UCP 600 Article 26: Non-Negotiable Transport Documents — Complete Interpretation Guide

Introduction

UCP 600 Article 26 (On Deck", "Shipper's Load and Count", "Said by Shipper to Contain" and Charges Additional to Freight) is lettered 26(a), 26(b), 26(c). Banks compile a presentation against those limbs on the face of the documents. First limb: A transport document must not indicate that the goods are or will be loaded on deck. A clause on a transport document stating that the goods may be loaded on deck is acceptable.

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure mode 1: Skipping the first limb

Operations compile against later limbs and never test 26(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 26(a)?

A transport document must not indicate that the goods are or will be loaded on deck. A clause on a transport document stating that the goods may be loaded on deck is acceptable.

Are letters beyond c part of Article 26?

No. The ICC text letters Article 26 as (a), (b), (c) 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).