Mr Old Man PARTIAL SHIPMENTS UNDER SUB-ARTICLE 31 (B) QUESTION Dear Mr. Old Man, LC does not allow partial shipments. Documents were presented to the issuing bank in two separate covering schedules. The first set reached the issuing bank’s counter on 5 O… Read More
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
AI làm trợ lý cho người – hay người làm trợ lý cho AI? 11 Nov 2025 Có bao giờ bạn nghĩ… người mới là trợ lý của AI chứ không phải ngược lại? Người ta vẫn hay nói: “Hãy dùng AI như một trợ lý của con người.” Nghe quen tai và hợp lý. Nhưng Mr. Old Man lại nghĩ, không phải lúc nào cũng đúng đâu nha. Có khi… con người làm trợ lý cho …
Full Means Full — Describing the Goods in Line with ISBP 821 10 Nov 2025 Intro Sometimes, the devil really is in the description. A letter of credit may ask for a “full description of goods,” and exporters wonder whether they can simplify the wording in their invoice — especially when only one mode of shipment applies. This question from Mr. Nishanth is a good example of how to balance what’s required by the LC …
Commitment Fee After LC Expiry — Still Chargeable? 10 Nov 2025 Intro: A reader recently asked an interesting question about fees under a letter of credit. When an LC expires, does that mean the applicant no longer has to pay commitment fees to the issuing bank? Let’s take a closer look. __________ Question: Good morning, Sir! Thank you so much for all your efforts in making trade finance information more accessible. …
When the Bill of Lading indicates “Intended Port of Discharge” and “Place of Delivery” — What does ISBP 821 E8(b) say? 10 Nov 2025 Sometimes a Bill of Lading can make bankers frown for all the wrong reasons. We’ve seen cases where it shows an “intended port of loading” and that’s fine under UCP 600, but what about when it shows an “intended port of discharge” instead? Does that make it discrepant? Let’s see what happens when Durban plays both roles — as the …
DOCUMENTS LOST IN TRANSIT 9 Nov 2025 Article 35 UCP 600 Does Not Apply to an L/C Available with the Issuing Bank by Payment, Deferred Payment, or Acceptance INTRODUCTION From time to time, LC practitioners raise concerns about what happens if documents are lost in transit between banks. Article 35 of UCP 600 seems to provide clear protection — but when and to whom does that …
When Is an Insurance Document Really ‘Negotiable’? – Understanding ISBP 821 (K19–K21) 7 Nov 2025 Insurance documents under a Letter of Credit can be tricky — especially when the LC calls for a document “in negotiable form” or “issued to the order of” a bank. What exactly does “negotiable form” mean? When is an endorsement required? And what happens if the LC doesn’t specify who the insured party should be? Below is a detailed question …
From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by negotiation” to “available by payment” or moving the place of expiry from one country to another. Are such amendments merely operational preferences, or do they have legal and risk implications for … Read More
Nomophobia – A New Word, A Familiar Feeling This morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee and scrolling through Facebook, Mr. Old Man came across a word he had never seen before: Nomophobia. The word refers to the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone or being unable to use it. When Mr. Old Man was studying English some decades ago, this word did not exist … Read More
Nomophobia – Hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại bên mình Hôm nay lướt Facebook, Mr. Old Man bắt gặp một từ tiếng Anh khá lạ: nomophobia. Ví dụ minh họa đi kèm rất dễ hiểu: “Many teenagers experience nomophobia when they forget their phones at home.” Tạm dịch: “Nhiều bạn trẻ trải qua hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại khi để quên điện thoại ở nhà.” Nomophobia được hiểu … Read More
Tắm Vitamin D (phần 2): Thay đổi quan điểm Hồi đầu tháng 5, Mr. Old Man từng viết bài “Tắm Vitamin D”, kể lại cảnh buổi sáng ở bãi biển Thanh Khê có nhiều cô chú lớn tuổi vùi mình dưới cát, nằm phơi nắng để “nạp Vitamin D” – theo cách nói vui của các cô chú là để tăng sức đề kháng, giảm đau lưng, đau chân, … Read More
Can an Issuing Bank Advise an LC Directly to the Beneficiary? One of the fundamental safeguards in documentary credits is the authentication process performed by an advising bank. But what happens if an issuing bank sends the LC directly to the beneficiary without involving an advising bank? Is this permissible under UCP 600, and what risks should the parties consider? Let’s look at a question from Gerson Mário. Question Dear Mr. … Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading? In international trade, many disputes arise not because parties misunderstand UCP 600, but because they mix up legal requirements with commercial practices. A reader recently asked Mr. Old Man about two common concerns in timber imports from Africa: whether the L/C expiry date must be linked to the shipping transit time, and whether removing the word “Clean” from “Clean On … Read More
