WHERE AN ORIGINAL TRANSPORT DOCUMENT IS PRESENTED INSTEAD OF THE COPY AS REQUIRED

QUESTION

LC requires at Field 46A:

– Copy of the air waybill – Original 3 (for shipper)

– Beneficiary’s certificate certifying that original air waybill has been sent to the applicant.

Would you accept the original air waybill if presented instead of the copy?

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ANSWER

It is known that the AWB consists of 3 originals and 9 copies. Original 1 is for the carrier, Original 2 for the consignee and Original 3 for the shipper.

It is also known that according to ISBP paragraph 31, where a credit calls for a copy of a transport document AND INDICATES THE DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THAT TRANSPORT DOCUMENT, an original transport document will not be acceptable".

If the L/C calls for a copy of AWB Original 3 (for shipper) and indicates Original 3 to be sent to the applicant (as evidenced by a certificate), then Original 3 if presented will not be acceptable.

If the L/C calls for a copy of AWB Original 3 (for shipper) and indicates Original 2 (for consignee) to be sent to the applicant (as evidenced by a certificate), then Original 3 if presented is acceptable.

The question does not make clear as to which Original is requested to be sent to the applicant, i.e., the disposal instructions for the AWB in this case are ambiguous. The applicant bears the risk of any ambiguity in its instructions to issue the L/C (ISBP para 2).

I would accept Original 3 if it is presented in this case.

Best regards,

Mr. Old Man