary reject.

Applying the article

Read the limbs above as they stand in the ICC text. Do not import sub-articles from another article. Document examination remains UCP 600 Article 14: on the face of the documents, within five banking days following the day of presentation.

Conclusion

Use the article as printed. If a lettered sub-article is not in the text above, it is not part of the rule.

FAQ

What is Article 21(a)?

A non-negotiable sea waybill, however named, must appear to: i. indicate the name of the carrier and be signed by: - the carrier or a named agent for or on behalf of the carrier, or - the master or a named agent for or on behalf of the master. Any signature by the carrier, master or agent must be identified as that of the carrier, master or agent. Any signature by an agent must indicate whether the agent has signed for or on behalf of the carrier or for or on behalf of the master. ii. indicate t

Are letters beyond d part of Article 21?

No. The ICC text letters Article 21 as (a), (b), (c), (d) only.

Does a five-day waiver request extend examination?

No. Article 16(b) states that approaching the applicant for a waiver does not extend the period in Article 14(b).