Does Field 39A Cover Quantity Tolerance? A reader recently sent Mr. Old Man an interesting question about quantity tolerance under an L/C. The issue sounds simple at first glance, but in practice it often creates confusion between sales contract terms, the wording of the credit, and the application of UCP 600 Article 30. Here is the question and discussion. Question Dear Mr. Old Man, I would … Read More
CAN A COMMERCIAL INVOICE EXCEED THE LC AMOUNT? One area that occasionally causes confusion under UCP 600 is the relationship between Article 18(b) and Article 30(a). Many practitioners assume that a commercial invoice may exceed the LC amount only where the credit expressly allows a tolerance, or where the words “about” or “approximately” are used in connection with the credit amount under Article 30(a). However, Article 18(b) provides … Read More
Đừng để “ngoại ngữ” thành… “ngại ngữ” Hôm nay một bạn hiện đang định cư ở Mỹ đăng tút khoe đang tập nói tiếng Anh. Bạn lớn tuổi rồi mới bắt đầu học nói nên giọng còn ngọng nghịu, nghe chưa rõ lắm. Nhưng Mr. Old Man thấy vậy lại quý. Ở tuổi đó mà vẫn chịu khó mở miệng học cái mới đã đáng nể rồi. … Read More
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM? Lading (CPBL), and freight notations on the bill of lading. If a credit is issued under CFR terms, should the bill of lading necessarily indicate “Freight Prepaid”? And if the LC instead requires “Freight Payable as per Charter Party”, would that create a discrepancy or inconsistency with the stated Incoterm? This Q&A discusses the difference between documentary compliance under UCP … Read More
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by negotiation” to “available by payment” or moving the place of expiry from one country to another. Are such amendments merely operational preferences, or do they have legal and risk implications for … Read More
Nomophobia – A New Word, A Familiar Feeling This morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee and scrolling through Facebook, Mr. Old Man came across a word he had never seen before: Nomophobia. The word refers to the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone or being unable to use it. When Mr. Old Man was studying English some decades ago, this word did not exist … Read More
Nomophobia – Hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại bên mình Hôm nay lướt Facebook, Mr. Old Man bắt gặp một từ tiếng Anh khá lạ: nomophobia. Ví dụ minh họa đi kèm rất dễ hiểu: “Many teenagers experience nomophobia when they forget their phones at home.” Tạm dịch: “Nhiều bạn trẻ trải qua hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại khi để quên điện thoại ở nhà.” Nomophobia được hiểu … Read More
Tắm Vitamin D (phần 2): Thay đổi quan điểm Hồi đầu tháng 5, Mr. Old Man từng viết bài “Tắm Vitamin D”, kể lại cảnh buổi sáng ở bãi biển Thanh Khê có nhiều cô chú lớn tuổi vùi mình dưới cát, nằm phơi nắng để “nạp Vitamin D” – theo cách nói vui của các cô chú là để tăng sức đề kháng, giảm đau lưng, đau chân, … Read More
Can an Issuing Bank Advise an LC Directly to the Beneficiary? One of the fundamental safeguards in documentary credits is the authentication process performed by an advising bank. But what happens if an issuing bank sends the LC directly to the beneficiary without involving an advising bank? Is this permissible under UCP 600, and what risks should the parties consider? Let’s look at a question from Gerson Mário. Question Dear Mr. … Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading? In international trade, many disputes arise not because parties misunderstand UCP 600, but because they mix up legal requirements with commercial practices. A reader recently asked Mr. Old Man about two common concerns in timber imports from Africa: whether the L/C expiry date must be linked to the shipping transit time, and whether removing the word “Clean” from “Clean On … Read More
Does Field 39A Cover Quantity Tolerance? A reader recently sent Mr. Old Man an interesting question about quantity tolerance under an L/C. The issue sounds simple at first glance, but in practice it often creates confusion between sales contract terms, the wording of the credit, and the application of UCP 600 Article 30. Here is the question and discussion. Question Dear Mr. Old Man, I would … Read More
CAN A COMMERCIAL INVOICE EXCEED THE LC AMOUNT? One area that occasionally causes confusion under UCP 600 is the relationship between Article 18(b) and Article 30(a). Many practitioners assume that a commercial invoice may exceed the LC amount only where the credit expressly allows a tolerance, or where the words “about” or “approximately” are used in connection with the credit amount under Article 30(a). However, Article 18(b) provides … Read More
Đừng để “ngoại ngữ” thành… “ngại ngữ” Hôm nay một bạn hiện đang định cư ở Mỹ đăng tút khoe đang tập nói tiếng Anh. Bạn lớn tuổi rồi mới bắt đầu học nói nên giọng còn ngọng nghịu, nghe chưa rõ lắm. Nhưng Mr. Old Man thấy vậy lại quý. Ở tuổi đó mà vẫn chịu khó mở miệng học cái mới đã đáng nể rồi. … Read More
