UCP 600 Article 3: Complete Interpretation Guide

Introduction

UCP 600 Article 3 (Interpretations) is not lettered into (a)/(b)/(c). The operative text: For the purpose of these rules: Where applicable, words in the singular include the plural and in the plural include the singular. A credit is irrevocable even if there is no indication to that effect. A document may be signed by handwriting, facsimile signature, perforated signature, stamp, symbol or any other mechanical or electronic method of authentication. A requirement for a document to be l

Failure Mode Analysis

Failure mode 1: Inventing Article 3(a)–(d)

Article 3 has no lettered sub-articles in the ICC text. Citing 3(a) or 3(c) is a fabrication. Isolate the paragraph as written.

Failure mode 2: Reading cargo instead of documents

Article 5 still applies: banks deal with documents, not goods. An examiner who investigates performance under Article 3 violates that split.

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

Does UCP 600 Article 3 contain sub-articles (a) through (d)?

No. Article 3 is not lettered in the ICC text. Lettered 3(a)–(d) citations are fabrications.

Do banks examine goods under this article?

No. Article 5: banks deal with documents and not with goods, services or performance to which the documents may relate.

What clock applies to examination?

Article 14(b): a maximum of five banking days following the day of presentation, not curtailed by expiry.