Sub-article 31(b) UCP 600 – And Why the Same Ship Can Have Multiple Sets of Transport Documents

Intro

Sub-article 31(b) of UCP 600 often puzzles practitioners. On the one hand, it explains when multiple transport documents are not to be treated as partial shipments; on the other, it raises the practical question: how can the same ship and the same voyage end up with more than one set of bills of lading? Let’s unpack both sides.

QUESTION

Dear Mr. Old Man,

I have a question that needs your expert clarification.

According to sub-article 31(b) UCP 600:

“A presentation consisting of more than one set of transport documents evidencing shipment commencing on the same means of conveyance and for the same journey, provided they indicate the same destination, will not be regarded as covering a partial shipment, even if they indicate different dates of shipment or different ports of loading, places of taking in charge or dispatch. If the presentation consists of more than one set of transport documents, the latest date of shipment as evidenced on any of the sets of transport documents will be regarded as the date of shipment.

A presentation consisting of one or more sets of transport documents evidencing shipment on more than one means of conveyance within the same mode of transport will be regarded as covering a partial shipment, even if the means of conveyance leave on the same day for the same destination.”

Please clarify the above provision, especially the reason why goods shipped on the same means of conveyance can have more than one set of transport documents.

Thank you for your clarification.

Best regards,

Diamond

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ANSWER

Dear Diamond,

Thank you for your question. Here is my clarification of sub-article 31(b) UCP 600.

It can be understood as follows:

• If a presentation contains more than one set of transport documents, but they all show shipment on the same vessel/aircraft/truck (same means of conveyance) and the same journey, to the same destination, it will not be treated as a partial shipment.
• This applies even if the documents show different shipment dates, different ports of loading, or different places of dispatch.
• In such cases, the latest shipment date among them will be regarded as the official date of shipment under the credit.
• Conversely, if the goods are shipped on more than one means of conveyance, it will be treated as a partial shipment, even if they depart on the same day for the same destination.

Why more than one set of transport documents on the same conveyance?

This is quite common. A ship may load cargo at several ports (within the geographical area permitted by the credit) or at different times. Each loading operation generates a separate bill of lading, even though all the goods are ultimately carried on the same vessel, same voyage, and to the same destination.

So, sub-article 31(b) makes it clear: multiple sets of transport documents for the same journey do not equal a partial shipment.

I hope this helps clarify the provision.

Best regards,

Mr. Old Man