UNDERSTANDING THE 21 – DAY PRESENTATION RULE UNDER UCP 600

QUESTION

Hi Mr. Old Man,

I have a few questions I’d like to ask:

As I understand it, the expiry date = latest shipment date + period for presentation, which is typically 21 days. In the example I mentioned, the expiry date is 30 days, and the credit does not specify a presentation period.

My first question: for the bill of lading (B/L), does it fall under Article 14(c), requiring presentation no later than 21 days after the shipment date? Or is it sufficient as long as it’s presented before the L/C expiry date?

In the same example, if the credit does specify a presentation period of 21 days from the shipment date but not later than the expiry date, does this 21-day limit apply to all documents, or only to the B/L? Can other documents be issued and presented after the 21-day period, as long as it is within the validity of the credit?

Looking forward to your clarification.

Thank you.

AB

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ANSWER

Hi,

Under Article 14(c) of UCP 600, when a documentary credit does not specify a presentation period, the documents must be presented no later than 21 calendar days after the date of shipment, but in any event not later than the expiry date of the credit. This includes the bill of lading and any other transport documents governed by Articles 19–25.

However, if the L/C does specify a different presentation period, such as 30 days after shipment, then the default 21-day rule under Article 14(c) does not apply. In such cases, documents may be presented within the 30-day period, provided that they are also presented within the validity of the credit.

If the L/C clearly states: “21 days after shipment but not later than the expiry date of the credit,” then the 21-day time limit applies to the entire document presentation, not just the bill of lading. Even though Article 14(c) focuses on transport documents, if the L/C itself explicitly requires presentation within 21 days, then all documents must comply with that condition.

To clarify further, consider the following examples:

The credit specifies:

Expiry date: 31 May 20xx (in USA)

Latest shipment date: 20 May 20xx

Period for presentation: 21 days after the shipment date but within the validity of the credit

Scenario 1: Shipment date = 01 May 20xx

Latest date for presentation = 22 May 20xx

(Even though the expiry date is 31 May, the 21-day rule prevails)

Scenario 2: Shipment date = 20 May 20xx

Latest date for presentation = 31 May 20xx

(The 21-day period would normally extend to 10 June, but the credit expires on 31 May, which limits the presentation period)

Key takeaways:

If the L/C does not mention a presentation period → Default 21 days from shipment date applies (Article 14(c))

If the L/C specifies a presentation period → That period applies, but not beyond the expiry date

Article 14(c) applies when at least one original transport document governed by Articles 19–25 is required

The shipment date is determined from the transport document, unless otherwise specified in the L/C

Best regards,

Mr. Old Man