UCP 600 Article 28: Examining Packing Lists

Introduction

Packing lists presented under a credit requiring an insurance document under UCP 600 Article 28 must be examined for consistency with the insurance document, the invoice, and the credit. The packing list is a separate document type governed by general UCP examination rules. This guide addresses how the examiner cross-references a packing list against an Article 28 insurance document, identifies the data points that must align, and determines when a discrepancy exists.

Failure Mode Analysis

F1: The packing list shows a different number of packages than the insurance document. The insurance document covers 50 cartons, but the packing list shows 48 cartons. Article 14(d) requires consistency. The discrepancy must be flagged.

F2: The packing list shows a different weight than the insurance document. The insurance document shows 10,000 kg, but the packing list shows 9,500 kg. Article 14(d) requires consistency. The discrepancy must be flagged.

F3: The packing list is not required by the credit. Article 14(g) states that a document not required by the credit is disregarded. Its presence does not create a discrepancy.

F4: The packing list describes different goods than the insurance document. The insurance document says "industrial valves" but the packing list says "industrial fittings." Article 14(d) requires consistency. The discrepancy must be flagged.

F5: The packing list shows different package types than the insurance document. The insurance document says "wooden crates" but the packing list says "cardboard boxes." Article 14(d) requires consistency. The discrepancy must be flagged.

F6: The packing list is not signed or dated. While UCP 600 does not explicitly require a packing list to be signed, the credit may require it. If the credit requires a signed packing list, an unsigned one is discrepant.

F7: The packing list shows measurements that conflict with the invoice. The packing list shows 50 cubic meters, but the invoice shows 45 cubic meters. Article 14(d) requires consistency. The discrepancy must be flagged.

Deterministic Resolution Architecture

1. Determine whether the packing list is required. Check the credit's document requirements. If not required, Article 14(g) applies and the document is disregarded.

2. Compare the number of packages. Compare the package count on the packing list against the insurance document and invoice. Confirm consistency per Article 14(d).

3. Compare the weight and measurements. Compare the weight and measurement data on the packing list against the insurance document and invoice. Confirm consistency.

4. Compare the package types. Compare the package type descriptions (cartons, crates, drums, etc.) on the packing list against the insurance document. Confirm consistency.

5. Compare the goods descriptions. Compare the goods description on the packing list against the insurance document, invoice, and credit. Apply ISBP 745 A12 for tolerances.

6. Verify the signature and date. If the credit requires a signed or dated packing list, confirm these elements. If the credit does not require them, their absence is not a discrepancy.

7. Record the decision. Document the cross-reference results, the data examined, and the outcome. Preserve the examination worksheet.

8. Escalate discrepancies. If a discrepancy exists, prepare the discrepancy notice per Article 16. If the discrepancy is ambiguous, contact the issuing bank.

Conclusion

A packing list presented alongside an Article 28 insurance document must be cross-referenced for package count, weight, measurements, package type, and goods description consistency. The examination follows Article 14(d) and ISBP 745 paragraph A21. The key data points are numerical consistency of packages, weight, and measurements across all documents.

FAQ

Is a packing list ever mandatory? Only if the credit specifically requires it. Article 14(g) states that documents not required by the credit are disregarded.

Can the packing list show different measurements than the invoice? A discrepancy may exist if the measurements are materially different. Minor variations may fall within tolerance, but significant differences are flagged.

What if the packing list is in a foreign language? ISBP 745 paragraph A33 states the bank is not responsible for translating foreign-language content unless the credit requires a specific language.

Does the packing list need to state the insurance document number? The credit may require the packing list to reference the insurance document number. If the credit requires this and the packing list omits it, the presentation is discrepant.

Can an electronic packing list be accepted? If the credit allows electronic records under eUCP Version 2.1, an electronic packing list satisfying the same substantive requirements is acceptable.

Source Notes

All sources referenced in this article are context only — the examination steps derive from UCP 600, ISBP 745, and common practice.

• UCP 600 — Uniform Rules and Practice for Documentary Credits, ICC Publication no. 600. Context only.
• ISBP 745 — International Standard Banking Practice, ICC Publication no. 745. Context only.
• ICC Academy, "Certified UCP 600 Specialist (CUCP)." Context only.
• ICC, "Commentary on UCP 600." Context only.