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM? Lading (CPBL), and freight notations on the bill of lading. If a credit is issued under CFR terms, should the bill of lading necessarily indicate “Freight Prepaid”? And if the LC instead requires “Freight Payable as per Charter Party”, would that create a discrepancy or inconsistency with the stated Incoterm? This Q&A discusses the difference between documentary compliance under UCP … Read More
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? 6 Jun 2026 Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by negotiation” to “available by payment” or moving the place of expiry from one country to another. Are such amendments merely operational preferences, or do they have legal and risk implications for …
Nomophobia – A New Word, A Familiar Feeling 5 Jun 2026 This morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee and scrolling through Facebook, Mr. Old Man came across a word he had never seen before: Nomophobia. The word refers to the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone or being unable to use it. When Mr. Old Man was studying English some decades ago, this word did not exist …
Nomophobia – Hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại bên mình 5 Jun 2026 Hôm nay lướt Facebook, Mr. Old Man bắt gặp một từ tiếng Anh khá lạ: nomophobia. Ví dụ minh họa đi kèm rất dễ hiểu: “Many teenagers experience nomophobia when they forget their phones at home.” Tạm dịch: “Nhiều bạn trẻ trải qua hội chứng sợ không có điện thoại khi để quên điện thoại ở nhà.” Nomophobia được hiểu …
Tắm Vitamin D (phần 2): Thay đổi quan điểm 5 Jun 2026 Hồi đầu tháng 5, Mr. Old Man từng viết bài “Tắm Vitamin D”, kể lại cảnh buổi sáng ở bãi biển Thanh Khê có nhiều cô chú lớn tuổi vùi mình dưới cát, nằm phơi nắng để “nạp Vitamin D” – theo cách nói vui của các cô chú là để tăng sức đề kháng, giảm đau lưng, đau chân, …
Can an Issuing Bank Advise an LC Directly to the Beneficiary? 4 Jun 2026 One of the fundamental safeguards in documentary credits is the authentication process performed by an advising bank. But what happens if an issuing bank sends the LC directly to the beneficiary without involving an advising bank? Is this permissible under UCP 600, and what risks should the parties consider? Let’s look at a question from Gerson Mário. Question Dear Mr. …
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading? 3 Jun 2026 In international trade, many disputes arise not because parties misunderstand UCP 600, but because they mix up legal requirements with commercial practices. A reader recently asked Mr. Old Man about two common concerns in timber imports from Africa: whether the L/C expiry date must be linked to the shipping transit time, and whether removing the word “Clean” from “Clean On …
Does Field 39A Cover Quantity Tolerance? 3 Jun 2026 A reader recently sent Mr. Old Man an interesting question about quantity tolerance under an L/C. The issue sounds simple at first glance, but in practice it often creates confusion between sales contract terms, the wording of the credit, and the application of UCP 600 Article 30. Here is the question and discussion. Question Dear Mr. Old Man, I would …
CAN A COMMERCIAL INVOICE EXCEED THE LC AMOUNT? 3 Jun 2026 One area that occasionally causes confusion under UCP 600 is the relationship between Article 18(b) and Article 30(a). Many practitioners assume that a commercial invoice may exceed the LC amount only where the credit expressly allows a tolerance, or where the words “about” or “approximately” are used in connection with the credit amount under Article 30(a). However, Article 18(b) provides …
Đừng để “ngoại ngữ” thành… “ngại ngữ” 3 Jun 2026 Hôm nay một bạn hiện đang định cư ở Mỹ đăng tút khoe đang tập nói tiếng Anh. Bạn lớn tuổi rồi mới bắt đầu học nói nên giọng còn ngọng nghịu, nghe chưa rõ lắm. Nhưng Mr. Old Man thấy vậy lại quý. Ở tuổi đó mà vẫn chịu khó mở miệng học cái mới đã đáng nể rồi. …
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM? 3 Jun 2026 Lading (CPBL), and freight notations on the bill of lading. If a credit is issued under CFR terms, should the bill of lading necessarily indicate “Freight Prepaid”? And if the LC instead requires “Freight Payable as per Charter Party”, would that create a discrepancy or inconsistency with the stated Incoterm? This Q&A discusses the difference between documentary compliance under UCP …
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?
Mr Old Man From Negotiation to Payment: What’s Behind the Confirming Bank’s Request? Not all L/C amendments are about shipment dates, amounts, or documents. Sometimes, a confirming bank requests changes that appear quite technical, such as changing a credit from “available by ne… Read More
Does a Longer L/C Expiry Date Mean Greater Risk? And Is the Word “Clean” Really Necessary on a Bill of Lading?
CFR TERM, CHARTER PARTY BILLS OF LADING, AND FREIGHT NOTATIONS: DOES “FREIGHT PAYABLE” CREATE A PROBLEM?